Asia

Ready to ditch the dreary and finally make that bucket-list trip happen? We thought so. Travel to Japan feels like something that should cost a small fortune, a far-off dream reserved for high-rollers. But since we're Jack's Flight Club, we've made a career out of calling BS on overpriced travel. This page is your secret weapon, packed with everything you need to know about Japan—from navigating the futuristic chaos of Tokyo to finding zen in ancient Kyoto—all without taking out a second mortgage. You bring the curiosity, we'll bring the matcha flavored KitKats.

Atlanta

The United States is a travel heavyweight, packing everything from dazzling skylines and buzzing neon cities to natural wonders so epic they make your camera feel inadequate. It's the land of big ideas and even bigger distances—which is precisely where Jack’s Flight Club comes in. We’re here to help you skip the seriously long bus rides and the soul-crushing flight search by finding the cheap flights for you and proving you don't need to break the bank just to cross a few time zones.
Whether you're planning a swift weekend trip to the Big Apple, a surf session on the West Coast, or a grand tour of the national parks, we've got your back. Our Navigators love sprinkling in a generous helping of insider knowledge to make your trip count—because life’s too short to pay silly money for flights you can’t even brag about.

United States

The United States is a travel heavyweight, packing everything from dazzling skylines and buzzing neon cities to natural wonders so epic they make your camera feel inadequate. It's the land of big ideas and even bigger distances.

Tokyo

Japan

Ready to ditch the dreary and finally make that bucket-list trip happen? We thought so. Travel to Japan feels like something that should cost a small fortune, a far-off dream reserved for high-rollers. his page is your secret weapon, packed with everything you need to know about Japan.

Tokyo 🎎 at $884 RT

Houston

Tokyo 🗼 at $657 RT

We're really in desperate need of proper matcha, Mount Fuji zipping by the train window, and endless kombini snacks :-) 

Edinburgh

Scotland is far more than shortbread, bagpipes, and weather that requires three waterproof layers, and you're about to see that for yourself! Finding cheap flights to Scotland is entirely possible, whether you’re planning a culture binge in the historic streets of Edinburgh, catching a gig in buzzing Glasgow, or heading straight for the mystical Scottish Highlands. This is your definitive insider's guide, packed with everything you need to outsmart peak season pricing, uncover epic castles, sample the best local whisky, and turn that bucket list trip into a budget-friendly reality.

Scotland

Scotland is far more than shortbread, bagpipes, and weather that requires three waterproof layers, and you're about to see that for yourself!

Manchester

England

Glasgow

Tokyo 🌸 in £5800s rtn

These fares avoid unpredictable routes, and they're affordable. Win, win! 

Oslo

Norway

Gothenburg

Sweden

Billund

Denmark

Aalborg

Tokyo 🍣 in €690s-€750s rtn

KFC at the ready, it's time to do Christmas Tokyo style! 🎅🏻

London Heathrow

Kuala Lumpur

Malaysia

Tokyo & Kuala Lumpur 💺 in £5000s-£5700s rtn

Things you wish you knew before visiting Japan...

Salt Lake City

Sapporo

Austin

San Antonio

Fort Lauderdale

Boston

Osaka

Orlando

Tampa

Fukuoka

Baltimore

Nagoya

Across Japan ⛩️ in $900s-$970s RT

Going travelling for a few months. London - Japan, Japan - Bangkok, Bangkok - London. I leave in November and I can’t wait! Thank you for all the tips

Postcard from RapturousCommuter20260

Great Travel Conference &amp; Japan Tour

Postcard from DaringTrekker82542

Spent the most amazing three weeks in Japan travelling city to city and eating as much as possible. The best day by far was the hike up to view Mt. Fuji as the sunset. I don’t repeat destinations once I’ve been but Japan is an exception to that.

Postcard from Zak

Been dreaming about going back to Japan for years and my 2 weeks solo trip exceeded my expectations, i finally saw Naoshima and Teshima and they were the highlight of the trip. xx B 

Postcard from Bettina

2 weeks in Japan is not enough! We loved it so much we&#39;re planning to go back in the next 2 years

Postcard from The Bedlam Bride

£500 BA direct from Heathrow to the most infectious and beautiful country on Earth. 🇯🇵

Postcard from Dan

Greece

Hey there, Travellers,
It happened again. I booked more flights. This time, to Greece!&nbsp;
A couple of weeks ago, I got a message from family friends in Alabama saying that they're coming over to Europe in July, and would my mum and I like to meet up with them?
Of course, the answer to that question was a resounding "yes!" But as all you worldly-wise travellers will know, peak-summer fares to Greece were not on our side...
As a professional bargain-flight finder, I was not willing to pay more than I had to. Cue hours of tearing apart Google Flights, comparing routes on different dates to different islands, checking various combinations of open-jaw flight, and working out how many Avios I had to spare in the piggy bank.
Eventually we opted to fly into Santorini with Jet2 (after all, <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/conormurray/2025/07/21/the-nothing-beats-a-jet2-holiday-tiktok-trend-explained-and-how-the-airline-capitalized-on-viral-ad/">nothing beats a Jet2 holiday</a>) and out of Athens with BA (thank you, Avios). We're yet to work out how to join the dots, but the current plan involves island hopping to Paros or Naxos. Having never been to either, I'd love your advice&mdash;which island to choose and why? Or is there somewhere even better that we're missing? Please <a href="https://members.jacksflightclub.com/articles/detour-238-planning-for-japan-reviewing-alaska-airlines#comments">let me know in the comments</a>!
Happy travels and safe landings,

Katy - Editor of The Detour

Alaska Airlines' Saver Class: Are the Savings Worth It?

Jake is a New Englander living in the woods of Northern California. When he's not traveling the world or hunting down deals for JFC, he's at home watching old movies. His cat edits all his articles.

By Jake

If you follow airline news as obsessively as we do, you&rsquo;ve probably noticed Alaska&rsquo;s name popping up more often lately. They&rsquo;ve been making some big moves in the last couple of years, including a merger with Hawaiian Airlines that expanded their Pacific network and provided access to more wide-body jets. Add some <a href="https://www.flightradar24.com/blog/aviation-news/airline-news/airline-routes/april-routes-roundup-alaska-launches-its-first-ever-route-to-europe/">new Europe routes</a>, and baby, you've got a stew going.
In the meantime, their domestic network has continued to grow steadily. Alaska&rsquo;s fares typically sit somewhere between bare-bones airlines like Frontier and the big boys like Delta or American, occupying that &ldquo;lower middle class&rdquo; zone with United and JetBlue. That&rsquo;s good news for budget-conscious flyers who prefer not to be treated like human cattle, but is Alaska&rsquo;s juice worth the squeeze?
As a frequently broke traveler who just got back from a trip to Fairbanks, I&rsquo;m the perfect man to answer that question. This review is based on some basic economy fares I stubbornly refused to upgrade (in any capacity), so consider this the absolute floor of the Alaska experience.
<h2 id="flight-aircraft-details">Flight Details</h2>
I booked these tickets in Alaska&rsquo;s &ldquo;Saver&rdquo; class, which is one of the more generous basic economy offerings out there. It&rsquo;s nearly identical to their main cabin fares, the only major differences being auto-assigned seats and reduced miles for the reward program. The free carry-on was especially appreciated, since I'm used to flying out of San Francisco with stingier United.

<h2 id="general-facilities">General Facilities</h2>
As a grown man of grown-man size, the first thing I notice on any airplane is the legroom (or lack thereof). I&rsquo;m thrilled to report that Alaska crushes the competition here, offering a solid extra inch of legroom over United&rsquo;s basic economy seats. Sure, one inch might not seem like a lot when you take off, but you&rsquo;ll definitely be feeling the difference by the time you land.
The same goes for the seats themselves, which are about an inch wider than United&rsquo;s standard. That left the aisle feeling a little narrow, but it&rsquo;s a sacrifice I&rsquo;m more than willing to make.
Aside from the glorious surplus of breathing room, you're looking at typical basic economy fare. Two standard power sockets for every three seats, plus USB-C ports to charge your phone. Adjustable headrests, standard recline, Wi-Fi at $8 per flight (or free for T-Mobile customers). Nothing too out of the ordinary.&nbsp;
<h2 id="food">Food</h2>
I didn&rsquo;t want to pay for a meal since my flights were pretty short. However, on the early morning flight from Fairbanks to Seattle, I sat next to a gentleman who ordered a hearty-looking breakfast bowl. Thinking (as always) of our beloved Jack's subscribers, I asked him how it tasted. He paused, considered the question, and then replied, &ldquo;You know, it&rsquo;s actually not bad.&rdquo;&nbsp;
Take that review how you will.
On a personal note, I can confirm that the free snacks were terrific. I recommend going for the pretzels over the Biscoff cookies &mdash; when I close my eyes, I can almost still taste that <a href="https://stellarsnacks.com/products/maui-monk-1-5-oz">Maui Monk flavor</a> on my tongue. 10/10, well done, Alaska!
If you tend to get peckish on flights, you&rsquo;ll want to order a meal ahead of time. Supplies were seemingly limited, and the attendants ran out of a few options on all four flights.

<h2 id="e">Entertainment</h2>
Sadly, this was a major disappointment. Despite being the first US airline to offer in-flight movies back in the day, Alaska has recently removed all the seatback screens from their main cabins, so you&rsquo;re mostly on your own when it comes to entertainment. Oh, how the mighty have fallen!
It&rsquo;s not all bad. You can access Alaska&rsquo;s entertainment library from your own devices, but only if you&rsquo;re a member of their rewards program (make sure you sign up before takeoff). There are little flip-out stands for phones and tablets on the backs of the seats, and the library itself is&hellip; fine. It&rsquo;s hard not to be disappointed, though, especially since other low-cost airlines offer better options.
I mean, I watched The Wild One and Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? on my last flight with United. Air France proudly includes&nbsp;Le Samoura&iuml;&nbsp;in their library. You could step it up a little, Alaska. Just sayin'.
<a href="https://members.jacksflightclub.com/articles/jfc-honest-airline-reviews-alaska-airlines">Keep reading</a> to see how Alaska stacks up overall and share your experiences in the comments...

