Nele van Hout

Nele (ネイラ) is an award-winning travel writer who has been exploring Japan extensively since 2018. She now spends several months each year in Japan creating in-depth, well-structured Japan itineraries, helping 3 million annual readers explore the country. So far, she has visited 26/47 prefectures, spoken at TBEX and been featured in major publications, including MSN, Good Housekeeping, and Metro. You can connect with her on her LinkedIn or read her full story here.

Is the Nikko Pass Worth It in 2026?

The Nikko Pass World Heritage Area is a great option for a day trip to Nikko’s shrines. It’s one of two discount Nikko Passes provided …

Nara is a popular day trip from Osaka or Kyoto, but few travellers stay the night here. I think that’s a mistake! Even though it’s …

Famous for its thatched-roof farmhouses, Shirakawa-go in Gifu Prefecture is a popular day trip from Takayama or Kanazawa. If you’re planning to take a day …

If you’re looking for a traditional Japanese townscape without the crowds, Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter in Okayama may be the perfect spot for your itinerary. …

Did you know you can stay in Nara’s oldest soy sauce brewery overnight? In NIPPONIA Maruto Shoyu, you can learn about the process, taste the …

If you’re planning on following the steps of the ancient samurai by walking part of the Nakasendo Trail in Japan, you can use this 3-day …

You don’t need to speak fluent Japanese when visiting Japan, but knowing a few basic phrases can come in very handy (plus, it’s always much …

At first glance, Asuka seems like a beautiful, quiet, rural Japanese town: the vibrant rice paddies, the traditional buildings and the narrow, windy roads. But …