How do I book a ryokan that has no English website?
A copy-paste Japanese email template that books phone-only, Japanese-only inns — plus the two replies you'll get and how to confirm your stay.
6 min read
Should I rent a car in rural Japan, or take the train?
When a rental car beats trains and buses in rural Japan, when it doesn't, and the hybrid plan that costs least — from a guide in the Kyoto mountains.
8 min read
Is a countryside day trip from Kyoto worth it?
Honest math from a working guide: when a day trip to rural Kyoto beats another temple loop, which areas to pick, and how to make the buses work.
4 min readLatest guides
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What do I do if I get sick or hurt in rural Japan?
Upd. Aug 30, 2026 6 min read
Cash, cards & country Japan: the honest math
Upd. Aug 29, 2026 5 min read Where should I go in rural Japan?
Upd. Aug 29, 2026 7 min read
What should I eat in rural Japan — and how do I order it?
Upd. Aug 26, 2026 4 min readBrowse by category
Sorted by what you're trying to figure out How to Travel 4 Booking, language, cash, and connectivity — the practical basics. Getting Around 3 Buses, trains, timetables, and rural driving. Experiences 2 Onsen, crafts, festivals, and things to do. Where to Go 2 Recommended rural destinations and day trips. Food 1 What and where to eat in the countryside. Shopping 1 Souvenirs, local goods, and where to buy them. Other 1 Everything else worth knowing before you go.
The writer
Chisa
Tour guide & tourism data analyst, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan
English-speaking tour guide & tourism data analyst in rural Kyoto. I spend my working days on the Japanese side of the counter — then write up what travelers can’t see from the other side.
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