PiQtour Blog
Helpful tips for your journey to japan!
Travel Guides
The Ultimate Guide to Yokohama – Japan’s Sophisticated Port City
What Makes Yokohama So Unique? Yokohama is one of Japan’s most underrated yet unforgettable cities. Located just 30 minutes from Tokyo, it offers a refined blend of Western influence, port-city charm, and serene seaside beauty. Unlike the fast-paced buzz of Tokyo or...
Escape Tokyo for the Day—Kamakura Has Everything
Just one hour from Tokyo, Kamakura is a coastal town filled with historic temples, peaceful bamboo groves, and ocean views that whisper of old Japan. Once the political capital of the country during the Kamakura shogunate (1185–1333), this charming city offers a...
The Ultimate Hakone Travel Guide (Updated for 2025)
Welcome to Hakone, one of Japan’s most stunning destinations—where tradition meets volcanic landscapes, modern art, and historical intrigue. Whether you’re looking for hot springs, culture, nature, or all of the above, this guide offers a detailed, practical overview...
The Best Tourist Spots in Osaka 🐙
Osaka is a city full of flavor, humor, and energy. Often overshadowed by Tokyo’s modern sprawl or Kyoto’s timeless elegance, Osaka plays a different role in the Japanese travel experience—it’s where you come to let your hair down. Known as the nation’s kitchen, the...
Locations
Narita Airport Terminal 2: Complete Arrival & Departure Guide
📷 If your travels bring you to Kyoto consider booking a tour or photography session with us! Table of Contents: Narita Airport Terminal 2 Complete Guide Arrival at Terminal 2 Immigration & Quarantine Baggage Claim & Customs Arrival Lobby Essentials Access from...
Narita Airport Terminal 1: What to Know Before You Arrive or Depart
📷 If your travels bring you to Kyoto consider booking a tour or photography session with us! Narita Airport Terminal 1 Guide – Table of Contents Arrival at Terminal 1 Immigration (1F) Baggage Claim, Customs & e-Gate (1F) Arrival Lobby Essentials Dining Options (4F...
Best Ryokans in Hakone by Price Range 🏯
With Estimated Prices for Couples and Families Hakone is one of Japan’s top hot spring destinations, offering everything from charming budget inns to exclusive luxury stays. Below is a curated list of the best ryokans in Hakone, organized from affordable to high-end,...
The Best Tourist Spots in Osaka 🐙
Osaka is a city full of flavor, humor, and energy. Often overshadowed by Tokyo’s modern sprawl or Kyoto’s timeless elegance, Osaka plays a different role in the Japanese travel experience—it’s where you come to let your hair down. Known as the nation’s kitchen, the...
Culture and Activities
Best Activities to Do in Japan!
From Traditional Crafts to Digital Art, From Onsen to Outdoor Adventure Japan isn’t just a country to see—it’s a country to experience. With its unique blend of ancient tradition and modern innovation, Japan offers hands-on activities for every type of traveler....
The 5 Japanese Concepts Learned from Your Japan Trip
What temples, shrines, and everyday encounters quietly reveal about Japan's deeper spirit.Japan’s temples, teahouses, and even train stations offer more than just sights—they whisper age-old lessons. While many travelers come for sushi, shrines, and the Shinkansen,...
Ultimate Onsen Guide: Japan’s Best Hot Springs
Why Japan is a Hot Spring Paradise Japan is truly a country built on fire and water. Due to its position on the Pacific Ring of Fire, it boasts over 27,000 hot spring sources and more than 3,000 officially designated onsen facilities. But what truly sets Japanese hot...
Should You Try Human Rickshaws in Japan? 🛶
You may have seen them in tourist photos—sleek, black rickshaws pulled by runners in traditional attire, weaving through Kyoto’s bamboo forests or Tokyo’s historic streets. But are these human-powered vehicles just for show? Or are they worth trying during your trip...
Recent Posts
🎫The Complete Guide to the Hakone Freepass (2025 Edition)
Save money, skip the stress, and see the best of Hakone with one pass Hakone, located in Kanagawa Prefecture just west of Tokyo, is one of Japan’s top destinations for…
What to Buy to Beat the Heat in Japan ☀️🧊
Legendary Summer Gear That Keeps You Cool As someone who grew up in Texas, I couldn’t fathom how mid-80 degree temperatures could be somehow worse than our average near-100 degrees.…
Summer in Japan: Why Your Outfit Might Be Riskier Than You Think
If you’re visiting Japan in summer, you might be tempted to wear the kinds of revealing outfits that are considered stylish and normal in many Western countries—cleavage-baring tops, no bra,…
Japanese Public Opinions About Wearing Leggings in Public
In many Western countries, leggings have become everyday wear, often worn without additional coverage. However, in Japan, this trend still sparks debate—especially when leggings are worn as pants in public…
Best Activities to Do in Japan!
From Traditional Crafts to Digital Art, From Onsen to Outdoor Adventure Japan isn’t just a country to see—it’s a country to experience. With its unique blend of ancient tradition and…
Japan Summer Survival Tips: How to Enjoy the Hottest Season 🥵
Think you can’t enjoy Japan in the summer? Think again. While the heat can be intense, it’s absolutely possible to have an incredible time—as long as you come prepared. From…
Shopping
What to Buy to Beat the Heat in Japan ☀️🧊
Legendary Summer Gear That Keeps You Cool As someone who grew up in Texas, I couldn't fathom how mid-80 degree temperatures could be somehow worse than our average near-100 degrees. But summer in Japan is no joke. The combination of high humidity, blazing sun, and...
