We all know that feeling: You're planning a trip to a new country, you've got 50 browser tabs open, you're refining your itinerary, and then you realise there's no way you can do everything in the time you've booked off work. For visitors to Japan, that game of calendar Tetris...

If you've already read my guide to finding a vegan friendly ryokan in Hakone, you'll know I take absolute joy in finding places that cater to vegan travellers. Ever since that post went live, it's my #1 most visited page on this site, so clearly I'm not alone in trying...

If you've already read my guide to Vegan-Friendly Ryokans in Hakone, you'll already know that you can get a great, multi-course plant based feast in your guesthouse. But if you're only in Hakone for the day, or you're skipping the ryokan and experiencing the onsen town on a budget, you'll...

A trip to Hakone is a popular part of many Japan itineraries, and for good reason: You get to see a beautiful town, stay in a traditional ryokan, get a glimpse of Mount Fuji, and see some gorgeous nature - and all within a short distance of Tokyo. But what...

On my first trip to Japan, I spent two nights in a ryokan in Hakone, and it's still one of my Japan highlights. Whether you're getting the full ryokan experience or just doing a day trip from Tokyo to Hakone, spending one day in Hakone is a wonderful part of...

Everyone knows the stereotype of an Awful Tourist: the loud, boorish figure causing a pile up at the bottom of an escalator, dragging too many bags into rush hour public transport, or speaking English really loudly in the hopes that it magically translates into the local language. Having lived in...

At a Glance: Motoyu Kansuiro Location: Tonosawa, Hakone (14 mins walk from Hakone-Yumoto station). Vibe: 400 years of history, registered cultural property, river views. Vegan Friendly? Yes, but requires advance notice. Booking Link here When I was planning our honeymoon to Japan, I found myself knees deep in blog posts,...

In my earlier post, a guide to the JR Pass, I was pretty upfront with my opinion on "is the JR pass worth it?". But now I want to put my money where my mouth is and show you what the maths looked like for both of my trips to...

Japan is an incredible country, with so much to offer. From the bright lights of Tokyo, the serene temples of Kyoto, the late night convenience store runs, and the iconic Shinkansen that spirits you across the country with speed and efficiency that would make even Germany jealous. Seriously, for an...

Osaka is often referred to as "The Kitchen of Japan", and it's famous for its street food. One of its most famous dishes is takoyaki. If you've never had it, they're traditionally made with minced octopus, shaped into balls, covered in batter and deep fried. As a vegan traveller, I...