Journal
Journal: Japan travel guides and MICE advice
Planning your trip, visiting Tokyo, Kyoto or Okinawa, understanding Japanese etiquette, eating well, running a seminar: 60 practical guides written by our team on the ground, updated for 2026.
12 articles
Planning your trip
Japan Holidays 2027 Calendar: Golden Week, Obon, New Year and Major Events
Japan's 16 public holidays in 2027 plus the substitute holiday, Golden Week, Obon and New Year dates, the year's major events, and the best windows for a seminar or group trip.
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Kyoto Hotel Tax 2026 and Japan's Accommodation Taxes: Kyoto, Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka
Official 2026 accommodation tax rates for Kyoto (up to ¥10,000 per night), Tokyo (3% from April 2027), Osaka, Fukuoka, Sapporo and Okinawa, how they are calculated, and what they cost a 50-person seminar.
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Best Time to Visit Japan: A Month-by-Month Guide
Cherry blossoms, rainy season, summer heat, typhoons, autumn leaves, snow and Japanese public holidays: the full calendar for choosing your dates in Japan, whether you travel alone or with a corporate group.
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Japan Rail Pass: Is It Still Worth It After the Price Increase?
Since October 2023, the 7-day Japan Rail Pass costs ¥50,000. Prices, worked examples on real itineraries, JR West regional passes, the Nozomi option and alternatives: how to decide without getting it wrong.
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Japan Entry Requirements: Visa, Passport, Customs and Medication
No visa for a tourist stay under 90 days, but strict rules on medication, cured meats and cash, a departure tax now at ¥3,000 and JESTA on the way. The complete rundown for French, Belgian, Swiss and Canadian travelers.
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Japan Travel Budget in 2026: How Much Per Day?
Hotels, meals, transport, sights and taxes: realistic ranges in yen and euros for a trip to Japan in 2026, three budget profiles, a two-week example and the right habits for spending less.
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Paying in Japan: Cash, Cards, Suica and Tax-Free Shopping
Do you still need cash in Japan? Where to withdraw with a foreign card, which IC card to choose between Suica, Welcome Suica and ICOCA, why not to tip, and what changes for tax-free shopping on November 1, 2026.
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Internet in Japan: eSIM, Pocket Wi-Fi or SIM, Apps and Plugs
eSIM, pocket Wi-Fi router, SIM card or your home plan: how to stay connected in Japan, what free Wi-Fi is worth, the apps that actually help on the ground, and what to know about plugs and voltage.
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Luggage in Japan: Shinkansen Rules, Lockers and Forwarding (Takkyubin)
Large suitcases on the Shinkansen, station lockers, sending luggage hotel to hotel or to the airport: the rules, 2026 prices and how to travel light in Japan, alone or with a group of 50.
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How to Ride the Shinkansen: Lines, Tickets, Seats and Practical Tips
Nozomi, Hikari or Kodama, reserved or non-reserved seats, smartEX, the Mount Fuji side, ekiben and travel times: everything you need to ride the Shinkansen, on your own or with a group.
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Japan in 2 Weeks: Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka and Hiroshima
A first trip to Japan in 14 days, day by day: Tokyo, a ryokan night in Hakone, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Hiroshima and Miyajima, with travel times, transport budget and 10-day and 3-week variants.
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Safety in Japan: Earthquakes, Typhoons, Heat and Emergencies, a Practical Guide
Crime, earthquakes, typhoons, heat, phone alerts, emergency numbers, healthcare and insurance: what you need to know to travel calmly in Japan, and how an organiser prepares a crisis plan for a group.
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Destinations & sights
Naoshima Day Trip: Getting There from Osaka or Okayama, Ferries, Museums and Group Tips
Ferries from Uno and Takamatsu, Chichu Art Museum bookings, closing days, Teshima, staying overnight and the 2028 Setouchi Triennale: a practical guide to Naoshima, with what changes for a group or an incentive trip.
