Author: Diego

  • Castle routes in Japan

    Castle routes in Japan

    There are around 100 castles in Japan, most of which were built between the 15th and 17th centuries. Centres of political, military and administrative power, they have withstood civil wars, clan attacks, internal rebellions and devastating fires. During the turbulent Sengoku period, they offered defence and strategic control, and in the Edo period, they symbolised…

  • Let’s go to Okinawa! Not just beaches

    Let’s go to Okinawa! Not just beaches

    The Okinawa archipelago is a region of Japan where you will discover a culture very different from the rest of the country. The Ryūkyū Islands, the name given to the group of islands stretching from the south of Kyūshū to the vicinity of Taiwan, has an enviable subtropical climate all year round and a very…

  • What to see in Nikkō and how to get there from Tokyo

    What to see in Nikkō and how to get there from Tokyo

    One of the most popular natural destinations accessible from Tokyo is Nikkō, a small town in Tochigi Prefecture that is home to one of Japan’s most unique and best-preserved religious sites in the midst of stunning nature. Nikkō National Park (日光国立公園) covers a large area and there are several hiking trails to enjoy its lakes,…

  • Winter in Yamagata, a dream prefecture

    Winter in Yamagata, a dream prefecture

    Visiting Yamagata in winter is like being immersed in a fairytale. Easily accessible from Tokyo thanks to the Shinkansen, its main tourist attractions are Ginzan Onsen, Dewa Sanzan and Yamadera, as well as the so-called snow monsters of Zao Onsen, a place famous for its hot springs and ski resort. If you love the snow…

  • Diary of a 15-day trip through Kyūshū

    Diary of a 15-day trip through Kyūshū

    Irene and Pedro have traveled with Asiahop to the island of Kyūshū. This is their second trip to Japan. A few years ago they were in Tokyo and Kyoto and fell in love with the country, so they promised to come back to see other places beyond the traditional routes. When they contacted us they…

  • Kumano Kodo routes

    Kumano Kodo routes

    The Kumano Kodo (熊野古道) is a set of ancient pilgrimage routes that run through the mountains of the Kii Peninsula in southern Japan. They connect important Shinto shrines known as the Three Great Kumano Shrines or Kumano Sanzan: Hongu Taisha, Nachi Taisha and Hayatama Taisha. Its origins date back to the Heian period (794-1185), when…

  • How to use the Japan Rail Pass in 2025

    How to use the Japan Rail Pass in 2025

    One of the best options to move comfortably around Japan is to use the Japan Rail Pass, a pass that allows you to use all types of trains of the JR network (both Shinkansen and other types of trains) without having to pay for each ticket and, depending on your destinations, will allow you to…

  • Basic Japanese vocabulary for traveling to Japan

    Basic Japanese vocabulary for traveling to Japan

    One of the most frequently asked questions when planning a trip to Japan is whether you need to know Japanese to move around the country, and the short answer is that it is not necessary. Japan is very well prepared to receive tourists and it is possible to move around without complications, especially in the…

  • 15-day tour of Japan

    15-day tour of Japan

    If you’re planning a two-week trip to Japan on your first visit, here’s an itinerary that mixes the best-known routes with some special places to make your trip unforgettable. Although the prices are approximate, you can also check the approximate budget you need for your 15-day trip to Japan, both for flights and for accommodation…

  • How to Travel to Japan from Spain in 2025

    How to Travel to Japan from Spain in 2025

    Planning a trip to Japan from Spain? In this updated 2025 guide, we explain everything you need to know to organize your journey easily and safely. Do I need a visa to travel to Japan? Spanish citizens do not need a tourist visa for stays of up to 90 days in Japan. 🛂 Entry Requirements…