Flying High

When it comes to countries we never tire of finding great Flights to, Japan is right up there at the top of the list. Thankfully, you lovely readers seem to feel the same way!
After Navigator Larissa's trip there last year, we put her straight to work writing down all her insider tips to add to our Travel Guides. But recently, she caught a second wind and magicked up even more advice and handy info to keep us on the straight and narrow for our future Japanese adventures.
Here's a taster:&nbsp;

<h2 id="e">Shrine Etiquette</h2>
Many visitors bow at the entrance of the torii gate (entrance gate) on their way in, which you&rsquo;re be encouraged to do as well. Bow, yes, but then walk around the side of the gate rather than passing directly underneath (this path is reserved for the gods).&nbsp;
If you&rsquo;re comfortable, you can take part in the purification ritual once in the grounds of the shrine&mdash;you'll see other visitors take a cup of water and wash their hands and mouth with it (left hand first).&nbsp;
You don&rsquo;t need to make an offering if you don&rsquo;t want to, but if you would like to take part in the experience, you can toss a coin (5 yen is considered a good coin for this) into the offering box (usually found at the front of the main hall). You can then ring the bell and start your prayer. Some visitors will bow and clap as well. <a href="https://soranews24.com/2025/01/07/the-etiquette-rules-for-visiting-shinto-shrines-in-japan/">Read this guide</a> for specifics on the hows and whens.&nbsp;
Alongside praying directly, you can buy a wooden tablet and write your &lsquo;petition&rsquo; on it before attaching it to a nearby tree or board (it will be obvious where this should be hung). There are also fortunes you can buy (and tie to a tree if it&rsquo;s bad luck).&nbsp;&nbsp;

<h2 id="k">Kyoto's Food Scene</h2>
Influenced by its proximity to Uji&rsquo;s famed matcha fields, Kyoto is one of the best places to try all things green tea&mdash;matcha sweets, matcha lattes, and ceremonial-grade cups of matcha. You name it, you can find it.&nbsp;
It&rsquo;s also a great place to find more traditional dishes, like soba, tofu, and all sorts of vegetarian delights, including pickled vegetables.&nbsp;

Here are some typically Kyoto foods and drinks you ought to try while you&rsquo;re there:
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Tsukemono: pickled vegetables, which you can easily find in Nishiki Market&nbsp;</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Soba: buckwheat noodles in all kinds of flavors, including green tea! Sometimes served cold, so be aware of what you&rsquo;re ordering.&nbsp;</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Yuba: tofu skin served in various ways, like added to soup or as a fried side dish/snack in the form of tofu skin chips</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Saba-zushi: a raw mackerel sushi, different from Edo-style (Tokyo)</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Matcha: green tea powder, drunk hot or cold</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Sake: the soft water in Kyoto is some of the best for sake production in the country&mdash;look out for brands like Gekkeikan (one of the oldest breweries in Japan), Sho Chiku Bai (known for its sparkling sake), and Tsuki no Katsura (specialising in cloudy sake).</li>
<li><a href="https://www.leafkyoto.net/en/240719-kyoto-obanzai/">Obanzai</a>: home cuisine, usually small dishes heavy on the vegetables and soup</li>
</ul>
You&rsquo;ll also find cuisines from all around the world, but less so than in Tokyo. For example, we were feeling like a break from Japanese food and found <a href="https://tabelog.com/en/kyoto/A2601/A260203/26038364/">this highly rated burger spot</a>. The food was delicious, but it was extremely busy (likely because there weren&rsquo;t many other burger spots nearby) and there was no space to eat in, so we had to take our food back to the hotel.

<h2 id="l">Lesser-Known Tokyo Neighborhoods</h2>

Asakusa is one of the &lsquo;quieter&rsquo; neighborhoods in the city, and where I&rsquo;d recommend someone stay on their first visit to Tokyo.&nbsp;
We liked that it was well connected to the more &lsquo;touristy&rsquo; parts of the city via the Metro, but there was also enough going on within walking distance of our hotel. The famous Senso-ji Temple gives the area a mixed feel between the traditional and the modern, and you&rsquo;ll find plenty of restaurants, <a href="https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2036_izakaya.html">izakayas</a>, and bars within 5&ndash;10 minutes of your hotel.&nbsp;
It&rsquo;s also situated on the Sumida River, which does give a little respite from the concrete jungle of the vast majority of the city.&nbsp;

Travel Tips

All the important (or silly, or strange) travel news from across the web this week.
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Hey, remember that unconventional new airline startup that <a href="https://members.jacksflightclub.com/articles/jfc-honest-airline-reviews-global-airlines">some of our Navigators tried out</a> last year? It&rsquo;s going <a href="https://viewfromthewing.com/onlyfans-co-founder-walks-away-from-luxury-a380-startup-global-airlines-has-just-one-parked-plane/">about as well as you&rsquo;d expect</a>. </li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Nat Geo just listed their <a href="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/best-of-the-world-2026/article/best-food-destinations">15 best places in the world for food right now</a>. The US and Canada both have spots on the list, and they&rsquo;re not the usual suspects! </li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Thanks to a <a href="https://simpleflying.com/5800-miles-dublins-new-longest-nonstop-route/">new China Eastern route</a>, soon you&rsquo;ll be able to end one night with a pint of Guiness and the next with a walk down the Bund. </li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">As Central Asian tourism surges, <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/turkmenistan-tourism-visa-airlines-visit-b2980430.html">an unexpected country</a> best known for towering white marble and hosting the Door to Hell shows early signs of opening its doors to the wider world. </li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Imagine <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/2026/may/18/ba-no-show-clause-flights-british-airways">losing &pound;9,000 just for missing an 80-minute flight</a>. British Airways once again reminded us to read the fine print on airline tickets with a magnifying glass.&nbsp; </li>
<li>And finally, as the current US administration seeks to privatize airport security, the TSA is <a href="https://www.npr.org/2026/05/21/g-s1-123215/tsa-gold-private-security-screening-airports">rolling out a new &ldquo;Gold+&rdquo; program</a>. We can&rsquo;t wait for the next upgrades, undoubtedly called &ldquo;Gold+ Premium&rdquo; and &ldquo;Gold+ MAX.&rdquo;</li>
</ul>

Travel News

Planning for Japan & Reviewing Alaska Airlines

A country on the top of many people's lists, Japan is extremely popular. But because you're here, you probably know that :-)&nbsp;
Known for its history, food, high-tech gadgets, hospitality and being an extremely safe country to visit, there's so much to see and experience in the country.&nbsp;
Read on for our insider tips, tricks, and experience to help you plan your trip.
<hr>
A quick note on the links in this guide: we&rsquo;re not affiliated with any of the external sites included in this guide, so we&rsquo;re not getting any kick-backs or commission. We&rsquo;ve only included resources we think will genuinely be useful to help you decide if this destination is for you.

<h2 id="getting-there">Getting there</h2>
As you'd expect from a country famed for its bustling metropolises and advanced technology, Japan has fantastic connectivity to countries around the globe.
<h4 id="by-air">By air</h4>
Major hubs: Tokyo &amp; Osaka
Other hubs: Sapporo &amp; Fukuoka
Depending on where you're coming from, you'll likely find the cheapest flights to Tokyo or Osaka. These are two of the biggest, central cities in the country, from which you can get to other cities on your radar, like Hiroshima, Nagoya and Fukushima. Outside of this, Sapporo in the north and Fukuoka in the south also have flights from Europe and North America, and may be better entry points if you want to focus on those parts of the countries.&nbsp;
Japan has 2 major airlines that fly from Europe and North America to Tokyo: Japan Airlines (JAL) and All Nippon Airways (ANA). Both offer non-stop flights from large hubs like London, Paris, Frankfurt, Munich, Stockholm, New York, LA, San Francisco, Vancouver, Chicago, Boston and Dallas. ZipAir Tokyo is a budget option for non-stop flights from the West Coast of the US.&nbsp;
Most flagship airlines offer non-stop flights to Tokyo as well, like British Airways, Lufthansa, KLM, SAS, Air Canada, Delta, American Airlines and United Airlines. However, the cheapest way to get there is usually to take connecting flights, especially via China.
Example price ranges of a typical Jack's Flight to Japan
<ul>
<li>From London, Birmingham: &pound;400-&pound;500 return&nbsp;</li>
<li>From Manchester: &pound;400-&pound;550 return</li>
<li>From Scotland: &pound;430s-&pound;600s return</li>
<li>From Germany: &euro;500 return</li>
<li>From Scandinavia: &euro;450-&euro;600 return</li>
<li>From Benelux: &euro;470s-&euro;630s return&nbsp;</li>
<li>From East Coast USA: $700s-$800s return&nbsp;</li>
<li>From West Coast USA: $470s-$600s return&nbsp;</li>
<li>From East Coast Canada: $700s-$1000s return&nbsp;</li>
<li>From West Coast Canada: $600s-$760s return</li>
</ul>

<h4 dir="ltr">By sea</h4>
To/from South Korea
There are several ferries connecting Japan and South Korea. The most popular routes run between:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.kampuferry.co.jp/">Shimonoseki and Busan</a>: overnight ferry (about 12 hours), with <a href="https://yoyaku.kampuferry.co.jp/en/cabininfo_en.html">four different room types</a> depending on price (between 2,000-10,000 JPY/&pound;9-&pound;48 GBP/$13-$63 USD).</li>
<li><a href="koreaferry.kr">Fukuoka and Busan</a>: 5 hrs 30 mins/7 hrs 30 mins, or the overnight ferry (8,500-14,000 JPY/&pound;40-&pound;66/$54-$88 USD).&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
Head to the <a href="https://www.seat61.com/SouthKorea.htm">Man in 61's guide</a> for all the details.&nbsp;
To/from Shanghai
While there used to be a direct ferry between Shanghai and Osaka, it looks like the only way to travel by sea from China to Japan is on a cruise ship. There are plenty of <a href="https://www.cruise1st.co.uk/search-results?filterParams%5Bzone%5D%5B0%5D=17490815&amp;filterParams%5Bzone%5D%5B1%5D=17490817">cruise options</a>, but these will often be long journeys and quite expensive in comparison to public transport.&nbsp;

<h2 id="g">Getting Around</h2>
<h3 dir="ltr" id="jr-rail-pass">JR Rail pass</h3>
You may be wondering whether it&rsquo;s worth buying a <a href="https://www.jrpass.com/">JR Rail pass</a> (which would give you unlimited travel for a certain number of days), or buy your tickets as you go. Unless you&rsquo;re planning on traveling constantly on Shinkansen trains throughout your trip, it&rsquo;ll likely be cheaper to skip the pass and just book your tickets individually. You can learn more about traveling by train around the country <a href="https://www.jrailpass.com/blog/cities/tokyo-travel-guide">here</a>.&nbsp;

Head to our <a href="https://members.jacksflightclub.com/articles/jfcs-guide-to-tokyo">Tokyo</a> and <a href="https://members.jacksflightclub.com/articles/jfcs-guide-to-kyoto">Kyoto</a> guides for a deep dive into each city: where to stay, what to eat, when to go, and more.

You&rsquo;ll likely see third-party websites like Klook also selling Shinkansen tickets &ndash; these tend to be a little more expensive (due to their booking fees), so it&rsquo;s better to buy them on the official website or in person at the station.&nbsp;

Larissa's Pro Tip

<h2 dir="ltr" id="visas">Visas</h2>
Depending on which passport you hold, you may need a visa to enter Japan.
At the time of writing (June 2025), travelers from the UK, most of Europe, the USA, and Canada will be granted a 90-day visitor visa on entry, so you don&rsquo;t need to apply before your trip.&nbsp;
All visitors need to fill out a <a href="https://www.customs.go.jp/english/passenger/declaration/declaration_app.html">customs declaration</a> before they arrive &mdash; you can do this on the plane with a paper form, or you can organize it beforehand via <a href="https://www.customs.go.jp/english/passenger/declaration/declaration_app.html">Japan Web</a> and present your QR code on arrival.&nbsp;
The rules for each country are updated regularly, so it&rsquo;s important to check your own government guidelines before traveling.

