Simultaneously modern and traditional, with a deeply fascinating culture that can take you into the future or deep into the past, the Land of the Rising Sun is truly in a class by itself.

Cover photo: Luke Zeme

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Japan´s cherry blossom season 2026: best spots and tips

Cherry blossom season in the Land of the Rising Sun, known as sakura, is one of the most magical natural events in the world. Every spring millions of cherry trees burst into delicate pink and white blooms, transforming the landscape into a dreamlike wonderland. If you're planning a this year to witness this fleeting beauty, you're in for an unforgettable experience. In this detailed guide, we'll cover the best viewing times, top locations, hanami traditions, practical tips, and how to book…

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8 of Tokyo´s best Michelin-starred Japanese restaurants

Azabu Kadowaki These days it´s no surprise to anyone that Japan´s capital is also one of the world´s greatest dining capitals. By some counts there are a staggering around 160,000 restaurants, ranging from casual hole-in-the-wall eateries to fine Michelin-starred temples of gourmet excellence (of which, by the way, there are more than any other city in the world - an impressive 135), and covering the entire gamut of world cuisines. And since you probably didn´t travel all the way here to eat…

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Experiencing Tokyo: Top 10 Musts and 8 Helpful Tips

Benh LIEU SONG   Japan´s vibrant capital and largest city (its metropolitan area with a mind-bending population of 37 million) blends futuristic innovation with pockets of traditional charm, its streets filled with a variety of allures including historical landmarks, culinary and cultural delights, world-class shopping, amazing entertainment, and of course cutting-edge technology. It´s a truly extraordinary and unique experience for the visitor. read post  

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While hiking in Japan, exploring the the heart and soul (and tushes!) of a most singular country

Peter Van Bossche; other photos by Fyllis Hockman unless otherwise noted How often do a toilet and a tea ceremony form perfect metaphors for the culture of a country? But so it is in the Land of the Rising Sun. The toilet falls into the realm of delightful personal discoveries. First a warm toilet seat along with musical options with a variety of buttons that cleaned more areas with water spray than I have nether-region body parts, a portion of the large bathroom mirror that remained…

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  • New on our Tripatini blog: useful Travel Tips for Tokyo from a recent visitor. Let's not forget to encourage tourism to Japan to help them out during a difficult time!
  • Just like the missionaries who went to Hawaii to do good and ended up doing well, you can donate to relief in Japan and profit a tiny bit. Donate to the American Red Cross through the American Airlines website and earn 250 or 500 miles on your AAdvantage card. While looking to donate, I stumbled across this one. I plan to donate on more than the one site, anyhow.
  • This just in from the Japanese National Tourism Office:

    "Popular destinations such as Kyoto, Osaka, Sapporo, Kanazawa and Hiroshima, didn’t receive any impact from the earthquake.

    Tohoku Region: Tohoku is the hardest hit region. With no recovery of public transportation systems and continuous aftershocks, it is extremely difficult to travel to this region. Due to the nuclear power plant accident after the earthquake, it is strongly advised to refrain from traveling to Fukushima as well as to follow the updates.

    Tokyo and Surrounding Areas: Despite the brief recovery of the public transportation networks, periodical blackouts have been imposed for power conservation, causing train delays and cancellation. Some hotels and other businesses shorten the business hours, and it is recommended to refer their updates in advance.

    Other Regions: Hokkaido, Kansai, Chugoku, Shikoku and Kyushu are unharmed, and tourism facilities and transportation service are operated as usual."
  • Please donate to the Japan post-earthquake/tsunami relief effort; click here for a list of reputable relief agencies.
  • Our thoughts and prayers today are with Japan and its people.  Meanwhile, the U.S. State Department has issued an alert advising suspension of nonessential travel to the country through at least the rest of March.
  • A Tripatini member asks a good question about Tokyo. Can you help?  http://www.tripatini.com/forum/topics/need-help-with-hotel-ideas-for-1
  • "A Japanese lingerie maker has unveiled... a 'Welcome to Japan' bra. Buttons on the bustier, when pushed, play messages saying "Welcome to Japan" in English, Korean or Chinese.
    A matching skirt flips up to reveal a map of Japan."
    http://bit.ly/fg99Wk
  • Don't know where to go out tonight in Tokyo? Hg2 reveals its favourite Friday night hotspot; http://tinyurl.com/3a538rd
  • Learn about Japan's art museum turned hotel, new on the Tripatini blog.
  • For an upcoming trip, a Tripatini member would like leads and tips on cutting-edge developments in Tokyo. If you'd like to help, kindly reply to the following link on Ask A Travel Expert:

    http://www.tripatini.com/forum/topics/advice-on-where-to-find-the

    Thanks!
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