amberjapantravels

Discount code below⬇️ I’ve been wanting to visit Arima Onsen for a long time, so finally getting to experience the famous golden “Kinsen” waters felt really special ♨️ 
The whole town has a nostalgic atmosphere with little streets, old shops, steam rising everywhere, and a shrine that marks the origin of the golden onsen waters. 🇯🇵 We stayed at @hyoekoyokaku_arimaonsen , a ryokan that’s been around for over 700 years. They’ have the biggest bath in all of Arima onsen including a very unique Roman style one. My personal favorite was private outdoor onsen which was exactly what I needed after walking around town all day. 💸You can get ¥3,000 off your stay at Hyoe Koyokaku with the code “KOBE3K1” Valid until June 30th for bookings made through December 25th, 2026. 🚃Access: Take the Kobe Electric Railway to Arima Onsen Station (有馬温泉駅) and Hyoe Koyokaku is about a 5 minute walk from the station. There’s also a free shuttle pickup service from the station if you call when you arrive. It’s easy to visit from both Osaka and Kobe. Follow along at @AmberJapanTravels for more quiet spots in Japan~ 
 #pr #japantravel #arimaonsen #hyoekoyokaku #kobehotel Thanks @oyadoo_jp ！🍵

Discount code below⬇️ I’ve been wanting to visit Arima Onsen for a long time, so finally getting to experience the famous golden “Kinsen” waters felt really special ♨️ 
The whole town has a nostalgic atmosphere with little streets, old shops, steam rising everywhere, and a shrine that marks the origin of the golden onsen waters. 🇯🇵 We stayed at @hyoekoyokaku_arimaonsen , a ryokan that’s been around for over 700 years. They’ have the biggest bath in all of Arima onsen including a very unique Roman style one. My personal favorite was private outdoor onsen which was exactly what I needed after walking around town all day. 💸You can get ¥3,000 off your stay at Hyoe Koyokaku with the code “KOBE3K1” Valid until June 30th for bookings made through December 25th, 2026. 🚃Access: Take the Kobe Electric Railway to Arima Onsen Station (有馬温泉駅) and Hyoe Koyokaku is about a 5 minute walk from the station. There’s also a free shuttle pickup service from the station if you call when you arrive. It’s easy to visit from both Osaka and Kobe. Follow along at @AmberJapanTravels for more quiet spots in Japan~ 
 #pr #japantravel #arimaonsen #hyoekoyokaku #kobehotel Thanks @oyadoo_jp ！🍵

Discount code below⬇️ I’ve been wanting to visit Arima Onsen for a long time, so finally getting to experience the famous golden “Kinsen” waters felt really special ♨️ 
The whole town has a nostalgic atmosphere with little streets, old shops, steam rising everywhere, and a shrine that marks the origin of the golden onsen waters. 🇯🇵 We stayed at @hyoekoyokaku_arimaonsen , a ryokan that’s been around for over 700 years. They’ have the biggest bath in all of Arima onsen including a very unique Roman style one. My personal favorite was private outdoor onsen which was exactly what I needed after walking around town all day. 💸You can get ¥3,000 off your stay at Hyoe Koyokaku with the code “KOBE3k1” Valid until June 30th for bookings made through December 25th, 2026. 🚃Access: Take the Kobe Electric Railway to Arima Onsen Station (有馬温泉駅) and Hyoe Koyokaku is about a 5 minute walk from the station. There’s also a free shuttle pickup service from the station if you call when you arrive. It’s easy to visit from both Osaka and Kobe. Follow along at @AmberJapanTravels for more quiet spots in Japan~ 
 #pr #japantravel #arimaonsen #hyoekoyokaku #kobehotel Thanks @oyadoo_jp ！🍵