<h2 dir="ltr" id="cash-currency">Cash &amp; Currency</h2>
The currency in Japan is the Japanese Yen (JPY), with $1 USD being equivalent to around 145 JPY. This is about the price it&rsquo;ll cost you to buy a bottle of water or a pastry at the convenience store.&nbsp;
Your accommodation costs will depend on where you want to stay. Dormitory/hostel beds start at 2500-6000 JPY/night, while a standard hotel room costs 10,000&ndash;20,000 JPY/night. Ryokans are traditional Japanese rooms, with tatami mats, paper doors and dinner/breakfast included, and you can book these (usually outside big cities) for around 20,000&ndash;30,000 JPY/night.&nbsp;
Japan is very much still a cash-based country, particularly for touristy stuff like souvenirs, street snacks, and temple charms. Some restaurants will also be cash-only, even in big cities like Tokyo or Osaka.&nbsp;
The majority of hotels, restaurants, and shops will accept card payments though, either with your bank or credit cards. In a particular Japanese quirk, the <a href="https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2359_003.html">public transport IC card</a> you&rsquo;ll be buying to travel on the metro, the bus or the train can also be used at convenience stores and some restaurants. The most popular IC cards are Suica and Iwoca.

Thankfully, getting cash is very easy, even with foreign cards. Just head to the nearest 7-11 (there are thousands of stores across the country) and use the 7-11 bank ATM in the shop. These won&rsquo;t charge you any fees to withdraw cash from your bank account.&nbsp;

<h2 dir="ltr" id="seasonality">Seasonality</h2>
Japanese culture is in tune with the changing seasons, with thousands of festivals and celebrations that line up with the calendar.&nbsp;
Depending on where you head in Japan, the intensity of the cold/heat will differ &ndash; in Hokkaido you&rsquo;ll get much cooler summers and frozen winters, versus Okinawa, where the opposite is true. But for central cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Hiroshima, the weather will be similar enough.&nbsp;
<h4 dir="ltr">Spring &mdash; March&ndash;May</h4>
Temperature: 5&ndash;28 C/41&ndash;82 F
The biggest celebration of spring is when the cherry blossoms bloom in March&ndash;April, and it&rsquo;s also a popular time to visit the country. The <a href="https://sakura.weathermap.jp/en.php" target="_blank" rel="noopener">maps published each year</a> that predict when the blossoms will peak across the country are a handy tool for planning your cherry blossom tour.&nbsp;
During these times, you should expect crowds of Sakura spotters everywhere, and locals will be out taking part in hanami, or picnics under the cherry blossom trees. There will also be lots of Sakura-flavored snacks and treats on offer.&nbsp;
<h4 dir="ltr">Summer &mdash; June&ndash;August</h4>
Temperature: 18&ndash;35 C/64&ndash;95 F
One word: humid. If you visit during these months, the humidity will be above 70%. That means it&rsquo;s worth packing light layers, as well as sunscreen and a hat.&nbsp;
People often travel for summer festivals in cities like Aomori, Sendai, Kochi and Shiranui. But within Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, you&rsquo;ll hear the sound of taiko drums, and shrines will be decorated with lanterns and finery.&nbsp;

<h4 dir="ltr" id="fall-septembernovember">Fall &mdash; September&ndash;November</h4>
Temperature: 10&ndash;20 C/50&ndash;68 F
This time of year is becoming almost as popular as cherry blossom season, with autumn foliage painting the country red. It&rsquo;s also cheaper in general to visit Japan post-summer, which makes it a really nice option if you&rsquo;re looking for discounts on accommodation or flights.&nbsp;
Unsurprisingly, you&rsquo;ve also got <a href="https://www.ana.co.jp/en/gb/japan-travel-planner/japanese-festival-omatsuri/0000007.html">plenty of festivals</a> to celebrate the change in season. At&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravel/comments/mjt5yf/kyoto_autumn_night_illuminations_at_temples_and/">the shrines of Kyoto</a>, there are light shows going into the evening during this time, against a backdrop of autumn leaves.&nbsp;
<h4 dir="ltr">Winter &mdash; December&ndash;February</h4>
Temperature: 4&ndash;15 C/39&ndash;59 F
I visited in February 2025, so I have a particular fondness for this time of year! The majority of my days there were sunny, but I still needed my scarf and a winter coat. We had one day of snow in Kyoto, which was a nice treat, too. It was decent sightseeing weather, but we did have to wrap up at times. 
Our trip also coincided with the&nbsp;<a href="https://hidden-gems-of-kyoto.find-japan.com/plum-blossom-festival-at-kitano-tenmangu/">plum blossom festival</a> in Kyoto &mdash; they&rsquo;re less well-known than cherry blossoms, but equally beautiful. Unfortunately, not many trees had bloomed by the time the festival rolled around on the 25th February, but it was still enjoyable to go to the shrine and have plum tea and dango.

<h2 dir="ltr" id="travel-style">Travel Style</h2>
Japan is, on the whole, extremely easy to navigate. You&rsquo;ll find the society there is very orderly (more than back home, at least!), so you can almost guarantee your train will be on time, the streets will be clean, and you&rsquo;ll find signs to get you where you want to go.&nbsp;
Japanese people have, in general, a very welcoming and hospitable approach to foreigners. It&rsquo;s not uncommon for everyone, from the staff in your hotel to a random stranger on the street, to 'go the extra mile' and be willing to help you, even if they&rsquo;re not confident speaking English.&nbsp;
These things combined make it simple to get around big cities like Tokyo and Kyoto without knowing one word of Japanese. Even if you need to order in a restaurant without an English menu, you can point to the pictures of the food you want. Of course, at least a few words of Japanese are appreciated, like:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Konnichiwa &mdash; Hello</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Arigato gozaimasu &mdash; Thank you very much (formal, used for everyone you don&rsquo;t know)</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Ohayō gozaimasu &mdash; Good morning</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Konbanwa &mdash; Good evening</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Itadakimasu &mdash; Thank you for the meal (said before eating)</li>
<li>Sumimasen &mdash; Excuse me (useful to get the attention of waitstaff)</li>
</ul>
Outside of this, Google Translate (or another translation app which has image-to-text translation) will be your best friend. Almost everything is written down in Japan, with plenty of signs, menus, instructions and so on. You just need to know where to look, and when to whip out your phone to find that hidden ramen restaurant.&nbsp;

LGBTQI+ travelers are unlikely to receive any harassment or discrimination from locals &mdash; you will find a higher proportion of LGBTQI+ friendly bars, clubs, and businesses in places like Shinjuku/Ni-chome and Nakano in Tokyo, but you won&rsquo;t find these types of businesses outside big cities.&nbsp;
Many LGBTQI+ travelers visit Japan without any problem, but activities that are both specifically aimed at LGBTQI+ people and welcoming of foreigners can be limited and hard to find. World Nomads has a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/travel-safety/eastern-asia/japan/queer-travel-in-japan">great guide</a> on visiting as an LGBTQI+ traveler, with specific bar recommendations and sauna etiquette.&nbsp;
It's worth keeping in mind that Japan is a conservative country and PDAs are seen as something to be kept private, regardless of your sexual orientation.&nbsp;
POC travelers do stand out in Japan, given that it&rsquo;s a largely homogenous society. That being said, foreigners and expats are now extremely common in the big cities, so you&rsquo;re unlikely to experience any discrimination or harassment. <a href="https://www.malikahkelly.com/blog/2024/4/28/is-japan-racist-what-black-travelers-need-to-know-before-booking-their-trip-to-japan">Here&rsquo;s a first-hand account</a> of a Black woman&rsquo;s experience travelling in Japan.&nbsp;
If you&rsquo;re a solo female traveler, Japan is likely going to feel much safer than some Western countries, due to the absence of violent and petty crime in society. City streets are very well lit, and there are always many people around, no matter when you&rsquo;re out and about.&nbsp;
There have been some reports of sexist and misogynistic behavior against women, but these tend to be targeted towards residents rather than foreigners.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.adventurouskate.com/solo-female-travel-japan-safe/">This article</a> talks about what to watch out for if you do decide to travel to Japan alone.
<h3 dir="ltr" id="pickpockets-or-not">Pickpockets (or, not)</h3>
You may know (or have read stories about) someone who has misplaced their valuables while travelling in Japan, only to be reunited with their phone, passport, or wallet down the line. This may lead you to believe that the country is some sort of anti-pickpocket Utopia, where something lost will always find its way back to its rightful owner, and petty theft is the last thing you need to worry about.&nbsp;
It&rsquo;s true that Japan is, in general, an extremely safe country to visit on the whole &mdash; not only is violent crime uncommon, but even muggings and theft are nowhere near as prevalent as in Europe. But, this doesn&rsquo;t mean it can&rsquo;t happen to you during your visit.&nbsp;
There are some areas of large cities, like Kabukicho or Roppongi in Tokyo, or Nishinari in Osaka, where there is a higher risk of pickpocketing and general antisocial behavior. So, keep your wits about you regardless.&nbsp;

<h2 dir="ltr" id="temples-and-shrines">Temples and Shrines</h2>
Temples and shrines are religious sites that you&rsquo;ll find throughout Japan, and there is a difference. Buddhists practice at temples, whereas you&rsquo;ll find shrines are the centers for Shintoism, a religion indigenous to Japan, and still practiced by many people around the country.&nbsp;
There are thousands of both temples and shrines throughout the country, so you won&rsquo;t be far from either, no matter where you go. They range from massive sites like Senso-ji in Tokyo to tiny structures in parks that are very easily missed. 
The most famous in the big cities are:
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Senso-ji temple: A buddhist temple in Asakusa, the oldest in Tokyo</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Meiji Jingu shrine: A very popular shinto shrine in Shibuya, surrounded by forest</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Fushimi Inari shrine: A shinto shrine with over 10,000 red torii gates in Kyoto</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Kiyomizu-dera temple: The famous temple overlooking Kyoto&rsquo;s Gion neighborhood</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Shitennoji temple: One of the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan, located in Osaka</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Itsukushima shrine: The shinto shrine with the torii gate sticking out of the water&mdash;a really popular photo spot in Hatsukaichi&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
Other ones that you may want to add to your list are <a href="https://gotokuji.jp/en/">the Cat Temple</a>, <a href="https://travel.gaijinpot.com/namba-yasaka-shrine/">the Lion Head Shrine</a> and <a href="https://www.kanpai-japan.com/kyoto/yasaka-koshindo">this colorful temple</a>.
<h3 dir="ltr" id="etiquette">Etiquette&nbsp;</h3>
A shrine or temple is a religious site, so treat the site with the same respect you would any church or mosque. Observe respectfully, and don&rsquo;t disrupt or get in the way of anyone praying or partaking in the rituals there. You should also dress modestly, keeping in mind it&rsquo;s a place of worship. In some temples, you may need to take off your shoes, but you&rsquo;ll be told if that&rsquo;s the case. Also, taking photos of the outside of the buildings is generally ok, but don&rsquo;t take photos inside.&nbsp;
We&rsquo;ll go into specific things to keep in mind when visiting a temple or shrine below, but don&rsquo;t worry too much about &lsquo;getting it wrong.&rsquo; As a foreigner, you will be afforded a lot of grace in these spaces, as long as you&rsquo;re not disruptive and genuinely want to do your best to show respect.
These temples and shrines can be inside huge sites, with beautiful walking paths surrounded by nature, so take your time to walk around and reflect.&nbsp;

