Your Favorite Japan Travel Guide: The Best Itineraries, City Guides & Tips
Japan is the place I keep coming back to.
I finally made it to Japan in 2025 and have been absolutely obsessed ever since. In two trips and about six weeks, I’ve gotten happily lost in Tokyo’s back-alley coffee shops, soaked in a private onsen in Hakone, and hiked into the Alps at Kamikochi.
This is my complete Japan guide — three full route itineraries plus the city guides, ryokan picks, and food notes I wish I’d had on my first trip.
Wherever you’re starting, there’s something below for you. And keep checking back — because I’m still not done sharing about my last two trips AND there are more Japan trips in my future!
Arigato Gozaimasu!
Start Here↓
Cities & Regions
Tokyo → Best Neighborhoods in Tokyo
Kyoto → Best 5 Things to Do in Kyoto · Fushimi Inari
Osaka & Nara → Osaka & Nara Travel Guide · Nara Day Trip
Hakone → Best Ryokan in Hakone (Private Onsen) · Hakone 2-Day Itinerary
Hiroshima & Miyajima → Hiroshima Guide · 2-Day Miyajima Itinerary
Discover ALL Japan Blogs <3
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Uji Day Trip from Kyoto: Spend A perfect Morning in the Birthplace of Matcha
I almost didn’t go to Uji. When I was planning my solo Japan trip in 2025, I had this…
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Japan Food Guide: 20 Must-Try Foods in Japan (From a Foodie Who Ate Her Way Across the Country)
Planning your Japan trip? Start here: [10 – day Golden Route – best for first timers] · [Tokyo Guide]…
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The Japan Golden Route: The Perfect First-Time Japan Trip (10-Day Itinerary)
Planning my first trip to Japan took me months. It was a bucket-list trip, and it was completely overwhelming…
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The best 8-Day Japanese Alps Itinerary: A Bucket List Route Beyond Tokyo & Kyoto
The first time I went to Japan, I honestly didn’t know if I’d ever make it back. Three weeks…
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Where to Stay in Hirayu Onsen: My Favorite Ryokan Stay in the Japanese Alps
If you’re planning a trip through the Japanese Alps and wondering where to stay in Hirayu Onsen, this small…
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Best Ryokan in Hakone, Japan (with Private Onsen & best location!)
If you’re planning a trip to Hakone and looking for the best ryokan in Hakone, look no further! During…
Hi, I’m Amber —
A Michigan native now living in Washington with a deep love for travel and the outdoors. What started with church mission trips and years of traveling across the U.S. as a nurse has grown into a passion for exploring destinations across Asia and America through hiking, scenic landscapes, local food, wildlife encounters, and underwater adventures. Sometimes I’m joined by my goldendoodle, Millie, but I’m always traveling with my camera. My goal is to help you feel inspired and confident that travel is possible — no matter where you’re starting from.
