Stories from Japan
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Destinations, food, culture and travel wisdom from the TokudAw team
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The (relatively) unknown Health Benefits of a Mount Fuji Tour
Mount Fuji, Japan's iconic and majestic peak, offers far more than just breathtaking views; it's a source of profound well-being, deeply rooted in its ancient volcanic geology. A journey to this sacred mountain provides an unforgettable sightseeing experience combined with a unique opportunity to tap into remarkable health benefits, particularly those derived from its pristine underground spring waters.
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.
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.
Echoes of the Past: A Japanese Ancestry Journey
Many people with Japanese ancestry are living in the US or other countries having never experienced the country that their family comes from, and are looking for just the right tour to show them their heritage. This trip is a perfect for first-time travelers of Japanese ancestry looking to learn more about your family’s home country and their roots.
8 traditional Japanese villages to visit for an authentic experience
Feeling overwhelmed by the blur of Tokyo's neon lights and the shuffle of the crowd? Take a breath and step off the beaten path into the tranquil world of Japan’s traditional villages. Far from the city's clamor, these quaint hideaways offer more than just a quiet escape; they’re a portal to a time-preserved lifestyle.
Perfect for culture seekers, these villages let you live like a local among landscapes rich with history and community tables laden with home-cooked dishes that are sure to surprise your tastebuds. Ready to trade skyscrapers for scenic vistas and discover flavors you’ve never even Googled before?
Discovering the Hidden Treasures Beyond Osaka World Expo 2025
As the anticipation for the Osaka World Expo 2025 continues to build, travelers from around the globe are preparing to visit this city renowned for its dynamic culture and cutting-edge technology. While the Expo itself promises an array of spectacular exhibitions and futuristic innovations, the region around Osaka holds untapped treasures that beckon the curious and adventurous. Step off the beaten path with the eight best things to see in Osaka.
Embrace Ecotourism in Japan at these Sustainable Travel Destinations
Explore Japan sustainably! Our guide covers the best green travel experiences for environmentally conscious explorers who want to find the quieter side of Japan.
Golden Route of Japan-- Anime fans version
Are you a big Japanese anime fan? Do you love Ghibli movies, Naruto, Demon Slayer (kimetsu no yaiba) and the ever cute Pokemon series, but have never visited Japan before? Read up on our golden route sample itinerary, tweaked to suit the interests of Japanese anime fans!
The Ultimate Kyushu Itinerary (For 7 and 3-Day Trips!)
Kyushu prefecture is a beautiful part of Japan down south. Among the four main islands in Japan, Kyushu is the third largest island. It hosts natural treasures with rich history, culture, modern stuff, and stunning views. You’ll find rough terrains, volcanoes, lively cities, cool hikes, and delicious Kyushu ramen here.
When time is short, you’ve to make every moment count. For that purpose, we’ve prepared a 7-day Kyushu itinerary for you so you can enjoy the best of Kyushu.
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.
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.
Hakone to Mt. Fuji: How to Get There and Where to Catch the Best Views
Nestled in the serene shadow of the iconic Mount Fuji, Hakone stands as a jewel in the greater Tokyo area, beckoning travelers with its picturesque landscape and tranquil ambiance.
Easily accessible from Tokyo, Hakone is a popular day-trip destination from Tokyo, but staying overnight will let you experience one of its famous ryokans.
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.
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.
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.