<h4 dir="ltr">Shrine etiquette</h4>
Many visitors bow at the entrance of the torii gate (entrance gate) on their way in, which you&rsquo;re be encouraged to do as well. Bow yes, but then walk around the side of the gate, rather than passing directly underneath (this path is reserved for the gods).&nbsp;
If you&rsquo;re comfortable, you can take part in the purification ritual once in the grounds of the shrine&mdash;you'll see other visitors take a cup of water and wash their hands and mouth with it (left hand first).&nbsp;
You don&rsquo;t need to make an offering if you don&rsquo;t want to, but if you would like to take part in the experience, you can toss a coin (5 yen is considered a good coin for this) into the offering box (usually found at the front of the main hall). You can then ring the bell and start your prayer. Some visitors will bow and clap as well. <a href="https://soranews24.com/2025/01/07/the-etiquette-rules-for-visiting-shinto-shrines-in-japan/">Read this guide</a> for specifics on the hows and whens.&nbsp;
Alongside praying directly, you can buy a wooden tablet and write your &lsquo;petition&rsquo; on it before attaching it to a nearby tree or board (it will be obvious where this should be hung). There are also fortunes you can buy (and tie to a tree if it&rsquo;s bad luck).&nbsp;&nbsp;
<h4 dir="ltr">Buying souvenirs&nbsp;</h4>
At shrines, you&rsquo;ll see a kiosk or shop where you can buy lots of different items. Alongside the wooden tablets and fortunes, you can buy amulets and stamps which commemorate your visit. These omamori are typically really lovely, cheap souvenirs, costing no more than $10 USD.&nbsp;

<h4 dir="ltr">Temple etiquette&nbsp;</h4>
Similarly to the shrine, <a href="https://www.the-kansai-guide.com/en/article/item/16203/">there are customs</a> around entering the temple&mdash;you shouldn&rsquo;t step on the threshold of the main gate, for example, but you can pass directly through it.&nbsp;&nbsp;
A similar purification ritual can be done as above, with a basin with running water available for you to wash your hands and mouth. At some temples, you&rsquo;ll see an incense burner which you can also waft in your direction to help cleanse yourself.&nbsp;
You&rsquo;re expected to bow at the altars before and after you pray, and when you leave the temple as well. You can also offer up a coin as well, but there's no need to clap or ring a bell. There may also be incense sticks burning, which you can use to light your own before leaving it in the sand. There may also be services you can attend where you can ask for a specific prayer for a fee.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Navigator Larissa scored a trip to Tokyo for under &pound;450 return and spent 5 full days traversing the city. Read on for her tips on how to make the most of your time (and where to get the best ramen) in town.&nbsp;

Jack's Guide to: Tokyo

Kyoto may not be as populated as Tokyo, but it's still buzzing and packed with historical intrigue. Take a look at Larissa's trips on navigating the city, respecting ancient traditions, and (of course) finding the tastiest snacks.

Jack's Guide to: Kyoto

Jack's Guide to: Japan

Cuba

Ghana

Portugal

Thailand

Q:&nbsp;"Can you do an article on best places to go for Black solo travellers please! It would be a really useful article. I always have to Google search before booking holidays."

We&rsquo;ll do our best to answer this one for you, reader!
We'd also start by saying that you're already doing the right thing. When it comes to prejudice, racism, or concerns about traveling safely abroad, it&rsquo;s always best to carry out your own research, frustrating and time-consuming though it is.
After all, this is your adventure, not anybody else's, and you want to be sure that you're setting off on your travels feeling confident and reassured.
And as Stephanie Yeboah points out in her&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/best-places-for-black-female-solo-travellers">&lsquo;Best places for Black female solo travellers&rsquo;</a>&nbsp;piece for Lonely Planet, there&rsquo;s sadly no such thing as a country that&rsquo;s entirely free of racism.
The risk of having a bad experience can also vary wildly within a country&mdash;for instance, Stephanie herself recommends Thailand specifically as a top pick for Black women who are solo traveling thanks to its gorgeous spa hotels, heritage sites and beaches (which is a great recommendation!).
But Thailand is also a country with a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.allure.com/story/color-and-colorism-in-thailand">complex history of colorism</a>, and some travelers of color&mdash;and particularly Black and Indian men&mdash;have reported experiences of being blocked from entering Thai nightclubs, receiving poorer treatment in bars, or being turned away from budget hotels when attempting to make a spontaneous booking. So we wouldn't necessarily leap to recommend it for a male traveler who's planning on doing a lot of backpacking or taking in the nightlife.
In short, spending some time reading personal blogs on sites like Travel Noire, which has a&nbsp;<a href="https://travelnoire.com/tag/traveler-story">fantastic selection of traveller stories</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.blackandabroad.com/">Black And Abroad</a>&nbsp;while checking those recommendations against first-hand experiences on Reddit (<a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/blacktravel/">r/blacktravel</a>&nbsp;is a great starting point) or groups like&nbsp;<a href="https://www.blacktravelersnetwork.com/">The Black Travelers Network</a>&nbsp;is the best way to make sure you&rsquo;ve got all of the facts.
It can also be pretty reassuring to read the experiences of experienced solo travelers like&nbsp;<a href="https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/black-solo-traveller/">Diane Petterson</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/she-visited-every-country-on-earth-heres-what-she-learned">Jessica Nabongo</a>&mdash;officially the first Black woman to have visited every country in the world&mdash;whose main takeaway from their experience is that most people across the globe are essentially welcoming and kind.
With all of that said, here are just a few of the countries that we&rsquo;ve seen come up most often in Black solo travelers&rsquo; recommendations.&nbsp;

<h2 id="ghana">Ghana</h2>
We&rsquo;ve written more broadly before about visiting glorious Ghana&nbsp;<a href="https://members.jacksflightclub.com/articles/top-tips-for-visiting-glorious-ghana">right here</a>&nbsp;(and we saw a lot of reader responses agreeing that it was a fantastic destination), and we thoroughly think it deserves the top spot!
From Vanessa Kanbi, who moved to Ghana for a year from Edinburgh,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0i69mIa3BJY">here are some specific tips</a>&nbsp;for solo travelers, including hostel and tour recommendations.
Ghana also has a thriving heritage, culture and sankofa (&lsquo;return to your roots&rsquo;) tour scene for travellers from the West African diaspora&mdash;<a href="https://ashantiafricantours.com/ghana-heritage-tours/">Ashanti Tours</a>&nbsp;is one operator with strongly positive reviews that specialises in them. The Culture Trip also has&nbsp;<a href="https://theculturetrip.com/africa/ghana/articles/a-solo-travellers-guide-to-ghana/">a solo travel guide to Ghana</a>&nbsp;with some helpful hostel recommendations if you&rsquo;re traveling on a budget!
Every two years in July, the fishing port of Cape Coast also hosts&nbsp;<a href="https://panafest.org.gh/">Panafest</a>&mdash;a pan-African arts and culture festival where Africans and travelers of African descent are invited to come and celebrate together. And, of course, in December, there&rsquo;s the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.afrofuture.com/">AfroFuture festival</a>&hellip;

<h2 id="japan">Japan</h2>
A few caveats apply here; we have read experiences of Black travelers to Japan and Black ex-pats, particularly in rural and less touristy areas, who&rsquo;ve encountered unwanted curiosity or attention in the form of strangers on the street trying to touch their hair, or locals making catcalling comparisons to famous Black celebrities (who do not, of course, at all resemble the traveler).
However, most Black travelers (some examples from bloggers&nbsp;<a href="http://www.culturedblackpearl.com/solo-travel-tokyo-japan/">here</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://choplifeandtravel.com/asia-travels/traveling-as-a-solo-black-female-in-east-asia#:~:text=in%20East%20Asia.-,Tokyo,-TOKYO">here</a>, and an interesting&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/solotravel/comments/59kfwq/black_guy_anxious_about_travelling_alone_to_japan/">Reddit discussion here</a>) speak warmly about the lack of racial hostility in Japan, the kindness and friendliness of locals, and perhaps most importantly for a solo traveler, the firm sense of safety all around them.
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/TheBlackExperienceJapan">The Black Experience Japan</a>&nbsp;is a YouTube channel that shares interviews and news from Black people who are resident in Japan&mdash;if you have the time, it&rsquo;s a fascinating watch!

<h2 id="p">Portugal</h2>
Notably, Portugal is the only European country that comes up time and again across lists of recommended destinations for Black travelers.&nbsp;
Aside from its fantastic cuisine and all-around good vibes,&nbsp;Nana-Ama Danquah highlights in <a href="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/why-lisbon-became-a-top-destination-for-black-travelers">her piece for National Geographic</a> that Portugal offers something for African American travelers in particular that is rare among former colonizing countries: facing its historical role in the slave trade head-on and actively fostering the deconstruction of racist mindsets.&nbsp;
The consensus among reddit threads (<a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/LisbonPortugalTravel/comments/1s1fwsw/black_man_going_to_portugal_for_the_first_time/">like this one</a>) as well as the <a href="https://blacktravelview.com/blog/k1rju06mibx5j3eeuavksi6drf3ll0">Black Travel View blog on Lisbon</a> is that locals are welcoming and helpful, and there's a genuine sense of blending in. No stares, no microaggressions, no sense of feeling unsafe. Yes, racism still exists among locals; however, visitors are unlikely to experience it.
The large international population from around the diaspora adds another layer to the Portuguese experience, meaning you can actually find yourself immersed in many different cultures during a single trip. Be it soaking up the sounds of Cape Verdean&nbsp;morna&nbsp;or sipping on the finest Brazilian&nbsp;caipirinhas&nbsp;this side of the Atlantic, there's always a fun and friendly spot that'll suit you.

<h2 id="cuba">Cuba</h2>
We&rsquo;ve been waiting to mention Cuba on The Detour for a while&mdash;so thank you for giving us the perfect opportunity, reader!
One of Fidel Castro&rsquo;s key ambitions after the 1959 Cuban Revolution was an end to racial inequality and discrimination, implementing a series of policies to radically empower the lives of the Afro-Cubans who&rsquo;d suffered as second-class citizens under the previous government&mdash;and while it&nbsp;<a href="https://raceandequality.org/cuba/">didn&rsquo;t lead</a>&nbsp;to the racism-free utopia that Castro hoped for, it did at least ensure by the mid-1980s that Afro-Cubans were equally represented in the professional sector and the education system. (From Travel Noire, here&rsquo;s&nbsp;<a href="https://travelnoire.com/16-afro-cuban-businesses-havana">16 of Havana&rsquo;s Afro-Cuban-owned businesses</a>.)
Black travellers from abroad have also been a commonplace sight in Cuba since the Revolution itself&mdash;one of Castro&rsquo;s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.blackpast.org/global-african-history/perspectives-global-african-history/african-americans-and-cubas-first-experiment-tourism-joe-louis-commission-post-revoluti/">other smart ideas</a>&nbsp;was to advertise Cuba as a tourist destination for the African-American middle class who were still being restricted from domestic holidays due to Jim Crow laws in the USA.
Combine all of this with the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.essence.com/lifestyle/discovering-afro-cuban-culture/">Afrocubanismo movement</a>&nbsp;of the 1920s which enshrined Afro-Cuban art, music, dance and culture at the heart of the Cuban identity, and you&rsquo;ve got a beautiful, fascinating country that is certain to be welcoming and warm to Black solo travellers. (Make sure you head to Havana&rsquo;s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g147271-d318995-Reviews-or20-Callejon_de_Hamel-Havana_Ciudad_de_la_Habana_Province_Cuba.html">Callejon de Hamel</a>&mdash;the rumba shows begin every Sunday from noon.)
Travel writer Amara Amaryah covers her experience of solo travel in Cuba&nbsp;<a href="https://travelnoire.com/what-i-wish-i-knew-before-solo-traveling-to-cuba">here</a>, and she offers a really lovely quote about why she feels it&rsquo;s so special:
"Being in a space where I could navigate Havana without being stared at, even being confused as Cuban was refreshing, new &hellip;&nbsp;Mostly, I enjoyed the invisibility to enjoy the country without feeling like an impostor, instead I felt seen which allowed for a whole new standard for future solo travel trips." 
As of 2026, Cuba continues to suffer a crisis of fuel and food shortages amid ongoing US blockades. Tourism has taken a nosedive since the situation worsened, with many airlines cancelling flight routes to the island altogether. However, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/03/cuba-tourism-us-oil-blockade">some say travelers should continue to visit</a> at this time when the local economy needs a boost most.&nbsp;
Whether or not you decide to visit now or bank it for later, Cuba and its people are warm and open, and you'll be greeted with a smile regardless.
 We hope that's some help, reader! Wherever you choose, we hope you have an absolutely fantastic adventure and safe travels!

