If you’re traveling along the Tokaido Shinkansen, a delicious detour awaits in the seaside town of Atami. Here, long-time resident Kathy Matsunami (Katsmats) opens her private studio, Wagashi Kitchen, to share the intricate art of wagashi. With over 20 years of life in Japan, she offers […]
Our longtime friend Kei Nishida, founder of Dream of Japan, a platform dedicated to connecting authentic Japanese artisan products and their makers with the world, is back with another exciting launch: Japanese Wine Co. Through a brand inspired by a memorable home-style dinner in France, vineyard […]
High in the tea-covered hills of Fukuoka, Kasahara Valley is celebrated as the home of Yamecha, one of Japan’s premier green teas. Overlooking these terraced slopes sits Sky Tea House (天空の茶屋敷), a renovated traditional farmhouse welcoming travelers from around the world. The project is led by […]
With its mist-veiled onsen towns, volcanic peaks, and intricate bamboo-weaving traditions, Kyushu and the Setouchi region hold some of Japan's most vibrant cultural treasures. Yet, these areas rarely make it onto standard tourist itineraries. Based in Beppu City, Glide Japan is a team of local experts […]
Join us for a chat with DeeJay, our Finance Operations Lead, who keeps things running smoothly behind the scenes at Arigato Travel. Originally from the Philippines, DeeJay holds an MBA and handles our day-to-day financial operations with steady, approachable expertise. In this interview, he shares how […]
When many people plan a trip to Japan, their minds usually focus on the vast skyline and hidden alleys of Tokyo or the temples and shrines of Kyoto. But a growing community of travelers is looking to experience the country's extensive wilderness and small, mountain-and-coastal communities. […]
Preserving Japan’s cultural heritage takes more than just admiration; it takes a community. That is where Aran and Samantha of Bottlecap come in. After moving to Japan full-time, this duo set out on a mission to connect world-class artisans with international audiences and eager learners. By […]
Originally from Barcelona, Sandra has lived and worked in Japan for eight years. As our newly appointed Kanto Coordinator & Trainer, she leads the charge in mentoring our team and ensuring our tours maintain the highest quality across the region. With close to a decade of […]
Established in 1873, Nikko Kanaya Hotel welcomes guests with a timeless charm that has endured for generations. Just a short stroll from the ornate Toshogu Shrine, the hotel offers a unique mix of Western-style comfort and traditional Japanese architecture. Each of its four buildings, from the […]
In the quiet hills of Tochigi, the recently renewed Honda Collection Hall at Mobility Resort Motegi captures the relentless curiosity that drives Japanese engineering. Far from a stiff museum, this is a space where you can climb inside a HondaJet Elite II or test the mechanics […]
