Walking with the Emperors along Japan's pilgrim trail
15 min read • Feb 28, 2020
Hiking along the Kumano Kodō's trails is a way to see a side to Japan far from city lights, where forested mountains hide ancient places of pilgrimage
Travel Stories
Japan
- Exploring Japanese traditions in the ‘Deep North’ region of Tohoku
5 min read • Feb 27, 2020
Explore Tohoku - Japan's far north - a land of elemental nature and ancient customs.
- 6 things you need to know before travelling to Japan right now
5 min read • Feb 18, 2020
Check out our tips before you travel to Japan. It may look the same, but the country has changed in recent times.
- How the Oku-Matsushima Trail in Japan made me fall in love with hiking
6 min read • Jan 30, 2020
Self-described "nemesis of walking" Stephanie Yeboah explains why hiking Japan's Oku-Matsushima Trail marked a turning point in her approach to hiking.
- Everything you need to know about visiting an onsen in Japan
4 min read • Jan 25, 2020
An onsen in Japan is an experience to treasure. Make sure you don't do it wrong with our beginner's guide to onsen etiquette.
- Here's what you can expect on a Lonely Planet Experiences tour of Japan
5 min read • Jan 20, 2020
Make the most of your time in Japan by joining a group tour with Lonely Planet Experiences and Intrepid Travel.
- A perfect day in Odawara, Japan's historic castle town
5 min read • Jan 14, 2020
Often overlooked as the gateway to Hakone, Odawara has the closest feudal castle to Tokyo and a raft of other historic traditions discoverable in a day.
- Get Spirited Away in Japan's Setouchi region
6 min read • Jan 13, 2020
The Setouchi region of Japan — comprised of seven prefectures and thousands of islands located in and along the Seto Inland Sea — has inspired several Studio…
- Japan's nature paradise won't be a secret for much longer
5 min read • Dec 23, 2019
Stephanie Yeboah realises a life-long dream of visiting Japan and learns about the stunning scenery outside of the big cities.
- Relaxing in Daisen, Japan’s rice country
7 min read • Dec 21, 2019
Escape the city stress in Daisen, Japan's rice country in the north. Traditional onsen and stunning countryside awaits you.
- Seeking sanctuary in Japan's Saitama Prefecture
5 min read • Dec 18, 2019
Escape the hectic atmosphere of Tokyo in the beautiful surroundings of nearby Saitama Prefecture.
- Island-hopping by bike around Japan’s Seto Inland Sea
5 min read • Nov 20, 2019
While you can pedal the entire Tobishima Kaido bike route in just a few hours, the coastal scenery of the Seto Inland Sea merits slowing down, as does the art,…
- Why Japan’s Michinoku Coastal Trail is the best hike I’ve ever done
8 min read • Nov 19, 2019
James Clark explains why the Michinoku Coastal Trail, which crosses parts of Japan scarred by the 2011 earthquake, is the best hike he’s done.
- Top reasons to visit Japan’s Fukuoka Prefecture
5 min read • Oct 15, 2019
Part sun-soaked nature retreat, part multicultural metropolis, Fukuoka Prefecture has a lot to offer visitors seeking unique experiences.
- How to soak up wellness in Wakayama's onsens
5 min read • Oct 11, 2019
Wakayama Prefecture is a perfect place to try bathing in the mineral-rich waters of a Japanese onsen.
- Hiking the Kumano Kodō: Japan's ancient pilgrimage route
7 min read • Oct 8, 2019
One of Japan's most remote and rewarding journeys, the Kumano Kodō weaves through the mountainous Kii Peninsula, south of Osaka.
- Where to travel with your tweens and teens
6 min read • Oct 4, 2019
Their independence is growing, so when you travel with tweens and teens be sure to think outside the box. Here are our suggestions to get the plan rolling.
- Meet the dog that runs a sweet potato stand in Japan
4 min read • Oct 4, 2019
Ken-kun is an up-and-comer in Japan’s food stand game. In this dog-eat-dog world, Ken-kun’s cuteness may put him at an advantage.
- Five reasons to visit Iwate on your Japan trip
5 min read • Sep 24, 2019
A beautiful and varied natural landscape, traditional craft-making culture, and noodle specialities are just a few reasons to explore Iwate Prefecture.
- 7 reasons to visit Nara, Japan’s deer-loving ancient capital
5 min read • Sep 3, 2019
Nara is a historic and picturesque Japanese city where sacred deer still roam the narrow streets. Here are seven reasons to visit Nara.
- Family-friendly Osaka: the best places to go with kids
6 min read • Sep 3, 2019
To help you make the most of this friendly Japanese city as a family, here are our top recommendations for both big and little kids exploring Osaka.
- Rugby World Cup 2019: best things to see, do and eat near the stadiums
5 min read • Sep 2, 2019
The 2019 Rugby World Cup takes place in Japan from 20 September to 2 November. Here’s our guide to the best things to see, do and eat near the stadiums.