Arigato Travel Weblog
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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STEP INTO JAPAN’S CUTEST WORLD: VISIT THE NEW SANRIO STORE
If you’re a Sanrio fan, this probably needs no explanation, but even if you’re not, you might be more familiar with Sanrio than you think. You’ve likely known about this company for years without realizing it. Just hearing the name Hello Kitty probably brings something to […]
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Warm Up Like a Local: Japan’s Best Foods and Drinks for a Cozy Winter
As the winter chill sets in, Japan transforms. The air gets crisp, illuminations light up the cities, and everyone looks for the best way to stay warm. While grabbing a hot coffee from a vending machine is a quick fix, the real secret to beating the […]
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10 Years of Arigato Travel: A Love Letter to Japan, Our Team, and Everyone Who Traveled With Us
Ten years. When I say it out loud, it still feels a little unreal. Arigato in Japanese means THANK YOU, and that is where this story starts, with gratitude. When I joined Arigato almost at the very beginning back in 2016, none of us could have […]
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The Essential Guide to Nabe: The Heartwarming Components of Japan’s Winter Hot Pot
When the chill of winter sweeps across Japan, few dishes capture the warmth of the season quite like nabe (鍋, hot pot). Families and friends gather around a steaming pot, cooking together at the table and savoring the blend of comforting broth, fresh ingredients, and shared […]
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Traveling with Kids in Japan During Wintertime
Winter in Japan is a season full of charm with snow-covered mountains, warm hot springs, and cheerful festivals that light up Japan from December to February. For families traveling with kids, it is one of the most enjoyable times to visit. Whether you are making snowmen […]
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All About Aizome: History, Roots, What it is, Patterns, and What they Symbolize
Indigo blue and the dyeing process (Aizome) are such an instrumental part of traditional Japanese culture that I never once doubted that they originated in the country. However, I later learned that Japan actually learnt it from China in the 7th century, and that it had […]
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