Off-the-beaten-path Posts

5 Tips for Planning a Roadtrip in Japan

What to drive, where to drive, where to sleep—and more.

Overtourism in Japan: Should You Be Worried?

Is there anywhere left without crowds?

The Hokuriku Arch Pass: Taking the Slow Route Between Tokyo and Osaka

Meander along Japan's "golden route" — exploring Nagano, Kanazawa and more.

Anime Pilgrimages: Exploring Real-Life Locations in Tokyo

Who said that anime had to be an indoor-only experience?

Nomiya Yokocho: Tokyo’s Cheapest Drinking Alley?

Real-deal Japanese nightlife, on the cheap.

Go Beyond Tokyo’s Guidebook Weirdness to Find the Truly Unique

Fujino: A Place for Artists, Lovers and Eco-Warriors

Fujino is an off-the-beaten-path destination and must-visit for any art lover.

Akiruno: A Nature-Filled Escape Just Outside Tokyo

Just an hour outside of Tokyo, nature-filled Akiruno makes for an easy day trip and perfect place to decompress from big-city life.

Around the World in Tokyo: 4 Cultural Neighborhoods for Eating, Shopping and Hanging Out

From shopping for Korean skincare to relaxing with a coffee on an Italian piazza, this city has it all.

Discover an Indian World Peace Stupa on the Tip of Tokyo

The Tokyo Okutama Busshari Stupa (or Tokyo Peace Pagoda) is hidden in the western tip of Tokyo for hikers, architect lovers and urban explorers to discover.

5 Off-The-Beaten-Path Trips From Tokyo Under 5,000 yen