The Best Destinations for Black Solo Travelers

When it comes to taking a detour, at Jack's we&rsquo;re all about community-sourced wisdom to make that happen.&nbsp;Sure, you can ask AI which onsens in Fujikawaguchiko offer unobstructed views of Mt. Fuji or how to collect (and read) the coolest <a href="https://windowseatodyssey.com/2024/04/04/collecting-goshuin-my-favorite-japanese-souvenir-and-activity/">Goshuins</a>. But nothing can replace real-life lived experience in the planning stages of your trip.&nbsp;
Enter <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/jacksflightclub">our Facebook group</a>.
Inspired by our partners over at Lupine&mdash;and some of you crazy readers&mdash;who&rsquo;ll be darting from city to sea on the <a href="https://www.lupine.co.uk/race/2026-shinkansen-scramble-japan.html">Shinkansen Scramble</a>, I wanted to know what unmissable places lay beyond <a href="https://members.jacksflightclub.com/articles/japan-in-7-days-jacks-itinerary">the iconic golden triangle</a> of Tokyo, Kyoto &amp; Osaka.&nbsp;
And you wayward wanderers didn&rsquo;t disappoint. From Nara to Nagasaki, your answers floated in like toro nagashi lanterns, carrying promises of unobstructed Fuji views, Edo-era old towns, and heavenly pagodas. So much so, I found myself wondering if one could declare they've &ldquo;done Japan&rdquo; without venturing beyond Tokyo.&nbsp;
So whether it's your first trip or fifth, you'll want to pin these places for your next visit.

日光を見ずして結構と言うなかれ/Nikkō wo mizu shite kekkō to iu nakare
Translation: Never say kekko [splendid] until you&rsquo;ve seen Nikko
<hr>
If&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bpo0XPcHHtc/">Nikko in autumn</a>&mdash;or any season for that matter&mdash;looks even remotely the same in real life, we&rsquo;d have to agree.
Flanked by ancient oak and cedar forests, for nature lovers, Nikko is Nirvana. You wouldn&rsquo;t think it, being only a little more than 1.5 hours north of Tokyo, but Shibuya&rsquo;s skyscrapers and shoulder slammers feel worlds away. Here it&rsquo;s birdsong and bonsho bells that beckon first light.&nbsp;
It&rsquo;s the kind of place where, by day, you&rsquo;re <a href="https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3806.html">kayaking through liquid-silver </a>lakes, and at night, you&rsquo;re plunging deep in a steamy onsen beneath a starry sky.&nbsp;
The town sits at the entrance of its national park, renowned not only for its <a href="https://thefroggyadventures.com/nikko-waterfalls/">thundering waterfalls</a> but also for its Buddhist temples, tiered pagodas, and Shinto shrines, like the famous Toshogu. This is the resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun to unify Japan in the Edo period.&nbsp;
Time your trip for mid-May, and you&rsquo;ll be fortunate enough to witness the Grand Festival of Spring, where <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5OmCQ5EboO4&amp;t=5s">a live procession of 1,000 samurai</a> marches through the streets reenacting the escort of Tokugawa Ieyasu&rsquo;s spirit to Toshogu Shrine.&nbsp;

<h2 dir="ltr" id="hiroshima">Hiroshima</h2>

七転び八起き/Nana korobi ya oki
Translation: Fall down seven times, stand up eight.
<hr>
Some places try to erase their history. They whitewash uncomfortable truths, rename streets, and bury their painful past beneath modern facades. All in hopes that a total lack of physical evidence leads to a historical amnesia. Hiroshima is not one of them.&nbsp;
81 years on, the largest city of Japan&rsquo;s Chūgoku region <a href="https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20171112-how-hiroshima-rose-from-the-ashes">has risen from the ashes</a> of tragic nuclear devastation. After the atomic bomb, reconstruction aimed not to forget but to forge a message of remembrance. Peace holds weight here. You&rsquo;ll find it on street corners and landmarks: <a href="https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3400.html">Peace Memorial Park</a>, Peace Boulevard, where, not far, are the Gates of Peace, displaying the word in 49 languages. Inside the Peace Memorial Park, just beyond the Pond of Peace, is the <a href="https://peace-tourism.com/en/spot/entry-47.html">Flame of Peace</a>; lit in 1964, it continues to burn until the abolition of nuclear weapons.&nbsp;
Travellers who&rsquo;ve come to this corner of the country will no doubt tell you how Hiroshima&rsquo;s immense green spaces, <a href="https://hiroshimacastle.jp/">historical castles</a>, and <a href="https://www.explorehiroshima.jp/post/best-hiroshima-restaurant-district-guide-where-to-eat-for-an-unforgettable-culinary-experience">deeply rooted food scene</a> surprised them. As do the <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravelTips/comments/1j74c4g/day_trip_ideas_around_hiroshima/">equally impressive maze of day trips </a>on offer. Not to mention the far less-crowded <a href="https://www.snowmonkeyresorts.com/smr/chugoku/cherry-blossoms-in-hiroshima/">cherry blossoms</a> in full bloom. From mid-March to late April, they flower later here than in other areas of Japan.&nbsp;
Just an hour's ferry ride from Hiroshima is the serene island of <a href="https://quiltripping.com/a-day-in-miyajima-japans-most-sacred-island/">Itsukushima/Miyajima</a>, a sacred site for Shinto. The most famous landmark is an <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reels/DM4MmytzJ0u/">ethereal floating torii</a> set against the sacred peaks and virgin forests of Mt. Misen. Its vermillion pillars have seen every turning point in Japan&rsquo;s history. From the golden age of the Heian to the dramatic Meiji restoration and everything in between. And just like Hiroshima, it stands as a testament to human resilience and a shared commitment to learn from our past.&nbsp;

猿も木から落ちる/ Saru mo ki kara ochiru Translation:&nbsp;Even monkeys fall from trees.
<hr>
There&rsquo;s a famous Buddhist saying, &ldquo;There is no way to happiness; happiness is the way.&rdquo; Whoever coined it clearly hadn&rsquo;t experienced the sheer thrill of flipping a motorcycle&rsquo;s kickstand and hitting the open road to Nagano. The fittingly named Venus Line is a 76-kilometer route popular with road-trippers snaking through serene wetlands and wasabi fields. From the highest point, riders enjoy unobstructed views of the peninsula's rugged spine, looking as far as Mt. Fuji.&nbsp;
And smack dab in the middle, between the plunging valleys of the Japanese Alps, sits <a href="https://www.go-nagano.net/en/">Nagano</a>, a city that mirrors its snow-dusted sentinels: slow, sacred, surreal.&nbsp;
Known as &ldquo;the roof of Japan&rdquo; and boasting more than 80 ski resorts, this former Olympic host is not only<a href="https://db.go-nagano.net/en/special_detail/id=12201"> a hotbed for winter sports</a> but also for those seeking a &lsquo;spirited-away&rsquo; experience among some of the country&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.explorenagano.com/temple-and-shrines-in-nagano">most beautiful temples and shrines</a>.&nbsp;
Shaking off the Shinkansen-like speed of typical Japanese itineraries, visitors can sink into a contemplative pace, allowing <a href="https://www.snowmonkeyresorts.com/smr/nagano-city/top-religious-and-cultural-experiences-in-nagano/">the true essence of ancient traditions</a> to unfold. And with the highest number of designated forest bathing spots in Japan and proximity to <a href="https://voyapon.com/gunma-myogi-shugendo-mountain-shrine/">Shugendo pilgrimage sites</a>, restoration here is almost a guarantee.
Yet, if there&rsquo;s one group of residents that are the ultimate masters of zen, it&rsquo;s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbzHHzn6zB4">the ruby-faced snow monkeys</a> that can be found deep in Jigokudani Yaen-koen park, leaping across snowdrifts and soulfully soaking in its hot springs.

静かな水は深い/Shizuka na mizu wa fukai
Translation: Still waters run deep.
<hr>
When it comes to immersing yourself in traditional Japanese culture, the gold-leafed capital of the Ishikawa Prefecture often comes up as an alternative to Kyoto. Yet <a href="https://visitkanazawa.jp/en/">Kanazawa</a> remains under the radar for<a href="https://www.theinvisibletourist.com/2-days-in-kanazawa-itinerary/#day-1"> most first-timers</a> coming to Japan.
Here you&rsquo;re trading congested streets for intimate, inky cobblestones and staged maiko performances for working geiko and cozy teahouses that cater mostly to locals.&nbsp;
Like the stroke of a master calligrapher&rsquo;s brush, 400 years of skilled artistry have left an indelible mark on Kanazawa, crafting a city where traditional beauty and refined craftsmanship are woven into daily life.&nbsp;
From generations of gold-leaf guilds, tea ceremonies, geisha performances, Kaga yuzen dyeing, and porcelain production, the city&rsquo;s fortunate escape from World War II preserved the rich artistic heritage. Visitors can experience it through workshops or at the National Crafts Museum, relocated here from Tokyo in 1987.&nbsp;
The city is also home to the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=olb2IqlbFnE">gardens of Kenrokuen</a>. A 25-acre haven of meandering paths, ponds, and teahouses, it's the epitome of Zen and one of Japan&rsquo;s top three gardens. 
Curating this level of tranquility required a mind-boggling attention to detail.&nbsp;In 1774, under restoration, the stones at the bottom of the Emerald Waterfall were rearranged several times to ensure the sound of splashing water was just right.
Basing yourself in Kanazawa even briefly means having Japan&rsquo;s scenic countryside easily reachable, including<a href="https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5950.html"> traditional UNESCO villages</a> and of course,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.japan.travel/en/spot/228/">world-famous onsens</a>.

<hr>
Naturally, we're only scratching the surface of Japan's hidden corners. There's still Toba's watercolour sunsets waiting to be watched, and layers of history tucked behind delicate paper-and-wood screens of sliding shoji doors.&nbsp;
I've gathered all the spots our community has suggested <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/zrhu5vYVKBs3bfwFA">into a map here</a>.
And now it's your turn. What should we uncover in Part 2?
Share your must-see places in the comments (and pin them on our collective map) to help shape our next journey across Japan.

