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Seasonal Travel: Best times to visit for cherry blossoms and autumn leaves

Japan's beauty transforms dramatically throughout the year, but perhaps no seasonal changes are more celebrated than spring's cherry blossoms (sakura) and autumn's vibrant foliage (koyo). As a

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Japan Itineraries

Need help planning your Japan trip? I've designed six perfect Japan itineraries to help you get the most out of your precious time in Japan. Read on for full details. ![Kinkaku-ji Temple_金閣寺_3](https

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Japan Itinerary Japan With Children

If you want to keep the kids happy but also see some of Japan's traditional sights, this itinerary is perfect. It includes Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara and Osaka, each of which has some great kid-friendly attra

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How Long Should You Stay In Japan

For many people, work and family commitments decide how long they will stay in Japan. However, some people have the luxury of choosing how long they will stay in Japan. If you're one of the lucky ones

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How To Avoid Crowds And Lines In Japan

Crowds in Japan are back to pre-pandemic levels and the weak yen almost guarantees that they'll only get worse. Luckily, with a little extra planning, you can avoid the crowds and lines almost entirel

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Internet Access In Japan For Tourists Wifi Pocket Wifi Sim Cards Rental Phones Etc

Wifi is plentiful in Japan and there are several good options for cheap and fast data when you're away from wifi. Here's a full guide to wifi, pocket wifi and SIM cards in Japan. ![Smartphones](https

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Iphone The Killer Japan Travel Hack

IC cards (Suica, Pasmo, Icoca etc) make life so much easier in Japan. You can pay for nearly everything with them: local transport, convenience stores, restaurants, taxis, vending machines etc. But it

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B Mobile Visitor Sim Perfect Japanese

You really want data when you're in Japan. Being able to use the online versions of Google Maps, Google Translate and various transport search engines makes life a lot easier when you're exploring. So

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Japan Trip Planning Guide Plan A Great Japan Trip In 10 Easy Steps

Planning a trip to Japan can be overwhelming: There's too much information and not enough time to sort it out. However, if you break it down into 10 steps, you'll find that it's pretty easy. Here's ou

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Kamikochi Heart Of Japan Alps

Japan is a fantastic hiking destination, with great mountains, well-maintained trails and an extensive mountain hut network. You can do everything from easy day hikes to multi-day treks. Wes Lang prov

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Most Useful Japanese Expressions

With just a few Japanese phrases, you can get a lot of smiles and appreciation from the locals during your trip to Japan. Here's my super easy rundown of the most useful Japanese expressions ![Dharma

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Need Visa Japan

Most tourists to Japan can get a temporary visitor's visa on arrival in Japan. Here's a rundown of what to expect at immigration and whether you're eligible to extend your visa ![Japanese visa](https

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Should You Buy A Japan Rail Pass How To Decide

The prices for the Japan Rail Pass (JRP) increased by about 70% on October 1, 2023. While formerly a good deal for most travelers, now only certain travelers will benefit from buying a JRP. How do you

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Packing List For Japan

Use my comprehensive packing list for Japan to ensure you've got everything you need to make your Japan trip hassle free. ![Ryoan-ji Temple Lake, Kyoto](https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-D8dZfd5/0/

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The Best Luggage For Japan

The right kind of luggage allows you to take advantage of Japan's unique travel system: ultra-fast shinkansen (bullet trains) that lack much luggage space, and incredibly efficient (and cheap) overnig

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Best Time To Go To Kobe

What is the best time of year to visit Kobe? What's the weather like in Kobe month by month? Here, we'll give you all the answers. ![Kobe, Japan skyline at the port and tower](https://photos.smugmug.

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Getting Around Kobe

Kobe is one of the Kansai region's three major cities. 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 detai

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Family Friendly Attractions In Kobe

If you're taking the kids on a trip to Kobe, there are plenty of things to keep them entertained, whatever the weather. Here are the top recommendations for fun, family-friendly attractions in Kobe.

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How To Get To Kobe

Located about 30km west of Osaka and 64km west of Kyoto, Kobe is easily reached by multiple train lines from Osaka and Kyoto. It's also easy to get to Kobe from Tokyo. Read on for all the details. ![

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Kobe Cherry Blossoms

With lush mountains, public parks, and beautiful gardens, Kobe is a lovely place for enjoying Japan's famous cherry blossoms. Here is a list of the best spots in the city and information on when the c

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Kobe Districts

Located about 30km west of Osaka and 64km west of Kyoto, Kobe is a great day trip or overnight destination. Here, we'll introduce the main sightseeing districts in Kobe. ![Kobe port and skyline](http

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Kobe Fall Foliage

With many beautiful public parks and open green spaces, Kobe 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. ![View from

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Kobe Gyu Ramen Yazawa

Appropriately for Kobe, Gyu Ramen Yazawa serves up delicious beef ramen dishes simmered in a choice of broth. This Sannomiya-based restaurant lives up to its reputation. ![Kobe Gyu Ramen Yazawa](http

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Kobe Gyu Takakura

September 2024: Please note Kobe Gyu Takakura is now permanently closed. Please see Places to Eat in Kobe page for other restaurants in the area. Kobe Gyu Takakura is a s

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Kobe Hotels

Kobe has a wide range of hotels and guesthouses catering to all budgets. Here, we introduce the main hotels located in central Kobe (in the main districts of the city). ![Hotel Okura Kobe](https://ph

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Kobe Map

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

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Kobe Itineraries

Kobe is a great city to explore over several days, or if you're pressed for time, even as a day trip from another city in the Kansai region. Our one-day and two-day itineraries allow you to make the b

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Kobe Ryokan

If you're staying in Kobe and looking for accommodation, why not try the ryokan experience? The city has a number of these traditional Japanese inns, some with the added benefit of excellent hot sprin

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Kobe Steak Restaurant Mouriya Honten

As the name suggests, Kobe Steak Restaurant Mouriya Honten is a well-established teppanyaki steakhouse in the Sannomiya part of Kobe, that's been in business for over 130 years. ![Kobe Steak Restaura

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Places To Eat In Kobe

Cosmopolitan port city Kobe has a great selection of restaurants in all budget ranges, across all genres. Whether you want to indulge in gorgeously marbled Kobe beef or gorge yourself on toothsome pas

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