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Osaka or Kyoto as a Base: Where to Stay to Explore Kansai, Solo or with a Group
Train times and fares between Kyoto and Osaka, group hotels, 2026 accommodation tax, autumn foliage season, day trips to Nara, Kobe or Himeji: how to choose your base in Kansai.
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Japan Fall Foliage 2026 and 2027: Where and When to See Autumn Leaves
2026 foliage forecasts, average dates, the best spots in Kyoto, Tokyo, Nikko and Hakone, autumn temple hours and fees, and advice for group travel at peak season.
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What to See in Kyoto in 2 Days: A Realistic Day-by-Day Itinerary
Fushimi Inari at dawn, Kiyomizu-dera, Gion, Arashiyama, Kinkaku-ji and Ginkaku-ji: a 2-day Kyoto itinerary with opening hours, fees, travel times, visitor rules and tips for adapting it to a group.
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What to See in Tokyo in 3 Days: A Realistic District-by-District Itinerary
Asakusa, Ueno, Yanaka, Meiji Jingu, Harajuku, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Tsukiji, Ginza and the bay: a 3-day Tokyo itinerary organised by district, with opening hours, prices, travel times and tips for groups.
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Day Trips from Tokyo: Nikko, Kamakura, Hakone, Kawaguchiko, Yokohama and Kawagoe
Six day trips from Tokyo compared on travel time, cost, what to see and the best way to get there, by train or by coach when travelling as a group.
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Seeing Mount Fuji: Best Viewpoints, Seasons and 2026 Climbing Rules
Where and when to see Mount Fuji (Five Lakes, Chureito pagoda, Hakone, from the train or Tokyo), which season it is clearest, and what to know before climbing under the 2026 rules: ¥4,000, reservations and no entry from 2pm to 3am.
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Tokyo by Night: Observation Decks, Izakaya Alleys, Karaoke and the Rules to Know
Shibuya Sky, Tokyo Skytree and Tokyo City View, the alleys of Omoide Yokocho, Golden Gai and Yurakucho, karaoke, last trains, taxis and safety: a practical guide to evenings in Tokyo, with ideas for corporate groups.
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Tokyo Museums: teamLab, Ghibli, the National Museum and Digital Art, a Practical Guide
teamLab Planets and Borderless, the Ghibli Museum, Tokyo National Museum, the Edo-Tokyo Museum reopened in 2026 and the Mori Art Museum: how to book, what to budget, how long to stay and how to run these visits with a group.
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Nara in One Day: Todai-ji, the Deer, Kasuga Taisha and Naramachi
A one-day Nara itinerary from Kyoto or Osaka: Todai-ji and its Great Buddha, the park's deer and their rules, Kasuga Taisha, Kofuku-ji, Naramachi and Isuien Garden, with 2026 fees, opening hours and tips for groups.
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What to See in Osaka in 2 Days: the Castle, Dotonbori, Shinsekai, Umeda and Street Food
A 2-day Osaka itinerary: Osaka Castle, Kuromon Market, Dotonbori, Shinsekai, the Umeda Sky Building, tips for Universal Studios Japan and what remains of the Expo 2025 site, with 2026 prices and pointers for groups.
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Himeji and Kobe Day Trip: the Castle, Koko-en, Kitano and Kobe Beef
Himeji Castle and its new 2026 fee for non-residents, Koko-en Garden, then Kobe: Kitano, the Harborland waterfront, genuine Kobe beef and the Arima Onsen option. Hours, travel times, prices and tips for groups.
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Koyasan: Sleeping in a Temple (Shukubo), Okunoin at Night and Morning Prayers
How to spend a night in a temple on Koyasan: booking a shukubo, prices, shojin ryori dinner, the night walk through Okunoin, morning service, Nankai train access from Osaka, rules to know and organising it for a group.
