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Kyoto City Navigation Tips
A lot of people ask me to visit certain locations in Kyoto on the same tour without realizing how spread-out Kyoto actually is. In an...
Jay Tee
Jun 3, 2025
Can You Leave a Cruise Ship at a Different Port Than Your Destination?
To debark to go ashore for a few hours, yes. Most people do; no one is required to book official excursions. You are expected to return...
Jay Tee
Mar 19, 2025
Zips and Zaps: Powering Up in Japan
So you're planning a trip to Japan and you're not sure if your electrical devices will work here? Here's how to find out if they'll work...
Jay Tee
Mar 11, 2025
From the Frying Pan...
How to Handle the Heat in Japan Navigating the sweltering summer heat in Japan can be a challenging yet rewarding experience for...
Jay Tee
Mar 3, 2025
Why Does Our Cruise Itinerary Keep Changing?
Ahoy there, fellow travelers! So, you've booked yourself a cruise to paradise, only to find out that the cruise line has decided to...
Jay Tee
Feb 24, 2025
Taking a Bath in Japan, in 7 Easy Steps!
A relaxing bath Taking a public bath in Japan, also known as an onsen or sento, is a popular and traditional cultural activity that dates...
Jay Tee
Feb 19, 2025
What to Wear While Visiting Japan
Climate and weather considerations Despite the common misconception among many Westerners, Japan is not a tropical country. While some...
Jay Tee
Feb 16, 2025
Can you Bring Your Prescription Medicine into Japan?
Japan is somewhat notorious (and quite rightly so!) for its strict stance on illegal drugs and lack of clarity on importing necessary...
Jay Tee
Jan 18, 2025
Sakura Season: Cherry Blossom Viewing in Osaka, Kyoto and Kobe
Updated with link to OFFICIAL 2025 Sakura Predictions! Cherry blossoms, known as "sakura" in Japanese, hold a special place in the hearts...
Jay Tee
Jan 5, 2025
Are Japanese people "Xenophobic?"
"English not spoken here..." Reluctance to use English does not equate to being xenophobic. Japanese speakers often struggle with English...
Jay Tee
Nov 26, 2024
Hot Springs and Tattoos: the Japanese Cultural Perspective
Hot springs in Japan, also known as onsen, hold a significant cultural and historical importance. These natural thermal baths are popular...
Jay Tee
Nov 19, 2024
The Best (and Worst) Times to Visit Japan
Too hot for you? Probably. I recommend to Japan visitors that avoiding the Japanese summer outright is the best. For most Westerners,...
Jay Tee
Nov 11, 2024
Travel Off the Beaten Path in Japan with these Insider Tips!
Numerous tourists express a fondness for exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations, yet still insist on visiting the same few popular...
Jay Tee
Nov 4, 2024
Where are our Cruise Shore Excursions?
When will they be released? Will more be added later? Providing shore excursions is a multifaceted endeavor that requires careful...
Jay Tee
Oct 28, 2024
Is There A "Kobe City View?"
Yes, and there are other things to see here, too! Kobe is a spread out city with a compact downtown area that has a confusing layout....
Jay Tee
Oct 21, 2024
Fall Leaf Changing in Osaka, Kyoto and Kobe
It's time for the weather to cool off, and the trees in Japan are just starting to show their true colors! The mountains and hillsides...
Jay Tee
Oct 15, 2024
Business Hours in Japanese Shops
Here in Japan, shops and restaurants have long been adjusting their hours to better suit the locals. Most places don't get a lot of...
Jay Tee
Oct 7, 2024
Walk in Crowds without Losing Your Mind
Crowds aren't your thing, but you still want to see those famous sights that everyone else is flocking to. Sometimes you just can't avoid...
Jay Tee
Oct 3, 2024
How to 'Tip' Like a Japanese Person
In many Western cultures, tipping is a common practice to show appreciation for good service. However, in Japan, tipping is not a...
Jay Tee
Sep 30, 2024
What's the Weather Like in Japan?
Japan is a country that experiences a wide variety of weather due to its unique geographical location and topography. Situated on the...
Jay Tee
Sep 26, 2024
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