Every destination on this list is reachable in under 90 minutes from central Osaka, so you can spend your time actually exploring rather than sitting on a train. Whether you want Kyoto’s thousand-year-old temples, Nara’s adorable deer, Kobe beef from the source, delicious matcha in Uji, the sacred mountain where Reiki was born, or a full day at Universal Studios Japan, these are the 10 best day trips from Osaka that are worth every minute of the journey.

I arrived in Tokyo in 2004 with an empty wardrobe, a teacher’s salary, and no idea what Uniqlo was. A panicked ski trip to Niseko and one pair of HeatTech pants later, I was hooked for life. Twenty years on, Tokyo Becky, The Uniqlo Queen, breaks down everything you need to know about the brand that quietly changed the way the world gets dressed: from HeatTech and AIRism to the viral Round Mini Shoulder Bag, the UV protection line, wireless bras, and the best Uniqlo products to buy in Japan in 2026.

This 2-day Mount Fuji itinerary is your complete guide to exploring the Fuji Five Lakes region and Hakone: where to stay for iconic Fuji views, which viewpoints deliver the most dramatic photography, how to get there from Tokyo or Osaka, and everything you need to know to plan an unforgettable overnight trip to one of Japan’s most iconic destinations.

Eating in Japan can actually be really cheap if you know where to look. This is my honest guide to my 13 favorite Japanese food chains, with a little history on each and exactly what to order when you walk through the door.

Ever dreamed of stepping inside a Studio Ghibli film? Ghibli Park in Japan makes it possible. Spread across five themed areas in Aichi Prefecture near Nagoya, the park brings the worlds of Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki’s Delivery Service, Princess Mononoke, and Howl’s Moving Castle to life in extraordinary detail. But tickets sell out fast, the logistics take planning, and knowing what to expect before you go makes all the difference. Here’s everything you need to know before your visit.

Have you ever thought about watching baseball in Japan? In our opinion, this is one of the best ways to see the Japanese at play, especially if you are from a baseball-loving country. Learn about how to buy tickets, stadium etiquette, and our favorite teams!