Local knowledge · Insider tips

The Real Japan Blog.

Written by a Japanese local. No generic advice — just honest, first-hand knowledge about travelling Japan the right way.

Latest article

Japan · Regional Guide
May 2026 8 min read

Japan beyond the crowds — hidden destinations worth the journey.

Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto are beautiful — but crowded. A Japanese local shares the best hidden destinations in Ishikawa, Hokkaido and Tohoku for a more peaceful Japan experience.

Read article →

More from the blog.

Hidden destinations
Japan beyond the crowds — hidden destinations worth the journey
Kanazawa, Hokkaido, Tohoku. A Japanese local's guide to the destinations most visitors never find.
July 2026 · 7 min readRead →
Essential tips
10 things to know before visiting Japan
Cash culture, IC cards, onsen etiquette, busy seasons — honest advice from a Japanese local before your first trip.
August 2026 · 7 min readRead →
Getting around
How to get around Japan — trains, buses & IC cards explained
Shinkansen, IC cards, local trains, buses, taxis and rental cars — a Japanese local explains everything you need to know.
August 2026 · 8 min readRead →

Want a guide made just for you?

Everything on this blog is free. But if you want a personalised selection of spots curated by a Japanese local — that's what we do.

See our plans →