How to Beat the Crowds in Japan (Without the Early Wake-up Call)

Picture this: You arrive in Japan for your long-awaited trip.
You’ve spent weeks noting down the most famous shrines and temples.
You’ve searched all the big travel websites for the ‘must-see’ highlights.
You’ve saved your favourite influencer’s ‘Top 10’ list on your phone. 
You have all of your research compiled, maps saved and itinerary nailed.

Only it turns out everyone else had the same idea...

A More Meaningful Way to Experience Japan

There is a new trend emerging in Japan. One where over-tourism and lack of innovation is causing people to blame others.

It’s easy to point the blame at everyone else, but we must realise that if we are in the same crowd, then we are contributing to the same problem.

I am seeing more and more Instagram posts of people with high hopes for Japan.
Only for them to post about how crowded it was.
Or how disappointing certain aspects were due to over-tourism.
Or how you should wake up extra extra early to beat the masses.

In 2023 the number of tourists visiting Kyoto exceeded 43 million. 

That is THIRTY TIMES the city’s population.
And the number is rising daily in 2024.
The government is even resorting to banning tourists from certain streets.
Restaurants in the city are notoriously hard to book, and hotel prices are soaring.

Surely there has to be an alternative?!

Unique Destinations. Timeless Japan.

Ever since I moved my life to Japan five years ago, I have searched high and low for unique experiences and off-the-beaten track destinations. I’ve worked with the nation’s leading tourism boards, award-winning international travel magazines and collaborated closely with hotels up and down the country; from design hotels to Airbnbs, and remote ryokans to glamping resorts.

During my five years in Japan I have:

Visited 30 prefectures from the top to bottom of the country.
Experienced more corners of Japan than most would in a lifetime.
Skiied down snow-carpeted mountains in Hokkaido.
Snorkelled in the turquoise waters of Okinawa.
Meditated with monks in Fukui.
Experienced geisha dinners in Kanazawa.
Met bamboo artisans in Fukuoka.
Hiked through jungle-covered landscapes in Kagoshima.

And you can too.
 

Introducing: Views from Japan 


Trusted by thousands around the world, Views from Japan is a travel guidebook that gives you all the tools to unlock remote destinations, delve into Japan’s unique cultural traditions and discover lesser-known neighbourhoods, without spending hours trawling the web or following generic itineraries. 

Across 280 detail-packed pages, I provide everything you need to create a truly personal and memorable trip to Japan, whether you are travelling for a solo trip, honeymoon or family adventure.

Views from Japan is a guidebook for those who want to:

Delve deeper into Japan’s natural wonders.
Explore under-the-radar neighbourhoods.
Discover unique countryside hotels.
Experience local charm in rural areas.
Take a city break, minus the crowds.
Embrace Japan’s unique cultural traditions.
Plan a personalised itinerary to fit your needs.

Here’s Exactly What You’ll Get

• 280 pages packed with unique destinations and experiences.
• Off-the-beaten-track exploration across 20 prefectures.
• Unique places to visit away from the crowds.
• Travel itineraries for first-time visitors and seasoned Japan travellers.
• Hotel recommendations from traditional ryokans to modern design hotels.
• Tips and practical advice including transport, etiquette, food and loads more.

The Views from Japan Community

Ready to Explore Japan Like a Local?

Are you ready to have a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Japan?
Are you ready to try new experiences for your first, second or third visit to Japan?
Are you ready to set off on that solo adventure to far flung corners of Japan?
Are you ready to have the most memorable honeymoon, away from the crowds?
Are you ready to discover Japan like a local?


Shop the Views from Japan Collection

Views from Japan: A Meaningful Travel Guide
£39.99
Quantity:
Add to Cart
50 Things to Do in Tokyo eBook
£19.99
Add to Cart
50 Things to Do in Kyoto eBook
£19.99
Add to Cart

Related Blog Posts


Download Your FREE Tokyo Neighbourhoods eBook

Previous
Previous

Sample Yamanashi Prefecture’s Finest Japanese Wines and French Cuisine

Next
Next

1920’s Bank to Boutique Design Hotel: K5 Tokyo