Category: Japan
-
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…
-
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…
-
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
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
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
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…
-
Kanazawa, Japan’s Hidden Gem You Must Discover
On Japan’s west coast, bathed by the Sea of Japan, lies Kanazawa (金沢), a city that has preserved its historical essence while embracing modernity. Known as ‘Little Kyoto’, Kanazawa offers travellers an authentic experience off the beaten track, preserving the cultural legacy of the Edo period with a delicacy that few other Japanese cities have…
-
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…
-
Matcha Tea, the complete guide to Japanese green gold
Matcha tea (抹茶) has become a worldwide sensation, but few truly know its fascinating history and ancient tradition. If you’re planning a trip to Japan or simply want to discover this culinary treasure, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about matcha tea. What is matcha tea and what is its…
-
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…