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Featured image for Awamori: The Spirit of Okinawa

Awamori: The Spirit of Okinawa

Apr 17, 2026
BY Richard Hadley

Awamori, Japan’s oldest distilled liquor, is a unique beverage deeply rooted in the culture and history of Okinawa, the country's southernmost prefecture. Unlike the more widely known sake or shōchū, awamori holds a special place in the hearts of the Okinawan people and represents the rich […]

Featured image for Biking in Osaka and Kansai: Everything You Need to Know

Biking in Osaka and Kansai: Everything You Need to Know

Apr 15, 2026
BY Stella Masson

Osaka is the second-largest and most populous Japanese city, located in the heart of the Kansai region. It is a hub of culture and discovery, offering a seamless blend of urban energy and natural beauty, best explored on two wheels all year round. Kansai, and especially […]

Featured image for TOP 10 DESTINATIONS AS WE CELEBRATE OUR 10TH ANNIVERSARY

TOP 10 DESTINATIONS AS WE CELEBRATE OUR 10TH ANNIVERSARY

Apr 13, 2026
BY Maria Diaz

Can you believe it? Arigato Travel is turning 10! A whole decade of wandering hidden alleyways, tasting unforgettable flavors, meeting incredible locals, and sharing the magic of Japan with curious travelers from around the world. Honestly, it’s been a delicious, beautiful, and heartwarming journey, and we […]

Featured image for Bread in Japan: How a Foreign Staple Became a Beloved Everyday Comfort

Bread in Japan: How a Foreign Staple Became a Beloved Everyday Comfort

Apr 12, 2026
BY Brad Stephens

SeBread may not be the first food people associate with Japan, yet it has become an essential part of daily life. From neighborhood bakeries to convenience stores and seasonal festivals, bread in Japan reflects the country’s ability to adapt outside influences into something distinctly its own. […]

Featured image for SHOWA ERA: A GUIDE TO JAPAN’S MOST NOSTALGIC PERIOD

SHOWA ERA: A GUIDE TO JAPAN’S MOST NOSTALGIC PERIOD

Apr 11, 2026
BY Maria Diaz

This year marks 100 years since the Showa Era began in 1926, and somehow, it still feels incredibly present. Even if you weren’t born anywhere close to this time, Showa lives on in Japan’s cities, pop culture, and everyday habits. Walk down a retro shopping street, […]

Featured image for Beyond Nichome: Interviewing Japan’s Biggest LGBTQ+ Content Creators on the Realities of Being Queer in Japan

Beyond Nichome: Interviewing Japan’s Biggest LGBTQ+ Content Creators on the Realities of Being Queer in Japan

Apr 10, 2026
BY Catherine Chong

Japan, a country often characterized by its deep-seated traditions and public reserve, is quietly, and loudly, undergoing a Rainbow Renaissance. On the streets of Shinjuku Nichome, and increasingly across mainstream media, LGBTQ+ life is visible and celebrated. We sat down with some of Japan’s most influential […]

Featured image for 10 Kyoto Bakeries That Locals and Visitors Love

10 Kyoto Bakeries That Locals and Visitors Love

Apr 10, 2026
BY Stella Masson

283. This is the number of bakeries in Kyoto. The city is known for closely following Kobe for the title of the biggest bread-consuming city in Japan. If you visit Kyoto, you will likely find a Bakery on every corner, with a distinct personality for each […]

Featured image for Explore the Latest Attractions at Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea!

Explore the Latest Attractions at Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea!

Apr 9, 2026
BY Sarah A

Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea are famous spots among locals and tourists, located in Urayasu, Chiba Prefecture, just outside central Tokyo. Over the years, they have become one of the most visited Disney destinations globally, known for their exclusive attractions, restaurants, and immersive shows and programs that […]

Featured image for STEP INTO JAPAN’S MOST CHAOTIC CUTE WORLD: VISIT THE NEW KAWAII MONSTER LAND

STEP INTO JAPAN’S MOST CHAOTIC CUTE WORLD: VISIT THE NEW KAWAII MONSTER LAND

Apr 8, 2026
BY Maria Diaz

Some of you might remember the famous Kawaii Monster Café, which sadly closed a few years ago. Well… It’s back! But reimagined in an even bigger and more immersive way! Kawaii Monster Land officially opened in February 2026, bringing back that same surreal, colorful world, but […]

Featured image for Interview with Kakurinbo: Experience Japan’s Sacred Heart Through a Temple Stay in Minobusan

Interview with Kakurinbo: Experience Japan’s Sacred Heart Through a Temple Stay in Minobusan

Apr 8, 2026
BY Brad Stephens

When travelers think of temple stays in Japan, famous destinations like Koyasan often come to mind. Yet tucked away in the mountains of Yamanashi Prefecture lies Minobusan, a place steeped in deep spiritual history and beauty. For more than 550 years, Kakurinbo has welcomed pilgrims and […]

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