Where to go in Japan: Beyond the Golden Triangle

Canada

Uzbekistan

China

South Korea

Vietnam

Kyrgyzstan

Kazakhstan

Hey there Travellers,
You'll all be glad to know that I made it back from Portugal last weekend without so much as a drop of wine spilled down my front.
However, it's safe to say that my jeans were feeling a little tighter after a few days of sampling the Portuguese cuisine. Nobody warned me that I'd still be dreaming of that mustardy <a href="https://tasteporto.com/pt/portuguese-francesinha-the-deconstructed-version/">pica-pau</a> sauce a week later!
And no sooner had I returned than, once again, the good old&nbsp;Pastel de Bel&eacute;m was named <a href="https://www.tasteatlas.com/best/foods-by-category">sweet pastry of the year</a> for 2025. But would you visit just for its custardy goodness?&nbsp;
A few weeks ago, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/jacksflightclub/permalink/2654233541599157">we asked our Facebook Community</a> what food they'd travel abroad for time and time again. For me, it's an authentic&nbsp;<a href="https://polinachesnakova.com/blog/2020/3/29/imeruli-khachapuri">Imeruli khachapuri</a>, for others it's a Costa Rican breakfast, or Indian street food.
So tell me, dear readers, what's the tasty treat that you'd hop on a plane for right now? <a href="https://members.jacksflightclub.com/articles/detour-216-island-life-bc-and-diy-pan-asian-adventure#comments">Let us know in the comments</a> (so we can organize a grand Jack's Food Club tour, obviously).
Happy travels and safe landings,

Win 5 Nights in Dreamy Puglia

We&rsquo;ve teamed up with DAYMADE to give one lucky Jack's member an unforgettable 5-night escape for 2 to Puglia &mdash; flights, hotel, sunshine, all sorted.
It&rsquo;s totally free to enter. Just pop your details in, and you&rsquo;re in the draw.
Someone&rsquo;s going&hellip; why not you?

In Partnership with DAYMADE

A Taste of Island Life: Day Trips from the British Columbian Capital

A San Diego native, Olivia left home a few years ago to live on the road. Since then, she's had homebases everywhere from Quebec to England to New Orleans, but she always ends up back on the West Coast.&nbsp;

By Olivia

This week, Jack's released a new <a href="https://members.jacksflightclub.com/articles/jacks-guide-to-victoria">city guide to Victoria</a>: British Columbia's provincial capital, located at the southern end of Vancouver Island.&nbsp;
&ldquo;The island,&rdquo; as it's colloquially known, is truly the jewel of the Pacific Northwest. It's roughly the size of Belgium, and packed with seaside villages and lush woodlands. Everywhere you turn, there are rocky coastlines, moss-covered pine trees, and boardwalk caf&eacute;s.
While the charming capital city is worth a few days on its own, it'd be a shame to stay in town when there's so much beauty right in your backyard. And you don't have to look very far to catch views around here! Even a quick stopover in Victoria comes with some pretty lovely day trips.&nbsp;
So if you find yourself contemplating a visit to the island (and any cheap YYJ fares that you just so happen to see in your inbox), allow me to introduce you to some local sights...
<h3 dir="ltr" id="butchart-gardens">Butchart Gardens</h3>
This is THE day trip from Victoria &mdash; the one pretty much every visitor takes.&nbsp;

<p dir="ltr" id="its-not-hard-to-see-why-the-butchart-gardens-cover-55-acres-of-land-in-beautiful-floral-displays-descend-into-the-manicured-sunken-garden-meander-through-a-forest-of-japanese-maples-and-admire-fountain-after-bubbling-fountain-while-its-worth-seeing-at-any-time-of-year-springs-rose-blossoms-and-autumns-bright-red-foliage-make-for-especially-colorful-visits">It&rsquo;s not hard to see why!&nbsp;<a href="https://butchartgardens.com/">The Butchart Gardens</a> cover 55 acres of land in beautiful floral displays. Descend into the manicured Sunken Garden, meander through a forest of Japanese maples, and admire fountain after bubbling fountain. While it&rsquo;s worth seeing at any time of year, spring&rsquo;s rose blossoms and autumn&rsquo;s bright red foliage make for especially colorful visits.
You can reach the Butchart Gardens from downtown Victoria in about 30 minutes by car, or with a one-hour bus ride aboard the 75 or 30.
<h3 dir="ltr">Nanaimo</h3>
Pronounced nah-NYE-mo, this is the second-largest city on the island. It&rsquo;s got a much more small-town feel, with a cute downtown and Old City Quarter.

Other than whale-watching and ferry connections, its biggest claim to fame is the Nanaimo bar: a chocolatey, coconutty, custardy treat that just might ruin you for every other caf&eacute; dessert.
You can get to Nanaimo from Victoria by city bus or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.islandlinkbus.com/">Island Link</a>, but driving the full ~90 minutes yourself is much more fun. The highways will take you through several charming villages worth the stop &mdash; my favorites are Cowichan Bay, Duncan, Chemainus, and Ladysmith. Expect cozy shops, dockside restaurants, small local museums, and tons of gorgeous bay and island views.
<h3 dir="ltr">Provincial and Regional Parks</h3>
The island may only have one &mdash; difficult-to-reach &mdash; National Park, but it&rsquo;s covered in Provincial and Regional Parks. These protected areas include dense, mossy woodland, waterfalls, tons of lakes, and rocky coastlines.

I could fill an entire article just with outdoor day trips from Victoria, but a few highlights within a mere half-hour&rsquo;s drive include Thetis Lake (Canada&rsquo;s first nature sanctuary), Mount Wells (known for wildflowers and a challenging summit hike), and Goldstream (massive trees and a beautiful waterfall).
<h3 dir="ltr">Sidney</h3>
One of my favorite things about Vancouver Island is the abundance of lovely coastal towns, and Sidney is one of the coolest and most accessible from Victoria.
Unique highlights here include the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea (a small but very well-done aquarium), a fish market frequented by the local seals, and a pier that offers an excellent view of the Gulf. On clear days, you can even spot Washington&rsquo;s Mount Baker across the water.

It&rsquo;s also home to the Victoria airport, and the first big town you&rsquo;ll see if you arrive at Swartz Bay on the ferry. This means you&rsquo;ll likely pass through Sidney anyway, so take some time to look around!
<h3 dir="ltr">Salt Spring Island</h3>
If you only take one more ferry during your trip, it should be the one to Salt Spring! This island is around the size of Aruba, and it&rsquo;s become quite the artistic outpost on the Gulf. The main town, Ganges, is packed with galleries and nifty boutiques, plus there&rsquo;s a weekly street market each Saturday where local artists take to the sidewalks.
It&rsquo;s also one of the best hiking spots in the area &mdash; drive down to Ruckle Provincial Park and follow the trail along the coast for some gorgeous, peak Pacific Northwestern views.

To get there from downtown Victoria, either drive or take one of several direct buses up to Swartz Bay, then hop on the ferry to Fulford Harbour. You&rsquo;ll be much better off with a car on Salt Spring Island, but <a href="https://www.bctransit.com/salt-spring-island/schedules-and-maps/">buses do run every couple hours</a> and cover most of the highlights. 
Want to learn more about Victoria? <a href="https://members.jacksflightclub.com/articles/jacks-guide-to-victoria">Check out the guide</a>.

Silk Road to Sakura: A Choose-Your-Own Adventure

&ldquo;I am looking into planning the itinerary for our big trip to Asia and it is a bit confusing where to start and what to do with visas (China). But we are planning to fly less and use rail and buses to enjoy the scenery. 
Our departure airport is Manchester and we&rsquo;re aiming to be gone from the last week of March to about June. We definitely want to include: Uzbekistan, China, South Korea, Japan, and maybe Vietnam. Rough budget around &pound;2000.&rdquo;&nbsp;- Nehla

Navigator Akasha finds phenomenal Flights faster than you can decide where you want to take a trip to next. A pro at finding the best of the best fares, she's also a master at sharing must-visit spots for when you land.

Answered by Akasha

Hi there, Nehla! Wow, what an adventure! Consider me officially jealous. Slow travel is by far one of the best ways to connect with the land and the people (and yourself!) on a deeper level. It&rsquo;s the anti-checklist trip.&nbsp;
I&rsquo;ve done some research and dug up your best options for traveling overland, and flying when necessary.
<h2 dir="ltr" id="stage-1-manchester-to-uzbekistan">Stage 1: Manchester to Uzbekistan</h2>
Currently, <a href="https://www.google.com/travel/flights/search?tfs=CBwQAho8EgoyMDI2LTAzLTI1KAFqDAgDEggvbS8wNTJid3IMCAISCC9tLzBkbDNncgwIAxIIL20vMGZzbXmQAY4CQAFIAXABggELCP___________wGYAQI&amp;tfu=EgoIABAAGAAgAigB&amp;gl=GB">one-way fares</a> from Manchester to Samarkand or Tashkent in March are pretty decent, in the &pound;240s&ndash;&pound;380s.
Uzbekistan is a firm bucket-lister at Jack&rsquo;s, with Detour Editor Katy the first of us to chart a course through its mesmerizing blue mosques and mausoleums.

&ldquo;In Samarkand, your journey will no doubt start at<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2015/mar/31/registan-samarkand-square-history-cities-buildings"> Registan Square</a>, the city's most iconic landmark. It is dominated by three ornately tiled madrasahs&mdash;Ulugh Beg, Sher-Dor, and Tilla-Kari. Each one is a masterpiece, and pictures seriously do not do them justice.&nbsp;
There are hundreds of small alcoves and rooms to explore within the Madrasahs, not to mention handmade Uzbek crafts for sale. Needlework and embroidery are an integral part of the Uzbek culture, and you'll find gorgeous examples at shops all throughout the city.
If you look carefully, inside certain shops you&rsquo;ll spot narrow spiral staircases heading up. Follow them, and you&rsquo;ll emerge onto beautiful balconies overlooking the square, where you can grab a cuppa and watch the people go by.
Another highlight of Samarkand is <a href="https://www.baytalfann.com/post/the-beauty-history-of-shah-i-zinda">Shah-i-Zinda</a>, which is more or less a village of brightly-coloured mausoleums. To snap the best shots, plan to visit early in the day. The narrow pathways get pretty crowded, so a bit of patience is needed for unintentional photobombers.&rdquo; - Katy

<h2 dir="ltr">Stage 2: Uzbekistan to China</h2>
Option 1: Flying from Uzbekistan to China
Obviously, <a href="https://www.google.com/travel/explore?tfs=CBwQAxopEgoyMDI2LTA0LTA4agwIAxIIL20vMGZzbXlyDQgEEgkvbS8wZDA1dzNAAUgBcAKCAQsI____________AZgBArIBBBgBIAE&amp;tfu=GioaKAoSCVmL8zotQUhAEXruTojanVpAEhIJfdK0362sN0AR9NydEDUQTUA&amp;gl=GB">flying from Uzbekistan to China</a> is the easiest and quickest option and will cost you around&nbsp; &pound;100-&pound;180. Flying non-stop, you can either fly to Urumqi (close to the border with Kazakhstan), Guangzhou, Xian or Beijing.&nbsp;

