Arigato Travel Weblog
Interview with Bicycle Tours Japan: Discovering Japan’s Hidden Beauty on Two Wheels
When travelers plan a trip to Japan, they often picture the high-speed rush of the Shinkansen connecting bustling cities like Tokyo and Kyoto. It’s a journey of neon lights, crowded crossings, and famous landmarks. However, the true heart of Japan often lies just beyond the main […]
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How to Onsen Guide: Rules, Manners, and Relaxation Await!
Hello, wonderful travelers! Today, we have a very special guest joining us—our very own Uma-chan! If you haven’t met Uma-chan yet, let me introduce you. Born on January 20th, 2016, in Central Tokyo, Uma-chan is Arigato Travel’s adorable yuru-kyara (mascot). Just like us, Uma is a […]
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Top Winter Foods to Keep You Warm
Japan’s winter cuisine offers a comforting warmth that brings people together, with dishes like nabe and sukiyaki often enjoyed as a shared meal at the center of the table. Street-side favorites, such as oden and regional specialties like curry soup, provide hearty flavors that ward off […]
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Otoshi: All About Japan’s Unusual Appetisers
If you’ve ever been to a restaurant in Japan, you may have found yourself in the following scenario. Whether it’s alongside your drinks or at the moment you take your seat at the table, a member of staff will bring out a small dish for everyone […]
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LUGGAGE FORWARDING SERVICES: CONVENIENT AND EASY
Picture this. You’ve finally just arrived at the airport in Japan, a country you’ve been dreaming of visiting for years, with a very heavy suitcase. You stop in front of the train information board, ready to look for the train that will take you to your […]
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Unlocking Japan on Two Wheels: A Ride with Discovery Bicycle Tours
Today, we’re joined by Yuki san at Discovery Bicycle Tours, who is inviting us to see Japan from a fresh perspective: on two wheels. With eco-friendly e-bikes and warm, knowledgeable guides, their tours take travelers to and beyond the usual sightseeing spots and into the everyday […]
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Hidden Retreats: Lesser-Known Onsen Towns and Hot Springs in Japan
When travelers think of Japanese hot springs, the names Hakone and Beppu often come to mind. While these destinations are iconic, Japan is home to countless onsen (温泉, hot springs) towns tucked away in mountains, valleys, and seaside cliffs. These hidden gems not only offer soothing […]
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Discovering Shochu: Japan’s Spirited Heritage
If you have visited Japan before, you may have noticed the country’s vibrant and welcoming drinking culture. Streets are lined with izakaya (Japanese pubs) where you’ll find numerous salarymen enjoying a glass alone or with colleagues. You might even see people strolling with their favorite canned […]
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Inclusive Journeys: Exploring LGBTQ+ Travel with IGLTA
We’re excited to announce that Arigato Travel has officially joined IGLTA, the world’s leading network of LGBTQ+-welcoming tourism businesses, reaffirming our commitment to inclusive travel in Japan. We’ve shared the full press release here if you’d like to learn more! To celebrate this milestone, we sat […]
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Best Hidden Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan
One of Japan’s most compelling natural spectacles is the cherry blossom (sakura), which blooms annually in late March and early April. While Japan boasts countless locations to see these flowers, the massive influx of tourists can make it difficult to enjoy the view without navigating dense […]
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