Know before you go · Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Kobe
Japan, explained.
The questions our guests ask most, answered by a team that lives here. When to come, how to eat, how to dodge the crowds, and what to do if something goes wrong.
Stories
Read before you go
From the same library our guests read in their guest portal, now open to everyone.
Osaka Art Stroll: Tradition and Innovation in Museums and Galleries
When you think of Osaka, takoyaki and the neon lights of Dotonbori come to mind, but it's also a treasure trove of art and history. Especi…
Why Are Kyoto's Machiya Called "Eel Beds"?
Kyoto's machiya (townhouses) are characterized by their narrow frontage and deep layout, earning them the nickname "unagi no nedoko" (eel …
Kyoto Museums & Art Galleries Guide — Art and History in the Millennial Capital
Kyoto is one of the world's leading cultural cities. Not only temples and shrines, but also museums and art galleries are abundant. From m…
12 Japanese Manners for Guests at a Minshuku
Welcome to Japan. Thank you for choosing a Tabitime accommodation.
Why Are Osaka and Tokyo So Different in Personality?
Tokyo and Osaka are Japan's two major cities, yet their characters are contrasting. This difference is rooted in historical backgrounds. D…
Why Are There "Hidden Local Rules" in Osaka?
Among Japan's major cities, Osaka has a unique personality. Historically developed as a commercial city, Osaka has close interpersonal dis…
Why Is Kyoto Beautiful but Strict?
Many foreign tourists visiting Kyoto are awestruck by its overwhelming beauty, yet often wonder, "Why are there so many rules?" From "no p…
Why Do Osaka and Tokyo Have Different Escalator Etiquette?
When traveling in Japan, have you ever been unsure which side to stand on an escalator? In Tokyo, it's common to stand on the left and lea…
Osaka Autumn Leaves Guide: 10 Spots for a Serene Momiji Experience
When it comes to autumn leaves, Kyoto is famous, but Osaka also has many spectacular spots not to be missed. The autumn leaves, which show…
Kyoto Gion Matsuri — A Journey Through July’s Millennial Festival
Kyoto’s summer highlight, Gion Matsuri, is the festival of Yasaka Shrine (Yasaka-jinja) that has continued for over 1,000 years. From the …
Osaka Tenjin Matsuri — Experience One of Japan's Three Great Festivals
Osaka's summer heats up with the Tenjin Matsuri, one of Japan's three great festivals with a rich history. Originating about 1,000 years a…
Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri — Experience Osaka's Thrilling Autumn Festival
The Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri is a thrilling autumn festival held every September in Kishiwada City, Osaka Prefecture. It is a breathtakin…
Kyoto Gozan no Okuribi — The Fantastical Fire Festival of August 16
Every year on the night of August 16, six gigantic fiery characters and shapes appear on the mountains surrounding Kyoto. This is "Gozan n…
Winter Illuminations in Kansai — Spectacular Light Displays in Kobe, Osaka, and Kyoto
Winter in Kansai transforms the region into a canvas of light. Kobe’s Luminarie, a symbol of post-earthquake recovery, Osaka’s dynamic lig…
Osaka's Must-Eat Soul Food List — Mastering Takoyaki, Okonomiyaki, and Kushikatsu
Osaka is known as the "city of eating till you drop." Among its foods, the dishes called konamon (flour-based cuisine) are essential soul …
A Culinary Journey through Kyoto — Kaiseki, Yudofu, and Matcha
As the capital for a thousand years, Kyoto has refined its culinary culture as well. From kaiseki cuisine originating in shojin ryori (Bud…
Why Is Osaka Called the "City of Kuidaore"?
Have you ever heard the term "kuidaore"? It doesn't mean "going bankrupt from overeating," but rather represents the culture of Osakans wh…
Onsen Ryokan vs. Day-trip Onsen — How to Choose the Perfect Hot Spring for You
When visiting Japan, experiencing an onsen (hot spring) is a must. But many travelers wonder, "Should I stay at an onsen ryokan (tradition…
Why Do Japan’s Public Baths Have Hidden Rules?
For Japanese people, sento (public baths) are not just bathing facilities; they are local social hubs and sacred spaces for resetting mind…