Option 2: Crossing overland into China&nbsp;
Alternatively, if you&rsquo;re up for an adventure, you can cross overland into China, either via <a href="https://caravanistan.com/border-crossings/kazakhstan/#kazakhstan-%e2%80%93-china-border-crossings">Khazakstan</a> or <a href="https://caravanistan.com/border-crossings/kyrgyzstan/">Kyrgyzstan</a>. It&rsquo;s more difficult to cross from Kyrgyzstan because the region that borders it is Xinjiang, which is <a href="https://caravanistan.com/east-turkestan/">quite tightly controlled</a>, and they don&rsquo;t usually let foreigners visit. You&rsquo;d have an easier time crossing from Khorgos (Horgos) in Kazakhstan. The road is better, and you can cross by bus.&nbsp;
While you&rsquo;re in Kazakhstan, you might want to consider crossing the steppes by train; this <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2021/oct/22/across-kazakhstan-by-rail-a-photo-essay?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other&amp;fbclid=IwY2xjawOmN9FleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF5czdqRWlPU21WOWlvYmtzc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHl-dy5BRK4EbERMEiciMj5sJvKtWQcnvqEoTDjGx1kX5jg-U2dvxJt_U0Kr4_aem_karr_pNUs9Emx9HVMjFJ1g">dreamy photo-journal</a> certainly entices me to!
From Tashkent, you can take <a href="https://www.railrussia.com/routes/tashkent-almaty">a train overland to Almaty</a> (Khazakstan) in about 17 hours, and then catch a bus from <a href="https://thetripgoeson.com/almaty-to-urumqi/">Almaty to Urumqi</a> (China). The bus takes about 19&ndash;20 hours and costs around &pound;30 on average. This is by far the easiest way and beats trains with changes or separate border buses.&nbsp;
From Urumqi Railway Station, direct connections span Xinjiang regionally, as well as east to central China via the <a href="https://www.chinadiscovery.com/china-trains/urumqi-high-speed-train.html">Lanzhou-Xinjiang High-Speed Railway</a> &mdash; no transfers needed for most.
This 12-hour train route follows the ancient Silk Road via the oasis town of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8RR-hlrRZrs">Turpan</a>. From here, it travels through some of China&rsquo;s wildest terrain, whizzing past lunar landscapes like the rainbow mountains of Zhangye and <a href="https://www.lonelyplanet.com/china/gansu/dunhuang/attractions/mogao-grottoes/a/poi-sig/1496278/355964">the caves of the thousand Buddhas in Mogao</a>. This is one of the most important collections of Buddhist architecture in the world.&nbsp;

<h2 dir="ltr">Stage 3: China to South Korea</h2>
Option 1: Flying from China to South Korea
It&rsquo;s very <a href="https://www.google.com/travel/explore?tfs=CBwQAxooEgoyMDI2LTA0LTA4agwIAhIIL20vMDE5MTRyDAgEEggvbS8wNnFkM0ABSAFwAoIBCwj___________8BmAECsgEEGAEgAQ&amp;tfu=GgA&amp;gl=GB">easy to fly</a> between the two countries &mdash; expect to pay around &pound;60 one-way.
Option 2: China to South Korea via ferry
I imagine you'll train-hop from Urumqi across China to the Beijing area. From Beijing, hop on a high-speed train to Qingdao (3&ndash;4 hours, around &pound;40 for economy seats), where you can take <a href="https://4corners7seas.com/asia/china/china-korea-ferries/">a ferry to Incheon, South Korea</a>. The Weidong ferry sails every Mon/Wed/Fri at 17:30 and takes about 17&ndash;18 hours, costing around &pound;85+.&nbsp; 
<a href="https://members.jacksflightclub.com/articles/silk-road-to-sakura-a-choose-your-own-adventure">Continue reading...</a>

Reader's Corner

All the important (or silly, or strange) travel news from across web this week.
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Storm Bram&nbsp;<a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/storm-bram-flights-trains-ferries-cancelled-weather-warnings-b2881568.html">brought chaos to travellers</a> in the UK and Ireland this week, disrupting everything from flights to trains to ferries. </li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">No photo can truly do the Northern Lights justice, but these <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamiecartereurope/2025/12/08/25-award-winning-northern-lights-photos-to-inspire-your-next-adventure/">25 award-winning photographers</a> have gotten pretty close. </li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Spirit&rsquo;s bankruptcy is <a href="https://simpleflying.com/is-american-spirit-merger-in-the-cards-new-court-filing-draws-speculation/">drawing rumours of an American Airlines buy-out</a>. Now, would their celebrity couple name be Spamerican or Amerit?&nbsp; </li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">After several shipping containers full of fruit were <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/uk/cruise-ship-iona-delayed-fruit-overboard-b2879752.html">accidentally plunged into waters off the Isle of Wight</a>, officials have warned locals not to eat any loose bananas they find washed up on shore. Darn it, there goes our whole lunch plan! </li>
<li>And finally, let's&nbsp;paws on a warm and fuzzy note: From donuts to shrines, this entire neighborhood in Tokyo is <a href="https://japanjourneys.jp/tokyo/lifestyle/things-to-do/cat-lovers-need-to-visit-yanaka-right-now/">themed around its feline residents</a>. It's&nbsp;purr-fect!</li>
</ul>

A Taste of Island Life in British Columbia & a DIY Pan-Asian Adventure

Sometimes, we receive a question from the Jack's Community that sets our soul alight. The kind of question that excites us, ignites our wanderlust and transports us across continents.&nbsp;
This was one of those questions.&nbsp;
Navigator Kash fell so far down a pan-Asian rabbit hole that she's yet to fully emerge, so it's only right that we share all the goods she dug up along the way.
<hr>

Hi there, Nehla! Wow, what an adventure! Consider me officially jealous. Slow travel is by far one of the best ways to connect with the land and the people (and yourself!) on a deeper level. It&rsquo;s the anti-checklist trip.&nbsp;
I&rsquo;ve done some research and dug up your best options for traveling overland, and flying when necessary.

<h2 dir="ltr">Stage 1: Manchester to Uzbekistan</h2>
Currently, <a href="https://www.google.com/travel/flights/search?tfs=CBwQAho8EgoyMDI2LTAzLTI1KAFqDAgDEggvbS8wNTJid3IMCAISCC9tLzBkbDNncgwIAxIIL20vMGZzbXmQAY4CQAFIAXABggELCP___________wGYAQI&amp;tfu=EgoIABAAGAAgAigB&amp;gl=GB">one-way fares</a> from Manchester to Samarkand or Tashkent in March are pretty decent, in the &pound;240s&ndash;&pound;380s.
Uzbekistan is a firm bucket-lister at Jack&rsquo;s, with Detour Editor Katy the first of us to chart a course through its mesmerizing blue mosques and mausoleums.

&ldquo;In Samarkand, your journey will no doubt start at<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2015/mar/31/registan-samarkand-square-history-cities-buildings"> Registan Square</a>, the city's most iconic landmark. It is dominated by three impossibly ornately tiled madrasahs&mdash;Ulugh Beg, Sher-Dor, and Tilla-Kari. Each one is a masterpiece of Islamic architecture, and pictures seriously do not do them justice.&nbsp;
There are hundreds of small alcoves and rooms to explore within the Madrasahs, not to mention handmade Uzbek crafts for sale. Needlework and embroidery are an integral part of the Uzbek culture, and you'll find gorgeous examples at shops all throughout the city.
If you look carefully, inside certain shops you&rsquo;ll spot narrow spiral staircases heading up. Follow them, and you&rsquo;ll emerge onto beautiful balconies overlooking the square, where you can grab a cuppa and watch the people go by.
Another highlight of Samarkand is<a href="https://www.baytalfann.com/post/the-beauty-history-of-shah-i-zinda"> Shah-i-Zinda</a>, which is more or less a village of brightly-coloured mausoleums. To snap the best shots, plan to visit early in the day. The narrow pathways get pretty crowded, so a bit of patience is needed for unintentional photobombers.&rdquo; - Katy

Tip: When it comes to your first glimpse of public transport in this area of the world, you&rsquo;re in for an absolute treat in Tashkent. Its <a href="https://twinperspectives.co.uk/the-most-beautiful-metro-stations-in-tashkent-2025/">metro stations are more like museums</a>. A myriad of mosaics and motifs, each spinning tales of the Silk Road and crumbled empires.&nbsp;

Option 2: Crossing overland into China&nbsp;
Alternatively, if you&rsquo;re up for an adventure, you can cross overland into China, either via <a href="https://caravanistan.com/border-crossings/kazakhstan/#kazakhstan-%e2%80%93-china-border-crossings">Khazakstan</a> or <a href="https://caravanistan.com/border-crossings/kyrgyzstan/">Kyrgyzstan</a>. It&rsquo;s more difficult to cross from Kyrgyzstan because the region that borders it is Xinjiang, which is <a href="https://caravanistan.com/east-turkestan/">quite tightly controlled</a>, and they don&rsquo;t usually let foreigners visit. You&rsquo;d have an easier time crossing from Khorgos (Horgos) in Kazakhstan. The road is better, and you can cross by bus.&nbsp;
While you&rsquo;re in Kazakhstan, you might want to consider crossing the steppes by train; this <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2021/oct/22/across-kazakhstan-by-rail-a-photo-essay?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other&amp;fbclid=IwY2xjawOmN9FleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF5czdqRWlPU21WOWlvYmtzc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHl-dy5BRK4EbERMEiciMj5sJvKtWQcnvqEoTDjGx1kX5jg-U2dvxJt_U0Kr4_aem_karr_pNUs9Emx9HVMjFJ1g">dreamy photo-journal</a> certainly entices me to!

Tip: This website, <a href="https://caravanistan.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Caravanistan</a>, is a great resource for destinations all along the Silk Road. Here&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1Ml8xrhk9Jwr00_GdccYtBrEYScU&amp;ll=41.93493861474455%2C79.74287294999999&amp;z=3">a handy map of border crossings</a> on the Silk Road.

From Tashkent, you can take <a href="https://www.railrussia.com/routes/tashkent-almaty">a train overland to Almaty</a> (Khazakstan) in about 17 hours, and then catch a bus from <a href="https://thetripgoeson.com/almaty-to-urumqi/">Almaty to Urumqi</a> (China) the bus takes about 19&ndash;20 hours and costs around &pound;30 on average. This is by far the easiest way and beats trains with changes or separate border buses.&nbsp;
From Urumqi Railway Station, direct connections span Xinjiang regionally, as well as east to central China via the <a href="https://www.chinadiscovery.com/china-trains/urumqi-high-speed-train.html">Lanzhou-Xinjiang High-Speed Railway</a> &mdash; no transfers needed for most.
This 12-hour train route follows the ancient Silk Road via the oasis town of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8RR-hlrRZrs">Turpan</a>. From here, it travels through some of China&rsquo;s wildest terrain, whizzing past lunar landscapes like the rainbow mountains of Zhangye and <a href="https://www.lonelyplanet.com/china/gansu/dunhuang/attractions/mogao-grottoes/a/poi-sig/1496278/355964">the caves of the thousand Buddhas in Mogao</a>. This is one of the most important collections of Buddhist architecture in the world.&nbsp;

<h2 dir="ltr">Stage 3: China to South Korea</h2>
Option 1: Flying from China to South Korea
It&rsquo;s very <a href="https://www.google.com/travel/explore?tfs=CBwQAxooEgoyMDI2LTA0LTA4agwIAhIIL20vMDE5MTRyDAgEEggvbS8wNnFkM0ABSAFwAoIBCwj___________8BmAECsgEEGAEgAQ&amp;tfu=GgA&amp;gl=GB">easy to fly</a> between the two countries &mdash; expect to pay around &pound;60 one-way.