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Uji Day Trip: Byodo-in, Tea Houses, Tea Fields and Matcha
Uji, 20 minutes from Kyoto, brings together Byodo-in and its Phoenix Hall, some of Japan's oldest tea houses and the tea fields of southern Kyoto. Access, hours, 2026 prices, tea ceremony and tips for groups.
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Hiking the Kumano Kodo: Nakahechi Stages, Lodging and Practical Advice
Takijiri-oji, Chikatsuyu, Kumano Hongu Taisha and on to Nachi: how to split the Nakahechi into 3 or 4 days, where to sleep, how to forward your luggage and which season to pick, plus what changes when you walk it with a group.
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Hiroshima and Miyajima in 1 or 2 Days: Itinerary, Tides and Practical Tips
Peace Memorial Museum, Atomic Bomb Dome, okonomiyaki, Itsukushima Shrine and Mount Misen: how to plan Hiroshima and Miyajima in one or two days, with 2026 opening hours, fees, the visitor tax and advice for groups.
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What to See in Kanazawa: Kenroku-en, Higashi Chaya, Omicho and Gold Leaf
Kenroku-en, the Higashi Chaya district, Omicho Market, the 21st Century Museum and the gold-leaf workshops: what to see in Kanazawa in one or two days, how to get there by shinkansen and how to organise it for a group.
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Takayama and Shirakawa-go: Old Town, Morning Markets, Hida Beef and Gassho Villages
Takayama's old quarter, its morning markets and Hida beef, then the thatched-roof village of Shirakawa-go: how to combine the two in 2 or 3 days, the visitor rules, booking the winter light-up and the buses.
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Visiting Hakone: the Train, Ropeway and Boat Loop, the Free Pass and Onsen
Mountain railway, cable car, the Owakudani ropeway, a Lake Ashi cruise, the Open-Air Museum and a night in a ryokan: how to do the Hakone loop, what the Hakone Freepass covers, how long to allow and how to adapt it for a group.
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Things to Do in Okinawa: Naha, Shuri Castle, Churaumi Aquarium, Beaches and the Kerama Islands
Kokusai-dori, the reopening of Shuri Castle's main hall, Churaumi Aquarium, the beaches and Kerama Islands, Ryukyu culture, car rental and the best season: a practical guide to Okinawa, including what to know before bringing a group.
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Hokkaido in Winter: Sapporo Snow Festival, Otaru, Niseko, Drift Ice and Snow Driving
Sapporo Snow Festival, Otaru Canal, Niseko and Furano powder, drift ice at Abashiri: how to plan a winter trip to Hokkaido, with dates, prices, driving rules, clothing and tips for groups.
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What to See in Fukuoka: Yatai, Ohori Park, Dazaifu, Nokonoshima and Day Trips
Yatai street stalls, Ohori Park and the castle ruins, Hakata and its ramen, Dazaifu shrine, Nokonoshima island: what to see in Fukuoka in 2 or 3 days, with prices, travel times and tips for groups.
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What to See in Nagoya: Castle, Atsuta Jingu, Toyota, SCMaglev, Ghibli Park and Local Food
Nagoya Castle and Honmaru Palace, Atsuta Shrine, the Toyota museums, SCMaglev and Railway Park, Ghibli Park, hitsumabushi and miso katsu: what to see in Nagoya in 2 days, with 2026 prices, bookings and tips for groups.
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Hakuba in Summer: Hikes, Lakes, Rafting and the Kurobe Alpine Route
Happo Pond, Hakuba Iwatake, Tsugaike Nature Park, rafting on the Himekawa, the Nishina lakes, onsen and the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route: a guide to Hakuba's green season, with prices, seasons and outdoor team-building ideas.
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Shopping in Japan: Districts, 2026 Tax-Free Rules, Depachika and Souvenirs
Ginza, Shibuya, Akihabara, Nakamise, Nishiki or Shinsaibashi; the new refund-based tax-free system from November 1, 2026; department stores, 100-yen shops, crafts and customs allowances back home: a guide to shopping well in Japan.
