profile

Dana Yao

3 things we'd book now for a fall Japan trip 🍁 🇯🇵

Published about 2 months ago • 1 min read

Hi Reader,

It's been a while since our last Japan travel email, but we're back! Thank you to everyone who stuck around.

We spent the past few months building out our YouTube channel, and the newest video is a full day in Uji. Fall trips are just weeks away too, so I've also got a short list of what to book before you go!

One Day in Uji, Japan's Matcha Town

If you love matcha, Uji would be a perfect day trip to add to your itinerary if you're visiting Kyoto or Osaka. It's only 25 minutes from Kyoto.

In this video: matcha ramen, Byodo-in (the temple on the 10 yen coin), a matcha grinding workshop, and beautiful nature you'd want to see at least once.

3 Things to Book Now for your Fall Trip in Japan

1. Your hotel, especially if you are going to Kyoto

We've been watching a few ourselves. Same room, one September night and one at the foliage peak:

Sept 16 Nov 24
KOKO Hotel Nijo Castle $97 $330
Six Senses Kyoto $811 $1,363
Suiran, Arashiyama $586 sold out

This isn't just these 3. Kyoto's tourism association puts the citywide average 72% higher in November than September, and it's the same story anywhere popular for fall colors.

2. Universal Studios Japan Halloween tickets

Halloween Horror Nights is running now through November 8th, such a cool once a year fall thing that isn’t just leaves!

Tickets open about 2 months before your park date and will get booked out, so book as soon as your dates are set.

3. A fall foliage day trip

If you’re looking for more foliage viewing, Nikko near Tokyo and the Kifune area in Kyoto are the two we love visiting as day trips.

Nikko is best late October to early November, and the Kyoto area is best late November. We love DIY, but if you don’t want to worry about logistics, a tour is so much easier, all you do is show up.

Code DANAYAO for up to 10% off.

Coming up next: a day trip to another side of Kyoto, up on the north coast.

Talk soon,

Dana & Robert

(Feel free to reply back with any questions or comments!)

P.S. One last bit of savings. If you're booking Japan activities on Klook, my code DANAYAO gets you up to 10% off. See you in Japan!

15728 Lorain Ave #393, Cleveland, OH 44111
​Unsubscribe · Preferences​

Dana Yao

🌸 Japan’s iconic spots and hidden gems ✨ Fun experiences, eat, stay, tips and more!

This is where we share exclusive travel stories from Japan and beyond. Plus culturally aware guides, step-by-step itineraries, and smart tips so you can plan less, see more, and travel with confidence.

Read more from Dana Yao
Odaiba Sunset Stroll

Hi Reader, You’ve probably seen or even visited Tokyo’s classic attractions like Shibuya Crossing, Asakusa, Shinjuku, or even Harajuku. But after living and traveling here, our favorite area might surprise you. It is Odaiba, the manmade island in Tokyo Bay. Rain or shine, Odaiba is full of shopping, museums, parks, and attractions that work for family trips, date nights, or casual outings. And if you have ever watched a J-drama with twinkling city lights by the water, chances are it was...

about 1 year ago • 2 min read
Daruma Dolls at Katsuoji, Osaka

Hi Reader, We have been to Osaka 6 times now, and this trip we carved out half a day for a little escape: Katsuoji Temple and Minoh Falls. Totally different vibes, but together they made for a calm, nature-filled break from the city. If you want all of our Osaka recommendations, here’s our previous issue with handpicked spots, where we stayed, and extra tips for making the most of your time in Osaka. Stop 1: Katsuoji — The Temple of Victory and Luck Just an hour from Osaka by subway and bus,...

about 1 year ago • 2 min read
Shinseikai Area in Osaka, Japan

Hi Reader, Hello from Osaka! Hard to believe this is our 6th time here, but somehow this city still keeps us on our toes. The vibe is so different from Tokyo. Osaka is warmer, louder (in a good way), and always, always more delicious than we remember. If Osaka is on your list, here's our 3-day Osaka itinerary based on our favorite finds, plus a few things we’d do differently next time. We highly recommend grabbing the Osaka Amazing Pass: a 1-day or 2-day pass that covers 40+ attractions and...

about 1 year ago • 1 min read