Arigato Travel Weblog
Discovering Suruga: Japan’s Hidden Gem for Tea, Culture, and Cuisine
When people think about visiting Japan, the big names usually come to mind first, like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. But hidden away in between the busy capital and the famous views of Mount Fuji lies Suruga, a place that feels different from the usual tourist spots. […]
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Amazing Private Tour by Nagoya is not boring: Discover Autumn in True Style!
Something you may have guessed about us is that we simply love Nagoya, and a big part of this is thanks to our amazing friends at Nagoya is not boring! One of the best times to visit, as noted by Nagoya is not boring itself; it […]
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Jimi Halloween (地味ハロウィン): A Twist on a Classic Event
Jimi Halloween (地味ハロウィン) means “plain,” “subdued,” or “mundane Halloween.” It is a Japanese subculture and trend where people dress up in costumes that are very ordinary, even boring: everyday situations, awkwardness, and oddly specific scenarios are the costumes. Instead of being spooky, fantastical, or flashy, the […]
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Ropeways, Trains, and Autumn Displays: Ways to Explore Japan’s Autumn Scenery
A new season is on the horizon, with the hustle and bustle starting to calm down as school starts up again, and the hot & humid air finally starting to cool off (hopefully). But while the thermostat may be slowly creeping out of the red, there […]
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NANKURUNAISA: THE OKINAWAN WAY OF STRESS-FREE LIVING
In the modern age, it can be hard to catch your breath. Doing our best to manage work, family, friends, and aspirations, while the world around us evolves rapidly before our eyes, things move at such a breakneck speed—it’s no wonder we’re often left scrambling to […]
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VISITING JAPAN IN OCTOBER / NOVEMBER: WHAT TO PACK, WHAT TO EAT AND WHERE TO GO
October and November are some of the best months to visit Japan. The humid heat of summer has mostly passed, typhoon season is winding down, and the landscapes transform with the arrival of autumn colors. Whether you’re drawn to bustling city festivals, peaceful temple walks framed […]
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Kanpai to Fall – Japan’s New Sake Releases
Summer, adorned in robes of the ocean’s blue and the glittering gold of festive fireworks, stands ready as it awaits the changing of the seasonal guard. From the glint of his right eye appears Autumn, eloquently cloaked in the brilliant scarlets and ambers of fiery fall […]
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Meet Megumi, our Tokyo-Born Travel Expert with a Passion for her Homeland
Born in Tokyo, Megumi brings a deep understanding of both the city’s vibrant modern energy and its rich traditional roots. Having experienced life both in Japan and abroad, she offers travelers a unique perspective that blends local customs, cultural insights, and authentic experiences. Megumi’s love for […]
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Interview with Incense Kitchen: The Gentle Art of Matcha Incense in Uji
Known worldwide for its high-quality matcha and deep cultural roots, Uji in Kyoto provides the perfect backdrop for Incense Kitchen’s unique craft. At Incense Kitchen, Kyoko Goto-san transforms unused matcha tea into KOTOHA incense, blending sustainability with tradition in a truly innovative way. Guests can even […]
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Interview With Yokomura Ecolodge and Kasamatsu Farm Owner Byron
With so many stretches of land in Japan that are untouched or abandoned, many have taken advantage of these areas to start their own homesteading, whether it’s just a simple vegetable garden or full-on agriculture opportunities with animals and vast gardens enough to mostly sustain themselves. […]
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