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Hanami: Where to See Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Beyond
Ueno, the Meguro River, Shinjuku Gyoen and its rules, the Philosopher's Path, Maruyama, Osaka Castle, Yoshino, Hirosaki: the best hanami spots, times to beat the crowds, picnic etiquette, forecasts, and how to organise a company hanami.
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Culture & etiquette
30 Unique Experiences in Japan to Share as a Group, Beyond the Temples
Sumo practice at dawn, a night in a temple, cormorant fishing, the Toyosu tuna auction, Fukuoka's yatai, Ishigaki's starry skies: 30 unique things to do in Japan, with seasons, bookings and tips for groups.
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Japanese Business Gift Etiquette: What to Give, How Much and What to Avoid
What to give a Japanese partner, how much to spend, how to wrap and present it, what customs will refuse and which taboos to know: a guide to business gifts in Japan.
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Onsen Etiquette: Rules and a Practical Guide to Japanese Hot Springs
Washing before the bath, where to put your towel, what to do with a tattoo, how long to stay in the water, which hot spring towns to choose: a step-by-step practical guide to Japanese onsen, with tips for groups.
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Staying in a Ryokan: How It Works, Kaiseki, Prices, Etiquette and Groups
Check-in at 3pm, yukata, bath, kaiseki dinner, futon and Japanese breakfast: how a night in a ryokan works, what it costs, how to choose one, the etiquette, and how to organise it for a group.
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Japanese Etiquette: The Rules of Politeness to Know Before You Go
Greeting, taking off your shoes, handling chopsticks, keeping quiet on trains, carrying your rubbish, giving omiyage and exchanging business cards: the Japanese etiquette rules that really matter, and how to brief a group on them.
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Temples vs Shrines in Japan: How to Tell Them Apart, Pray and Behave
Buddhism and Shinto, torii and guardian gates, purification at the temizuya, two bows and two claps, incense, goshuin and omikuji: everything you need to visit Japanese temples and shrines without a misstep, alone or with a group.
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Japan Festival Calendar: The Matsuri Worth Seeing in 2026 and 2027
Gion Matsuri, Tenjin Matsuri, Nebuta, Awa Odori, Sanja Matsuri, Takayama, fireworks and winter festivals: 2026 and 2027 dates, how they unfold, seating and tips for taking a group.
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Geisha and Maiko in Kyoto: Understanding the Hanamachi and Meeting Them the Right Way
Who geiko and maiko are, how to recognise them, what not to do in Gion, and how to legitimately attend a dance such as the Miyako Odori or an ozashiki dinner, on your own or with a group.
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The Japanese Tea Ceremony: History, Steps, Etiquette and Where to Try It
From Sen no Rikyu to today's bowl of matcha: the steps of a tea ceremony, the role of wagashi, the gestures to know as a guest, and where to experience it in Kyoto and Tokyo, alone or with a group.
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Useful Japanese Phrases for Travel: A Survival Kit for Getting By
Greeting, ordering at a restaurant, paying, asking for directions, handling an emergency: the Japanese phrases that really help, in romaji with their meaning and when to use them, plus politeness levels and the best translation apps.
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Food & drink
Kaiseki in Kyoto and Tokyo: What It Is, How It Works and What It Costs
What kaiseki is, the difference between 懐石 and 会席, the course-by-course sequence, 2026 prices at Kyoto's and Tokyo's great houses, etiquette and how to arrange a kaiseki dinner for a group.
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20 Japanese Dishes to Try in Japan: Where, How and at What Price
Sushi, ramen, tempura, okonomiyaki, kaiseki, yakitori, wagashi… 20 Japanese dishes with the right type of restaurant, 2026 prices, table manners and how to serve them to a group.
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Sushi in Japan: Types, Counter Etiquette and the Toyosu Market
Nigiri, maki, sashimi, omakase, kaitenzushi: how to order, use soy and wasabi without blunders, choose between conveyor belt and counter, and watch the Toyosu tuna auction, alone or with a group.
