
The Boutique Japan Blog

Hiking the Historic Nakasendo Trail: 3 Days in the Kiso Valley
Winding through Japan’s central mountains, the 17th-century Nakasendo Trail leads travelers along ancient stone forest paths, through preserved Edo-era villages,…

Japan Ends Covid Requirements for Tourists
Japan’s borders reopened to independent travelers in the fall of 2022, and since then visiting Japan has been virtually as…

Family Travel in Japan: 25 Ideas for Exploring Japan with Kids
Japan is fun, fascinating, and safe, making it one of the world’s best destinations for family travel. Whether you’re traveling…

Traveling to Japan with Food Allergies and Dietary Restrictions
Japanese cuisine is a huge reason so many of our travelers visit Japan, but what about traveling through the country…

Things to Do in Matsumoto: Culture in the Japanese Alps
I arrived in Matsumoto on a cold night, the chill of winter still enveloping the streets, a breath of rain…

Introduction to Hakone, Japan
Hakone, in the shadow of Mount Fuji, is one of the greater Tokyo area’s most popular countryside escape destinations, thanks…

We’re Hiring an Operations Specialist
Do you love travel and spreadsheets? Boutique Japan is hiring a Full-Time Operations Specialist to join our globally distributed team.…

Japan’s Best Matsuri (Festivals)
Matsuri, festivals in Japan, are often spectacular, filled with color, exuberance, and tradition. Japan has perhaps more unique festivals than…

When Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Japan?
The good news for travelers is that there is no single best time of year to travel to Japan —…

Honeymoon in Japan: Unique Ideas and Experiences
If you love food, culture, and immersive travel experiences, it’s no surprise you’re thinking about a Japan honeymoon. As one…

Introduction to Osaka, Japan
The exuberant energy of Osaka, Japan, is a striking contrast to the traditional culture of Kyoto, and the two Kansai…

Guide to Visiting Tokyo’s Tsukiji Market
Even with the opening of Toyosu Market, the classic Tsukiji Market in Tokyo remains one of Japan’s most iconic and…