Oyama is a small mountain town with a mix of tradition, nature, and food that makes it really special. It’s only 90 minutes away from Tokyo, but it feels like another world. ⛩️ Here I got to meet a local Japanese spinning top craftsmen who showed us his workshop and told us about the history of his craft. The Japanese top is more than just a toy, it’s a tradition that holds a lot of symbolism. The longer your top spins the longer your life and your luck! 🍀 After strolling down the spinning top street that had me feeling like we teleported to Showa Japan, I rode the cable car up Mt. Oyama to Afuri Shrine, a sacred spot overlooking sweeping views. One of my absolute favorite moments was stopping at Teahouse Sekison (茶寮 石尊), which is part of the shrine. The tea house was designed by a famous Japanese architect! Sitting above the clouds with a matcha tiramisu in hand was such a magical experience, it’s the kind of place where you just want to linger and take it all in. There’s a tour available (linked in my bio) that gives you the chance to walk part of the ancient pilgrimage route to Afuri shrine. Follow me at @AmberJapanTravels for more quiet Japan spots~ 🍵 #Oyama #pr #matcha#CapCut

One of the most underrated spots in Japan is the Seto Inland Sea area, and one my favorite spots in that area is 📍Kurashiki(倉敷) in Okayama Prefecture~ Once a prosperous merchant town, Kurashiki preserved its historic center instead of rebuilding it. Today, everyday life continues among canals, white-walled storehouses, and streets shaped centuries ago. I started with a walk through the 📍Bikan Historical Quarter, following the canal and admiring the architecture reflected in the water. Swans drifted quietly along the river, adding to the calm, unhurried atmosphere. From there, I walked up to 📍Achi Shrine(阿智神社), the guardian shrine of Kurashiki, set slightly above the town. From the grounds, you can look back out over the rooftops of the historic district below. For lunch, I stopped at 📍Miyake Shoten Cafe (三宅商店カフェ), a cafe inside a renovated merchant house. I had a traditional Okayama lunch set, followed by cake and coffee, simple, seasonal, and deeply comforting. In the afternoon, I rested at 📍Felicite, an antique shop cafe, where you can get homemade scones baked to order, before browsing local crafts. At 📍Kurashiki Ichiyō-gama (倉敷一陽窯), I chose a Bizen-yaki mug for my morning tea, pottery made for everyday use, not just display. That evening, I stayed at 📍Tsuchiya (土屋), a small boutique hotel filled with intention and thoughtful detail. I especially loved bathing in the hinoki wood bath, a quiet moment to end the day. Dinner was at 📍Pizzeria CONO FORESTA, where I enjoyed a cream pasta and salad made with local Okayama vegetables, followed by Basque cheesecake and tea. The next morning, I had breakfast at 📍Cafe Gewa, an egg and toast set with yogurt and a latte. The space felt warm and local, like dining in a friend’s home. 🚃 Access: From Okayama Station, take the JR line to Kurashiki Station (about 15 minutes). The Bikan Historical Quarter is a short walk from the station. 📍 Kurashiki, Okayama 💾 Save this for your Setouchi itinerary 🌊 A place to slow down and stay awhile For more slow travel in Japan follow me at @AmberJapanTravels!~ @Oyadoo.jp #PR #jrwest #setouchi #kurashiki #okayama

This was one of the most fun solo trips I’ve had in Japan in a long time. 📍Uno City(宇野) sits along the Seto Inland Sea in Okayama Prefecture. It’s best known as the port town where ferries depart for Naoshima and Teshima, but if you’re visiting the art islands, Uno itself is worth slowing down for rather than just passing through. When you arrive at Uno Station, you can pick up a map for a self-guided walking tour to find art installations scattered around the seaside.Instead of being confined to a museum, the art here is folded into everyday life, quietly existing alongside fishing boats, cafes, and residential streets. Along the way, I stopped at 📍Bollard Coffee, a small seaside cafe, for a matcha latte and a moment to rest during the walk. Nearby, there’s also a local 📍Arts and Crafts Gallery, showcasing work rooted in the region rather than designed for mass tourism. For lunch, I ate a thoughtfully crafted course meal at 📍Bluno inside Uno Hotel, before heading back toward the port. Uno works especially well as a base for the art islands, but it’s also a place worth staying a little longer. It’s unhurried, local, and shaped by the sea, an ideal starting point for exploring Setouchi at a slower pace. 🚃 Access: From Okayama Station, take the JR Uno Line to Uno Station (about 50–60 minutes). 🚢 Gateway to Naoshima & Teshima 📍Uno, Tamano City, Okayama 💾 Save this for your Setouchi itinerary For more slow travel in Japan follow me at @AmberJapanTravels!~ @oyadoo.jp #PR #jrwest #setouchi #kurashiki

