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: matsuyama · Show all
2 articles
Guides
Spirited Away: The Real Places Behind Studio Ghibli's Masterpiece
Discover the real Japanese locations that inspired Spirited Away, from Dōgo Onsen's historic bathhouse to traditional towns echoing the film's atmosphere.
12 min read·23 May 2026
Guides
Japanese Sweets (Wagashi) by Region: What to Look For Where
Discover Japan's finest regional wagashi sweets, from Kyoto's artistic namagashi to Hokkaido's butter confections. Your complete guide to what to seek where.
12 min read·23 May 2026