Did you know you can stay overnight at an active Buddhist temple in Japan? I spent one night in Rengejoin Temple in Koyasan, and below, I’ll share my experience! Visiting a Buddhist temple during your time in Japan is one, but sleeping in one is another. Temple Lodging, or Shukubo, can be a unique activity to add to your Japan bucket list.  A temple stay is more than just a room for the night. You get to live among the monks, participate in their rituals and prayer sessions, and eat their traditional Shojin Ryori meals. Koyasan is a popular spot for shukubo as it’s quite foreigner-friendl ..read more

Looking for the best Ryokans in Kinosaki Onsen? This guide will take you through options for every budget, with many featuring a private onsen. Kinosaki Onsen, located around 2.5 hours from Kyoto, makes for one of the best onsen overnight stays. Acting as “one big Ryokan“, the town works together to create a magical atmosphere. At night, the streets are filled with people wearing yukata and wooden geta sandals. The click-clacking of the sandals fills the air, while people use their free onsen passes to hop from one of the seven public baths to the next. Kinosaki Onsen has easily turned into on ..read more

Planning to travel to Japan in June? This guide has all the relevant information you need before visiting, including weather conditions, travel costs, the best festivals and more. When the air fills with the smell of summer rain and waves of translucent umbrellas drift through the streets of Japan’s major cities, the rainy season has arrived. In June, humidity soars and grey clouds cover the sky above Japan. At the same time, dozens of colourful hydrangeas thrive on street corners and in temple gardens. Visiting Japan in June has pros and cons that you should weigh carefully before hopping on ..read more

Surprise! On March 22nd 2024, a beautiful sunny (yet cold) day in Kyoto, Richard and I eloped! This post may be a little different from my usual “informative” guides, but I wanted to share this happy news with everybody here – especially since we got married in Japan. A huge thank you to Ross and Ayako from Serendipity Flower & Wedding, who planned the whole day and took care of everything for us, and Sam Spicer, who took the most magical photos of our day. And, of course, our supportive friends and family for allowing us to have the day we wanted. Here’s what eloping in Japan was like and ..read more

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Looking to buy any passes, tickets or tours in Japan? You may have come across Klook – but what is this website, can you trust it and should you be using it? Below, I’ll share my experience using Klook! I’m a big believer in DIY-ing your own trips to Japan. Planned holidays from travel agencies can be a great option for some people, but you can save so much money by planning it yourself (and you’ll get to do exactly what YOU want to do). That’s a big reason why I’ve started The Navigatio and continuously create itineraries that you can copy and adjust to your preferences for free. But since DI ..read more

Koyasan is one of the most sacred places in Japan. Located in Wakayama prefecture, less than two hours from Osaka, Koyasan makes for a spiritual getaway. Here is everything you need to know before visiting Koyasan. Japan is filled with ancient and spiritual history. But there probably isn’t a place as sacred, enriching and close to disconnecting from the busy cities as Koyasan. Only a couple of hours away from Osaka, it makes for the perfect overnight stay off the main tourist tracks.  Koyasan is seeped in history and spirituality. It is the centre of Shingon Buddhism, home to the largest ..read more

If you’re planning to visit Koyasan, you may want to look into getting the Koyasan World Heritage Ticket to save some money. Below, I’ll share everything you need to know – as well as when/if it’s worth it! Koyasan, a town in Wakayama Prefecture, is one of the most sacred places in Japan. With over 1,200 years of history, Koyasan is the centre of Shingon Buddism and home to Japan’s largest cemetery. The town’s founder, Kobo Daisha, remains in eternal meditation in his mausoleum here. Today, Koyasan is still home to over 100 active temples. Around half of them offer Shukubo – an overnight ..read more

Wondering where to stay in Osaka on your next trip to Japan? I’ve got you covered! Find the best areas and hotels in Osaka in the guide below. If you love good food and fantastic nightlife, Osaka should definitely be on your Japan itinerary. Also known as the Nation’s Kitchen, Osaka is heaven for foodies. You cannot leave the city without trying some takoyaki and okonomiyaki (delicious!).  The second biggest city in Japan also has its own airport and is perfect for day trips to Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe. But even though Osaka is such a treat to visit, it’s a large city. Choosing the right are ..read more

Are you preparing for a trip to Japan in April? We have collected all the relevant information about weather conditions, seasonal events and overall expenses for anybody visiting this time of year. Enchanting landscapes with blue skies, a sea of pink cherry trees stretching out against the backdrop of Mt Fuji and the scent of flowers lingering in the air. April is one of the most popular months to visit Japan. If you’re considering visiting Japan in April, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will answer all your questions about weather conditions and clothing, give you some travel tips ..read more