You may have heard that tipping isn’t common in Japan but is it considered rude? Find out.

While hiking the Kumano Kodo Trail in Japan, deciding where to stay was just as important as knowing where we’d be stopping each day on our hike. Here is everywhere we stayed along the way.

Naoshima is one of Japan’s art islands, located in the Seto Inland Sea. In this guide, I’ll share how to get to this off-the-beaten-path destination, as well as everything you’ll need—from hotels and restaurant recommendations to tips on getting the most out of the island’s art scene—to plan a trip here.

If you’re planning on hiking the Kumano Kodo Trail, use these tips and packing list for the Kumano Kodo and Japan to make sure you have everything you need—while still packing light enough to travel carry-on only.

Whether you’re seeking fall foliage or a few last warm days before winter sets in, these are 10 great places to visit in the fall.