Explore The Magic of Japan
Immerse yourself in the beauty of Japan’s rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, and warm hospitality.
Whether you’re seeking adventure, serenity, or inspiration — Japan has it all.
FOOD
More than just meals, Japanese cuisine is a cultural experience. Every dish tells a story — of region, season, and philosophy — combining taste and aesthetics in perfect harmony.
MANNERS
Understanding Japanese manners can help you connect more deeply with the culture. Simple gestures like bowing, saying “thank you,” or being quiet on trains show respect and appreciation for local customs.
NATURE
Nature is deeply woven into the fabric of Japanese culture, influencing art, architecture, religion, and daily customs. The changing seasons are celebrated and reflected in everything from food to festivals.
A Few Things We’re Great At
Discover Japan like a local — with insights only locals know.
Why Are Japanese Streets So Clean？
Four reasons based on Japanese culture.
Train Etiquette in Japan
To allow you to better appreciate the harmony and thoughtfulness of Japanese daily life.
The Three Layers of Japanese Dining
Understanding the three-layered structure of Japanese dining can greatly enrich your experience.
Curious About The Real Culture
Japanese People Talk About?
Discover the everyday conversations, values, and trends that shape life in Japan — from locals themselves.
You Can’t Miss Food
Japanese food is now consistently ranked among the best cuisines in the world.
Praised for its balance of flavors, fresh ingredients, and beautiful presentation, Japanese cuisine has earned global recognition.
Who We Are
Neighborly Japan is a personal project created by a Japanese man in his 50s who, despite a full-time job unrelated to travel, enjoys exploring Japan in his spare time. Through this site, he shares his experiences from the perspective of a friendly local neighbor. Occasionally, he is joined by a fellow “neighbor”—a Japanese woman in her 30s who leads a nomadic lifestyle and brings a fresh, global perspective to their shared love of travel.
Kiyo is not a professional guide or academic expert—just a neighbor with a broad curiosity and a kind voice. His insights aren’t meant to be definitive, but helpful and honest, like casual advice from someone who’s lived here a while. If you share anything from this site, please fact-check independently and use the information responsibly.
Neighbor Kiyo
Aya brings a fresh, global lens shaped by visits to 40+ countries—yet always returns to Japan with affection. Sometimes working as a private guide, she shares grounded, thoughtful reflections from daily life. As with all content here, please verify details independently before sharing. Her writing adds a warm, real-world perspective to the Neighborly Japan experience.
Aya Nomad
The Story Behind
Neighborly Japan
Although I’ve always had a passion for travel, I’ve found myself rarely venturing outside of Japan.
There are a few reasons for this:
1. First and foremost, I genuinely love my country. Japan still holds countless regions, traditions, and experiences I’ve yet to discover.
2. I’m not especially fluent in English, Chinese, or other foreign languages, which has naturally made international travel more daunting.
3. Most significantly, I’ve always felt uneasy about visiting foreign countries without truly understanding their social customs, cultural expectations, and everyday life. I’ve never been content with surface-level sightseeing or curated experiences—I’ve always longed for something deeper.
As Japan’s inbound tourism surged in recent years, I began to ask myself: How many travelers are truly able to experience the Japan I know and love? Then the pandemic hit, and like many ideas, this one was placed on hold. But with the revival of global travel and the growing number of visitors to Japan, I felt it was time to finally act.
More Than
A Travel Guide
Neighborly Japan is not travel guide.
It is a collection of cultural insights, local context, and reflections on everyday life—resources I believe would help any traveler feel more informed, connected, and respectful while in Japan. These are the things I would want to know if I were visiting another country for the first time.
This project is a personal endeavor, created and maintained alongside my partner while we balance our own busy lives. As such, updates may be gradual.
That said, I wholeheartedly welcome your questions and thoughts. I will always do my best to respond honestly, and I’ll be transparent about what comes from research versus personal experience. I believe both perspectives have value, and I hope mine resonates with those seeking a more meaningful connection to Japan.
Thank you for visiting—and for caring enough to experience Japan not just as a tourist, but as a thoughtful neighbor.
Welcome to Neighborly Japan.
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CONTACT US
You Need Help?
Thank you for visiting Neighborly Japan.
Have a question, suggestion, or just want to say hello?
We’d love to hear from you.
Whether you’re planning a trip to Japan or just curious about everyday life here, feel free to reach out.
We’ll get back to you as soon as we can—like a good neighbor would.