While Japan might be seen as being well on the tourist trail, there is a whole other deeper, darker and -dare we say- weirder side to the country that we have decided to explore in our Extremes of Japan Tour. The first extremes we encounter are in Tokyo. Along the Imperial Palace and National Cemetery, […]

Young Pioneers invites you to navigate the Osaka World’s Fair and delve into the city’s eccentric underbelly! This ain’t no ordinary expo experience – we’re talking future tech, robot cafes, raw chicken (for the daring!), a healthy dose of “WTF Japan?!”. Extending our already iconic Extremes of Japan Tour we will take you for a […]

YPT tours to Japan YPT are pleased to announce our 2025 and 2026 Japan Tours and Travel packages, although with a more extreme tint than your average Japanese travel agent. As one of the biggest economies in the world, as well as one of the most stable, safe and dare we say vanilla countries in […]

Japan is a land of contrasts—where ancient temples sit side-by-side with futuristic skyscrapers, and traditional tea ceremonies coexist with the neon glow of 24/7 entertainment. One of the most intriguing aspects of Japanese culture, often overlooked by tourists but deeply ingrained in the daily lives of many Japanese, is the world of Pachinko. It’s a […]

The Japanese Communist Party (JCP), known in Japanese as Nihon Kyōsantō (日本共産党), stands as one of the oldest and most enduring communist parties in the world. Founded in 1922, the JCP has navigated a tumultuous journey, surviving suppression, internal splits, and the changing tides of global communism, all while maintaining a unique ideological stance that […]

Traveling to Fukushima is currently gaining popularity as a post-disaster/dark tourism spot. What is it actually like to travel here and in particular to visit Fukushima with Young Pioneer Tours? This is obviously a subject we will have some bias on, but also one we can now talk about after running our inaugural tour here. […]

Japan is renowned for its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and of course, its incredible cuisine. Among the many delights the country offers, Japanese drinks stand out for their unique flavors and cultural significance. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or planning your first trip, here are the 11 best Japanese drinks you need to try. To […]

Over a decade ago, on 11th March 2011, the Great East Japan Earthquake (or the Tōhoku Earthquake) shocked not only Japan but the entire world. The 9.1 magnitude earthquake then triggered a tsunami that reached 40.5 metres high and flooded 10 kilometres further inland of Japan.  The tragedy which reportedly killed close to 20,000 people […]

Weirdest Asian festivals you say?? Asia is home to some of the most mind-boggling and bizarre festivals in the world. These events range from spiritual displays of devotion to celebrations of mud and pain. In this list, we dive into the strangest, macabre, and downright weirdest festivals across Asia that you can actually witness firsthand […]

Nestled in the blue expanse of the East China Sea, off the coast of Nagasaki, lies an eerie yet fascinating relic of Japan’s industrial past—Hashima Island, more commonly known as Gunkanjima or Battleship Island. This tiny, fortress-like speck of land has captured the imagination of many due to its unique appearance, harrowing history, and the […]