Stories from Japan
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Destinations, food, culture and travel wisdom from the TokudAw team
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Fall destinations in Japan
Japan’s fall colors are both vibrant reds and yellows, that typically come in a wave between the ginko trees and the maple trees giving visitors ample time to explore nature from October through to December. This post explores different destinations of Japan’s beauty through our social media posts.
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.
Ultimate Itinerary for Mountains and Art in Japan
An itinerary for those who wish to travel into nature, away from Japan’s most crowded areas, while also experiencing art.
Rental Car vs. Hiring a Private Driver: 5 Things Nobody Tells You About Winter Driving in Japan
"While a winter road trip through Japan's Alps sounds romantic, the reality of 'Black Ice,' white-outs, and frozen mountain passes can turn a holiday into a high-stress ordeal. In this expert guide, we break down the technical dangers of winter driving—backed by official safety standards from the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT). Discover the 'TokudAw Difference' and why our professional drivers are the key to a safe, relaxing, and truly inclusive family ski vacation."
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.
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.
Snow Forecast Japan — Why 2025 Is the Perfect Season for Powder Hunters
Imagine carving through clouds of featherlight snow, where every turn feels like gliding through silk. That’s Japow—a skier’s nirvana, and Japan’s ultimate winter gift.
But the magic doesn’t stop at the slopes. Soak tired legs in soothing onsens framed by snow-capped peaks and refuel with steaming bowls of soba or a bubbling hot pot, all while the lively yet serene ambiance of Japanese ski villages wraps around you.
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.
Your essential packing list for a Japan road trip
Pack smart for your Japan road adventure! Learn the essential items you need for exploring Japan by road, from rural vistas to urban excursions.
A Winter's Tale: Aomori and Iwate Experience
Embark on a captivating journey through Aomori, Iwate, and Yamagata, where each day unfolds like a winter fairy tale across snowy landscapes, historic castles, sailing through tranquil gorges, and playing with cute foxes.
Sento or Onsen? Let's Choose Your Ultimate Japanese Spa Experience
Unravel the mystique of Japanese bathing traditions with a deep dive into the differences between sento and onsen. Learn which offers the ideal relaxation experience for your journey in Japan.
Best of Nikko, Aizu Wakamatsu, Ginzan Onsen, Tsuruoka and Niigata
A Tohoku region travel guide, with recommendations that bring you to Japan’s largest waterfall and stunning shrine, a peaceful village with a Samurai experience, magical natural scenes, and the recommended regional foods and an UNESCO recognized city to try the foods in.
An unforgettable journey into the northern mountains and beyond: experience Nikko, Fukushima and Aomori in Autumn.
An unforgettable journey into the northern mountains and beyond: experience Tohoku in Autumn. This itinerary offers countless views and ropeways, explorations via water, a stop in a city known for gastronomy and food, and a view into one of Japan’s most famous gorges and longest gondola.
Private Ski Transfers in Japan
There's a much quicker and more comfortable way to reach your mountain resort. Booking one of our private ski transfers eliminates the public transport ordeal and lets you get underway as soon as you land. Drop your bags, skis, boards and boots in one of our comfortable private cars and ride directly to the doorstep of your resort in peace.