Central Tokyo in One Day: Imperial Palace Gardens, Marunouchi, Ginza and Yurakucho
A realistic Central Tokyo walking route through the Imperial Palace area, Marunouchi, Ginza and Yurakucho, with a shorter arrival-day version.
Is Meiji Jingu Worth Visiting? What to Expect at Tokyo’s Forest Shrine
What a visit to Meiji Jingu is really like, from the long forest walk and main shrine etiquette to the Inner Garden, the museum, opening hours and how long to allow.
Is Ueno Zoo Worth Visiting Now the Pandas Have Gone?
What Ueno Zoo is like as a plan B in Ueno Park, what you can still see now Japan’s last giant pandas have left, current tickets and hours, and who should skip it.
Is Himeji Castle Worth Going Inside? What Our Visit Was Really Like
What it is actually like to visit Himeji Castle, from the steep stairs and bare timber interior to current tickets, timings and whether going inside is worth it.
Where to Stay in Tokyo: 6 Hotels We Actually Stayed In
Six Tokyo hotels we actually stayed in, compared honestly for location, rooms, atmosphere, families, luxury and value.