Author: Diego
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What to see and do in Osaka when you don’t have much time
Osaka is a city that deserves several days to get to know it beyond the surface. Its blend of history, lively urban life and one of Japan’s best food scenes make it a very complete destination. However, many travellers can only visit it in passing, taking advantage of its excellent location and train and plane…
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The agency that takes you to China and Japan: ‘We use psychology to ensure people have their ideal trip.’
If there is one thing these two entrepreneurs have in common, it is that Asia has captured their hearts. With that as their starting point, they have just launched Asiahop, an online agency that plans personalised trips. A journalist by training, consultant and now entrepreneur. Diego Bergantiños’ journey reached a new milestone just a few…
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What it’s like to travel with Asiahop
Asiahop is a different kind of travel agency. We were officially founded in 2025, but we have been travelling and taking people to China and Japan for over 10 years. We have lived and worked in these two countries. We love their culture, their places, their people, their cuisine and their way of life. That’s…
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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…
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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…
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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,…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…