VOYAPON - Ultimate Guide For Your Off-The-Beaten-Path Trip to Japan

My Japan: Writing, Wandering, and Everything In Between

My Japan: Writing, Wandering, and Everything In Between

Voyapon writer, Patrick Kelly, details a week in his life in the latest installment of our series My Japan.

by Patrick Kelly

Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto: Japan’s Latest Luxury Urban Sanctuary

Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto: Japan’s Latest Luxury Urban Sanctuary

Opened near the renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kiyomizudera Temple, in August 2024, Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto blends time-honored Japanese materials with modern minimalism.

by Matthew Hernon

2025 Munich Christmas Market in Sapporo

2025 Munich Christmas Market in Sapporo

From November 21 until December 25, part of Sapporo’s iconic Odori Park transforms into a Munich-inspired Christmas market.

by Ryon Morrin

KOMEHYO Opens New Luxury Vintage Store in Tokyo’s Omotesando

KOMEHYO Opens New Luxury Vintage Store in Tokyo’s Omotesando

On November 28, 2025, Japanese luxury-resale brand retailer KOMEHYO will open its second specialty vintage boutique, named KOMEHYO VINTAGE TOKYO atelier.

by Paul McInnes

Best Events Japan December 2025

Best Events Japan December 2025

With cultural and culinary highlights, the year in Japan is coming to an end. Don't miss your chance to capture the most memorable moments of your trip one last time…

by Paul McInnes

Latest on Voyapon

Akita Festivals: Sensory Spectacles for Communities and Visitors

Akita Festivals: Sensory Spectacles for Communities and Visitors

My Japan: Writing, Wandering, and Everything In Between

My Japan: Writing, Wandering, and Everything In Between

Most Popular Destinations

Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto: Japan’s Latest Luxury Urban Sanctuary

Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto: Japan’s Latest Luxury Urban Sanctuary

2025 Munich Christmas Market in Sapporo

2025 Munich Christmas Market in Sapporo

Bridging East and West in Akita: The Work of Léonard Foujita

Bridging East and West in Akita: The Work of Léonard Foujita

KOMEHYO Opens New Luxury Vintage Store in Tokyo’s Omotesando

KOMEHYO Opens New Luxury Vintage Store in Tokyo’s Omotesando

Department Stores

Best Events Japan December 2025

Best Events Japan December 2025

Best Events Japan

The Best Places to See Winter Illuminations in Tokyo

The Best Places to See Winter Illuminations in Tokyo

Enjoying the Sweet Side of Christmas in Japan

Enjoying the Sweet Side of Christmas in Japan

The Best Things to Do in Japan for Christmas

The Best Things to Do in Japan for Christmas

Taisetsu Route 39 Onsen Stamp Rally

Taisetsu Route 39 Onsen Stamp Rally

Since 2016, Voyapon has prided itself on giving our readership the lowdown on the more under-the-radar locations in Japan. Voyapon has also recently expanded to give travelers and residents our recommendations about culture and lifestyle topics in Japan.

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VOYAPON'S CURATED CONTENT

Voyapon + is a new and convenient feature that allows you to save your favorite spots and articles, making it easier to plan your trip and keep track of all the places you want to visit.

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Popular Destinations

Fukuoka

Fukuoka, a vibrant city on Japan's Kyushu Island, is a captivating blend of modernity and...

Hakone

Hakone, nestled in the heart of Japan's Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, is a must-visit destination for...

Hiroshima

Hiroshima, a city of resilience and renewal, offers a profound journey through history and culture....

Kamakura

Kamakura, a coastal town just south of Tokyo, is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking...

Kanazawa

Kanazawa, a gem on Japan's west coast, is a city where tradition and modernity harmoniously...

Kobe

Kobe, the capital of Hyogo Prefecture, is a vibrant port city situated between the Rokko...

Kyoto

Kyoto, a city where tradition meets tranquility, is one of Japan's most cherished destinations. Known...

Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji, Japan's iconic peak, is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking breathtaking natural beauty...

Nagano

Nagano, a landlocked prefecture in central Japan, is often called the “Roof of Japan” for...

Nagoya

Nagoya, a vibrant city in Japan's Aichi Prefecture, is a captivating blend of tradition and...

Nara

Nara, a captivating city in Japan, is renowned for its rich history and cultural heritage....

Nikko

Nikko, a jewel nestled in the mountains of Tochigi Prefecture, is a must-visit destination for...

Niseko

Niseko, nestled in the heart of Hokkaido, is a premier destination renowned for its world-class...

Okinawa

Okinawa, a tropical paradise in Japan, is renowned for its stunning beaches, vibrant coral reefs,...

