Japan, explained
Practical guides, cultural notes, and travel news from people who spend a lot of time in Japan. Read what you need, plan what you love.
Filtered by city: kobe · Show all
10 articles
Bringing Goods Back to the UK from Japan: Limits and What to Declare
UK customs rules for Japan travellers: allowances, prohibited items, what to declare, and duty rates. Shop confidently and clear customs smoothly.
Sake by Region: A Journey Through Japan's Brewing Heartlands
Explore Japan's sake regions from Kobe's robust Nada brews to Niigata's crisp mountain sake. A practical guide to regional brewing styles, breweries, and pairings.
Kansai Beyond Kyoto and Osaka: Nara, Kobe and Wakayama
Discover Nara's ancient temples, Kobe's harbour culture and Wakayama's sacred mountains. Essential guide to Kansai's hidden gems beyond Kyoto and Osaka.
Day Trips from Osaka: What's Reachable and Worth It
The best day trips from Osaka, with realistic travel times and costs. From Kyoto and Nara to Himeji Castle and Mount Koya - what's actually reachable and worth your time.
Kobe from Osaka: How Easy Is the Trip and What to Do
Kobe is just 20 minutes from Osaka by train. Our practical guide covers transport options, Kobe beef restaurants, harbour attractions, and timing your visit.
Day Trips from Kyoto: The Full Kansai Options
Plan perfect day trips from Kyoto to Nara, Osaka, Kobe, Himeji Castle, Mount Kōya and beyond. Practical transport, costs, and what to see in the Kansai region.
Essential Japanese Phrases for Shops and Restaurants: Your Quick Reference Guide
Master essential Japanese phrases for shops and restaurants. From ordering food to paying bills, learn the exact words you'll hear and need daily across Japan.
Japan Travel Costs by Region: Where to Spend More and Save Money
Real prices across Japan's regions from Tokyo to Okinawa. Learn where accommodation, food, and transport cost more or less, with practical money-saving strategies.
How to Navigate Kobe: The Subway, the Port and Kitano
Navigate Kobe efficiently with this practical guide to the subway, JR lines, City Loop Bus, and the best ways to reach the port, Harborland and Kitano district.
Kobe: The Port City That Rebuilt Itself
Explore Kobe beyond the beef: foreign residences, sake breweries, earthquake memorials, and a cosmopolitan food scene shaped by centuries of port culture.