Option 2: China to South Korea via ferry
I imagine you'll train-hop from Urumqi across China to the Beijing area. From Beijing, hop on a high-speed train to Qingdao (3&ndash;4 hours, around &pound;40 for economy seats), where you can take <a href="https://4corners7seas.com/asia/china/china-korea-ferries/">a ferry to Incheon, South Korea</a>. The Weidong ferry sails every Mon/Wed/Fri at 17:30 and takes about 17&ndash;18 hours, costing around &pound;85+.&nbsp;

Tip: It&rsquo;s easier (and cheaper) to buy tickets in person than online, and you&rsquo;ll want to arrive no later than two hours before departure to fill out customs declaration and boarding cards. The amenities on board are basic, so pack snacks accordingly, or consider splurging for a higher tier like Business or Royal class.

<h2 dir="ltr">Stage 4: South Korea to Japan</h2>
Option 1: South Korea to Japan via ferry
Once you arrive in Incheon, you can then take an AREX train or subway to Seoul, which takes about an hour and costs around &pound;5.&nbsp;
At this stage, a few days of rest and rejuvenation probably wouldn&rsquo;t go amiss! In Seoul, a visit to <a href="http://google.com/search?q=siloam+sauna&amp;oq=Siloam+Sauna&amp;gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqBwgAEAAYgAQyBwgAEAAYgAQyBwgBEAAYgAQyBwgCEAAYgAQyBwgDEAAYgAQyBwgEEAAYgAQyBwgFEAAYgAQyBwgGEAAYgAQyBwgHEAAYgAQyBwgIEAAYgAQyDQgJEAAYhgMYgAQYigXSAQgxMTAwajBqN6gCALACAA&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8">Siloam Sauna</a> offers traditional Korean spa relaxation for you weary travellers. Alternatively, a gentle hike up Achasan Mountain will do wonders for the spirit, and afterward, reward yourself with a quiet tea at <a href="https://firefortysix.com/2023/07/08/a-relaxing-afternoon-interlude-at-tteuran-teahouse-in-ikseondong/">Tteuran Tea House</a>.
From Seoul, you can then take <a href="https://www.koreantrain.com/train-seoul-busan">a highspeed KTX train to Busan</a> (stop off in the city known as <a href="https://southkoreahallyu.com/gyeongju-south-korea-things-to-do/">&ldquo;the museum without walls&rdquo;</a> if you have the time). From Seoul straight to Busan it takes about 2hrs 15 mins and costs around &pound;30.&nbsp;

Next up, <a href="https://whirled-away.com/ferry-south-korea-japan/">hop on an overnight ferry across to Fukuoka</a>. The ferry prices usually fall somewhere between &pound;46 and &pound;77 depending on the season and what kind of seat or cabin you pick. All in, you&rsquo;re looking at roughly &pound;76&ndash;&pound;108.&nbsp;
Another option is the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gcleb7YgKGA">PanStar Cruise Line</a> to Osaka, offering a longer, more cruise-like experience that honestly might be worth the detour!
Option 2: Flying from South Korea to Japan
If you&rsquo;d rather get there fast, <a href="https://www.google.com/travel/explore?tfs=CBwQAxoqEgoyMDI1LTEyLTI0KABqDAgDEggvbS8waHNxZnIMCAQSCC9tLzAzXzNkQAFIAXACggELCP___________wGYAQKyAQQYASAB&amp;tfu=GgA&amp;gl=GB">flights from Seoul</a> to places like Tokyo, Osaka, or Fukuoka are typically pretty cheap and only take around 1.5&ndash;2 hours, with fares starting from &pound;40&ndash;&pound;70 if you catch a deal.

Tip: In Tokyo, instead of sticking to Shibuya, Asakusa, or Ginza, venture to neighbourhoods like Yanaka, Shimokitazawa, Kiyosumi‑Shirakawa, or Kichijoji for more local energy. 
<a href="https://monocle.com/travel/yanaka-neighbourhood-guide/">Yanaka</a> offers a quiet, nostalgic Tokyo with over 70 different temples, wooden houses and cozy eateries - and <a href="https://japanjourneys.jp/tokyo/lifestyle/things-to-do/cat-lovers-need-to-visit-yanaka-right-now/">most importantly, cats</a>!

<h2 dir="ltr">Stage 5: Japan to Vietnam</h2>
Option 1: Ferry and Overland
This one is tricky. You can do it overland by heading back to China by ferry (although the <a href="https://www.shinganjin.com/en/schedule/">Kobe/Osaka&ndash;Shanghai service</a> was suspended this week due to ongoing tensions), and then travelling south by train.
If you want to go for it, just be aware that there&rsquo;s a time investment involved! The crossing takes 45&ndash;48 hours, then it&rsquo;ll be around another 10 hours by train from Shanghai to the Vietnamese border.
Trains crossing from China into Vietnam <a href="https://www.indochinatour.com/china-vietnam-tour/china-to-vietnam.html#:~:text=hub%20in%20China.-,The%20Train%20to%20Vietnam%20from%20China%20is%20Available%3A%20A%20Very%20Scenic%20Route%20from%20Nanning,-Instead%20of%20flying">were not reinstated after the pandemic</a>. That means you&rsquo;ll have to alight at Pingxiang, take a taxi to the border crossing, and then hop on a train from Dong Dang on the Vietnamese side to continue towards Hanoi.

Option 2: Flying from Japan to Vietnam&nbsp;
You can catch <a href="https://www.google.com/travel/explore?tfs=CBwQAxorEgoyMDI1LTEyLTI0KABqDAgDEggvbS8wN2Rma3INCAQSCS9tLzAxY3JkNUABSAFwAoIBCwj___________8BmAECsgEEGAEgAQ&amp;tfu=GgA&amp;gl=GB">a direct flight from Tokyo</a> to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City in about six hours, with economy fares that can drop as low as &pound;80&ndash;&pound;90 one way.
In Hanoi, I recommend starting your mornings early at <a href="https://lilystravelagency.com/quang-ba-flower-market/">Quang Ba Flower Market</a> to see the city come alive with traders&rsquo; fresh flowers before the crowds arrive.&nbsp;
You can also use buses, trains, or the app Grab (similar to Uber) to catch a motorbike or taxi to quieter districts or artisan villages like Bat Trang and Duong Lam.&nbsp;
In <a href="https://artsandculture.google.com/story/0AUR6zBKq7ucyg">Bat Trang</a>, arrive in the morning to watch artisans shape pottery by hand, and try making a small piece yourself. In <a href="https://wander-lush.org/duong-lam-ancient-village-hanoi-day-trip/">Duong Lam</a>, take a bus or Grab through scenic rice paddies, then walk or cycle among clay-tiled houses and temples. Bring cash and wear comfortable shoes, and consider visiting on weekdays for a quieter, more authentic experience of local crafts and village life.

Tip:&nbsp;If you decide to go south, take a look at our <a href="https://members.jacksflightclub.com/articles/jfcs-guide-to-ho-chi-minh-city">Ho Chi Minh Guide</a> &mdash; it&rsquo;s packed with Katy&rsquo;s tips for your trip.

<h2 dir="ltr">Stage 6: Homeward Bound</h2>
Flying back home
Once you&rsquo;re done exploring Vietnam, getting back to the UK is easiest via London: there are several direct flights from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City to London, and from there it&rsquo;s just a quick hop on a domestic flight or train to Manchester.&nbsp;
Total flight times from Vietnam to London are roughly 13&ndash;14 hours for a direct route, with fares ranging from &pound;390s&ndash;&pound;600 depending on the airline, season, and how early you book. Currently, <a href="https://www.google.com/travel/flights/search?tfs=CBwQAho4EgoyMDI2LTA2LTE1KABqDAgDEggvbS8wZm5mZmoMCAMSCC9tLzBobjRocgwIAhIIL20vMDRqcGxAAUgBcAGCAQsI____________AZgBAg&amp;tfu=EgoIABAAGAAgAigB&amp;gl=GB">fares in June </a>are reasonable at &pound;396.&nbsp;

<h2 dir="ltr">Rough totals</h2>
Overland/ferry-heavy route: &pound;1,400pp
Mostly flying: &pound;1,200pp

<h2 id="visa-notes">Visa Notes</h2>
Uzbekistan
<ul>
<li data-start="288" data-end="412">UK, EU, Canadian &amp; US Passports: Most will qualify for up to 30 days visa-free for tourism. Longer stays require a visa, usually via the official e-visa portal.</li>
<li data-start="288" data-end="412">Other passports: Many nationalities still qualify for visa-free entry or simple e-visas, but rules vary. Check your specific passport eligibility on the <a href="https://e-visa.gov.uz/">Uzbek government visa site</a>.</li>
</ul>
China
<ul>
<li data-start="640" data-end="900">UK, US &amp; Canadian Passports: A visa is usually required, depending on the exact duration and destination of your visit. The current process involves an online pre-approval form on <a href="https://www.visaforchina.cn/VIE3_EN/?utm_source=chatgpt.com">visaforchina.cn</a>, followed by an in-person biometrics appointment at a Chinese Visa Application Service Centre. Fees average about &pound;130. Allow 3&ndash;4 weeks total.</li>
<li data-start="903" data-end="1128">Other passports: Most European countries, as well as Australia and New Zealand, will qualify for 15-days visa-free entry to China. These rules change frequetly, and requirements, fees, and processing times can differ, so travelers should always check the rules for their specific nationality.</li>
</ul>
South Korea
<ul>
<li data-start="1150" data-end="1270">Most UK, European &amp; North American passports: No traditional visa needed for trips up to 90 days, but you must <a href="https://www.k-eta.go.kr/">apply for the K-ETA</a> before travel.&nbsp;Some passports may require a short-stay visa, so check the K-ETA site for nationality-specific entry rules.</li>
</ul>
Japan
<ul>
<li data-start="1150" data-end="1270">Most UK, European &amp; North American passports:&nbsp;Visa-free for up to 90 days. You may be asked to show proof of funds and onward travel/accommodation.</li>
<li data-start="1582" data-end="1742">Other passports: Japan offers visa-free entry to many countries, but not all&mdash;travellers should confirm whether their passport is on Japan&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/short/novisa.html">visa-exempt list</a>.</li>
</ul>
Vietnam
<ul>
<li data-start="1760" data-end="1813">UK &amp; European passports: Most qualify for visa-free entry for up to 45 days.</li>
<li data-start="1816" data-end="1994">Other passports: Visa exemptions vary greatly by nationality. Many travellers will need an e-visa, which is generally straightforward to obtain via <a href="https://evisa.gov.vn/">Vietnam&rsquo;s official portal</a>.</li>
</ul>

Safe travels! I&rsquo;d love to know which routes you end up choosing! And <a href="https://members.jacksflightclub.com/postcards">send us a postcard</a> on the road!

Japan

Tokyo at $884 RT

Tokyo at $657 RT

Tokyo in £5800s rtn

Tokyo in €690s-€750s rtn

Tokyo & Kuala Lumpur in £5000s-£5700s rtn

Across Japan in $900s-$970s RT