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.
Japan’s Seasonal Flower Calendar: What flowers to See and where during GREEN×EXPO 2027
From cherry blossoms in spring to sunflowers and autumn’s first blooms, discover Japan’s seasonal flowers during your visit to GREEN×EXPO 2027.
Japan’s landscapes change dramatically with the seasons, and flowers are one of the most beautiful ways to experience the country’s natural and cultural heritage. From the fleeting pink clouds of cherry blossoms to the colorful fields of summer sunflowers, each season brings its own traditions, landscapes, and opportunities to explore.
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.
Japan Medical and Wellness Tourism
Japan is home to over 27,000 hot springs and over 3,000 onsen towns, many with healing benefits to skin conditions, joint stiffness, and other diseases. TokudAw has curated recommendations on where to go to enjoy a healing onsen and how to ensure your hotel has an authentic onsen.
How Can You Plan a Relaxing Honeymoon in Japan?
If you're planning a honeymoon in Japan, it's tempting to see as many cities as you can. But changing hotels every day or two wears you out faster than you'd expect.
With one or two weeks, we recommend a few days in Tokyo, two or three nights in an onsen area, then on to Kyoto or Osaka. Hakone, Mishima and the Izu area are good places to break the journey between Tokyo and Kansai: hot springs, Mt Fuji, good food and a bit of local culture.
Discover Olympic History in Tokyo
The stadium was the host for the 2020 Summer Olympics and Paralympics now used by Japanese rugby and football teams, while the modern style of architecture blends both nature and utility, displaying mastery of Japanese artistry.
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.
From traditional to modern dress: 12 Japanese Kimono clothing and accessories you need
Japan is home to some of the best fashion in the world, and it is no new phenomena.
For centuries, the country has boasted an incredibly rich and beautiful range of traditional clothing; ranging from colorful garments to cute accessories.
If you’re planning a trip to Japan soon, make sure not to miss out on your chance to get these pieces before you leave!
The best Japanese head spas & facials in Japan
In recent years, Japanese spas have become sought-after stops for travelers looking to unwind from fast-paced itineraries. But it’s not all hot springs and foot rubs; some of the most transformative treatments are the ones you’ll find tucked inside quiet salons in Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka.
Science-Backed Tips for Beating Heat Sensitivity in Japan’s Intense Summer
Japan’s summers are notoriously hot and humid, intensified by geography, the rainy season, and climate change. High humidity slows sweat evaporation, making it harder for the body to cool down and increasing the risk of heat exhaustion. Read our tips on how to stay comfortable in the middle of the Japanese heat and humidity.
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.
Travel agency vs. transportation services in Japan
If you’re planning a private tour in Japan, you’ve probably come across both travel agencies and transportation services—and it’s easy to assume they’re one and the same. In reality, they serve different purposes, and knowing how they work together can make your trip planning a whole lot smoother.
This blog breaks it all down: what a travel agency or DMC like TokudAw does, what a transportation service provides, and how the two work together to deliver the kind of thoughtful, well-executed travel experience we’re known for.
Cherry blossom souvenirs in Japan—what to buy and where to buy it
The second sakura season begins, Japan transforms. Shelves fill with pastel-colored packaging, cafés roll out their once-a-year menus, and entire product lines disappear as fast as they arrive. It’s not subtle—it’s a full-scale seasonal takeover. Timing is everything. These aren’t souvenirs that wait around. If you want the good stuff, you need to know what to look for—and exactly where to find it before it’s gone.
Where to see cherry blossoms in Japan (8 stunning spots)
Cherry blossom season in Japan is basically a national obsession. The forecast is tracked like breaking news, convenience stores go all-in on pink-themed everything (even Starbucks gets in on it!), and locals stage full-blown picnics before most tourists have even had their morning coffee. This is a guide on where to see cherry blossoms in Japan with 8 hand picked spots deliver spectacular, picture-perfect views.
Japan’s Sakura Forecast 2025
With the massive swings in temperature messing up the sakura’s internal thermostat, you may be excused for wondering if the sakura will blossom early or late this spring. Many tourists to Japan were disappointed last year after the cherry blossoms appeared later than expected, leaving many of them having to go home without any photograph of the famed flowers. This is a forecast from 2025, but the idea can be used to help you plan a trip in any year.
With flu season in full swing, here’s what travelers need to know before visiting Japan
Japan remains one of the world’s safest travel destinations, but like anywhere, it comes with seasonal risks—especially in winter, when flu and norovirus cases spike. Crowded trains, busy tourist attractions, and indoor heating all contribute to the rapid spread of infections. Learn from a biomedical scientist and founder of TokudAw, has spent years bridging science with travel. With a Ph.D. in Biomedical Science and deep expertise in Japan’s medical landscape, she offers key insights into how travelers can protect themselves—and how TokudAw provides health-conscious solutions for those exploring Japan.
What to Pack for Your Winter Adventure
A guide for how to pack for the winter snow and cold weather in Japan. Layering is the best way to stay warm and dress in winter. You’ll need to dress in 3 layers–base layer, mid layer, outer layer. You’ll also need warm accessories, which we will cover in this guide for cold-weather dressing.
Your Guide to Choosing the Ultimate Ski Resort in Japan
From ski-only resorts, resorts with night skiing, park skiing, tree skiing, off-piste skiing, and resorts for the ultimate Japow experience, you’ll find a resort to suit your needs.