Feel the Spirit of the Samurai Sword in Kyoto
A samurai sword experience. How you can practice basic sword moves, use a genuine, 400-year-old samurai sword to slice through tatami and learn about the 1,000 year-old samurai tradition. All this…
Blog
Visiting Japan Without Speaking Japanese
Around the start of last year, I discovered the blog West Coast To Far East. It’s run by an interesting guy called Sean who, rather impressively, relocated in 2016 with his…
Secret Moments of Maikos
The allure and enigma of geisha, Japan’s professional female entertainers, is the subject of endless articles, haiku, Pinterest posts, YouTube videos, books and photographs. With the influx of tourists into Kyoto…
The Kyoto Hotel That’s Also An Art Gallery
Located in the authentic and traditional district of Higashiyama, and featuring artwork by mural artist Hideki Kimura, Kyoto Traveler’s Inn offers affordable accommodation in both Japanese and Western style rooms….
ALL NEW! Universal Studios Japan 2019 The Ultimate Guide
In this all-new Ultimate Guide you have everything you need to plan the best ever visit to Universal Studios Japan. I share my experience and know-how, from multiple visits, featuring…
Kayaking and Trekking on Iriomote Island
Tucked away in Japan’s remote Yaeyama Islands, wild Iriomote offers thrilling adventures in unspoiled mangrove jungles. Iriomote is a untamed, subtropical island lying at the southwestern tip of Japan’s island chain. …
The Real Japan MeetUp
I hosted the first ever The Real Japan MeetUp in Osaka on 26th December 2018. Why I did it It was a chance for me to meet subscribers,…
Adventures in the Yaeyama Islands
My wife and I are just putting the finishing touches to our first trip to the Yaeyama Islands. They lie at the southwestern most tip of Japan’s island chain. Down here,…
6 Great Spots to See Spectacular Autumn Leaves in Japan in 2019
When thinking of seasonal travel in Japan, spring with its world-famous displays of sakura (cherry blossom), is usually the time of year that first comes to mind. Quick Navigation Autumn…
Connecting Through A Lens: An Interview with Photographer Akiko DuPont
Freelance documentary photographer Akiko DuPont was born in Japan. But her father’s work saw her spend her childhood in several other countries including China, Pakistan and England, before returning home…
Getting Out of Your Comfort Zone in Japan
A bit about getting out of your comfort zone in Japan – and in life. Why this topic? Well, a couple of reasons… Travel For many people, experiencing The…
The Real Japan Amazon Store is Open!
I love books. You love books. Who doesn’t love books? Which is why I’ve opened The Real Japan Amazon store. As much as I also love my tech, there’s still…
Japanese Inns and Hot Springs: A Guide to Ryokan and Onsen
Japanese Inns and Hot Springs Of all the culturally authentic experiences with which one can participate in Japan, there’s nothing quite the same as staying in a ryokan – a…
Kinpusen-ji Temple in the Kii Mountains in Winter
Yoshino is a town in the Kii Mountains, east of Osaka. It’s the gateway to Mount Yoshino, known for the thousands of cherry trees that blossom in the spring. In…
Recent Twitter Highlights On The Real Japan
The last few weeks on Twitter have seen some major engagement (and milestones) for The Real Japan. It’s not only thanks to an ever growing number of you joining…