Japan essentials
Small, useful things that make travelling easier.
Hokkaido Seicomart & Hot Chef
セイコーマート ホットシェフ
Warm rice balls and fried chicken from Hokkaido's own convenience store chain.
Dormy Inn: the best value onsen hotel chain in Japan
ドーミーインホテル
The sweet spot between affordable and a proper onsen: Dormy Inn is the chain I keep coming back to.
Cheap coffee in Japan: conbini is your best bet
Skip the coffee shop — conbini coffee is just as good for a fraction of the price.
Free and cheap bike rental in Japan
Free or near-free bike rental is available in more Japanese cities than you might expect.
Get your warm meal in a Japanese supermarket
A warm lunch or early supper when other options are unavailable.