Destinations

Many first-time visitors assume Tokyo has one Disney park, but Tokyo Disney Resort is actually made up of two completely separate parks — Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea — each with its own gates, attractions, and atmosphere. Knowing the difference before you go makes a big difference in planning a satisfying day (or two). The resort is located in Urayasu, Chiba Prefecture, just across the bay from central Tokyo, and is operated by Oriental Land Co., not Disney directly — a detail that explains why Tokyo’s parks often feel a little different in style from their US counterparts. ...

Just 45 minutes from Kyoto and about an hour from Osaka, Nara is one of the most popular — and easiest — day trips in the Kansai region. It was Japan’s capital before Kyoto, which means the city is packed with historic temples and shrines, but most visitors come first for one thing: the hundreds of free-roaming deer that wander through Nara Park. Why Nara Is Worth the Trip Japan’s oldest capital city (710–784 AD), with UNESCO World Heritage temples still standing Nara Park is home to over a thousand wild sika deer, considered messengers of the gods in local Shinto belief Compact sightseeing area — most major sights are within walking distance of each other Easily combined with Kyoto or Osaka as a half-day or full-day trip Todai-ji Temple and the Great Buddha Todai-ji is Nara’s headline sight and one of the largest wooden buildings in the world. Inside sits the Daibutsu, a bronze Buddha statue over 15 meters tall, cast in the 8th century. ...

Hiroshima is a city that asks something different of visitors than Tokyo or Kyoto. It’s not chasing your attention with neon or centuries-old palace grounds — it’s asking you to sit with history for a while, and then rewarding you with some of the best food and scenery in western Japan. Paired with nearby Miyajima island, it makes one of the most memorable one-to-two-day trips in the country. Why Hiroshima Belongs on Your Itinerary Many travelers treat Hiroshima as a rushed half-day stop between Osaka and Kyushu on the Shinkansen. That undersells it. The city rebuilt itself into a genuinely livable, green, tram-crossed place, and the historical sites here carry a weight that’s hard to fully appreciate from a guidebook description alone — you have to walk through them. ...

If Tokyo is Japan’s polished business card, Osaka is its loud, hungry, endlessly entertaining cousin. Japan’s third-largest city runs on food, humor, and a directness you won’t find anywhere else in the country. Locals will actually talk to you here. Here’s everything a first-timer needs to know for 2026. Why Osaka Deserves More Than a Day Trip Many travelers treat Osaka as a base for Kyoto and Nara, sleeping there but sightseeing elsewhere. That’s a mistake. Osaka has its own identity — it’s historically Japan’s merchant city, and that trading heritage shaped a culture that values good food, good prices, and good conversation over formality. ...

If you’re planning a trip to Japan in 2026 and wondering whether Hokkaido deserves a spot on your itinerary, let me save you some time: yes, absolutely. While the classic Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka Golden Route remains wonderful, more and more travelers are looking beyond these well-trodden paths—and Hokkaido is quickly becoming one of the most rewarding alternatives. I’ve spent years exploring Japan, and Hokkaido still feels like stepping into a completely different country. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your first visit. ...

If Tokyo is Japan’s energetic present, Kyoto is its timeless heart. With over a thousand temples, geisha districts, and serene gardens, it’s the must-visit cultural destination. Here’s a first-timer’s guide to making the most of it. Top Sights You Shouldn’t Miss Fushimi Inari Shrine — the famous thousands of red torii gates (go early or late to avoid crowds) Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) — a gold-leaf temple over a reflecting pond Kiyomizu-dera — hillside temple with sweeping city views Arashiyama Bamboo Grove — magical early morning; nearby monkey park and river Gion — the historic geisha district; atmospheric in the evening Experiences to Try Wear a kimono and stroll the old streets Join a tea ceremony Eat kaiseki (traditional multi-course cuisine) Visit Nishiki Market (“Kyoto’s Kitchen”) for food sampling Getting Around Kyoto Buses cover most temples; subway + walking works for central areas Get an IC card (ICOCA/Suica) for tap-and-go Rent a bicycle — Kyoto is flat and bike-friendly Trains connect easily to Osaka and Nara for day trips Tips to Beat the Crowds Visit popular temples right at opening or late afternoon Go on weekdays if possible Avoid peak foliage (late Nov) and cherry blossom (early Apr) if you dislike crowds — or book far ahead Summer is hot and humid — carry water and plan indoor breaks Suggested 2-Day Plan Day 1 (East): Fushimi Inari → Kiyomizu-dera → Gion (evening) Day 2 (West/North): Arashiyama (morning) → Kinkaku-ji → Nishiki Market Getting There From Tokyo, the Shinkansen reaches Kyoto in about 2.5 hours. Kyoto Station is a major hub with buses, trains, and luggage lockers. ...