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A place I would highly recommend visiting in the wintertime in Japan is Shibu Onsen in Yamanouchi, Nagano prefecture. Famous for its hot springs and historic buildings, Shibu Onsen is still steeped in the traditional atmosphere of its 1,300-year history.

As overtourism is affecting many of the country’s best-known places, I want to highlight lesser-known corners of Japan to inspire travelers to expand their exploration of this fascinating country beyond the popular “must-visit” spots. In this article, I wanted to bring together some of the places that have stayed with me the most, that I’ve found underrated, each with its own special charm and that has exceeded my expectations. They are also places I would happily recommend to friends and family looking to add something different and off the beaten path to their Japan itinerary.

Japan is an incredible destination for hikers. After hiking in different parts of the country for four years, I’ve put together a list of my 15 favorite hikes in Japan with the trails I’ve enjoyed most and would warmly recommend to other fellow hikers looking for inspiration for their next adventure in Japan.

When it comes to eating out, Tokyo has SO MUCH to offer. If you are looking for affordable and delicious meals in Tokyo, here is a list of my favorite restaurants. I have visited these restaurants many times and have always been very pleased with the experience and prices.

One of my favorite parts of traveling around Japan is discovering memorable places to stay. After more than four years living in Japan and many trips across the country, I wanted to share this collection of hotels and ryokans across Japan that I've personally stayed at and enjoyed so much that I would happily book them again.

Planning your first trip to Japan? You're in for an unforgettable adventure! Japan often leaves a deep impression, that draw travelers to return! However, navigating this incredible country can feel overwhelming for first-time visitors. That’s why I’ve put together these 27 essential Japan travel tips, based on my experience of living in Japan for over 4 years and organizing trips for family and friends. I hope this guide can help you to make your trip smoother, so you can focus on just having the most enjoyable, unforgettable experience in Japan!