The Social Travel Experiment

An Onsen is a Japanese style hot spring that should be on every traveler’s bucket list. Visiting an Onsen not only has the health benefits for which they are so popular with the Japanese people, it is also a great place to relax after a long day of sightseeing. Japanese hot springs have a long […]

Authors Note: This post contains affiliate links. I receive a commission if a product is purchased through one of these links, at no extra cost to you. Please support me by purchasing products through my links! If you always feel like you forget something when you go on a short weekend getaway or if you […]

If you have a short layover in Tokyo during your travels you were probably planning on getting a glimpse of Tokyo, one of the biggest metropolis in the world. But what if I told you that you had a much better option if you wanted to experience real Japanese culture much closer to the airport. […]

If you love winter sports like skiing or snowboarding, Japan will be your paradise during the cold winter months from November to April. Japan landscape is 73% mountains and many of them are used as ski resorts in winter. Because Taka loves snowboarding I have started skiing again last year. While I am not any […]

“I really want to immerse myself in local culture when I am traveling, not only go to the overcrowded tourist attractions and stay in a way too expensive hotel.” Does this sound like something you are thinking? Then this post is for you. I will provide a list of social accommodations that are 1000 times […]

If you happen to be in Japan on February 14th why don’t you have a Valentine’s Day Japan style? In Japan, it’s the ladies who give something to the men on Valentines Day. That something is usually chocolate. You can buy chocolate for Valentine’s Day everywhere in the weeks leading up to the event. You […]

Disclaimer: I am following the philosophy of Couchsurfing as it is taught in the Values of the website, namely to share my life with strangers, create connection, offer kindness to others. My interpretation of these values is connecting and sharing my culture with strangers and learning from them about theirs. For me it is also […]

After compiling a list of the weirdest snacks I have ever tried in Japan, I thought there are also many unique Japanese non-alcoholic drinks in Japan you might be interested in. I have tried the below drinks all for the first time in Japan. Because I liked most of them, I really hope you will […]

Some people might say the things I describe in this post are common sense and just good upbringing. But we still sometimes forget about some things that should be common sense. So, no matter if it is your first time being a Couchsurfing guest or your 100th time I recommend you go through my list […]

Authors Note: This posts contains affiliate links. I receive a commission if a product is purchased through one of these links, at no extra cost to you. Please support me by purchasing products through my links! If you are planning a trip, no matter if it is short or long, it might make sense to […]