The Snack List You’ll Wish You Had Before Visiting Japan 🍘
You know Kit-Kat and Hi-Chew, and my regular readers might even know Black Thunder—but I bet you don’t know this, this, this, or this. Japan is a treasure trove of creative, nostalgic, and often surprising snacks. Some are sweet, some are savory, and some are...
Top Places to Shop in Japan (That Tourists Actually Love!) 🛍️
Whether you're hunting for affordable souvenirs, high-quality skincare, limited-edition collectibles, or simply want to explore Japan’s famous consumer culture, this is your essential guide. Japan’s stores are clean, safe, and incredibly diverse—making shopping a true...
Best Japanese Watch Brands for Tourists: Timeless Souvenirs!
If you’re looking for a meaningful souvenir from Japan that blends tradition, craftsmanship, and style, a Japanese watch might be the perfect choice. Japan is home to some of the world’s most respected watchmakers—from iconic giants like Seiko and Casio to smaller...
Food and Drink
How to Use Japanese Spices to Level Up Your Home Cooking 🍜🌶️
Whether you’re a sushi lover or a ramen regular, chances are you've already tasted some classic Japanese seasonings without even realizing it. But what if you could bring those unique flavors into your own kitchen? From zesty citrus-pepper blends to umami-packed...
Matcha Sweets to Try in Kyoto! 🍵
A Sweet Journey into Kyoto’s Best Matcha Desserts If you love matcha—or even just have a soft spot for green tea desserts—Kyoto is where your sweet dreams come true. In this guide, we’ll take you through Kyoto’s best matcha treats, from modern must-tries to...
The Snack List You’ll Wish You Had Before Visiting Japan 🍘
You know Kit-Kat and Hi-Chew, and my regular readers might even know Black Thunder—but I bet you don’t know this, this, this, or this. Japan is a treasure trove of creative, nostalgic, and often surprising snacks. Some are sweet, some are savory, and some are...
11 Best Tokyo Wagyu Restaurants You Need to Try 🥩🔥
From luxury teppanyaki counters to cozy hidden yakiniku gems, Tokyo is one of the best places in Japan to explore the full range of Wagyu beef. Whether you’re hunting for A5-grade perfection or an affordable all-you-can-eat adventure, this guide will point you toward...
Seasonal
Japan Summer Survival Tips: How to Enjoy the Hottest Season 🥵
Think you can’t enjoy Japan in the summer? Think again. While the heat can be intense, it’s absolutely possible to have an incredible time—as long as you come prepared. From local cooling gadgets to the hidden world of underground malls, Japan is uniquely equipped to...
Detailed Japanese Seasons and When to Visit
A Month-by-Month Guide to Weather, Clothing, and What to Expect When Traveling in Japan Japan is often described as a country of four seasons—but that’s just the beginning. While the concept of spring, summer, fall, and winter is important, Japan’s seasonal...
What to Wear in Japan in Early Autumn (Sept-Oct) 🍂
A Comfortable and Flexible Clothing Guide for Mid-September to Early October 📷 If your travels bring you to Kyoto consider booking a tour or photography session with us! Transition Time—Not Quite Summer, Not Yet Chilly Early autumn in Japan brings a refreshing shift....
What to Wear in Japan in Mid-Autumn (Oct-Nov)
A Layered, Stylish Travel Guide for Mid-October to Early November 📷 If your travels bring you to Kyoto consider booking a tour or photography session with us! When the Air Turns Crisp and the Leaves Begin to Fall Between mid-October and early November, Japan steps...
Restaurants and Cafes Reviews and Lists!
Matcha Sweets to Try in Kyoto! 🍵
A Sweet Journey into Kyoto’s Best Matcha Desserts If you love matcha—or even just have a soft spot for green tea desserts—Kyoto is where your sweet dreams come true. In…
11 Best Tokyo Wagyu Restaurants You Need to Try 🥩🔥
From luxury teppanyaki counters to cozy hidden yakiniku gems, Tokyo is one of the best places in Japan to explore the full range of Wagyu beef. Whether you’re hunting for…
Where to Eat Kobe Beef in Kobe: Top-Rated Restaurants for Every Traveler
If you’re planning a trip to Japan, there’s a good chance Kobe beef is already on your must-try list. Famed for its rich marbling, melt-in-your-mouth texture, and exceptional quality, Kobe…
Take a Break Near Kinkaku-ji: Two Quality Cafes Right by the Bus Stop
After admiring the breathtaking beauty of Kinkaku-ji, you might find yourself craving a moment of rest with a great cup of coffee. Just a short walk from the temple, right…
14 Best Cafes in Shijo Kawaramachi, Kyoto
Kawaramachi is one of Kyoto’s most vibrant areas, filled with a mix of traditional kissaten, modern cafes, and unique coffee spots. Whether you’re looking for retro vibes, a perfect matcha…
11 Best Cafes in Arashiyama Kyoto
Arashiyama is famous for its breathtaking bamboo forest, scenic river views, and historic temples. But beyond the tourist attractions, it’s also home to some incredible cafes. Whether you’re looking for…