I love souvenir shopping in Japan. The only problem is that I’m very good at turning “I’ll just have a quick look” into an hour of browsing.
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Japan eSIM Guide: How to Stay Connected During Your Trip
Imagine arriving in Japan, stepping out of the airport and trying to find your way to your hotel.
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Osaka’s Must-Try Foods: 10 Things I’d Eat Again
Tokyo and Osaka are both wonderful places to eat, but they have a different vibe. In Osaka, conversations seem to start a little more easily. Someone might recommend their favourite takoyaki shop, and you may even hear a cheerful ookini—Osaka’s way of saying “thank you.”
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Osaka with Kids: A Relaxed 1 Night, 2 Days Itinerary
Osaka is one of those cities where a family day can include a castle, a playground and very good food—possibly all before dinner. There’s plenty for children to enjoy, but I think the best plan is to leave a little breathing room between stops.
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A Ramen Tour of Japan: How the Soup Changes from Region to Region
I’ve written about ramen before, but there’s one thing I could happily talk about again: the soup.
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Tokyo by Train: Where to Go on the Yamanote Line
Tokyo’s train map can look a little overwhelming at first. So many lines, so many stations—and sometimes, more station exits than I know what to do with.
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10 Japanese Phrases You’ll Actually Use in Japan
Japan is welcoming more visitors than ever. According to the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), annual visitor arrivals rose from 3.8 million in 2022 to 42.7 million in 2025. Those figures include some people travelling for reasons other than holidays, but the increase is striking.
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Ekiben: My Favourite Part of a Shinkansen Journey
When I think of a Shinkansen trip, I think of ekiben. Yes, the train is fast and the view is lovely, but I also look forward to choosing what I’m going to eat.
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Ghibli Park: Guide to Planning Your Visit
I’d be surprised to meet someone in Japan who has never heard of Studio Ghibli. For many of us, the films have been around for as long as we can remember. I watched My Neighbor Totoro over and over as a child, and its magic hasn’t faded. Even in 2026, it’s still loved by children and adults alike.
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How UNIQLO Became One of My Favourite Places to Shop in Japan
There was a time when “UNIQLO is affordable, but it’s not exactly stylish” felt like a pretty common opinion in Japan. I thought so too.
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