Osaka

Osaka, a vibrant metropolis in Japan, is renowned for its modern architecture, bustling nightlife, and...

Sapporo

Sapporo, the vibrant capital of Hokkaido, is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a blend...

Takayama

Takayama, nestled in the mountainous Hida region of Gifu Prefecture, is a captivating destination renowned...

Tokyo

Tokyo, the vibrant heart of Japan, is a city where tradition meets innovation. As one...

Yokohama

Yokohama, a vibrant port city just south of Tokyo, is a must-visit destination for travelers...

Interests

By Season

Cultural Sites

Festivals

Discover Japan’s festivals throughout the year — from spring sakura and summer fireworks to autumn...

Food & Drink

Nature & Outdoors

Explore Japan’s great outdoors — from tranquil hot springs and quiet islands to forests, mountains,...

Shopping & Entertainment

Explore Japan by Prefecture

Prefectures

Aichi

Aichi Prefecture, located in the heart of Japan, is a captivating blend of tradition and...

Akita

Akita Prefecture, nestled in the Tohoku region of Japan, is a captivating blend of natural...

Aomori

Aomori, located in the northernmost part of Japan's Honshu Island, is a captivating blend of...

Chiba

Chiba Prefecture, located just east of Tokyo, offers a diverse blend of natural beauty, cultural...

Ehime

Ehime Prefecture, nestled on the tranquil island of Shikoku, offers a captivating blend of history,...

Fukui

Fukui Prefecture, nestled along the Sea of Japan, offers a captivating blend of natural beauty,...

Fukuoka

Fukuoka, a vibrant prefecture on Japan's Kyushu Island, is a captivating blend of modernity and...

Fukushima

Fukushima, a captivating prefecture in Japan's Tohoku region, offers a blend of natural beauty, rich...

Gifu

Gifu Prefecture, nestled in the heart of Japan, offers a captivating blend of natural beauty,...

Gunma

Gunma Prefecture, nestled in the heart of Japan's Kanto region, offers a captivating blend of...

Hiroshima

Hiroshima, a vibrant prefecture in Japan, is renowned for its rich history, cultural landmarks, and...

Hokkaido

Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost island, is a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Known for...

Hyogo

Hyogo Prefecture, located in the Kansai region of Japan, offers a diverse array of attractions...

Ibaraki

Ibaraki Prefecture, nestled in the Kanto region of Japan, offers a harmonious blend of natural...

Ishikawa

Ishikawa Prefecture, nestled on the western coast of Japan's Honshu Island, offers a captivating blend...

Iwate

Iwate Prefecture, nestled in the Tohoku region of Japan, offers a captivating blend of natural...

Kagawa

Kagawa, Japan's smallest prefecture, is a hidden gem on the island of Shikoku, offering a...

Kagoshima

Kagoshima, located at the southern tip of Kyushu, is a captivating destination known for its...

Kanagawa

Kanagawa Prefecture, located just south of Tokyo, is a vibrant blend of urban excitement and...

Kochi

Kochi Prefecture, located on the southern coast of Japan's Shikoku Island, is a captivating destination...

Kumamoto

Kumamoto, located on the island of Kyushu, is a captivating destination known for its rich...

Kyoto

Kyoto, the heart of Japan's cultural heritage, offers a mesmerizing blend of ancient traditions and...

Mie

Mie Prefecture, nestled in the Kansai region of Japan, offers a captivating blend of natural...

Miyagi

Miyagi Prefecture, located in the Tohoku region of Japan, offers a captivating blend of natural...

Miyazaki

Miyazaki Prefecture, located on the southeastern coast of Kyushu, is a captivating destination known for...

Nagano

Nestled in the heart of Japan's mountainous region, Nagano Prefecture is a captivating destination known...

Nagasaki

Nagasaki, a captivating blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, is a must-visit destination in...

Nara

Nara, a captivating destination in Japan, is renowned for its rich history and cultural heritage....

Niigata

Niigata, a picturesque prefecture on Japan's west coast, is renowned for its stunning landscapes, rich...

Oita

Oita Prefecture, located on Japan's Kyushu Island, is a captivating destination known for its natural...

Okayama

Okayama, a hidden gem in Japan's Chugoku region, offers a blend of rich history, stunning...

Okinawa

Okinawa, a tropical paradise in Japan, is renowned for its stunning beaches, vibrant coral reefs,...

Osaka

Osaka, a vibrant metropolis in Japan's Kansai region, is a dynamic blend of modernity and...

Saga

Saga Prefecture, nestled in the Kyushu region of Japan, offers a blend of rich history,...

Saitama

Saitama, a vibrant prefecture just north of Tokyo, offers a delightful blend of urban excitement...

