“Crowds gathering at Senso-ji Temple in Tokyo for a winter street festival with food stalls and bright signage

What It’s Like to Visit Japan in Winter: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Himeji & Kobe in January

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Everyone warned me not to go to Japan in the winter: too cold, too gray, too quiet, they said. But the reality? Japan in winter was even better than I imagined. Yes, there were some cold and overcast days, but traveling in January meant experiencing lingering New Year’s traditions, witnessing the first early blooms, and […]

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Expansive view of Kobe skyline and harbor from the mountains, with city buildings, port facilities, and Osaka Bay under a clear blue sky

A Scenic Day Trip to Kobe, Japan: Ropeway Views, Herb Gardens & Hidden Waterfalls

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Internationally, Kobe is synonymous with beef. But on a day trip from Osaka, Japan, I discovered a vibrant city with a relaxed atmosphere, offering outdoor adventures, cultural gems, and friendly locals. Kobe provides a refreshing contrast to its busier neighbors, making it a perfect day trip destination where you won’t just feel like part of

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Deluxe king room at the TWA Hotel at JFK Airport with vintage travel posters and mid-century modern design

TWA Hotel Review: What It’s Like to Stay at JFK’s Retro Airport Hotel

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When Mother Nature threatens snow and ice on the morning you’re supposed to drive more than two hours for a flight to Tokyo, you make adjustments. For my husband and me, that meant booking a room at the TWA Hotel at JFK Airport and driving up the night before. The TWA Hotel is anything but

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Row of colorful winter peonies protected by traditional warabocchi at Ueno Toshogu Peony Garden.

Why You Should Visit Tokyo’s Ueno Toshogu Winter Peony Festival

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Anyone who thinks winter is dull hasn’t visited the Ueno Toshogu Winter Peony Festival in Tokyo, Japan. While other parts of the world brace for snow and freezing temperatures, this Japanese winter festival celebrates nature with bright, blooming flowers. Large peonies in vivid hues like pink, red, and white offer a refreshing glimpse of spring.

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A distant view of Himeji Castle, also known as the White Heron Castle, standing atop a stone foundation with lush greenery and blue skies in the background.

Himeji Day Trip Guide: Explore Himeji Castle & Koko-en Garden

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Across Japan, there are only twelve original castles left. In the charming city of Himeji is Himeji Castle, Japan’s most famous and best-preserved castle. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is remarkable to experience–whether from inside, climbing to the top, or from outside, marveling at its architecture. In addition to this must-see fortress, Himeji offers a

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MC Yuta Kitashiro welcomes the audience at Yoshimoto Comedy Night Owari in Tokyo, Japan.

Experiencing Japanese Comedy: How to Attend Yoshimoto Comedy Night in Tokyo

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Nearly a decade ago, my husband and I became interested in the Japanese comedy show Documental. The premise is simple: comedians are locked in a room and forbidden from laughing. Their goal is to eliminate each other by making their opponents laugh. Nothing is off-limits, and frankly, it is remarkable that some of it made

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Crowds gather inside the Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo.

Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo: Tickets, Best Seats & Tips

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Few things are as instantly recognizable as sumo wrestling, with its powerful athletes and minimal attire. After nearly a decade of watching sumo on television, I finally experienced a Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo, Japan. For those new to the sport or those looking to attend their first tournament, this guide covers how to get

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View of Neuschwanstein Castle from nearby Hohenschwangau Castle.

Guide to Visiting Neuschwanstein & Hohenschwangau Castles: History, Tips & Day Trip Itinerary from Munich

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If there’s one place that every traveler wants to visit in Germany, it’s Neuschwanstein Castle. This fairytale-like castle has captivated people worldwide—including Disney, which used it as inspiration for Cinderella’s Castle. Neuschwanstein and nearby Hohenschwangau Castle make for an ideal day trip from Munich. Nestled in the picturesque Bavarian countryside, these iconic castles are must-see

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Learn German with the films of actor Jürgen Prochnow!

Learn German with Films of Jürgen Prochnow

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Whether you watch English-language or German-language films, veteran actor Jürgen Prochnow likely looks familiar. He’s portrayed a dictator in 1997’s Air Force One, the bad guy in 1987’s Beverly Hills Cop II, and a duke in 1984’s Dune. Prochnow is also an accomplished and respected actor in his home country, having starred in important and

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The view of the Frauenkirche from Munich's Neues Rathaus tower observation deck offers one of the best views in Munich.

The Best Bavarian Brewery Tours & Beer Tastings

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Beer is an integral part of Bavarian culture. From historic monastery breweries to modern craft beer makers, Bavaria offers unforgettable beer-tasting experiences for travelers. Its world-renowned beer festivals, like Oktoberfest, draw millions of visitors each year. For those looking to delve even deeper, the best brewery tours in Bavaria provide an insider’s look at the

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