Japan: Modernistic Tokyo Meets Ancestral Kyoto on the Web
Japan is often thought of as the most modern country in the world, and in many ways it is. Yet behind the glitz and glamour of the neon lights and robot dogs, you’ll find a deeply traditional culture that changes at a glacial speed. This guide features the best Web sites to aid you in planning and implementing your trip to Japan, including resources to introduce you to Japanese culture and sightseeing, tools for finding and booking transportation and accommodation, advice to help you stay safe and healthy overseas, and blogs and forums to put you in touch with other travelers.
Expand All Guide SectionsJapan Travel Basics
Japan may be instantly and endlessly intoxicating, but the country’s complex mix of old and ... read more »
Travel Requirements for Japan
Japan has its share of cultural quirks and distinct specifications regarding manners and public ... read more »
Getting to Japan
A highly developed country, Japan is easily accessible to travelers worldwide. Use the sites below ... read more »
Japan Hotels
If you’ve got money to spend and a penchant for high-tech hotels, you’re in luck. ... read more »
Getting Around Japan
For such a far-flung country, Japan is surprisingly easy to navigate. It boasts the most advanced ... read more »
Japan Travel Blogs and Forums
Japan is immensely popular among travelers of all ages, interests, and budgets, and is vigorously discussed in online blogs, forums, and travel essays. This is where you’ll find the good stuff that the professional guidebooks leave out—the frank opinions and wise words of your fellow wanderlusters.
Dulcinea's Insight
- There’s a sizeable community of Americans who have recently lived or currently live in Japan. Several maintain personal Web sites or blogs that offer travel advice, and these sites tend to be rather basic in design but nonetheless quite useful. We’ve highlighted one such site below, and you’ll encounter several more expatriates in our recommended travel forums. Keep in mind, however, that the needs and experiences of someone living in Japan can be quite different from those of someone visiting for a short time.
- Try a blog search engine like Technorati or BlogPulse to find blogs on specific topics such as “eating in Japan.”
- Consult several blogs and forums before deciding to take advice from any particular one. You may find differing viewpoints or feel compelled to pose your own question.
- If you find a blog you like, check to see if the author has included a blogroll. This list of like-minded blogs or general favorites of the author is typically located in the sidebar.
Dulcinea's Picks
For Japan travel blogs …
World Hum
is one of the most thought-provoking travel blogs around, with a unique combination of “dispatches” (travel essays), travel news, and tips from in-the-know writers and journalists. This link takes you to the Japan Weblog, including an archive of past entries.
Gadling
is a travel blog affiliated with AOL and led by a team of eight writers based around the world. Gadling also has a few blogs dedicated to specific countries, including “Big in Japan,” a lighthearted take on news, events, and quirky happenings in the country written by an American expatriate living in Tokyo. One noteworthy entry discusses the prevalence of vending machines in Japan, from which you can buy an entire outfit if you’d like.
Lonely Planet Bluelists
are traveler-made compendiums of notable aspects of journeys they’ve taken, whether good or bad. Japan Bluelists offer varied and richly described entries that should provide you with ideas for your trip to Japan. Post questions or comments for additional information from seasoned travelers.
IgoUgo
is a forum for travelers to post their trip experiences and ratings of hotels, restaurants, and various attractions. The site also has a journal section for each country where users post travel photos and blog-type entries describing their excursions.
World Nomads
was mentioned in the guide for its itineraries and advice on when to visit Japan. This section of its Japan guide features numerous travel journals written by site users. Entries vary in length and subject matter, but most include photos and are fun reads.
Randy Johnson
is an avid traveler of rural Japan who shares his wisdom in this thorough, text-heavy blog. Although entries appear dauntingly long, Johnson’s sections on transportation are particularly helpful and full of advice for easing your Japanese journeys.
For Japan travel forums …
TravelBlog
has guides, blogs, and forums for world travelers. The Japan forum has intriguing entries posted by travelers from different countries, offering a well-rounded take on travel to the country.
Japan Travel Centre
is a travel agent based in London that specializes in excursions to Japan. The site also features a section called “Ask Ayumi” that answers user-posted questions about travel in Japan.
© 2012 Dulcinea Media, Inc.
