Category: Japan
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Tokyo Tower, a symbol of resurgence in the heart of Minato
Located in the Minato district, Tokyo Tower (東京タワー, Tōkyō Tawā) stands as one of the most recognizable landmarks of the Japanese capital’s skyline. It is a top destination for travelers in Japan and even boasts its own emoji: 🗼. This lattice structure—inspired by the Eiffel Tower but adapted with its own functional aesthetic—has been the…
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Renting a car and driving in Japan in 2026
If you are thinking of travelling to Japan and renting a vehicle to get around more freely, we will tell you how to do it and some things you should keep in mind. Is it possible to drive a car in Japan as a tourist? Yes, tourists can drive cars in Japan as long as…
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Togakushi-Jinja, five shrines in the heart of Nagano
Deep in Nagano Prefecture, where mountain peaks seem to touch the sky, lies one of Japan’s most fascinating spiritual treasures. Togakushi-Jinja is not a single temple, but a complex of five sacred shrines (Okusha, Chusha, Hokosha, Kuzuryusha and Hinomikosha) spread across the slopes of Mount Togakushi. At Asiahop, we believe that this destination represents the…
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Tottori Sand Dunes
Tottori Prefecture is located in the Chūgoku region, in the west of Honshū Island. It borders Hyogo to the east, Shimane to the west, Okayama to the south, and the Sea of Japan to the north. It is on this border that one of the country’s most spectacular geographical features can be found. The famous…
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The force of the wind and sea in Aoshima
On the eastern coast of Kyūshū lies Miyazaki Prefecture, a region with tourist attractions such as Takachiho Gorge, Udo Shrine, and the Nishitachi restaurant and entertainment district. But one of the most impressive places in Miyazaki is the small island of Aoshima, just over half an hour by train from the prefectural capital. Aoshima is…
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Nihon Sankei, Japan’s 3 best scenic views
The Japanese love to make lists of three to highlight places in their geography, elements of their culture, or products of their cuisine, among other things. In previous posts, we have already talked about food lists, such as the Nihon Sandai Rāmen (日本三大ラーメン), with the three best ramen in Japan (Sapporo Ramen from Hokkaido, Hakata…
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Nakasendo Trail through the Japanese Alps
The Nakasendō Route (中山道), which literally means “road through the mountains,” was one of the five major highways of the Edo period (1603–1868), connecting Edo (modern-day Tokyo) with Kyoto. Unlike other routes that followed the coastline, such as the Tōkaidō, the Nakasendō cut through the mountainous interior of the country, stretching over 500 kilometers and…
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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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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…