Stories from Japan
Travel Blog
Destinations, food, culture and travel wisdom from the TokudAw team
Featured Post
Search Blog
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.
Winter Activities in Japan
Off the beaten path destinations to visit during November, December and January in Japan that are not ski resorts. Learn about festivals, light ups, and onsen towns that make great cultural destinations during the holiday season.
Destinations near Tokyo
Relaxing destinations near Tokyo that are within a short 2-3 hour drive and make a great 1-2 day trip destination, perfect for a private car hire to handle the logistics.
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.
What’s the Best Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto Itinerary for 7 Days?
The best 7-day Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto itinerary covers Japan’s three most iconic cities without feeling rushed. This golden route includes each city’s major highlights, while leaving room for lesser-known stops and locations.
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.
What to do at Japanese Cruise Ports-of-Call
Sample transportation itineraries at common ports-of-call for passenger cruise ships in Japan.
The Ultimate Tropical Trip: Okinawa
Itinerary for Okinawa including historic stops, one of the largest aquariums in the world, dramatic nature landscapes and iconic locations for shopping.
The Secret Spots of Japan’s Snow Country Winter
Explore Japan’s snow country on the slopes and off: This itinerary will take you from from Nagano and Niigata to Gunma, through tunnels, onsen towns, and over the mountains.
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.
Romantic and Relaxing Couple’s Honeymoon Getaway
Romantic getaway to the mountains of Shizouka for a newlywed couple, couple on their honeymoon, anniversary, or vowel renewal.
Japan: An itinerary for the crafter and textile lover
An in-depth itinerary for those who want to explore the art, textiles, and crafts of Japanese culture – both current and modern.
Japow chaser’s itinerary for deep culture and riding
Itinerary for Japow lovers to build bespoke high-performance gear with local Japanese artisans in Niigata and shred Japow with elite guides.
What Are the Most Popular Day Trips From Tokyo? Top 5 Kanto Tours for First-Time Visitors
The Kanto region offers some of the best day trips from Tokyo, combining iconic landmarks, cultural experiences, nature, history, and modern attractions. From Mount Fuji and Hakone to Nikko, Kamakura, and Tokyo's top sightseeing spots, these five popular tours help first-time visitors experience the best of Japan without the stress of planning transportation and logistics on their own.
A Day in Harajuku: Beyond Meiji Jingu and Takeshita Street
Think you know Harajuku? Beyond the neon signs of Takeshita Street and the towering torii gates of Meiji Jingu lies a neighborhood of quiet charms and hidden creative hubs. Join us for a curated stroll through the 'other' Harajuku—where we start the morning with a touch of Sanrio-themed tradition at Togo Shrine, get lost in the innovative art of CAS:SPACE, and hunt for the perfect waterproof souvenir at B-SIDE LABEL.
From the whimsical feline world of the mofusand flagship store to a breathtakingly elegant finale at Haute Couture Omotesando, this itinerary is for the traveler who seeks a balance of playful pop culture and refined relaxation. Step off the beaten path with us and discover why Harajuku remains Tokyo’s most surprising district.
Why Flexible Itineraries Create the Best Japan Memories
Traveling to Japan shouldn't feel like a race against the clock. At TokudAw, we believe the best memories happen when you have the freedom to change your mind. From outsmarting the clouds at Mt. Fuji to slowing down for a tired toddler, discover how our flexible, chauffeur-led itineraries turn potential travel stress into the highlight of your journey.
Tokyo to Hakone: An easy, fun day trip with a private car
Just one and a half hours away from Tokyo, Hakone is a beautiful city on the side of Lake Ashi and surrounded by rolling mountains and onsen (hot springs). The city offers a variety of sights, from museums to cruises, all with a beautiful backdrop of Japan’s natural landscape. With so much to do, here’s TokudAw’s guide to a perfect day exploring Hakone.
A Season of Light and Bloom: Family Summer Travel in Tokyo, Nagano, and Gunma
Summer in Japan invites travelers into a season of light, color, and celebration. For families seeking more than sightseeing checklists, TokudAw offers curated itineraries across Tokyo, Nagano, and Gunma that bring together tradition, nature, and comfort—complete with private transport, cultural access, and thoughtfully paced experiences. From mountain flowers to lantern-lit riversides, each moment is designed to be immersive, meaningful, and entirely your own.
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 do in Japan in spring
Spring in Japan doesn’t just arrive; it takes over. The entire country turns into a sakura-soaked spectacle, with pink petals drifting through temple gardens, rivers reflecting endless blooms, and convenience stores going all-in on cherry blossom-themed everything[1] (yes, even a Starbucks coffee).
But seeing the season isn’t enough. You want to experience it. That means slipping into a kimono in Kyoto, sipping matcha in Uji, and rowing beneath illuminated blossoms in Tokyo. This itinerary is designed for travelers who don’t chase the obvious spots but want the full, immersive spring experience.