NorthWest WaJapan hub
Japan, the practical way
Our founders lived in Japan. These guides cover what to know before a first trip, and how to bring a little wa (harmony) home to Canada.
Bath map
Marker colours show the main water type. "Tattoo-friendly" is only shown where we've confirmed it; rules change, so always check ahead. Some links on this page are affiliate links. NorthWest Wa may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
♨ The Japanese Bath: ofuro, sento & onsen
How to soak at home on a Canadian budget, plus calm, confident etiquette for public baths and hot springs. Includes a printable step-by-step checklist.
Explore
Travel & trainseSIMs, rail passes, tours and where to stay.
Onsen & bathingSento, onsen and ryokan, step by step.
FoodKonbini, ramen, izakaya and what to try first.
Japan directoryAll 47 prefectures: onsen towns, food and sights.
Etiquette & shoppingShoes, trains, tipping, tax-free and omiyage.
GamesHanafuda Koi-Koi and Sevens, free in your browser.
Anime & MangaShops by city, etiquette, the tax-free tip, pilgrimage spots and 27 classic series to start with.
Plan your trip
Worth sorting out before you fly, from founders who lived in Japan.
Want a custom plan? See our Get a custom Japan itinerary. Booking things yourself? Use our Plan your trip page.
🛡 Travel insurance
Provincial health plans may cover little outside Canada, so many Canadians buy travel insurance before visiting Japan. TuGo is a Canadian insurer. Compare coverage and read the policy wording to choose what fits your trip.
Our TuGo partner link doesn't apply in Manitoba, Nunavut, Quebec or Saskatchewan. If you live there, check TuGo directly or compare other Canadian insurers.
Other Canadian options: Manulife CoverMe · Allianz Global Assistance
Read the policy wording before you buy.
📶 Stay connected
An eSIM gives you mobile data in Japan without swapping a physical SIM. Mobal sells Japan eSIMs, including Data Only eSIMs, with a choice of data amounts and trip lengths. Check that your phone is unlocked and supports eSIM before you buy.
See Mobal Japan eSIMs ↗Japan SIM or pocket WiFi (Sakura Mobile) (Affiliate link)
🎟 Tours & day trips
Viator lists guided tours, food walks, cultural classes and day trips across Japan. Pick a city to see what's on, and check the cancellation terms before you book.
Tokyo ↗Kyoto ↗Osaka ↗Hakone (onsen & Fuji views) ↗
All Japan tours ↗Japan directory
Explore all 47 prefectures on one map: onsen towns, ryokan, tattoo-friendly baths, food, omiyage and travel spots, each linked to its official site.
Open the directorySome links on this page are affiliate links. NorthWest Wa may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Want your Japan trip planned for you?
Tell us your dates and what you enjoy, and we'll build a calm, day-by-day plan with trains, stays and food. Our founders lived in Japan. Every plan is checked against current official sources.
Get a custom Japan itineraryBeta founding price: CA$129 (not on sale yet)
Disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links. NorthWest Wa may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.