Stories from Japan
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Destinations, food, culture and travel wisdom from the TokudAw team
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Japan Recommended Accommodation & Local Experiences at Every Epic Pass Resort
Planning a Japan ski trip with the Epic Pass? Discover recommended accommodation, local food, hot springs, cultural experiences, and private ski transfers in Hakuba Valley and Rusutsu.
Recommended Accommodation & Local Experiences at Every Ikon Pass Resort
Skiing all day is incredible, but great stays and authentic off-slope culture are what make Japan legendary. Here is where to stay and what to experience across every single Ikon Pass stop.
4 Spots near Tokyo Disney for Japanese Souvenirs Shopping You’ll Love
Looking for Japanese souvenirs near Tokyo Disney? There’s a convenient shopping destination nearby where you can find everything from Japanese snacks and quirky gadgets to pottery, clothing, and Tokyo-themed gifts.
Quick Food for People with Dietary Restrictions at Tokyo Station
Tokyo Station is one of Japan’s busiest transportation hubs, and finding a quick meal can feel overwhelming when you have dietary restrictions. Whether you are vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, avoiding nuts, or simply looking for something light before boarding a train, there are convenient options around the station.
Injured on Your Japan Ski or Snowboard Trip
A guide on how to get back to Tokyo when you’ve become injured on your ski trip and need to get to the airport with your gear or have some time left in your trip.
Will El Niño Ruin Japan’s Ski Season?
The mention of an El Niño ski season sends everyone into crisis mode. But what does it mean for Japan? Should you cancel your trip?
Nope! The short story of our research shows that while Japan has proven to be warmer than usual in cycles of El Niño, but snow will still come.
Here are five things every skier or snowboarder should know before making a decision about Japan’s ski season in an El Niño year.
TokudAw’s Mobility and Comfort Services
The TokudAw team works to make each journey as comfortable as possible. Traveling can be tiring, but if you’re too tired you won’t enjoy anything or perform at your best. That’s why the TokudAw Japan Private Driver team has worked to integrate unique services to our transportation offering to offer a premium and exclusive service you can only get with TokudAw.
Shinkansen Accessibility Tips
Advice for travelers using wheelchairs and with dietary restrictions on how to ride the Shinkansen between Tokyo and Kyoto with the most comfort.
6 Reasons to Book a Private Car To and From Tokyo Disney Resort
Planning a trip to Tokyo Disneyland or Tokyo DisneySea? This article explores six reasons why TokudAw LITE’s private car transportation is worth considering over public transportation or taxi to Tokyo Disney Resort.
How to Best Utilise the Indy Pass in Japan? A 2026 Guide to Hidden Power Gems & Unmatched Cultural Pass
How to experience the most Japan while skiing at Indy Pass resorts in Japan. TokudAw’s list of recommended accommodations, regional cuisine, and experiences across every Indy Pass resort cluster in Japan.
Travelling Safely in Japan: A Guide by TokudAw
What to do in Japan during or planning for a medical emergency, when facing transportation and logistics problems, an earthquake or natural disaster, if items are lost or stolen and how TokudAw operates to keep you safe.
Japanese foods to try for first-time visitors and how to cook or eat the foods
Unlike many restaurants where food is prepared entirely in the kitchen, many Japanese meals invite guests to become part of the experience. Some restaurants bring raw ingredients to the table for guests to cook, while others serve noodles and broth separately or encourage diners to assemble their own meal. These traditions aren't meant to be complicated. Instead, they allow everyone to enjoy food at their own pace while creating a more memorable dining experience. Another thing many visitors appreciate is the flexibility. Several Japanese dining styles naturally make it easier to order smaller portions or share dishes with others, making them a great option for couples, families with children, and multi-generational groups traveling together. Rather than committing to one large entrée, many restaurants allow guests to choose exactly what and how much they would like to eat.
The Perfect Burnout Remedy for Busy Professionals: Slow Travel in Japan
As professionals in today’s world, people are constantly bombarded with notifications, expectations, and the pressure that comes with endless tasks and messages. The common bodily response is burnout, eventually growing tired of always being “on”. This article explores how mindful travel in Japan can help cure a burnt out mind.
Digital Detox in Japan: How to Slow Travel, Detox from Screens, and Return to Reality
What if you had a completely alternative wind-down experience based on your exposure to Japanese Zen Culture? You, sitting in a quiet Japanese garden, listening to a gentle waterfall, are resetting your brain from its constant state of being over-worked. You get a moment of peace, with no notifications, alerts, or urgency. Instead, these anxiety-makers are replaced with the slow, deliberate rhythm of the world around you in which you are finally still and silent enough to observe.
How to Prepare for the Weather in Japan and Why It Matters for Your Trip
Japan is known for its remarkable cyclical seasonal beauty: cherry blossoms in the spring, beautiful leaves in autumn, powdery snow slopes in winter, and lively fireworks in the summer. Japan’s weather, while beautiful, can also be intense. This article covers what you need to know.
Japanese Hospitality: How Omiyari, Omotenashi, and Ganbarimasu Creates the Perfect Travel Experience
TokudAw was founded on the belief that travel should be about meaningful connections between people, cultures, and environments. Explore what aspects of hospitality are and how they come to life in TokudAw.
How to do Japan Without Being Exhausted: The Philosophy of Ma and Slow, Mindful Travel
The secret to a life-changing family trip isn’t actually a secret, it is the key to experiencing the same quality of joy without over-exhausting yourself and your family. It is the Japanese philosophy of ‘Ma’, that transforms travel into a mindful practice to bring forth deeper emotions of contentment, gratefulness, and enjoyment.
What Japanese Foods Are Best for First-Time Visitors to Try?
Wondering what Japanese foods to try on your first trip? From sushi and ramen to okonomiyaki, yakiniku, and ochazuke, discover beginner-friendly dishes every first-time visitor should experience.
What Are the Best Ways to Recover After Climbing Mount Fuji?
Discover five of the most popular day trips from Tokyo, including Mount Fuji, Hakone, Nikko, Kamakura, and Tokyo's top attractions. Learn which tour is best for your travel style and how TokudAw can help make exploring Japan easier.
How is Japan for Neurodivergent Travellers? (2026 Guide)
While Japan’s neon lights and bustling crossings can seem intense, its highly structured society, predictable schedules, and quiet public spaces make it an unexpectedly comforting destination for neurodivergent individuals. This comprehensive 2026 guide breaks down the neurodivergent travel experience in Japan.