It’s Hanami season again. Hanami is the traditional viewing of cherry blossoms in Japan. The season is just about starting out now with the earliest bloom scheduled for about March 14th in Fukuoka and the latest cherry blossom blooming scheduled for Sapporo and above, starting in the first few days of May. If you don’t […]
Sakura Cherry Blossom Calendar Forecast for 2010 Read More »
More Korean budget airlines are offering service to Japan’s airports, including Kansai International (KIX). This could mean cheaper airfares to and from Japan if you are willing to go through Korea. The airport in Seoul is really nice so that should not be a big problem if you are willing to have a long layover.
More Japan Airfare Discounts Possibly on the Way Read More »
Yet again I had to buy airline tickets to travel internationally starting and ending in Japan. Faced with two main options, JTB and H.I.S., again, I gave both of them a chance for my business. I’ll tell my story here, then end with some advice I’d like to give people about buying airline tickets in
Airline Tickets in Japan Advice Read More »
This is an update to a previous post about using credit cards and atm cards in Japan. I have recently gone around Japan with some friends, and although most places I go take credit cards (Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted), I have recently been to a few family restaurant chains, and less
More on Using Cash and Credit Cards in Japan Read More »
When it comes to hotels in Japan, prices and services can vary greatly, but it’s important to note right off the bat that the price of a hotel is not necessary a reliable indicator of a hotel’s quality and services. I recently had occasion to stay at the Hotel Okura in Tokyo. I have also
Hotel Okura Tokyo Review Read More »
July 7th in Japan is not a national holiday. Schools are open, banks and post offices are open, and life goes on as normal. However culturally July 7th is something of a holiday. I guess you can think of it as on the level of Halloween in the U.S., and like Halloween, it is mostly
Tanabata Festival and Tanabata Light-Down Read More »
Although renting a car in Japan can be slightly expensive, traveling in Japan by car can be a very cheap way to travel Japan. It can also be a good way to see the country, get to the rural areas, and travel with families or pets… just remember which side of the road your supposed
Renting a Car in Japan Read More »
Just a brief post about the Golden Week holidays this year… In general it should look like this: Wednesday May 29th is a holiday. Thursday May 30th is a weekday. Friday May 1st is a weekday. Saturday May 2nd is a Saturday (meaning some people in Japan work and others don’t although because of Golden
I’ve been trying to find the cheapest way to get from the Kansai Area, leaving anywhere from Himeji to Kyoto and arrive in Tokyo. I have to go up to Tokyo for a one day trip, and I only need to be there for a few hours. Here are my options: Leave very early in
Cheapest Way to Travel from Kansai to Tokyo Read More »
If you are flying to the Osaka, Kobe, Kyoto or any part of the Kansai region, you may find yourself passing through KIX or Kansai International Airport. There is a lot of debate about the practicality of Kansai’s main international airport built on reclaimed land in Osaka Bay, and constantly fighting erosion. Simply put, Kansai
Kansai International Airport Tips Read More »
Shumbun no Hi is the Japanese national holiday that takes place on either March 20th or March 21st or so every year in Japan. It is most commonly known in English as Vernal Equinox although I’ve also heard it referred to as Spring Day. Post offices and other such official services will be closed. Schools
Japanese National Holiday Vernal Equinox Read More »
I just got a warning from the United States Embassy for foreigners in Japan to be careful when drinking in Roppongi bars. There have been recent incidents of foreigners having their drinks spiked, then waking up without without their money or with exuberant credit card charges. Although Japan is still a relatively safe country for
Roppongi Tourist Warning Read More »