Travel planning

Ueno (上野), built on a hilly area commonly known as “Ueno no Yama” (Ueno Mountain), has developed as a cultural and artistic center since opening as Japan's first park in May 1876. Today, many important cultural facilities such as museums, art galleries, zoos, and art universities, […]

If you want to step away from the modern, glitzy side of Tokyo and wish to explore an area that seems out of place with the rest of the city, spend some time in Nippori, a delightful blend of old-world charm and contemporary vibe. Located in […]

Japan has several passes to make domestic travel easier when traversing the country, the most familiar being the regional rail passes connecting many to the various cities in Japan. However, if you fly with JAL (Japan Airlines) you may get the chance to have all of […]

Can you please introduce yourself and your role in the company? My name is Lauren Shannon, and I've called Japan home for nearly 30 years. My extensive experience living and working in Japan has given me a unique understanding of Japanese culture and business practices. Almost […]

In their recent article, “These 9 Travel Destinations Are Better as a Solo Traveler,” AFAR magazine highlights Japan as the top destination for solo travelers, particularly those with a passion for food. They note that Japan's dining culture is exceptionally accommodating to individuals, with establishments like […]

Arigato Travel is proud to announce a new series of multi-day tours that highlight local crafts and immersive experiences exclusive to Niigata and Yamagata prefectures. All tours begin in Tsubame-Sanjo, Niigata, and conclude in Sakata City, Yamagata. These tours are designed alongside local guides for travelers […]

Are you planning an itinerary when visiting Tokyo, or maybe just wanting to see what there is to do around there? Well, you’re in luck! Sugamo is a fantastic little neighborhood that is easily reached from Tokyo and provides the perfect chance to escape all the […]

When planning a trip to Japan the Kansai region, Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara are the first destinations that come to mind. They are, of course, famous for a reason. Kyoto's beautiful history and exquisite architecture transport you back to the Edo period, the bowing Deer of […]

Imagine that feeling of excitement as you finally disembark from the plane onto Japanese soil, on your family trip that you’ve probably been planning for months. You can hardly wait – nor do you have the time to dawdle with so many must-visit spots packed back-to-back […]

Japan has infamously been experiencing overtourism as of late, but even with policies like higher prices for foreign tourists, it seems that visitor numbers won’t go down anytime soon. And why would they? With a weak yen and the consistently high numbers of people just plain […]