NorthWest WaJapan, the practical way
I lived in Japan for 13 years. These guides are what I'd tell a friend before their first trip, and how to bring a little wa (harmony) home to Canada.
Flagship guide♨ The Japanese Bath: ofuro, sento & onsen
How to soak like a local 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
eSIMs, rail passes, tours, where to stay and insurance.
Food
Konbini, ramen ticket machines, izakaya and what to try first, plus our new Japan food map 🍣🍜.
Shopping
Tax-free rules, 100-yen shops and omiyage gifts.
Etiquette
Shoes, trains, chopsticks, tipping (don't) and quiet manners.
Japanese Games 🎴
Hanafuda Koi-Koi and Shichinarabe (Sevens): history, rules and free games to play in your browser.
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. Booking links may be affiliate links.
Japan Trip Planner — CA$8
My 15-page printable planner: checklists, packing list, daily itineraries, a yen budget tracker, handy phrases, etiquette tips and an omiyage list.
Get the planner on EtsyAffiliate note: some links on these pages are affiliate links. If you book or buy through them, NorthWest Wa may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend things I'd suggest to a friend.