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Universal Studios Japan Guide

Osaka's Universal Studios Japan (USJ) is a must-see attraction for many visitors to Japan. Here is our full guide, with transport information, ticket information and insider tips to skipping lines and

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Villa Fontaine Grand Osaka Umeda

The Villa Fontaine Grand Osaka-Umeda is an efficient and reasonably priced hotel a short walk from Osaka Station and Umeda Station in the Kita district. There's a great communal bath and laundry facil

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W Osaka

The W is a stylish hotel located in a convenient part of Shinsaibashi, within walking distance of the important sights of Minami. It's some serious eye candy and will please those who like this kind o

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What To Eat In Osaka

Osaka is famous throughout Japan for its cheap, hearty and delicious food. Here, we'll introduce the main Osaka specialties and where to eat them. ![Street vendors selling food. Photo Credit: MACH Ph

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Where To Stay For Expo 2025 Osaka

Here are the best and most convenient places to stay for Expo 2025, Osaka's world fair event which runs from April to October 2025. Where Should You Stay for Expo 2025? Yumeshima is the name of

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Whity Umeda

This vast underground shopping mall, close to JR Osaka Station and even closer to Hankyu Umeda Station, is one of the largest underground shopping malls in Japan. It seems to stretch forever and you c

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Why You Need Travel Insurance For Japan

We recommend buying travel insurance before you come to Japan. Be sure to get a policy that covers not only medical care, but also lost luggage, cancelled hotel and plane tickets, and damage or stolen

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Where To Stay In Osaka

Osaka is a big city, so it's crucial to stay somewhere convenient. Here, we explain the best places to stay in Osaka as of January 2025, complete with a full explanation of our reasoning. ![Osaka sky

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Yaekatsu

Who doesn't love hot, cheap, greasy food made with good ingredients? Get your kushikatsu fix at Yaekatsu in Shinsekai, where they've been perfecting the art of deep-fried skewers since 1949. ![Kush

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Yamachan

Osaka's most famous and beloved street food is takoyaki, and Yamachan is probably the city's favorite place for this plebian gourmet staple. It's certainly the only one to ever be listed in a Michelin

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Yanaken Boo

If you're looking for something better than fast food while in Shin-Osaka, try this approachable little contemporary restaurant. They serve a variety of meat and fish dishes, along

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Yakko

Yakko in Shinsekai is another kushikatsu restaurant we like and recommend - the beef tallow they use to fry their skewers really gives the food a flavour boost! ![Yakko](https://photos.smugmug.com/Os

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Yodobashi Umeda

Yodobashi Camera's main Osaka store towers over the north side of JR Osaka Station. This is the best place in Osaka to hunt down almost anything related to gadgets and doodads, and you can spend an en

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Yoshitora

On the east side of Honmachi, in the direction of Osaka Castle, this hidden unagi (eel) specialist is a great place to try sublime unagi in refined and relaxing surroundings. It's a go

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Yukari Tensan

Balance, value, and approachability -- with something for everyone. ![A cut open portion of five-cheese fromage-yaki on the teppan at Osaka's Yukari restaurant](https://photos.smugmug.com/Kyoto/Insid

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Japan Cherry Blossoms

There are numerous places to see Japan's cherry blossoms throughout the country. Here are my highlights of where to view the cherry blossoms in several of Japan's most scenic cities. ![IMG_9729](http

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Japan Travel Hacks And Tips

Here are 10 Japan travel hacks and tips that will make your trip almost infinitely better. ![Chris Rowthorn traveling light in Japan](https://photos.smugmug.com/Kyoto/Top-10-Japan-Travel-Hacks-and-Ti

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Japan Travel Etiquette: Essential Do’s and Don’ts

To ensure a smooth and respectful trip to Japan, follow these key etiquette rules—they’ll help you blend in and avoid accidental rudeness! Most rules stem from respect for others’ comfort and traditio

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A Guide To Mysos Visit Japan Web And Japan Entry Procedures

The Japanese government recommends that you use the Visit Japan Web app but it's NOT mandatory. You always have the option of filling out a paper arrival (disembarkation) card and customs declaration

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Best Time To Go To Yokohama

What is the best time of year to visit Yokohama? What's the weather like in Yokohama month by month? Here, we'll give you all the answers. ![Night view of cherry blossoms and Yokohama Minatomirai](ht

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Best Tokyo Mid Range And Business Hotels

If you're willing to spend between US$150 and $300 a night you can get a great room in Tokyo. Here are my favorite mid-budget hotels in Tokyo, all personally inspected. ![Large double bed and chais

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Getting Around Yokohama

Yokohama is Japan's second-largest city. The central areas can be explored on foot, but trains, taxis, and buses allow you to cover more ground quickly and easily. Here are all the details on getting

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How To Get To Yokohama

Located just 30 minutes south of central Tokyo, Yokohama is easily reached by multiple train lines from hubs like Tokyo Station and Shibuya Station. Read on for all the details. ![East entrance gate

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Places To Eat In Yokohama

Yokohama has restaurants to suit all budgets and tastes. This is our selection of the best places to eat in Yokohama for the different areas of the city. ![Manchinro Honten](https://photos.smugmug.co

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Things To Do In Yokohama

Located just 30 minutes south of Tokyo by train, Yokohama is an excellent day trip destination. There's so much to see and do: a gorgeous traditional Japanese garden, fantastic museums, beautiful gree

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Tokyo Map

Tokyo map to help locate Tokyo attractions, places to eat, accommodation, shopping and more View the [full size version of Tokyo Google map](https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=zy8a03W_hbJ0.kyfq6R

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Tokyo Travel Guide

Make the most of your trip to Tokyo with Tokyo itineraries, definitive guide to the best places to eat, and detailed rundowns of essential attractions an

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Yokohama Cherry Blossoms

With many beautiful public parks and open green spaces, Yokohama is a great place to see Japan's famous cherry blossoms. Here is a list of the best spots in the city and information on when the cherri

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Yokohama Districts

Located just 29km south of Tokyo, Yokohama is Japan's second largest city and makes a great day trip destination. Here, we'll introduce the main sightseeing districts in Yokohama. ![A view of the sky

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Yokohama Fall Foliage

With many beautiful public parks and open green spaces, Yokohama is a great place to see Japan's famous autumn colours. Here is a list of the best spots in the city and information on timing. ![Autum

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