SEARCH RESULTS: 2024
8 Unique Summer Festivals in Japan You Can’t Miss
Japan’s summer season is a time of extraordinary festivals that captivate visitors from across Japan and around the world. Immerse yourself in the unique sights, sounds, and traditions of these one-of-a-kind celebrations, from the traditional bon-odori festival of Nagano’s Zenko-ji Temple to the awe-inspiring pyrotechnics of Niigata’s Katakai Fireworks Festival. In this article we’ll answer your questions about the best time to attend summer festivals, what to expect when attending a summer festival in Japan, and some of our favorite summer festivals accessible by train. Including the following: — Arimatsu Shibori Festival — Toyohama Sea Bream Festival — Gero Hot Spring Festival — Tejikara Fire Festival — Zenko-ji Temple Summer […]
Experience the Magic of Autumn in Takayama & Shirakawa-go
Discover Japan’s Hidden Gems Amidst a Kaleidoscope of Autumn Colors As summer gives way to autumn, the Takayama region transforms into a breathtaking landscape of vibrant foliage and serene beauty. Nestled in the heart of the Japanese Alps, Takayama offers the perfect blend of history, culture, and natural splendor, making it one of Japan’s most captivating autumn destinations. Imagine strolling through the historic streets of Takayama, where centuries-old wooden buildings are framed by brilliant reds, oranges, and yellows, creating a scene straight out of a bygone era. Beyond the town’s charming streets, the majestic landscapes of Shirakawa-go and the Japanese Alps beckon with their autumnal allure. This is the ideal […]
Top 10 Experiences in Tokyo
For many visitors to Tokyo and Japan, they will want to seek out opportunities to have once in a lifetime and hands on experiences for a chance to become connected to Japan’s traditional culture on a deeper level. The good news is that Tokyo has a plethora of experiences you can book and participate in to make your trip more memorable! Here at SMR we have compiled a list of the top 10 experiences you can enjoy during your Tokyo trip, with some of these experiences even being included as part of our Tokyo tours! So read on to find out more. On this page, you will find the following […]
A Guide to Japanese Shrine Etiquette
Shrine etiquette in Japan is deeply rooted in Shinto traditions and reflects the respect and reverence for Japanese history and customs. Here’s a guide to some of the key practices and unwritten rules when visiting a shrine in Japan. Approach with Respect: As you approach a shrine, you’ll often find a large torii gate. Passing through the torii marks the transition from the earthly realm to the sacred, so take a moment to reflect and approach respectfully. With your hands to your side, bow slightly before passing the torii gate. It is customary to walk through the torii and the shrine grounds slightly to the left or right sides of […]
6 Must-Try Dishes in Nagoya
One of the great pleasures of any trip is food and Nagoya is a city that definitely won’t disappoint. Nagoya’s cuisine, or as the locals call it, “Nagoya Meshi,” follows its own unique style of familiar feeling, hearty, comfort foods and includes specialties such as miso-katsu (deep fried pork cutlets covered in rich red miso sauce), tebasaki (crispy fried chicken wings), tenmusu (miniature rice balls filled with crunchy shrimp tempura), and so much more. Traditional Foods to Eat in Nagoya: — Miso-Katsu — Hitsumabushi — Tebasaki — Tenmusu — Kishimen — Misonikomi Udon A Guide to Nagoya’s Famous Dishes: For those who prefer to eat their way through Japan, there […]
10 Family-Friendly Vacation Destinations in Japan
Choosing the best destinations for your family vacation can be a struggle. We recognize the difficulties in balancing your unique interests, the age of your children, and your family’s dynamic. So we’ve put together a list of destinations around Japan that cater to various interests, so you can create the best family vacation which offers something for everyone. Family-Friendly Destinations in Japan: – Legoland – Tokyo Disneyland & Tokyo Disneysea – Ghibli Park – Fukui Dinosaur Museum – SCMAGLEV and Railway Park – Jigokudani Monkey Park – Nagoya City Science Museum and Planetarium – Koka Ninja House – Canyoning – Skiing and Snowboarding Locations in Japan For Families Looking for […]
A First Timer’s Guide to Tokyo
For most first time travellers to Japan Tokyo will be on your list of places to visit during your trip, and rightly so! Tokyo is of course very famous, but even for those travellers wanting something off the beaten path and hidden gems, Tokyo still has plenty to offer. That’s why we have created this page to give all first timers to Tokyo an informative guide to provide you with all the know how, what to expect and our top recommendations on how to make your first Tokyo trip smooth and unforgettable! On this page you will find the following information : — The Best Areas and Activities for Tokyo […]
Tokyo Short Stay Guide : How to Make the Most of Your Short Time in the City
If you’re travelling on business, or on a long haul flight from another trip, you may have a layover in Tokyo. This could range from only a few hours to a day or two! If you’re lucky enough for it to be between 24 hours or 48 hours, you can make the most of your time in the Capital and do some exploring! To help you navigate the tricky question of how you should spend your short time wisely in Tokyo, we have an itinerary suitable for a 24 hour layover, and for a 48 hour layover we recommend booking a guided tour. We hope this page will give you […]
How to Do Tokyo Like a Local!
Whether its your first time in Tokyo, or you’re coming to Tokyo as a return tourist, you may be searching for ways to make your stay in Tokyo more meaningful and authentic, getting away from the golden itinerary for tourists and trying something different. This page will help you go beyond the surface level of Tokyo and connect with local culture and lifestyle on a deeper level. We will give you some tips and tricks on how to make your trip to the capital the best yet! On this page you will find the following information : — How to Do Tokyo Like a Local — Things to Do in […]