Latest Articles on Japan

Woman freediver glides over sandy sea with yellow fins in transparent ocean. Freediving in Mauritius

• Luxury

12 Cheap Alternatives to Expensive Vacation Destinations

By Kevin Brouillard

The saying “you get what you pay for” doesn’t always apply when it comes to traveling the globe. Sure, many bucket list destinations are worth their eye-popping price tags, but there are plenty of affordable — and arguably cooler — alternatives to these well-trodden, budget-busting destinations. Below, we listed the most expensive spots in the…

• Japan

25 Things To Know Before Traveling to Japan

By Katherine Alex Beaven

Simply put, Japan is a fascinating destination. You’ll find a seamless blend of old traditions and new technology here. You’ll also discover gorgeous natural landscapes just a short train ride from sparkling, sprawling cities and loud, jarring outlets a short distance from quiet areas full of nuanced rules. It’s the kind of place where people…

• Fall

8 Unexpected Places Around the World With Stunning Fall Foliage

By Lara Grant

From apple picking and cider tasting to squash roasting and scarf knitting, there are many ways to embrace the autumn season. But none are more prevalent than leap peeping the stunning mix of green, bright red, orange, and golden yellow trees that comes with the transition between summer and winter. While New England destinations like…

• Nature

7 Bioluminescent Beaches and Bays That Glow at Night

By Stefanie Waldek

You might have seen it in the Academy Award–winning film “Life of Pi”—a blue glow that grows as the main character Pi swirls the water. While this might be the work of CGI in the movie, it’s actually a real phenomenon. In bodies of water around the world, bioluminescent creatures, typically plankton, light up like…

• Japan

13 Things You Should Never Do in Japan

By Isabel Putinja

Ordering street food in Harajuku, Tokyo. In a country with a unique culture like Japan, visitors can feel daunted by the rules and social norms that regulate public life and interpersonal relations. Foreigners visiting Japan are not expected to be familiar with Japanese etiquette, but knowing a few basics will go a long way in…

• Japan

7 Important Things to Know Before Visiting a Japanese Onsen

By Margot Bigg

Bathing in hot springs, or onsens, is a huge part of Japanese culture. However, doing so comes with its own set of rules, customs, and etiquette, from what to bring to what to wear (or not to wear, as the case may be). If you’ve never been to an onsen before, make sure to check…

• Japan

25 Things You Need to Know Before You Go to Tokyo

By Kyle Valenta

If you’ve been paying attention, you know that Tokyo is topping the lists of travelers everywhere. Whether you’re coming for the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics or simply to devour plates of sushi, there will be plenty to keep you busy for days. However, with a population that makes New York look small and a landscape…

• Japan

The 7 Best Bang-for-Your-Buck Luxury Hotels in Tokyo

By Carolina Pirola

Deluxe Room King Bed at Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo In 2018, Tokyo fell off the list of the world’s 10 most expensive cities, but it’s still known for having high hotel rates. Even a short stay in a traditional inn with shared bathrooms can set you back a few hundred dollars. However, if you’re ready to…

• Japan

8 of the Best Day Trips From Osaka

By Katherine Alex Beaven

Osaka is Japan’s second-largest city behind Tokyo. It’s a sparkling, modern metropolis with an excellent street-food scene, loads of culture, stellar shopping, and small pockets that you could explore for days. The city’s overall central location also makes it a great home base for exploring the region. Several of Japan’s must-see destinations are easily connected…

• Steamy

9 Nude Hot Springs Around the World

By Lara Grant

Soaking in a hot spring is known to have lots of health benefits, from improving circulation to alleviating body aches. And while taking a dip in thermal waters au naturel is par for the course in areas such as Europe and Japan, U.S. citizens have to actively search for nearby hot springs that allow nudity.…