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Japanese Sake Guide: Brewing, Grades, Labels and Breweries to Visit
Junmai, ginjo, daiginjo, nama, genshu: how sake is made, what the grades and labels mean, what temperature to drink it at, and where to visit breweries (Fushimi, Nada, Saijo), alone or with a group.
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Ramen Guide to Japan: Broths, Regional Styles, Ticket Machines and Museums
Shoyu, shio, miso, tonkotsu; Hakata, Sapporo, Tokyo, Kitakata: how to find your way, order from a ticket machine, behave at the counter, and which ramen museums to visit, solo or with a group.
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Wagyu and Kobe Beef: A5 Grades, Certification, Top Brands and Where to Eat It
What A5 means, how to recognise genuine Kobe beef, how Matsusaka, Omi, Hida and Ishigaki differ, and whether to eat it as teppanyaki, yakiniku or sukiyaki: 2026 prices and tips for groups.
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Eating in Japan with Dietary Restrictions: Vegetarian, Vegan, Halal, Gluten-Free and Allergies
Hidden dashi, wheat in soy sauce, allergen labelling (9 mandatory since April 2026), shojin ryori, halal, cards in Japanese and apps: a practical guide to travelling in Japan with a special diet, and to managing 100 participants.
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Regional crafts, food & industry
Kojima and Kurashiki: Japanese Denim, from Indigo to Jeans Street
Kojima, part of Kurashiki (Okayama), sewed Japan's first jeans in 1965 and the region now weaves almost all of the country's denim. History, indigo dyeing, selvedge looms, Jeans Street, a make-your-own-jeans workshop, the Bikan quarter and the Ohara Museum.
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Tajima Cattle: Where Kobe Beef Really Comes From, in Northern Hyogo
Kobe beef is born in the mountains of northern Hyogo, from a closed bloodline tracked for over a century. The Tajima lineage, breeding, auctions, certification, the Tajima Beef Museum, where to taste it locally and in Kobe, and how to plan the trip.
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Kinosaki Onsen: Public Baths, Snow Crab and Ryokan, a Practical Guide
Kinosaki Onsen, in northern Hyogo, is explored in a yukata from one public bath to the next. Which baths are open in 2026, the Yumepa pass, Matsuba crab season, ryokan, access from Osaka and Kyoto, and tips for bringing a group.
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Hatcho Miso in Okazaki: Visiting Kakukyu and Maruya near Nagoya
Thirty minutes from Nagoya, two Okazaki houses make Hatcho miso from soybeans, salt and two years of rest in cedar barrels under tonnes of stones. Types of miso, how it is made, free tours, the GI controversy and Nagoya's miso cooking.
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Japanese Soy Sauce: Brewery Visits in Yuasa and Shodoshima
Shoyu is said to have been born in Yuasa, Wakayama, and the island of Shodoshima holds Japan's largest collection of wooden brewing barrels. How soy sauce is made, its types, the Kadocho and Yamaroku breweries, tastings, access and group visits.
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Katsuobushi: Dried Bonito from Makurazaki and Yaizu, from Workshop to Dashi
How katsuobushi is made, where to see workshops in Makurazaki (Kagoshima) and Yaizu (Shizuoka), which shaving and dashi experiences to book, what to buy and how to organise the visit for a group.
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Japanese Knives: Visiting Sakai and Seki for Forges, Workshops and Shopping
Sakai and its specialised craftsmen, Seki and its swordsmiths: where to see Japanese knives being made, when to catch forging demonstrations, which knife to choose and how to bring it home without trouble.
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Arita and Imari Porcelain: Visiting the Birthplace of Japanese Porcelain
Arita and Imari, in Saga Prefecture, have made porcelain since 1616: Kakiemon and Iro-Nabeshima styles, the museum, Okawachiyama village, the Golden Week fair, painting workshops and access from Fukuoka.
