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Making the Most Out of Your Business Trip to Japan

The days of fly-in, fly-out business trips are over. More professionals are turning work travel into an opportunity to explore, unwind, and make the most of their time abroad. Welcome to the era of bleisure travel: where back-to-back meetings don’t mean missing out on a city’s best experiences.


And there’s no better place for it than Japan. Whether it’s slipping into an onsen after a long day of negotiations, savoring Kyoto’s kaiseki cuisine, or catching a sunrise at Mount Fuji before your next conference call, Japan blurs the lines between business and pleasure like nowhere else.

Extending your business trip to Japan isn’t just about indulgence—it’s efficient, sustainable, and better for your well-being. Instead of rushing back on the first flight home, why not maximize your trip? You’ve already made the journey—now make it count.

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Cherry blossom souvenirs in Japan—what to buy and where to buy it

The second sakura season begins, Japan transforms. Shelves fill with pastel-colored packaging, cafés roll out their once-a-year menus, and entire product lines disappear as fast as they arrive. It’s not subtle—it’s a full-scale seasonal takeover.

Some of it is novelty (yes, even cherry blossom potato chips exist), but some of it is genuinely worth hunting down. Delicate sakura ceramics, limited-edition sweets, handcrafted textiles—pieces that feel tied to the season in a way that isn’t just about aesthetics. Some are edible, some are collectible, and some you’ll wish you’d bought twice.

But timing is everything. These aren’t souvenirs that wait around. If you want the good stuff, you need to know what to look for—and exactly where to find it before it’s gone.

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What to do in Japan in spring (a whistlestop itinerary for the discerning traveler)

Spring in Japan doesn’t just arrive; it takes over. The entire country turns into a sakura-soaked spectacle, with pink petals drifting through temple gardens, rivers reflecting endless blooms, and convenience stores going all-in on cherry blossom-themed everything[1]  (yes, even a Starbucks coffee).

But seeing the season isn’t enough. You want to experience it. That means slipping into a kimono in Kyoto, sipping matcha in Uji, and rowing beneath illuminated blossoms in Tokyo. This itinerary is designed for travelers who don’t chase the obvious spots but want the full, immersive spring experience.

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What is a Japanese tea ceremony? An insider’s guide

The Japanese tea ceremony, or chadō (the Way of Tea), is a ritual of deep appreciation for the present moment. Every step—from the quiet whisking of matcha to the subtle tilt of a teacup—is deliberate, steeped in centuries of tradition. But what actually happens at a tea ceremony? Is it just sitting in silence, sipping tea in slow motion? Why does it matter so much in Japanese culture? Most importantly, where can you experience the real thing without feeling like a tourist gimmick? This guide takes you inside the world of Japanese tea, from its Zen roots to the best places to witness this living art form for yourself.

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Where to see cherry blossoms in Japan (8 stunning spots)

Cherry blossom season in Japan is basically a national obsession. The forecast is tracked like breaking news, convenience stores go all-in on pink-themed everything (even Starbucks gets in on it!), and locals stage full-blown picnics before most tourists have even had their morning coffee.

 

As a tourist, you’re probably wondering where to see cherry blossoms in Japan. Despite Tokyo being the obvious choice, the best sakura spots aren’t in the city’s busiest parks, crammed between a hundred selfie sticks. If you really want to soak in the magic (and actually hear yourself think), head beyond the city. From lakeside reflections to castles framed in pink, these eight spots deliver spectacular, picture-perfect views.

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