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

As part of our website, we have an active Facebook community with well over 100,000 members. It’s a place to share your love for Japan, find useful tips for your next trip and ask questions. To avoid the group from getting the same questions over and over again, I’ve put together this handy FAQ. Having been running the group since the start of 2022, I’ve seen a lot of similar questions and problems travellers struggle with, so hopefully this will give you some clearance. If the answers below don’t clear everything up, or you have any additional questions, feel free to post your questions in th ..read more

Looking for the best ryokans in Tokyo? This guide will take you through the top options, many of which feature an onsen (either private or public). Tokyo is one of the most-visited cities in the world and it’s not hard to see why. Tokyo has secured its place as my favourite city in the world. I keep returning to it – and it should definitely be on the top of your bucket list this year if you haven’t been yet. For the best experience, you’ll need a fantastic place to stay. Somewhere that’s relatively central, yet still offers you an authentic experience. Luckily, there are plenty of awesome ryo ..read more

This itinerary will show you how to spend one day in Beppu, a city where ancient practices and new amenities come together in perfect harmony. On the eastern coast of Oita Prefecture, nestled by the sea, lays a city called Beppu. As the leaves change and the temperatures drop, large white plumes of steam will rise from the city’s 2,500 hot springs, which are collectively known as “Beppu Hatto“. These hot springs, or “onsen” as they are referred to in Japanese, are what makes Beppu the largest source of natural spring water in Japan. It’s the perfect destination to add to your Kyushu itinerary ..read more