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Imabari Towels: Visiting Japan's Towel Capital
Why Imabari towels are famous, what the 5-second rule guarantees, where to see and buy them (flagship store, LAB, Towel Museum), and how to combine the visit with the Shimanami Kaido and the shipyards.
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Kyoto Textiles: Nishijin Weaving, Kyo-yuzen Dyeing and Kimono
Nishijin-ori and Kyo-yuzen, Kyoto's two great textiles: history and making, the Nishijin Textile Center, weaving and dyeing workshops, kimono rental and etiquette, and organising it for groups.
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Tsubame-Sanjo: Visiting Japan's Metalworking Capital (Knives, Copper, Open Factories)
Hammered copper at Gyokusendo, Sanjo forged blades, blacksmith workshops and the Kouba no Saiten open factory festival: a practical guide to Tsubame-Sanjo (Niigata), 2 hours from Tokyo by shinkansen.
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Bizen Pottery: Visiting Imbe, Its Wood-Fired Kilns and October Festival
Unglazed stoneware fired for two weeks with wood, the village of Imbe, the October festival at 20% off, hand-building workshops and Korakuen garden: everything you need to discover Bizen pottery (Okayama), alone or with a group.
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Wasabi: Real vs Fake, How It Grows and Visiting Daio Farm in Azumino
Horseradish or real wasabi, spring-water cultivation, the Shizuoka birthplace and a practical visit to Daio Farm in Azumino (Nagano), between Matsumoto and Hakuba: what to know before you taste.
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Shizuoka Green Tea: Makinohara, the Tea Museum and Fields Facing Fuji
Sencha, fukamushi, gyokuro and hojicha, the Makinohara plateau, the Shimada tea museum, shincha season and fields with Mount Fuji views: a practical guide to Shizuoka green tea, an hour from Tokyo.
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Ume and Umeboshi in Minabe-Tanabe (Wakayama): Orchards, Umeshu and Visits
Nanko-ume, a FAO-listed farming system, February blossom, how umeboshi is made, umeshu tastings and combining with the Kumano Kodo and Shirahama: a guide to Japan's ume capital.
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Kitakyushu Industrial Heritage: Yawata Steel Works, TOTO Museum and Mojiko Retro
Yawata's UNESCO-listed steel works, the TOTO Museum, Moji port, the natural history museum and the Eco-Town: how to visit Kitakyushu in one or two days from Fukuoka, with opening hours, fees and booking rules for groups.
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Japanese Whisky: Visiting Yamazaki, Hakushu, Yoichi and Other Distilleries in 2026
Suntory's lotteries, Nikka's free tours, Chichibu closed to the public, the new labeling standard: what you need to know in 2026 to visit a Japanese whisky distillery, alone or with a group.
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Mino Washi: UNESCO-Listed Japanese Paper, from the Workshop to the Udatsu Streets
UNESCO-listed Hon-minoshi, the old quarter with its "udatsu" firewalls, papermaking at the Mino Washi no Sato Kaikan, Echizen as an alternative: a practical guide to Mino washi, with prices, access from Nagoya and advice for groups.
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Edo Kiriko and Tokyo Crafts: Cut-Glass Workshops, Sumida and Kappabashi
Edo kiriko cut glass, the craftsmen's "small museums" of Sumida, Kappabashi kitchenware street, Asakusa fans and tenugui: where to see and try Edo crafts in Tokyo, with prices, timings and advice for groups.
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Hakata Mentaiko and Crafts: Fukuoka Specialties, Workshops and Visits
Where mentaiko comes from, where to taste it and see it made, how to recognize Hakata-ori and paint a Hakata doll: a guide to Fukuoka's specialties, with opening hours, prices and advice for groups.
