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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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Accommodations: Stay in Traditional Ryokans or Modern Hotels

Introduction When planning a trip to Japan, one of the most important decisions you'll make is where to stay. Japan offers a fascinating spectrum of accommodation options that can significantly im

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Cuisine: Savor the Flavors of Sushi, Ramen, and More

Japan's culinary landscape is a vibrant tapestry of flavors, techniques, and traditions that have captivated food enthusiasts worldwide. From the meticulous artistry of sushi to the soul-warming comfo

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Onsen: Relax in natural hot springs

Japan’s onsen (hot springs) offer a perfect blend of relaxation, nature, and cultural immersion, making them a must-visit for any traveler. Soaking in mineral-rich, geothermal waters surrounded by s

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Travel Tips: Essential advice for first-time visitors

Japan is a fascinating blend of ancient traditions and cutting-edge modernity that captivates travelers from around the world. As a first-time visitor, navigating this unique cultural landscape can be

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Festivals: Join in the Vibrant Matsuri Festivals

Japan’s Matsuri festivals are a dazzling celebration of culture, tradition, and community, offering travelers an unforgettable way to experience the heart of Japanese life. From vibrant parades to s

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Tea Ceremonies: Experience the Art of Japanese Tea

Discover the serene beauty of Japanese tea ceremonies, a cultural treasure that blends mindfulness, tradition, and artistry. Known as Chanoyu or Sado, the Japanese tea ceremony is more than just d

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Osaka: Famous for Its Street Food and Lively Atmosphere

When it comes to Japanese cities that never sleep, Osaka stands out with its electrifying energy, mouthwatering street food, and friendly locals. Known as Japan’s "Kitchen," Osaka is a must-visit

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Best Places To Eat In Hiroshima And Miyajima

Hiroshima is a great eating city, where you can dine on local specialties like fresh oysters and savory okonomiyaki. And, Miyajima offers a lot of the same fare. Here are my favorite restaurants in bo

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Best Hotels In Hiroshima And Miyajima

Hiroshima is crammed with great hotels in every price range. Miyajima is smaller but has plenty of good places to stay. Here are my top picks, all personally inspected. ![Miyajima Grand Hotel Arimoto

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Best Restaurants In Hiroshima And Miyajima

Hiroshima is a great eating city, where you can dine on local specialties like fresh oysters and savory okonomiyaki. And, Miyajima offers a lot of the same fare. Here are my favorite restaurants in bo

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Best Ryokan In Hiroshima And Miyajima

There aren't many ryokan in Hiroshima of interest to travelers, but there are several good ones on Miyajima. Here are my favorite picks. ![Iwaso](https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-LZQF6Dd/0/274f321

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Getting Around Hiroshima And Miyajima

It's easy to explore Hiroshima by public transport. And it's very easy to travel between Hiroshima and Miyajima. Once on the island of Miyajima, you can get everywhere on foot. Here are all the detail

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Hiroshima And Miyajima Cherry Blossoms

Hiroshima and the nearby island of Miyajima are fantastic places to enjoy Japan's famous cherry blossoms. Here is information on timing and a list of the best spots. ![Hiroshima / 広島](https://photos.

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Hiroshima And Miyajima Districts

Hiroshima is a medium-size city that is easy to explore to by public transport and on foot. Miyajima is a small island that can easily be explored on foot. Here are the details on the districts of Hir

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Hiroshima And Miyajima Fall Foliage

Hiroshima is a decent place to see Japan's famous fall foliage, and the nearby island of Miyajima is a fantastic place to enjoy the colors. Here, I'll introduce the best foliage-viewing spots in Hiros

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Hiroshima And Miyajima Itineraries

My Hiroshima and Miyajima itineraries are carefully designed so that you can see the most important sights efficiently and comfortably, whether you go as a daytrip from Osaka/Kyoto, or stay overnight

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Hiroshima And Miyajima Travel Guide

Less than two hours by bullet train from Kyoto, Hiroshima is the most interesting city in Western Japan. And nearby Miyajima Island is a natural and spiritual sanctuary.

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How To Get To Hiroshima And Miyajima

Located in Western Honshu (Japan's main island), Hiroshima is less than two hours from Kansai (Osaka, Kyoto and Kobe) and four hours from Tokyo by shinkansen (bullet train). Miyajima is just a short h

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Things To Do In Hiroshima And Miyajima

A visit to Hiroshima naturally focuses on memorials to the atomic bombing of 1945, but that's not the end of the story. Nearby Miyajima is an island where the nature, temples and shrines will ease you

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Hiroshima Miyajima Walking Tours

Book a fully private tour with a knowledgeable English-speaking guide to explore the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and the sights on nearby Miyajima Island. ![hiroshima peace park](https://photos.smu

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When To Go To Hiroshima And Miyajima

What is the best time of year to visit Hiroshima/Miyajima? What's the weather like in Hiroshima/Miyajima month by month? Here, I'll give you all the answers. ![Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park](https://

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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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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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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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