Hidden Klook Experiences • Must-Try Outdoor Activities Podcast • Vote! Annual Blog Post Poll • Hiroshima City Guide Google Map Video

If you think of Klook experiences you probably associate it with passes to Universal Studios Japan, those crazy city centre go-karts, and etickets to popular sightseeing attractions like the Tokyo Skytree.

While that’s where the bulk of tourists spend their money there’s a lot more to the experiences offered by Klook.

Here’s 9 great Klook experiences you may have missed that you might want to consider for your next trip.

I’ve included direct links to book any you want to book in advance (often essential), and shared my personal experiences where relevant to help you choose between them.

This episode details specific activities, such as hiking, skiing, cycling, rafting, canyoning, bird-watching, trekking, horseback riding, diving, and cherry blossom viewing, across various regions of Japan.

It aims to inspire adventure and show the diverse landscapes and natural beauty available for exploration in Japan.

It also references resources and links for booking travel services and related activities.

It has been a long time coming for me (for a variety of personal reasons) but I’m really looking forward to getting back into The Real Japan and exploring and sharing my journey with you.

As has become an annual TRJ tradition at this time of year, we take a look back at the new guides (aka blog posts) that were published on TheRealJapan.com in 2024 and for you to vote on your Top 3 favourites!

Don’t worry if you cannot remember (or haven’t yet read) them all.

The poll page includes a handy link to all of the blog posts if you want to take a look at any of them before voting. 😀

I recommend voting for your Top 3 (although there’s no limit on the number you can choose).

I published 30 new guides this year – the most ever, so I have left out the existing guides that were also updated in the year.

Once you’re ready to cast your votes, simply select your favourite Top 3 posts and hit the vote button.

I’ll be publishing the results next month so you can see how your top blog posts ranked overall.

It also helps me understand what are the most popular types of content, so I can make more of that for you in future posts.

I don’t do drama, but there’s been a lot of drama recently about the social platform X. For me as an individual and as a content creator, there have been more and more reasons for me to engage less on the platform.

I’ve had accounts on Bluesky and Threads for some time but have only recently started posting on both on a regular basis.

So, if you’re on either, or both, of those platforms and would like to connect with me here are the links:

In this video I walk you through my Hiroshima City Guide Google Map, what it includes, how to use it and a lot more.

Includes:

• Introduction to the map
• Tips for using Google Maps
• Categories of content
• Accommodation options
• Details of specific places
• Must-see day trips
• Booking food experiences
• Unlimited free future updates
• & more…

The map contains everything you need to plan and book a stay in this historic city.

I show you how to navigate the map, provide some tips and hacks for using Google Maps, and recommend resources to enhance your experience.

Whether you’re interested in exploring the atomic bomb history, finding great hotels and restaurants, or discovering unique day trips and food experiences, this map has got you covered. 

Make sure to check out the excellent Hiroshima City Guide on TheRealJapan.com written by local expert and guide JJ Walsh for even more insights. 

A quick update on my popular Travel Planning Support service:

At the moment I only have the 1 Week plan available as I’m currently travelling in Japan for 3 months. I will be reopening my longer term plans – but that may not be until March.

(FYI, Travel Planning Support is my dedicated Q+A service where I will any any questions you have about travelling in Japan. You can check out the full service FAQs HERE.)

Also, a heads up that I will be increasing my prices early in the new year, but you’re welcome to purchase the service now at the current pricing and use the service at a later date if you need to.

All my Travel Planning Services are valid for use within 6 months from the date of purchase.

There’s also my premium Concierge service if you need me to proactively get involved in your trip planning, rather than simply answer questions you email me.

If you have any unanswered questions about any of my services just email me and I’d do my best to answer them.