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Awamori, Ryukyu Glass, Bingata and Tsuboya: Okinawa's Crafts and Spirits
How awamori is made and what kusu means, where to visit a distillery in Shuri, blow Ryukyu glass, try bingata dyeing and browse Tsuboya's pottery street: a practical guide to Okinawa's crafts, with opening hours, prices and advice for groups.
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Groups, seminars & MICE
Large Group Dinner in Tokyo: Private Dining Rooms and Venues by Capacity, from 10 to 450
Private rooms for 10 to 16, private floors, 120-person yakatabune, reception houses for up to 450: which Tokyo format to choose by group size, with terms and budgets.
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Private Temple Dinner in Kyoto: What Is Really Possible for a Group
Receptions at Nijo Castle or Daigo-ji, shojin ryori at Tenryu-ji, night visits and historic houses: what a group can really arrange in Kyoto, with the rules and lead times.
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Japan Conference Venues Compared: Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka, Kyoto, Fukuoka and Okinawa
Capacities, airport access, nearby hotels and booking lead times: a comparison of Japan's major convention centres for a corporate convention, congress or trade show.
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Kyoto Conference Hotels and Meeting Rooms: Capacities, Hotel Tax and Alternatives
Which Kyoto hotels can host a seminar of 30 to 2,000 people, how to block 100 rooms, what the new 2026 accommodation tax costs, and when Otsu or Osaka make more sense.
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Niseko vs Hakuba: Which Resort for a Japan Ski Trip or Corporate Ski Incentive?
Snow, terrain, access from Tokyo, 2026-27 lift pass prices, après-ski and group logistics: a Niseko vs Hakuba comparison to choose your resort, for a holiday or a company ski incentive.
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Small Group Tours of Japan vs Tailor-Made Trips: Real Costs for 10, 20 and 40 People
How much does a small group trip to Japan really cost? A breakdown of prices (hotels, licensed guide, transport, meals, taxes), a comparison for 10, 20 and 40 travellers, and the questions to ask before you sign.
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Japanese Interpreter Cost in 2026: Rates, Consecutive vs Simultaneous
What a Japanese interpreter costs in 2026, when to choose consecutive, simultaneous or a guide-interpreter, what equipment to plan and how to book for a meeting, factory visit or conference.
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Yakatabune in Tokyo: Prices, What to Expect and Private Charters for Groups
2026 prices, shared or private boats, routes, cherry blossom and fireworks seasons: everything you need to book a yakatabune dinner cruise in Tokyo, for two or for eighty.
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Gala Dinner in Japan: Venues, Formats, Entertainment and Budget
Hotel ballroom, Nijō Castle, Japanese garden, yakatabune or matsuri gala: gala dinner formats in Japan, unique venue rules, entertainment, running order and per-person budget ranges.
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Conference Hotels in Tokyo: Ballrooms, Meeting Rooms and Capacities Compared
Palace Hotel, Okura, New Otani, Prince Park Tower, Hilton, Keio Plaza: Tokyo's conference hotels by group size, with ballroom capacities, room counts, indicative rates and tips for reading a quote.
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Japan Conference Visa: Business Trips, Trade Shows and Seminars Without a Visa
Meetings, congresses, trade shows, factory visits: what a visa-free short-term stay allows, which nationalities need a visa, invitation documents, the new 2026 fees and the organiser's checklist.
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GREEN×EXPO 2027 Yokohama: Dates, Tickets, Access and How to Fit It into a Group Trip
Yokohama's international horticultural expo runs from 19 March to 26 September 2027 on the former Kamiseya site: ticket prices, mandatory time-slot booking, shuttles from four stations, coach parking and advice for groups and incentives.
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Trade Shows in Japan 2027: Calendar by Sector and Tips for Exhibitors and Visitors
2027 dates confirmed by organisers and venues (FOODEX, Supermarket Trade Show, NEPCON, Gift Show, HCJ, Smart Energy Week, Tokyo Game Show and more), then badges, stands, hotels and logistics for a delegation.
