Train

Stay in Kyoto or Osaka? How to Choose Your Base (or Split Your Nights)

Not sure whether to stay in Kyoto or Osaka? Answer 3 questions, find the base that fits your trip style, and see how to split your nights and move your luggage.

2026.10.27

Travel & Sightseeing

How to Buy Shinkansen Tickets Without a JR Pass: Smart EX vs Klook vs Station (Tokyo–Kyoto/Osaka)

Skipping the JR Pass? Here’s how to buy Shinkansen tickets from Tokyo to Kyoto or Shin-Osaka with Smart EX, Klook or the station, plus kids and luggage tips.

2026.10.27

Travel & Sightseeing

Where to Stay in Osaka: Namba vs Umeda vs Shin-Osaka, Picked by Where You Go Next

Not sure whether to stay in Namba, Umeda or Shin-Osaka? Pick by the station you’ll use next for KIX, Kyoto, Nara or the Shinkansen, plus 10 hotels by station.

2026.10.22

Travel & Sightseeing

Early Flight from Kansai Airport (KIX): Where to Stay the Night Before, by Flight Time

Flying out of Kansai Airport (KIX) at 6–10 a.m.? Where to stay the night before by flight time: airport island, Rinku Town or Osaka, with first trains.

2026.10.22

Travel & Sightseeing

Shinjuku vs Shibuya vs Tokyo Station: Which Tokyo Base Fits Your Trip? (A Japanese Mom’s 30-Second Guide)

Shinjuku, Shibuya or Tokyo Station? Compare airports, the Shinkansen, big suitcases, kids and late nights, plus 9 hotels near each station, from a Japanese mom.

2026.10.16

Travel & Sightseeing

Lost Something in Japan? How to Find It and Get It Shipped Home

Left something at a hotel, on a train or in a taxi in Japan? A Japanese mom explains the 4 steps, English contacts and 3 ways to get it shipped home.

2026.10.13

Travel & Sightseeing

Kansai Airport to Osaka, Kyoto or Nara: The Easiest Way by Destination, Luggage & Family Size (2026)

Kansai Airport to Osaka, Kyoto or Nara with luggage or kids: a Japanese mom compares Haruka, Rapi:t, the Limousine Bus and taxis, with 2026 family fares.

2026.09.30

Travel & Sightseeing

GRAN Tenku Train to Koyasan: Is It Worth It? Seats, Prices & How to Book (2026)

Is the GRAN Tenku train to Koyasan worth it? Compare the 4 cars, fares from Namba, the World Heritage Ticket trap, the timetable, English booking, and temple stay tips from a Japanese mom.

2026.09.24

Travel & Sightseeing

Coin Lockers Full in Japan? What to Do and Where to Store Your Luggage Instead

Every coin locker full at a Japanese station? Try this order: another locker area, a staffed baggage counter, nearby storage you can reserve, or same-day hotel delivery.

2026.09.17

Travel & Sightseeing

Scenic Trains in Japan in Autumn: 7 Trains Where You Eat With a View

Seven scenic trains in Japan where autumn views come with a meal: which need the meal booked ahead, which sell food on board, and when the leaves turn.

2026.09.17

Travel & Sightseeing