Buying a train ticket in Japan is actually easy… if you know these tips 👇🚄 1⃣ Choose the right machine Not all ticket machines sell the same tickets. Some are for local/commuter trains, while others sell Shinkansen and Limited Express tickets. Make sure you’re at the correct one before you start! 2⃣ Switch to your language You can change the language at the top of the screen. Most machines offer English, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, and Korean. 3⃣ Select your ticket type Tap “Purchase Ticket,” then choose the type of train you’re taking. In this video, I selected a Limited Express ticket. From there, choose your departure station, destination, travel date, time, and number of passengers. 4⃣ Choose your seat You can select a window, aisle, or middle seat, or even pick a specific seat from the seatmap. ✨ PRO TIP: The green double circle symbol means that the car has the most available seats. I usually pick that one because it gives you the most options! 5⃣ Important for Shinkansen & Limited Express trains After selecting your seat, make sure you press “Select” and NOT “Limited Express Ticket Only.” These trains require two tickets (a base fare ticket + a Limited Express or Shinkansen ticket). If you only buy one, you might be missing what you need! Save this for your Japan trip 🇯🇵 and follow @AmberJapanTravels and @Oyadoo_jp for more tips to make traveling in Japan easy ✨ ** Filmed as of February 19** #PR #jreast #japantrip #japantravel japantrains

If you’re looking for an off the beaten path spot to add to your Japan itinerary, this is the place! Unzen onsen is located in Japan’s first national park. I really can’t believe I hadn’t heard about it before! And it is in an *ACTIVE volcano (correction from the subtitles). The hotel I stayed in was special too, Mt. Resort Unzen Kyushu Hotel in Nagasaki, which has been welcoming overseas travelers for over a century (and even had a visit from Emperor himself) ! Today, every room offers a private open-air bath and terrace with stunning views of Jigokudani’s steaming hot springs. One of the highlights for me was the gourmet food crafted from fresh, local ingredients from Unzen and the Shimabara Peninsula. It was a fusion of Japanese and western cuisine. Everyone was delicious down to the dessert! They also had complimentary drinks at the café and bar. Timeless, tranquil, and steeped in history, this is Unzen at its finest. #pr #kyusyuhotel #kyusyutravel #mtresort雲仙九州ホテル #雲仙九州ホテル @kyushuhotel_1917_unzen Thanks @oyadoo_jp !

Planning a trip to Japan?  Now’s a really good time to book your stay~ 🇯🇵 Rakuten Travel is having a big summer sale, with: 🏨 Up to 50% off selected hotels 💸 Extra flash coupons (up to 30% off!) you can stack for even more savings 📱Plus—a free 3GB eSIM for anyone booking a trip between July and September 2025 The sale runs from July 8, 2025 at 10am JST to August 26, 2025 at 9:59am JST—so don’t miss it! I’m genuinely excited to share this one because it’s such a great deal for anyone planning a trip soon 💖 @rakuten_global Check the link in my bio for more info! #JapanTravel #RakutenTravel #TravelDeals #JapanTripPlanning

The cats are called ‘sakura’ cats because the shape of their clipped ears looks like a sakura (cherry blossom) pedal 🌸 🐈Their ears are clipped to indicate that they are spayed and neutered. They’re super chill (probably from the warm ground) and they’re really friendly! The cats roam the town like they own the place (which, honestly, they kind of do). 🚉Unzen onsen is accessible by bus (about 1 hour and 45 minutes) or car (1 hour) from Nagasaki City. Also if you’re planning a visit 📍Mt. Resort Unzen Kyushu Hotel ( @kyushuhotel_1917_unzen ) is the best place to stay—it’s where the last clips in this video are from and it’s been in operation for over 100 years (even the emperor has stayed there!) The hotel is walking distance to all the cat action, has delicious food, anddd every room has a private onsen overlooking the park~ ^^ #onsentown #japantravel #unzenonsen #catsofjapan #unzencats #pr #oyadoo Thanks @oyadoo_jp !

