Rainy season in Japan (Tsuyu 梅雨) has arrived in Japan. Tsuyu directly translates to “plum rain” because the rainy season coincides with the ripening of plums. Tsuyu is very much a welcomed season in Japan as it is also when the rice fields flood, crucial for harvesting good rice, one of Japan’s essential foods. Because...Read More
I got on the bus with the group that I was meeting upon their arrival in Japan. It was a late arrival, and I knew they’d be tired from the long day of travel. I suggested to them that they could get dinner at the convenience stores in the basement of the hotel. After all,...Read More
Jet lag is a temporary sleep disorder that impacts the circadian rhythm. All the biological rhythms are controlled by the body’s circadian clock, so if you suffer from this disorder, you will show several biological disruptions. Here’s a list of the most common symptoms you can experience during jet lag: • Insomnia • Fatigue •...Read More
Cooler, crisp air, beautiful foliage, and less tourist traffic makes Autumn in Japan one of the best times of the year to visit. Remember to pack layers, as the mornings and evenings are cooler, but daytime temperatures may remain warm and pleasant. There are many different types of festivals happening during this time of the...Read More
Are you ready to travel to Japan with Samurai Tours? Before you embark on this journey here are my 10 travel tips. 1.Rent a Pocket Wifi Wifi is available in some hotels and ryokans. However, it can be a necessity when you are traveling on your own. Whether you are searching for a place...Read More
We get asked often by people who have tattoos as to whether they will be able to use the Japanese baths , and it is a difficult question to answer. Just like everything else in Japan, acceptance of tattoos is evolving. But like it or not, tattoos have a negative connotation in Japan. It is...Read More
As a husband, I always like to help my wife carry a heavy bag up the stairs when I can. But our trips cover more than a few train rides, negotiating busy train station and a variety of transportation methods. Most people try to avoid feats of strength on vacation so we use takkyubin and...Read More
Any list of the worlds best public transportation systems are bound to include Japan. And because we specialize in small groups, we are able to take full advantage of that system. Traveling like and with the Japanese people gives you much better inset of the culture and people. Not to mention there is so much...Read More
As with many words in Japanese, the word “onsen” (温泉) has different meanings. The two main meanings are either a hot spring, or a group of traditional inns and hotels that have been developed around a hot spring. For the purpose of this blog, we will use the latter meaning. Since it is a geothermally-active...Read More
After a short bus ride from the Nagano station you will find yourself on the side of a hill with a sign depicting a monkey in water urging you upward. These signs will lead you on a short walk through a small town to a forested path that will end at the snow monkey park.The...Read More
