Asia
Discover Asia’s diverse cultures, vibrant cities, spiritual sites, and breathtaking landscapes. From Japan to Thailand, explore the best travel experiences across the continent.
Best Ski Resorts in Hokkaido: Every Ski Area, Lift Prices and Tips
Hokkaido is the reason many skiers fly halfway around the world to Japan. The snow is light, dry and falls almost every day in midwinter, and even small local hills get more of it than many famous resorts in the Alps. I have skied in Hokkaido with my girlfriend and a group of Swiss friends…
Skiing in Japan: The Complete Guide to Resorts, Prices and Passes
Japan is one of the best ski countries in the world, and it still surprises people. I grew up in Switzerland, where skiing is part of life, and I lived in Tokyo for three years. I expected Japanese ski resorts to be small and expensive. Instead I found the lightest powder I have ever skied,…
Tipping in Japan: Do You Tip? A Simple Guide
Do you tip in Japan? No, but there are exceptions. What to do in restaurants, taxis, ryokan and with tour guides, plus otoshi and service charges.
Shrines vs Temples in Japan: Differences and Etiquette
Shrine or temple? Learn how to tell them apart in Japan and how to visit both step by step: purification, prayer, omikuji and goshuin.
Tokyo Subway and Taxi Tips: How to Get Around
How to use the Tokyo subway and taxis: IC cards, Mobile Suica, Tokyo Subway Ticket prices, rush hour tips, taxi fares and taxi apps like GO.
Theme Parks in Japan: Disney, USJ, Fuji-Q and More
Japan theme parks compared: Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea, Universal Studios Japan, Fuji-Q Highland, Yomiuriland, Joypolis and Thunder Dolphin.
Best Observation Decks and Night Views in Tokyo
Best observation decks and night views in Tokyo: Shibuya Sky, Skytree, Tokyo Tower, Roppongi Hills, free viewpoints and tips for sunset photos.
Rainy Season, Typhoons and Winter in Japan: What to Expect
Most travel guides tell you to visit Japan in spring or autumn. But many people can only travel in June, August or the winter holidays, and those seasons have a bad reputation: rain, typhoons, cold. Having lived in Tokyo for three years, I can tell you that none of them is a reason to cancel…
Best Mt Fuji Viewpoints: Kawaguchiko, Hakone and More
Where to see Mt Fuji: Lake Kawaguchiko, Chureito Pagoda, Fuji-Q Highland, Hakone, the shinkansen window and Tokyo. Best months and tips.
Japan in April: Weather, Cherry Blossoms and Events
Japan in April: weather by region, cherry blossom timing, festivals, Golden Week crowds and what to pack for a spring trip.
