Background Image

Arigato Travel Weblog

View Our Latest Posts

Featured image for Unveiling Life’s Simple Pleasures with Gianni Simone, a Japan-based Writer and Teacher

Unveiling Life’s Simple Pleasures with Gianni Simone, a Japan-based Writer and Teacher

Nov 15, 2025
BY Maddy Vandelden

Arigato Travel has had the pleasure of interviewing Gianni Simone, a passionate writer and the author of Tokyo Geek’s Guide and Otaku Japan. His blog, Tokyo Calling, details all aspects of Japanese society while including recommendations on books, films, and music. When he is not working […]

Featured image for Things to Know if it’s Your First Time in Tokyo

Things to Know if it’s Your First Time in Tokyo

Nov 11, 2025
BY Elise We

So you’re going to Tokyo for the first time and are feeling eager but a bit nervous! Rest assured you have made a great choice, because Tokyo has the most Michelin star restaurants in the world, an astonishingly low crime rate, and is the most populated […]

Featured image for The Samurai Spirit of Shiga: Warriors, Water, and Legacy

The Samurai Spirit of Shiga: Warriors, Water, and Legacy

Nov 10, 2025
BY Brad Stephens

When you gaze at Lake Biwa (琵琶湖), Japan’s deepest and one of its oldest lakes, you might first see the restless surface of water, or the graceful silhouette of a torii gate reflected at dawn. But beneath that beauty lies a stirring legacy: centuries in which […]

Featured image for Where to Find Japan’s Best Michelin-Listed Noodles

Where to Find Japan’s Best Michelin-Listed Noodles

Nov 9, 2025
BY Adriana Figueroa Rivera

Japan is a dream destination for food lovers, where every meal feels like an adventure. From fresh sushi at a standing counter to piping-hot bowls of ramen in cozy neighborhood shops, the country is world-famous for its culinary scene - and noodles are no exception. While […]

Featured image for Exploring Japan’s Deliciously Quirky Food-Themed Fashion

Exploring Japan’s Deliciously Quirky Food-Themed Fashion

Nov 8, 2025
BY Beth Fortune

Step into the vibrant realm where fashion and culinary creativity collide—the world of Japanese fashion. Buckle up, Foodies, as we're about to embark on a delicious journey through the unique styles inspired by Japan's rich culture and delectable cuisine. From the stylish offerings of Family Mart […]

Featured image for Interesting Japanese Superstitions

Interesting Japanese Superstitions

Nov 7, 2025
BY Chisato Takahashi

What kind of superstitions exist in your country? Recently, I was whistling in my room during the day, and my Lithuanian partner told me, “Whistling indoors can summon devils or attract ghosts.” Being Japanese, I found this interesting because Japan also has superstitions about whistling, but […]

Featured image for The Fascinating Cocktail Culture of Japan

The Fascinating Cocktail Culture of Japan

Nov 6, 2025
BY Clarence Rowan

Margarita, Cosmopolitan, Martini – these are just some universally-known cocktails that you can order at any bar, anywhere in the world. However, like anything you encounter in Japan, it’s not surprising to know that the Japanese do it a little differently – even cocktails. If you’re […]

Featured image for The World of Anko: Japan’s Red Bean Legacy

The World of Anko: Japan’s Red Bean Legacy

Nov 5, 2025
BY Gale Warinthorn

In a world full of matcha lovers, there’s another component in Japan that is loved by many but may not be as well-known, called ‘anko.’ Anko (餡子 or あんこ) is made from red azuki beans and has a gentle, sweet taste. It is usually a key […]

Featured image for GOREY CAFE: A COZY KYOTO EATERY SPECIALIZING IN MUSIC AND COMMUNITY

GOREY CAFE: A COZY KYOTO EATERY SPECIALIZING IN MUSIC AND COMMUNITY

Nov 4, 2025
BY Jamie Kruse

In this three-part series, we are featuring Kyoto restaurants that offer more than just fantastic food, but also support and contribute to the local arts community. The chefs at these restaurants either practice art themselves, co-run a gallery, or support local artists by hosting art and […]

Featured image for JAPAN’S BEST WINTER ILLUMINATIONS 2025

JAPAN’S BEST WINTER ILLUMINATIONS 2025

Nov 3, 2025
BY Maria Diaz

In the West, illuminations during winter are usually associated with Christmas and traditional holiday celebrations. In Japan, however, Christmas is mostly commercial rather than religious or traditional, and illuminations are celebrated as a way to brighten the long winter nights, create festive experiences, and offer romantic […]

Arigato Travel Logo
Land Operator and Tokyo Metropolitan Government Registered Travel Agency No. 2-8620
TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence, Traveler's Choice
Accreditation Reference Badges