I have written a lot about traveling in Japan over the years, but the archive now lives in quite a few different places. Between this Letters from Japan newsletter and my travel website, Letters from Asia, there are now guides, itineraries, travel diaries, hiking and walking routes, and all sorts of posts scattered across the two. So I thought it was time to bring them together in one place, in an index-style post. So here we go.
The collection below covers both the practicalities of Japan travel and ideas for where to go and what to experience, including the best times to visit, destinations within and beyond the usual Tokyo–Kyoto route, the Shinkansen and other transportation, accommodation, suggested itineraries, hiking, pilgrimage and walking routes, hot springs (onsen), and answers to some of the questions I’m most frequently asked about traveling in Japan.
Many of the resources on Letters from Asia are freely available, while Letters from Japan subscribers can also explore the growing archive of travel diaries, itineraries, and monthly letters.
Japan Trip Planning Resources
Japan Travel: Frequently Asked Questions
Ten questions I am asked most often about traveling to Japan.
When Is the Best Season to Visit Japan?
A seasonal overview from a traveler’s perspective. (Spoiler: it is not summer.)
Where Should I Visit in Japan — Beyond Tokyo and Kyoto?
Places you can easily add to an itinerary centered on Tokyo or Kyoto.
A Literary Journey Across Japan: From Okinawa to Hokkaido
Some of my favorite Japan-related reads, reviewed in geographical order.
What Is the Shinkansen?
An overview of Japan’s high-speed bullet train system and how to use it.
Summer Destinations in Japan
Summer may not be the best time to visit Japan, of course, unless you are planning to head up to the mountains or islands.
My Favorite Onsen (Hot Springs) in Japan
Day-trip and overnight hot springs across the country.
Favorite Autumn Color Destinations
Some of my favorite places for autumn foliage across Japan.
My Favorite Hostels in Japan
Hostels I have stayed in and would recommend.
My Favorite Cities in Japan
Favorite cities across the country, offering both urban wonders and easy access to nature.
Traveling in Japan on a Budget
Tips for keeping travel costs manageable.
My Favorite Hiking Trails in Japan
A south-to-north overview of the trails I return to most often.
Are Japan’s Small Islands Worth Leaving the Mainland For?
Small islands that can be as rewarding as the mainland, if not more.
Winter Trips to Japan
Some of my favorite winter destinations across the country.
Itinerary and destination-specific content.
In addition to the above posts, below is a quick recap of some extra itinerary- and planning-focused posts (for a specific destination) available in the newsletter for paid subscribers.
One Fine Autumn Day in Kyoto
A walking diary of a day in Kyoto to see the best autumn color spots.
Shibu Onsen and the Snow Monkeys of Nagano
A weekend trip to Nagano to see the snow monkeys and an overnight stay in Shibu Onsen.
Walking Nagasaki
Three historically themed walking routes to explore one of Japan`s finest cities.
One Fine Autumn Day in Tokyo
A walking diary to view the best fall foliage spots in Tokyo in a day.
Tohoku Onsen Hopping: Four Nights, Four Hot Springs
A fall trip to Tohoku, staying in four different onsen each night.
Hiking the Kyoto Trail (five posts)
Diary of five days on the Kyoto Trail.
Tokyo Eateries: the Non-Gourmet Version
Some of my favorite eateries in Tokyo.
Autumn Colors Trip to Aomori: Itinerary Suggestion
Autumn colors trip itinerary to Aomori Prefecture in Tohoku.
One Fine Day in Kanazawa
A one-day walking itinerary for ever lovely Kanazawa.
Cycling the Shimanami Kaido in Two Days
Logistics-related tips for biking the Shimanami Kaido Cycling Route.
Japan Trip Planning Q&A Series (three posts)
Three Q&A format posts detailing logistical aspects of Japan travel, covering transportation, accommodation, and other details.
Winter Trip to Biei in Hokkaido (four posts)
A walking trip to Biei in Hokkaido in late December, to photograph winter landscapes.
Walking Goto Islands (eight posts)
Walking the Goto Islands off the coast of Nagasaki, visiting Hidden Christian sites.
Planning a trip to Japan?
My Letters from Japan paid archive includes travel diaries, walking itineraries, Japan trip-planning Q&As, and the complete archive of monthly letters. Paid subscriptions are USD 5/month or USD 50/year, with the annual subscription also including a one-to-one trip-planning session. Explore the complete Letters from Japan paid archive.
Really good lists for my friends, thanks
Saving this! Hoping to tick Japan off next year🤞🏻