Your Japan Travel Guide for Cultural & Offbeat Adventures
Japan is a DREAM to visit. It’s a country of wonderful, beautiful, striking contrasts—and after 10+ years of full-time travel, it has become one of my absolute favorite places to explore slowly.
Whether you’re planning your first trip to Japan or returning for more, this page brings together my personal experiences: where to go, what to eat, how to get around, solo travel stories, and how to connect with the culture beyond the tourist trail!
Japanese Yen, ¥
10 USD ≈ ~1500 JPY
47 Prefectures
& 8 large regions
Japanese (日本語)
plus regional dialects, such as across Okinawa!
First Time in Japan? Start Planning Here
I’ve spent nearly 9 months exploring Japan, from living in Tokyo to skiing in the mountain towns of Nagano, to sweeping through the cultural hubs of Kyoto, Osaka and Hiroshima, and soaking up the sun-blessed islands of Okinawa.
The more I travel here, the more I fall in love with Japan’s balance of tradition and modernity, its spirituality, and its profound kindness (and cuteness, とてもかわいいです !).
This guide is a work in progress to bring together my most meaningful Japan experiences, written for travelers who want to not just check off Japan but really feel it.
🏮 10-Day Itinerary (Tokyo–Kyoto–Osaka)
🍜 The Best Japanese Foods to Try
🏯 12 Tips for Solo Female Travel in Japan
🗻 Hakone or Kawaguchiko: Which to Choose?
🎎 Japan Digital Nomad Visa Explained
Tokyo
Nagano
Okinawa
Osaka
Fuji
Kyoto
Stepping Into My Childhood at Super Nintendo World, Osaka
I wasn’t sure if I’d implode or explode upon walking into Super Mario World at Universal Studios Japan. Punching question blocks, collecting coins with my Daisy PowerUp Band, “racing” through Bowser’s Castle with my sister… it was my giddy childhood dream come true—and I made a giant guide on how to visit!
Learning About Ichi-Go-Ichi-E During My Kimono Tea Ceremony in Kyoto
While Kyoto can feel overrun and touristy, the very principle of Japanese tea ceremonies is all about 一期一会, or ichi-go ichi-e, which means to deeply appreciate each unique moment, each interaction, with intention and mindfulness for it only ever will happen once. Read more about 一期一会 and this experience in my guide!
Learning Stillness > Strength of Samurai Training in Japan
While it’s easy to imagine Japanese samurai as ruthless warriors, this unique training felt surprisingly quiet and focused. Before we even picked up a sword (a real katana sword!), we were taught how to bow, breathe, and move with awareness. The emphasis wasn’t on power—it was on control, respect, and presence.
Ready to Book Your Japan Trip?
Below, you’ll find my go-to resources for traveling around Japan!
Whether you’re searching for a ryokan in Hakone, downloading your Japan eSIM, or organizing tours and bullet trains, you’ll have it all right here.
About My Japan Journey
Hi, I’m Bri—slow traveler, culture lover, and the writer behind this blog!
I’ve spent nearly 9 months combined in Japan across my five visits in the last two years—sometimes solo, sometimes not, but I keep returning again and again because this place just keeps pulling me back! From biking through Tokyo’s backstreets and hiking Hakone’s trails to soaking in onsens and skiing in Nagano and learning about ichi-go ichi-e over matcha in Uji, Japan has reshaped the way I travel and live.
As a digital nomad and storyteller, I started writing more intentionally about Japan last year. Not just the must-sees, but the small moments and the cultural layers that get missed in generic guides and blogs. That’s how my second travel blog, Nomad in Japan came to be!
However, Bucketlist Bri blog has always been my space to share my favorite (slow) itineraries, deeper travel stories, and offbeat guides. Whether you’re planning your first trip or your fifth, I hope my stories and itineraries help you experience Japan a little more slowly and mindfully.
Places in Japan for Digital Nomads
If you’re craving deep culture, incredible food, and nature, Japan is surprisingly digital nomad–friendly—especially if you travel slowly and use up your 90 days (or better, apply for the six-month Japan digital nomad visa!). Japan ISN’T as expensive for digital nomads as you would think.
Tokyo for Digital Nomads : Yes, Tokyo is big and busy, but also full of, well, everything! Cafes, endless neighborhoods to explore, the best food, and fun things to do. My favorite city in the world!
Kyoto/Osaka (Kansai): Temples, tea houses, and tradition, or nightlife, karaoke, and grungy vibes? While touristy in places, both Kyoto and Osaka have quiet corners that allow for a creative work rhythm, and there’s so much to discover in this area. I spent several weeks between both, barely scratching the surface.
Fukuoka (Kyushu): Chill coastal city with a big food scene—this is on our nomad list!
Okinawa is wonderful (guides coming soon), and Sapporo (Hokkaido) seems like a good base for mountain adventures, too!
Discover All Japan Blog Posts
Want Even More Japan Travel Tips?
For even deeper Japan travel guides, including cultural experiences, hikes, etiquette tips, and quirky experiences, check out my Japan-focused blog, Nomad in Japan ✨
