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.
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.
Hakuba vs. Niseko which is better? The "Logistics Reality Check" for Families
The article provides a "logistics reality check" for families deciding between Japan’s two premier ski destinations: Hakuba and Niseko. Rather than focusing on snow quality, it highlights the physical challenges of the "last mile" travel and how private charters can alleviate them.
Japan snow season from Kyoto and Osaka to Hakuba
If you’re planning on travelling from the Kansai region (most often Osaka or Kyoto) to Hakuba for snow season, booking with a private transportation company is the best way to go to ensure a safe, comfortable journey for all. At TokudAw, we combine our travel agency expertise with our in-house private transit to offer you a special, authentic journey filled with rich local experiences you can’t get on a regular trip.
From the Narita or Haneda Airport to the Nagano snow resorts
Make every step of your trip in Japan worth it with TokudAw’s private transport services available from key locations to snow resorts in Honshu closest to Tokyo.
Stay Safe in the Wild: Your Essential Guide to Bear Encounters in Japan
This guide addresses an increase in bear sightings across Japan, including popular tourist areas like Shirakawago and Arashiyama in recent years, making bear safety crucial for travelers.
The article emphasizes that prevention is key to avoiding encounters and provides tips in how to stay safe.
How to stay hydrated in Japan’s summer heat
Japan's summers can be intense, with high humidity and soaring temperatures that pose a real risk of heatstroke. In this article, TokudAw shares hydration tips tailored specifically for travelers on private car tours. You’ll learn why relying on thirst isn’t enough, what types of drinks are most effective (hint: electrolytes matter), and how your TokudAw driver supports your comfort with regular breaks and emergency supplies. Whether you're sightseeing in Tokyo or heading to Mt. Fuji, staying hydrated is key to enjoying your journey safely and comfortably.
An Insider’s Guide on Summer in Japan
You’ll hear it before you see it: cicadas buzzing like a static hum in the trees. Festival drums echo down backstreets. Paper lanterns sway above yakitori grills, while kids chase goldfish through makeshift pools. This is summer in Japan: loud, lively, and layered with tradition. If you’re planning on spending summer in Japan, here’s what you need to know.
What to know about an La Niña winter in Japan?
La Niña–mention this term to any experienced skier and snowboarder, and watch as their eyes glow in uncontrollable excitement. Think you know everything about La Niña? What exactly is La Niña and why should you care? Read on to find out 5 things every skier or snowboarder needs to know about the phenomenon La Nina.
3 Ancestry Tours in Japan to Discover Your Roots
Is your Japanese heritage a bit of a mystery? Do those faded family photos and half-remembered stories spark a desire to explore a world you barely know? Maybe the language barrier, the vastness of Japan, or just not knowing where to start has held you back.
But that longing to connect, to understand where you truly come from—that's a powerful feeling. And in Japan, where ancient traditions intertwine with modern life, that connection can be life-changing. Discover how to find tour roots by exploring Japan
Why Matsumoto City Should Be on Your Japan Bucket List
Your Guide to Matsumoto City in Japan. Discover the charm of Matsumoto City—known for its iconic castle, sumptuous dining, and serene onsen retreats in Japan's vivid Alps.
Japan Chubu and Hokuriku Adventure: 6 days, 5 nights
Taste seafood freshly caught from the Sea of Japan and see the mountains of Hokuriku draped in the fiery colours of autumn.
The Hokuriku Region lies to the northwest of Tokyo along the Sea of Japan, backing on to the spectacular snow-capped peaks of the Japanese Alps. This is one of Japan's most celebrated locations for seafood and gourmet dining, with Kanazawa in particular considered one of the very best places to eat in all Japan. Its majestic mountain landscapes and beautiful historic sites make it one of Japan's most popular locations for seeing the autumn colours, as do the natural thermal waters of its hot spring towns like Kaga Onsen.