Sumo is a traditional Japanese art that you should definitely experience if you come to Japan! The Osumoya Half-Day Tour in Osaka is a really cool way to experience sumo up close. It starts at 📍Sumo Hall Hirakuza Osaka, where we got a crash course on sumo rules, traditions, and the star wrestlers of the tournament. Knowing who to watch for made the matches way more exciting! Then came the fun part—trying sumo ourselves! We got to practice moves with a real sumo wrestler, which made me realize just how strong these guys are. 😳 Of course, we also took some fun photos before heading out. After that, we took a quick 5 minute walk over to 📍Edion Arena Osaka for the real deal—a live sumo match from the S-seats! Seeing the wrestlers I just learned about in action and rooting for them was super fun. The energy in the arena was unreal! Oh, and we even got some traditional snacks to eat while watching the show (which happened to be vegan) AND awesome sumo merch, including the purple happi coat you saw me wearing~ If you’ve ever been curious about sumo, this is a fun way to experience it! Would you try it? 🤔 @osumoya_halfdaytour More Info HERE!: osumoya.com　 #PR #osumoya #お相撲屋 #sumo #Osaka #JapanTravel #SumoExperience​

This spot in Japan is NOT only for skiing. If you come here just for the slopes, you’re missing out on a whole bunch of experiences. Here are some of the things I enjoyed and highly recommend checking out in Niigata: 

📍Yahiko Shrine bike tour: @yahiko_pr 
 📍Kraft- Japanese knife worksop & bike tour: @Kraft_ts 
 📍Ghibli-esque Jewelry Workshop: @asakawamasako3 
 📍Igloo Dining Experience: @npoggg 
 📍 Niigata Gastronomy at a Historic Ryotei: @yamazyu_yamacafe 
 📍Cat Shopping Street- 沼垂テラス商店街: @nuttari_terrace
 📍Glass Making Workshop- @taruhiglassworks 
 📍 Traditional Fox Mask Workshop- @agamachikankokyoukai
 📍Metal Works Factory- @nozakilimited 
 📍 Retro car experience-（https://www.klook.com/activity/141182）
 📍 Za Zen Meditation & Buddhist cuisine- @skyrestaurantzen 

@Niigatatourism

#PR #Niigata #VisitNiigata #Japantravel #helloniigata

📍COLON Jewelry Workshop: @asakawamasako3 I thoroughly enjoyed this jewelry workshop in Niigata! The studio was so cute and in the most picturesque countryside location. The experience itself was really fun too and the ring I made came out beautifully. It’s a great personalized souvenir that I’ll treasure for a long time. The workshop is not only rings, there’s a lot of jewelry options to choose from. Next time I think I’ll make one of the bengals! If you go, here are some other fun things you can checkout while you’re in Niigata:

📍Yahiko Shrine bike tour: @yahiko_pr 
 📍Kraft- Japanese knife worksop & bike tour: @Kraft_ts 
 📍Igloo Dining Experience: @npoggg 
 📍 Niigata Gastronomy at a Historic Ryotei: @yamazyu_yamacafe 
 📍Cat Shopping Street- 沼垂テラス商店街: @nuttari_terrace
 📍Glass Making Workshop- @taruhiglassworks 
 📍 Traditional Fox Mask Workshop- @agamachikankokyoukai
 📍Metal Works Factory- @nozakilimited 
 📍 Retro car experience-（https://www.klook.com/activity/141182）
 📍 Za Zen Meditation & Buddhist cuisine- @skyrestaurantzen

@Niigatatourism

#PR #Niigata #VisitNiigata #Japantravel #helloniigata

Did you know you can actually drive a classic Japanese car? 📍 Located in Niigata, this spot is home to Japan’s retro car collection! 

