Kumamoto
What to Eat in Kumamoto: Basashi, Tonkatsu, Burnt-Garlic Ramen and a Local Chardonnay
Horse sashimi, Katsuretsutei tonkatsu open 11:00-21:30 daily, the burnt-garlic ramen that is not Hakata's, and the Kikuka chardonnay north of the city.
Latest
Kumamoto
Kumamoto Tokyu REI Hotel Review: A Coin Laundry in the Middle of a Kyushu Loop
A guest coin laundry at the midpoint of a Kyushu loop, from ¥5,800, by the Karashimacho tram stop. When it is worth the premium and when it is not.
Kumamoto
Kumamoto as a Base for Mount Aso: What the Crater Closure Changes
The Nakadake crater is closed and the alert level rose to 3 on 14 August 2026. Why that argues for sleeping in Kumamoto city, and what at Aso is still open.
Kumamoto
Where to Stay in Kumamoto: Areas, Trams and the Aso Question
Kumamoto splits its transport hub from its social centre. Which tram stop to book near, five hotels priced in August 2026, and when the station side wins.
Kyoto
Kaiseki vs Kappo vs Ryotei: What You're Booking in Kyoto
Kaiseki vs kappo vs ryotei in Kyoto: what eight restaurants call themselves, how long each takes, and which you can book yourself.
Kyoto
Shojin Ryori Kyoto Where to Stay: What It Actually Means
Shojin ryori means no meat or fish, not vegan. Izusen at Daitokuji serves it for ¥4,500-¥6,500 — what's confirmed and where to stay nearby.
Kyoto
Kyoto Hotels Room Only Where to Eat Breakfast: 07:00-11:30
Four Kyoto breakfast spots open 07:00-11:30, from a ¥680 katsu sando to Hyotei's rice porridge, paired with hotels offering room-only rates.
Kyoto
Kyoto Ryokan Not on the Booking Sites: Book Them Direct
Tawaraya and Kinmata are two Kyoto ryokan not on Ikyu or the major booking sites — but both take reservations through their own official sites.
Kyoto
How to Book Kaiseki Restaurants in Kyoto: 5 Yes, 2 No
How to book kaiseki restaurants in Kyoto: which of 8 take English reservations, which need Japanese, and what a hotel concierge can do.
Shinagawa
Where to Stay in Shinagawa: Best Value Base for Airports and Shinkansen
Where to stay in Shinagawa: a station-connected InterContinental, the value Prince across the road, and a new Oimachi base one stop south.
Japan
Japan Ski Lift Ticket Prices 2026-27: ¥7,000 to ¥16,700
Japan ski lift ticket prices for 2026-27 at 8 resorts, checked directly on official sites — walk-up vs. advance prices, and why buying early costs less.
Gotemba
Former Kishi Residence and Toraya Kobo: Two Architects, One Bus Stop
A prime minister's house by Yoshida Isoya and a sweet workshop by Hiroshi Naito, on one site 19 minutes from Gotemba Premium Outlets. Photography allowed.