A rail-only 7-day Hokkaido summer route covering Sapporo, Otaru, peak lavender season in Furano and Biei, and a Noboribetsu or Asahiyama Zoo detour -with JR Hokkaido Rail Pass costs, verified train fares, and a full per-person budget.
Heading to the 77th Sapporo Snow Festival (第77回さっぽろ雪まつり) in 2027? This up-to-date packing guide shows you exactly what to bring and wear for the Odori Site (大通会場), Susukino Site (すすきの会場) and Tsudome Site (つどーむ会場) from 4–11 February 2027, including boots, layers, kairo warmers, tech, transport essentials and safety prep for real Hokkaido winter.
Travel from Sapporo to Otaru by the ¥800 JR Rapid Airport train or ¥730 Chuo Bus. Learn how to buy tickets, get a Kitaca IC card, decide on rail passes, and plan a relaxed one-day Otaru itinerary.
Discover 10 Hokkaido onsen hotels for every bathing style, from Noboribetsu public baths to ryokan with private open-air onsen rooms in Lake Toya, Lake Akan and Yunokawa.
Confused by Japan’s earthquake alerts? Learn what JMA Shindo intensity levels from 0 to 7 mean, how they differ from magnitude, and what travellers should do.
Save these essential Japan emergency numbers and official resources before your trip, including ambulance, police, coast guard, medical support and disaster information for travellers.
Prepare for a safer Japan holiday with the official earthquake and tsunami alert apps, websites and emergency contacts every traveller should save before flying.
Visiting Japan? Learn exactly what to do during an earthquake in a hotel, on a train, outdoors or near the coast, with practical emergency advice for UK travellers.
Explore Japan’s top historical sites, from Himeji Castle and Fushimi Inari Taisha to Todai-ji, Nikko Toshogu and Hiroshima Peace Memorial. Includes practical planning, access and etiquette advice.
A complete checklist for visiting Japan’s temples and shrines, covering etiquette, transit passes, timing and how to build an efficient, respectful itinerary.
Discover what to eat in Tokyo with this practical Japanese food guide. Find must-try dishes, the best neighbourhoods for sushi, ramen and izakaya meals, plus market, reservation, menu and dietary tips.
Plan stress-free travel around Tokyo with this practical transportation guide. Learn how to use Suica and PASMO, Tokyo’s trains and subways, day passes, buses, taxis, airport links and essential etiquette.
A complete guide to day trips from Tokyo to Mount Fuji and Hakone, covering transport, passes, top sights and the best time of year to visit.
Learn essential Japanese phrases for travel in Japan, from greetings and restaurant orders to directions, shopping, emergencies and allergy communication. Includes pronunciation tips and an easy travel phrase guide.