There’s so much more to do in Niigata while you’re there. Here’s the car experience and some of the other things I would go back for: 
 📍Retro car experience-（https://www.klook.com/activity/141182）

📍Yahiko Shrine bike tour: @yahiko_pr 
 📍Kraft- Japanese knife worksop & bike tour: @Kraft_ts 
 📍Ghibli-esque Jewelry Workshop: @asakawamasako3 
 📍Igloo Dining Experience: @npoggg 
 📍 Niigata Gastronomy at a Historic Ryotei: @yamazyu_yamacafe 
 📍 Cat Shopping Street- 沼垂テラス商店街: @nuttari_terrace
 📍Glass Making Workshop- @taruhiglassworks 
 📍 Traditional Fox Mask Workshop- @agamachikankokyoukai
 📍Metal Works Factory- @nozakilimited 
 📍 Za Zen Meditation & Buddhist cuisine- @skyrestaurantzen

@Niigatatourism

#PR #helloniigata #RetroJapan #ShowaEra #NiigataJapan #ClassicCars #Japantravel #VisitNiigata

I’ve been living in Japan for 4 years now but when I first visited as a tourist, I did what most first-time travelers do and stuck to the Golden Route: Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. Which are all amazing places BUT if you can, I highly recommend adding at least one local place like Niigata to your itinerary. You’ll find fewer crowds, lots of craft workshops where you can make really special personalized souvenirs, more authentic experiences, incredible food, and meaningful local encounters—all while supporting communities that truly appreciate it.
Here are some of the places I visited and loved while I was in Niigata: 

📍Yahiko Shrine bike tour: @yahiko_pr 
 📍Kraft- Japanese knife worksop & bike tour: @Kraft_ts 
 📍Ghibli-esque Jewelry Workshop: @asakawamasako3 
 📍Igloo Dining Experience: @npoggg 
 📍 Niigata Gastronomy at a Historic Ryotei: @yamazyu_yamacafe 
 📍 Cat Shopping Street- 沼垂テラス商店街: @nuttari_terrace
 📍Glass Making Workshop- @taruhiglassworks 
 📍 Traditional Fox Mask Workshop- @agamachikankokyoukai
 📍Metal Works Factory- @nozakilimited 
 📍 Retro car experience-（https://www.klook.com/activity/141182）
 📍 Za Zen Meditation & Buddhist cuisine- @skyrestaurantzen 

@Niigatatourism

#PR #Niigata #VisitNiigata #Japantravel #helloniigata

Recently I spent 2 days on Sado Island, an island off the coast of Niigata in Japan. This island is an off the beaten path GEM. It’s home to insanely beautiful natural landscapes, a blue ocean, and the Sado Island Gold Mines, which recently became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sado Island is the perfect place for those seeking to connect with nature and immerse themselves in unique cultural experiences. 🏞️ During my visit, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the 37th annual Earth Celebration, an art and culture festival like no other. Watching Kodo, Japan’s legendary taiko drum ensemble, perform alongside the Ugandan musical group Nakibembe Embaire was a highlight. The festival featured traditional dances, mouthwatering food, and interactive workshops that brought together artists and visitors from around the globe. 🎵🌍 The absolute highlight of my trip was diving deep into the local culture with the “Oni Daiko” (Demon Taiko drum dance) experience at 📍Sado Island Taiko Centre. Here, I learned a traditional dance performed at local festivals, and it was an exhilarating way to connect with the spirit of Sado Island. They also offer taiko drumming experiences that you won’t want to miss! Getting here is easy! Just hop on a Shinkansen to Niigata station (about 1.5 hours), a quick bus ride to the ferry terminal (about 15 minutes) and then take the ferry (about 1 hour) to Ryotsu Port. Don’t miss out on this unique cultural experience—mark your calendars for next year’s Earth Celebration and start planning your trip to Sado Island~ 🌿 The project “Japan Cultural Expo” serves as an information hub for foreign visitors to experience “The Beauty and The Spirit of Japan”. Find information on the project at https://japanculturalexpo.bunka.go.jp/en/ 
 #pr #sadoisland #earthcelebration #japantravel #sadoshima #kodo #culturalfestival #unescoworldheritage #taikodrumming #naturelovers #discoverjapan #offthebeatenpathjapan #japanculturalexpo #taiko #earthcelebration