Shiga

Shiga Prefecture, nestled in the heart of Japan, is a captivating destination known for its...

Shimane

Shimane, a hidden gem in Japan's Chugoku region, offers a blend of rich history, stunning...

Shizuoka

Shizuoka, nestled between the iconic Mount Fuji and the Pacific Ocean, offers a captivating blend...

Tochigi

Tochigi Prefecture, nestled in the heart of Japan, offers a captivating blend of natural beauty,...

Tokushima

Discover the enchanting allure of Tokushima, a captivating prefecture on Japan's Shikoku Island. Known for...

Tokyo

Tokyo, the vibrant heart of Japan, is a dynamic metropolis where tradition meets innovation. As...

Tottori

Tottori Prefecture, nestled along Japan's western coast, is a hidden gem offering a blend of...

Toyama

Toyama, nestled along the Sea of Japan, is a captivating blend of natural beauty and...

Wakayama

Wakayama Prefecture, nestled in the Kansai region of Japan, is a captivating destination that offers...

Yamagata

Yamagata Prefecture, nestled in the Tohoku region of Japan, is a hidden gem offering a...

Yamaguchi

Yamaguchi Prefecture, located at the western tip of Japan's Honshu Island, is a captivating blend...

Yamanashi

Yamanashi Prefecture, nestled in the heart of Japan, is a captivating destination renowned for its...

Plan a Trip

Accommodation

Accommodation

Discover the perfect place to rest and recharge during your Japan adventure with our comprehensive...

297 articles Learn More →

Before You Go

Before You Go

"Before You Go" is your essential guide to preparing for an unforgettable journey to Japan....

211 articles Learn More →

Itineraries

Itineraries

Discover the perfect itinerary for your Japan adventure with our expertly curated travel plans. Our...

714 articles Learn More →

Learn

Learn

Discover the essential insights for planning your dream trip to Japan with our "Learn" category....

710 articles Learn More →

Transportation

Transportation

Discover the diverse and efficient transportation options available in Japan, ensuring a seamless travel experience....

498 articles Learn More →

Latest Spots Entries

Hotel Tavinos Asakusa

(lodging)

★ 4.0

2 Chome-18-8 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan

KOMEHYO VINTAGE TOKYO

(clothing store)

★ 4.9

Japan, 〒150-0001 Tokyo, Shibuya, Jingumae, 5 Chome−1−16 地下1階、1階

【Opens on Nov 28, 2025】KOMEHYO VINTAGE TOKYO atelier

(clothing store)

Japan, 〒150-0001 Tokyo, Shibuya, Jingumae, 5 Chome−2−14 ゲートスクエア 1F

Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto

(lodging)

★ 4.5

Japan, 〒605-0861 Kyoto, Higashiyama Ward, Seikanji Ryozancho, 7番地

NISHIYAMA RYOKAN

(lodging)

★ 4.6

433 Yamamotocho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-0933, Japan

Kobe Fruit and Flower Park Ozo Rest Area

(point of interest)

★ 3.8

Kamiozo-2150 Ozocho, Kita Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 651-1522, Japan

Shinjuku Southern Terrace

(shopping mall)

★ 4.0

2 Chome-2-1 Yoyogi, Shibuya, Tokyo 151-8583, Japan

Tokyo Dome

(stadium)

★ 4.3

1 Chome-3-61 Koraku, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 112-0004, Japan

Caretta Shiodome

(shopping mall)

★ 3.9

1 Chome-8-2 Higashishinbashi, Minato City, Tokyo 105-7090, Japan

Omote-Sando Ave

(route)

Omote-Sando Ave, Tokyo, Japan

Gingko Dori

(premise)

1-chōme-5-11 Jinnan, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0041, Japan

Marunouchi Naka-dori

(tourist attraction)

★ 4.4

2 Chome Marunouchi, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-0005, Japan

Our Writers

Todd Fong

Freelance writer, photographer, and mentor. Japan-based, Oaktown (Oakland, California) born....

Toshiko Sakurai

I shoot (with my camera!), therefore I am. I paint...

Maria Peñascal

When I was young, I kept dreaming of the Land...

Marion Pont

If my origins are rooted in France, my mind is...

Paul McInnes

I am currently the editor-in-chief of Voyapon. In recent years,...

Clémentine Cintré

En septembre 2017, je quittai la France et mon travail...

Voyapon

Joachim Ducos

Passionné par le cinéma japonais, j'ai voulu découvrir la vie...

Mika Cunningham

Mika is a writer for Voyapon.com, and has been exploring...

Lucia Tsujiguchi

I arrived from Madrid to Tokyo in 2017, with two...