The Soothing Hues of Kansai's Autumn Leaves
During the autumn season, the Japanese countryside transforms into a breathtaking display called "Kouyou" in Japanese, known in English...
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Jay Tee
- 5 days ago
- 2 min
Finding Your Stateroom...Again!
This won't help you navigate a ship's complicated deck plan the first time you need to find your cabin aboard a cruise ship. sorry, can't...
Jay Tee
- Sep 8
- 2 min
Drying Clothing in a Cruise Line Stateroom
No matter which cruise line you prefer, they all seem to have the same issue—what about drying wet swimsuits or washed clothing WITHOUT a...
Jay Tee
- Sep 5
- 2 min
Step Outside the Tourist Traps and Uncover the Hidden Gems of Kyoto, Osaka, and Kobe
There are countless breathtaking sights waiting to be discovered in Kyoto, Osaka, and Kobe that extend far beyond the typical temples and...
Jay Tee
- Sep 2
- 1 min
Christmas in Japan?
Christmas decorations are up and events happen all over Japan November through December. Most office-working Japanese take a vacation...
Jay Tee
- Sep 1
- 1 min
Kobe—Port City to the Samurai
Are you wondering what to see in Kobe city? The must-see attractions include the stunning Kobe Tower and waterfront area and the...
Jay Tee
- Sep 1
- 1 min
Osaka—Anything to See but the Castle?
When exploring Osaka, you simply cannot miss out on the incredible attractions that await you! From the majestic Osaka Castle to the...
Jay Tee
- Aug 30
- 1 min
Nara—Beauty in the Mountains
I had the amazing opportunity to recently guide a small group on a delightful stroll through the picturesque mountain town of Nara,...
Jay Tee
- Aug 30
- 1 min
Credit Cards or Cash?
It is (finally!) possible and safe to use your credit card at most stores in Japan, although smaller shops, museums, and temples may...
Jay Tee
- Aug 30
- 2 min
Electronic Money Cards (aka IC Cards)
Electronic money cards come in various types, such as ICOCA, SUICA, PITAPA, and more (see images). While the specific cards available for...
Jay Tee
- Aug 30
- 1 min
How Safe is Japan... really?
It's safe enough in Japan to stagger home alone through the half-lighted streets to your apartment, rather drunk, at 3:00am, while...
Jay Tee
- Aug 30
- 1 min
Is My Ship Arriving in Kobe or Osaka (or Kyoto)?
Also: How do I get downtown? Is there a free shuttle? There is often terrible confusion between arrivals in Kobe and Osaka. Kobe, being a...
Jay Tee
- Aug 30
- 1 min
"What is Keihanshin?"
Keihanshin is the metropolitan region in Japan that encompasses all three cities of Kyoto, Osaka, and Kobe. It is the second most...
Jay Tee
- Aug 30
- 1 min
Go to Kyoto from Kobe (or Osaka) Port
Looking to check out Kyoto from a cruise ship arriving in Kobe or Osaka? Your best bet is to hop on a train for about an hour from Osaka...
Jay Tee
- Aug 30
- 2 min
Japanese Summer Weather
There is no need to panic due to the bad information being shared about extreme weather near Japan. (And I've been blocking other local...
Jay Tee
- Aug 30
- 1 min
A Free Ferry to USJ? Yes!
Yes, you can take the free ferry from Tempozan/Osaka Cruise Terminal most of the way to Universal Studios Japan. Follow the very water's...
Jay Tee
- Aug 30
- 1 min
Sweaty, Painful Thighs? Hurts to Walk?
What to do when your thighs make walking become painful.
Jay Tee
- Aug 30
- 2 min
Group Tour or Private Tour—Which is best?
When deciding between joining a large tour/cruise excursion or hiring your own private tour guide, it is important to weigh the pros and...
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