Japan Walking Tours

26/02/2025

The best "weather map" of the Cherry Blossoms can be found here: https://sakura.weathermap.jp/en.php

The site is updated constantly, from Early Spring, as soon as the weather predictors believe they understand the weather patterns well enough to make correct predictions.

After March 3rd, we will update the first bloom and full bloom reports every day and provide forecasts every Monday and Thursday.

25/02/2025

For people visiting Japan, I offer a short-but-growing list of short articles I've written on various aspects of visiting the country, and a few more articles travel on a cruise ship. Take a peek!

Hoping my personal Japan experiences help my tour guests, or anyone visiting Japan!

19/02/2025

NEW article: "Taking a Bath in Japan, in 7 Easy Steps!" Including Jay Tee's list of over 50 tattoo-friendly public baths to try in Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe, Japan.

Taking a public bath in Japan, also known as an onsen or sento, is a popular and traditional cultural activity that dates back centuries. This ancient practice of communal bathing is deeply ingrained in Japanese society and is seen as a way to cleanse the body and relax the mind. One needs to unders...

28/10/2024

Where are our Cruise Shore Excursions? When will they be released? Will more be added later? Providing shore excursions is a multifaceted endeavor that requires careful... [Article continues... Click link below!]

When will they be released? Will more be added later? Providing shore excursions is a multifaceted endeavor that requires careful planning and coordination.[Departing Darwin, Australia at sunset. Taken from my room at the bow]Shore excursions cannot be finalized until close to the sailing date due t...

13/10/2024

Introducing a new Kyoto Tour, available starting today! Immerse yourself in the stunning autumn foliage—but escape the crowds at the same time! Experience the beauty of the changing leaf colors in a serene and unforgettable setting. Book your tour now and discover the magic of Kyoto this season.

Embark on an exciting walking tour to the hillside temples of Arashiyama and prepare to be amazed by the stunning beauty of bamboo forests, temples, shrines, and vibrant foliage. Throughout the year, you can immerse yourself in the peaceful ambiance of ancient Japanese gardens and take in the breath...

12/10/2024

Looking to check out Kyoto from a cruise ship arriving in Kobe or Osaka? Your best bet is to hop on a train for about an hour from Osaka...
[train use instructions added to this post, by request!]

Looking to check out Kyoto from a cruise ship arriving in Kobe or Osaka? Your best bet is to hop on a train for about an hour from Osaka Tempozan (where the Osaka Cruise Terminal is) or either of Kobe's Cruise Terminals to Kyoto Station. Don't bother with the shinkansen - it's a waste of time and mo...

27/09/2024

I was an Immigration Officer, many years ago. Let me give some perspective to this.

This financial requirement is no different than the requirements to visit the USA, or many other countries. Some travelers carry a printed copy of their bank balance; others carry enough cash for the entire stay. Some carry nothing at all. Most of the time, it will never be requested, and you need not present it.

But IF the Immigration Officer suspects (for some other reason) that you are/intending to illegally live and work in their country, they will then demand to see it. Even having this information is no guarantee you would be admitted. There is NEVER a guarantee of admission to any country when you arrive at their border.

26/09/2024

Japan is a country that experiences a wide variety of weather due to its unique geographical location and topography. Situated on the... [article continues at link]
https://www.jayteetours.com/post/what-s-the-weather-like-in-japan

25/09/2024

There is a 'couple's shrine' in Osaka, dedicated to what I refer to as the 'Romeo and Juliet of Japan.' Although a tragic story, the depth of their love shines through to Japanese couples, who come here to pledge their own love and devotion to each other.
https://www.jayteetours.com/tours
#日本 #神戸 #神戸市 #観光 #ツアーガイド

22/09/2024

"People often wonder why cruise lines don't just provide Google Maps locations for their ports. It would be simple enough to do...But, cruise lines probably won't ever do this, because they don't want cruisers to explore the lesser-known ports."
[Article continues at link]

• I recently encountered a situation in a Facebook cruise group where a cruise company was trying to pass off a stop in Wakayama as being in Osaka. In reality, it's about an hour and a half by train to the southern edge of Osaka City from Wakayama. • Last spring, I had to stop someone from booki...

10/09/2024

—Uzumasa Hyakki Yakou (Daily) ①14:15 ②17:30
The "Hyakki Yakou" is a parade of yokai, or Japanese Monsters!

—Uzumasa Great Parade of Demons (9/14, 10/26, 12/8) ①15:45 ②19:30 is a special "Uzumasa Great Night Parade of One Hundred Demons" featuring 100 figures!

These events look fascinating, especially the BIG one!! I'll be giving a tour in Kyoto on the first day (Sept 14). Wonder if my tour group would like to attend in the afternoon?

SAMURAIやNINJAだけが日本のヒーローじゃない。鬼や天狗の伝説が残る京都を舞台に、この秋、YOKAI（妖怪）が世界の人々を虜にする。異様な姿をした無数のもののけたちが東映太秦映画村に大集結。京の町を練り歩いた百鬼夜....