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Japan Study Tour: How to Plan a Corporate Learning Expedition (Lean, Robotics, Retail, Startups)
Themes, sites that are genuinely accessible, pacing, interpreters, visas and timing: how to build a study tour in Japan that produces insight rather than just photos.
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Japan Factory Tours for Groups: Toyota, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki and Mazda, What Is Really Possible
Open plants, corporate museums, lotteries, Japanese-only tours and bans on commercial tours: the 2026 picture of car and motorcycle factory visits in Japan, with official rules and prices.
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Japan DMC: What It Does, Licences to Check and How to Choose One
What a destination management company actually does for a corporate group in Japan, the licence categories under the Japanese Travel Agency Act, the questions to ask before signing, a typical timeline and the usual fee models.
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How to build a cultural experience into a Japan MICE program
Tea ceremony, taiko, calligraphy, cooking workshops, sumo practice: a well-chosen cultural experience strengthens cohesion and gives meaning to a seminar. How to choose it for your objectives, place it in the program and run it with care, for successful team building in Japan.
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Fukuoka, the business alternative to Tokyo and Osaka
An airport minutes from downtown, a compact city, conference hotels, renowned food and proximity to the rest of Asia: Fukuoka is a serious alternative to Tokyo and Osaka for a seminar, convention or incentive program in Japan.
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Japan MICE: mistakes European companies should avoid
Lead times that are too short, programs that are too dense, European formats copied as is, business etiquette overlooked: the most common mistakes European companies make when organizing an event in Japan, and how a Japan MICE agency avoids them.
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How to Organise a Group Trip to Japan: A Step-by-Step Method
Timeline, group flights, room blocks, guides, transport, insurance and paperwork: the complete method for organising a group trip to Japan for an association, a club or a company, with a final checklist.
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Group Transport in Japan: Coaches, Shinkansen, Flights and Luggage
Coach sizes, driving-hour rules, group Shinkansen tickets, domestic flights, transfers from Narita, Haneda and Kansai, luggage forwarding: how to move a group around Japan without losing time.
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15 Team-Building Ideas in Japan, with Group Sizes and Durations
Taiko, sushi, sword, kendo, ninja, mochi, sake, karaoke, a Tokyo rally, dragon boats in Okinawa or snow in Hakuba: 15 team-building activities tested in Japan, with participant numbers, duration and pitfalls to avoid.
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Japan seminar budget: hotels, meals and transfers
How much does a corporate seminar in Japan cost? Indicative ranges for accommodation, meals, transfers and taxes, the effect of the yen/euro rate and the impact of seasonality: the benchmarks for a realistic Japan seminar budget.
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The best Tokyo districts for a corporate seminar
Marunouchi, Ginza, Roppongi, Toranomon, Shibuya, Shinjuku or Ariake: each Tokyo district suits a different seminar format. Our guide to choosing the right base, hotel and meeting space included.
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How to Book Group Restaurants in Japan
Eight-seat counters, reservations in Japanese, set menus and strict cancellation terms: a practical method for booking group restaurants in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Fukuoka and Okinawa.
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Okinawa: Japan's Luxury Incentive Destination
Beachfront resorts, Ryukyu culture, ocean activities and easy access from Tokyo or Osaka: how to build a high-end incentive trip to Okinawa, season by season.
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Kyoto for an Executive Committee: Best Practices
Accommodation, meeting spaces, transport, seasons, etiquette and budget: best practices for a Kyoto executive retreat that brings your leadership team together with calm, discretion and efficiency.
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Tokyo or Osaka for a Corporate Convention?
Air access, convention venues, hotels, dining, excursions and budget: an operational comparison to choose between Tokyo and Osaka based on the size and purpose of your convention.
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Why Hold a Seminar in Japan in 2026?
Reliable logistics, a deep hotel market, a culture of hospitality and experiences you cannot find elsewhere: why Japan makes sense for a corporate seminar in 2026, and what to plan for.
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