Odaiba Tokyo: Things to Do on the Artificial Island
Discover Odaiba, Tokyo’s artificial island: attractions, beaches, museums and bay views for a memorable waterfront escape in the capital.
Articles
Travel, culture, food and practical life in Japan, adapted into English from our French-language guides.
Earthquakes in Japan: Why They Happen and What to Do
Find out why earthquakes are so frequent in Japan and learn the right safety measures to follow during your stay, including tsunami evacuation advice.
Mount Fuji: Height, Eruptions and Best Views
Discover Mount Fuji’s altitude, volcanic history and eruptions, plus the best viewpoints for seeing Japan’s iconic mountain.
Capsule Hotels in Japan: How They Work, Comfort and Prices
Discover how capsule hotels in Japan work, their comfort, facilities and prices, and how to choose one for your trip.
Ghibli Museum vs Ghibli Park: Tickets, Access and Differences
Compare the Ghibli Museum and Ghibli Park: tickets, access, differences and practical advice for choosing your visit in Japan.
Himeji Castle: Visit and Access from Osaka or Kyoto
Visit Himeji Castle with practical advice and routes for reaching it easily from Osaka or Kyoto, including trains, tickets, stairs and gardens.
Fushimi Inari Kyoto: Visiting the Shrine of a Thousand Torii
Discover Fushimi Inari in Kyoto: walk through its thousands of vermilion torii and explore one of Japan’s most iconic shrines.
Japanese Greetings: Hello, Thank You and Goodbye
Learn how to say hello, thank you and goodbye in Japanese, with pronunciation, useful phrases and guidance on choosing the right level of politeness.
Hiragana: Chart, Pronunciation and How to Learn Them
Discover the hiragana chart, pronunciation and a simple method for memorising them and learning to read Japanese with confidence.
Japan Population: Size, Density and Ageing
Discover Japan’s population, density, demographic trends and ageing, with figures, definitions and explanations of population decline.
Kimono and Yukata: Differences, How to Wear Them and Occasions
Discover the differences between kimono and yukata, how to wear them and which occasions are suitable for each traditional Japanese garment.
Geishas: Who Are They Really? Roles, Training and Myths
Discover who geishas really are, from their demanding training and artistic roles to the common misconceptions surrounding these Japanese artists.
Tokyo Disneyland vs DisneySea: Tickets, Differences and Tips
Compare Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea: differences, tickets, attractions and practical tips to choose the right park for your visit.
Asakusa Tokyo: Sensō-ji, Nakamise and Things to Do
Discover Asakusa in Tokyo: Sensō-ji temple, Nakamise-dōri and nearby attractions, with traditional food, shopping and practical travel tips.
Universal Studios Japan Osaka: Attractions, Tickets and Access
Plan your visit to Universal Studios Japan in Osaka with practical advice on tickets, attractions, Super Nintendo World and transport access.
Tokyo Weather: Monthly Climate and Best Time to Visit
Discover Tokyo’s climate month by month, with temperatures and rainfall, and choose the best time to visit Japan’s capital for your trip.
Ginza Tokyo: Shopping, Department Stores and Things to Do
Explore Ginza in Tokyo: luxury shopping, iconic department stores, galleries, kabuki and practical tips for planning your visit.
Takoyaki: Osaka’s Octopus Balls, Origins and How to Eat Them
Discover the origins of takoyaki, Osaka’s famous octopus balls, plus practical tips for preparing and eating them safely in Japan.
Okonomiyaki: Japan’s Savoury Pancake from Osaka to Hiroshima
Discover okonomiyaki, Japan’s savoury pancake, its Osaka and Hiroshima styles, key ingredients and tips for making and ordering it.
What Is Japan’s Capital? Tokyo, and Kyoto Before It
Discover why Tokyo is Japan’s capital and the role Kyoto played before it in the country’s political and imperial history.
Shinkansen: Speed, Lines, Tickets and Reservations
Discover the Shinkansen: speeds, lines, tickets and booking advice for travelling easily by train in Japan.
Ryokan: What Happens During a Night in a Japanese Inn?
Discover what happens during a night in a ryokan, including tatami, futon, onsen baths and Japanese meals in a traditional inn.
Izakaya: How Japanese Pubs Work and What to Order
Discover the izakaya, a friendly Japanese pub: how it works, its atmosphere and the essential dishes and drinks to order.
Konbini in Japan: What Can You Find in These 24-Hour Shops?
Discover what you can find in Japanese konbini: snacks, meals, drinks and practical services, often available 24 hours a day.
Shibuya Tokyo: Crossing, Neighbourhoods and Things to Do
Explore Shibuya in Tokyo, from its famous crossing and Hachikō statue to Shibuya Sky, Center-gai, Harajuku and Meiji Shrine.
Shinjuku Tokyo: Things to Do, See and Where to Go Out
Discover Shinjuku in Tokyo: things to do, see and where to go out, from gardens and viewpoints to restaurants, bars and nightlife.
Hokkaido: What to See and When to Visit
Discover Hokkaido, Japan: the best places to see, seasonal activities, landscapes, food and practical advice for planning your trip.
Japan Flag: Meaning, Origin and History
Discover the Japan flag, a red disc on a white background, known as Nisshōki or Hinomaru, its meaning, proportions and history.
Japan Time Difference with France: Current Time in Japan
Japan uses UTC+9 all year with no daylight saving time. Learn the time difference with France, Belgium, Switzerland and Quebec.