Have you heard of Goshuin? These are special stamps you can collect from temples and shrines across Japan. Each stamp has a unique design, making it a meaningful keepsake to remember your visits. Here are a few things to know before you get your first Goshuin: 1. Use a “Goshuin-cho” (official stamp book) You’ll need a Goshuin-cho to collect these stamps. Most temples and shrines sell them, but it’s important to note that the book is considered sacred. You shouldn’t use any random notebook, nor add stickers or extra notes inside. While traditionally you’re supposed to use separate books for temples and shrines, most people today mix them. However, in some rare cases, a temple or shrine may refuse to give you a stamp if your book contains both shrine and temple stamps. 2. Bring cash Many temples, shrines, and even local shops still operate on a cash-only basis. It’s also useful for picking up omikuji (fortunes), omamori (good luck charms), and making offerings. If you forget cash, don’t worry—most 7-Eleven stores in Japan have ATMs where you can withdraw money from international banks! *Note 1: Not all locations operate 24 hours. *Note 2: Some services may not be available. 3. Pray before receiving your stamp The stamp is kind of like a “contract” between you and the deity or god of the temple or shrine, so it’s customary to say a prayer before receiving it. By the way, this temple is 📍Ryusenji in Saitama Prefecture. It’s a bit off the beaten path in the countryside—about 2.5 hours by public transport from Tokyo or 1.5 hours by car~ @7bankofficial #pr #japantraveltip #japantravel #goshuin #japantravelguide #ryusenji #7bank #7BankCashTravel

Forest Cafe 📍 鶴仙渓川床　(Kakusenkei River Bed- Kawadoko) This cafe is located in a forest in the Yamanaka Onsen Town in Kaga Ishikawa Japan~ It seems they have events sometimes too! Here’s the website: https://www.yamanaka-spa.or.jp/event/591 #oyadoo #pr #forestcafe #japantravel #hokuriku #ishikawa #matcha

Here’s all the info on the food mentioned in the video: Traditional Tea House (Matcha Gold Leaf Kakigori) 📍Kaikaro (懐華樓) (Kanazawa, Ishikawa) Local Market (Lemon Kakigori) 📍Omichiyo (Kanazawa, Ishikawa) Grape Picking 📍Kaga Fruit Land (加賀フルーツランド) (Kaga, Ishikawa) Japanese Inn (Roasted veggies) 📍 Yamanaka Onsen Shirasagiyu Tawaraya(山中温泉白鷺湯たわらや) (Yamanaka Ishikawa) Forest Cafe (Matcha & roll cake) 📍 鶴仙渓川床　(Kakusenkei River Bed- Kawadoko) (Yamanaka, Ishikawa) Sweet Potato Mont Blanc 📍 モンブラン・芋スイーツ Monta-Yu 加賀 (Mont Blanc Imo Sweets Monta-Yu Kaga) (Kaga, Ishikawa) Thank you @oyadoo_jp ! #pr #oyadoo #japantravel #horiku #japan #ishikawa #yamanakaonsen #japaneseinn #japanesehotel #japanhotel #japaneseonsen #montblanc #japanitinerary #japancountryside #countrysidejapan #offthebeatenpathjapan #hiddengemjapan #kanazawa

Last weekend I visited 📍Tsuchiura, Ibaraki. I CANNOT believe this place is just 1 hour by train from Tokyo Station and no one talks about it. I was especially blown away by the hotel, Hoshino Beb5 Tsuchiura, which was conveniently located IN the station! This is one of the COOLEST non-ryokan hotels I’ve ever stayed in Japan. It was comfortable, stylish, and surprisingly super affordable. Features: 🍹Smoothie bike experience 🍈Fancy melon soda 💙Flower projection mapping + cake & blue chai tea 🚴‍♀️Bike rental, storage, + repair floor 💻Co-working space 🛌Comfortable spacious & stylish rooms 🫶🏻 + soooo much more! #tsuchiuracycling #pr #tsuchiura #cycling #oyadoo @tsuchiura_city @playatre_tsuchiura @beb5tsuchiura @tsuchiura_explorer Thanks @oyadoo_jp