Koenji is the center of alternative youth subculture in Tokyo, with countless vintage shops, live houses, restaurants, as well as many serene temples.

Yakushima is a subtropical island off the southern coast of Kyushu and part of Kagoshima Prefecture. It is covered by an extensive cedar forest that contains some of Japan's oldest living trees.

This remote island lacks the excellent public transportation of mainland Japan. Help us get explore the island with a rental car!

This railway pass is our ticket to 21 days of unlimited travel throughout Japan. We will be riding in style via Japan's Shinkansen (bullet train) and local rail lines. This pass will allow us to visit the ancient capital cities of Japan such as Kyoto and Nara.

Hakone, in Japan's Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park west of Tokyo, is a mountainous town known for its hot springs resorts (onsen) and views of the iconic volcano Mount Fuji. It also encompasses Hakone Shrine, a Shinto shrine with a red “torii” gate overlooking Lake Ashi, which can be toured by boat, as well as the boiling sulphur springs of the Owakudani Valley

Kyoto, once the capital of Japan, is a city on the island of Honshu. It's famous for its numerous classical Buddhist temples, as well as gardens, imperial palaces, Shinto shrines and traditional wooden houses.

A clean and cozy hostel in Hida Takayama region. It is conveniently surrounded by traditional craft shops and restaurants. Located on a hill, it overlooks Takayama City and also has a beautiful view of the Northern Alps.

We found the perfect apartment in the heart of Japan. This cozy little nook in the world's largest city overlooks what is called the "Love Hills" of the Shibuya neighborhood. Nearby are cafes, bars, restaurants, and just about anything we would need while becoming acquainted with Tokyo.

Saihō-ji is an 8th century buddhist temple located near Kyoto. They are so old school, the only way to gain access is by sending a handwritten request via mail. This temple is known as the "Koke-dera", meaning "moss temple". Visitors are required to participate in a zazen meditation session before they can begin their walk through the park.

This cavernous old medieval-style restaurant is a Tokyo dining institution and the ultimate Kushiyaki (charcoal-grilled skewers) experience. Dinner for two would include our choice of various skewers, noodles dishes, and other small plates accompanied by sake.

We love this apartment and think that it would be a great place to stay while we explore Osaka. Best of all, it is right next to Universal Studios.

Shirakawa Village is Japan's most famous UNSECO World Heritage Sites. Tucked away in the mountains of Gifu, this small, traditional village showcases a building style known as gasshō-zukuri meaning, house of the people. This gift is the price of our bus fare from the city of Takayama to Gifu.