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 trip begins with right at the end of our Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant […]

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 March 11th 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 […]

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 […]

Every year I update my best bars in the world list because there are new entrants. I hereby declare that Muscle Girls Bar is now part of that illustrious list.. Said bar was discovered on our recent Fukushima and Extremes of Japan Tour and boy was this an extreme place for a pint. What is […]

Nestled deep within Toyama Prefecture, about three hours from Tokyo, Kurobe Gorge stands as one of northern Japan’s most picturesque retreats. It’s a place where nature reigns supreme and where time seems to slow down, offering a serene escape from the relentless pace of the city. Here, you’ll find not just breathtaking gorges and therapeutic […]

Nagasaki might not be the largest city in Japan, but it certainly packs a punch when it comes to nightlife. While we were there to commemorate the anniversary of the bombing of Nagasaki, we also explored the city’s vibrant after-dark scene, and Tatanbaa stood out as a true gem. This bar, a standing-room-only establishment, perfectly […]