The Secret Side of Japan

The guides and suggested locations were very useful during our second trip in Japan!

Thanks to the guide we decided to add a day in Kawagoe (Tōkyō), one in Umi (Kyōto) and an afternoon in Nakano (during our travel from Kusatsu to Yamanouchi). All of them were absolutely worth it!

The guides were also useful to find some fine restaurants that we would probably miss otherwise.

The only defect of day trip guides are the unnecessary amount of cafes/food shop stops along the way. They should be grouped up as one step, as it's done for lunch/dinner restaurants. Some guides have steps geographically unordered, which will make you walk all over the same places. I would suggest to look at the map and plan the route yourself.

It is our first time in Japan, and this guide completely made our trip. Not only it removed a lot of the stress of planning daily itineraries ourselves, but also the provided itineraries itself were just so good. We liked all food place recommendations, the recommended sushi omakase in Kyoto was probably the best culinary experience I had ever, we were able to avoid crowds, even in Kyoto, and experience the calm and quiet in the temples instead of the chaotic.

I would have never in a million years planned a trip so good, if I could give this guide 6 stars I would. Huge thanks to the author.

I’m currently traveling through Japan, and I just had to leave a review to thank Anna from Empty Japan for the incredible guides she’s created. I planned almost my entire trip using her recommendations, and it has completely transformed how I experience this country.

Even though this is my seventh time in Japan (yes, seventh—it’s my favorite place in the world!), I’ve never enjoyed it as much as I have on this trip. I usually struggle with crowds, but Anna’s guides led me to quiet, magical, and often hidden places that I would have never found on my own. Every location feels special, and the peaceful atmosphere has allowed me to connect with Japan in a much deeper and more meaningful way.

You can tell how much thought and effort has gone into each guide. They’re beautifully written, incredibly detailed, and genuinely helpful. It’s clear Anna has a deep love and respect for Japan, and that comes through in every recommendation.

I’m already planning my next trip—this time I’ll be renting a car to explore more of Nagano, the secrets of Kansai, traditional seaside towns, and rural villages thanks to her suggestions.

If you’re looking for a way to experience the quieter, more authentic side of Japan, Empty Japan is hands down the best resource out there.

Thank you, Anna, for your amazing work!

I used the guide and its recommendations last year, and everything was absolutely perfect. The places we visited were never overcrowded, allowing us to fully enjoy every moment. The recommended restaurants, cafés, and shops never disappointed us – quite the opposite! I'm heading back to Japan this year and will definitely be using the guide again. Thank you so much for your valuable advice and the detailed itineraries, Anna! :)

We used these guides for our honeymoon trip and it was the best decision we've made.

I go to Japan often since my family is from there, but this time I really wanted to make it special. Typically I'm the one to plan itineraries but I decided to try out these guides by Empty Japan and I was so glad I did. The trip was so stress-free and we were able to see new hidden gems, and we were the only tourists there yipee!

I was really grateful for the tips on how to get to each destination, food recs (all of the restaurants were so good), and the detail of each guide. If you were going to pick one itinerary for your Japan trip, this is the one.

An outstanding guide for new travellers or seasoned travellers to Japan. I love the variety in the itineraries and it's very refreshing to discover. This guide is packed with tips which are so helpful. From talking situations in restaurants and other places to the different types of ramen, it is filled with info and a great preparation for a lifetime trip or if you've already been to Japan and want to find new places. My favourite Japan guide so far!