Travels With Matt Blog

Respecting Traditions: Shinto Shrine Etiquette in Japan – Dos and Don’ts

Visiting a Shinto shrine in Japan is not only an opportunity to appreciate the country’s rich cultural heritage but also a chance to immerse yourself in the spiritual atmosphere. Shinto, the indigenous religion of Japan, holds a deep significance, and observing proper etiquette during your visit is essential to show respect.

Whether you’re a first-time traveler or returning to Japan, understanding the dos and don’ts will ensure a meaningful and respectful experience. Let’s explore the key points of Shinto shrine etiquette.

Blog: Starting to gather gear

When you plan for a trip, do you find yourself wanting to buy new gear? Maybe a new jacket, a new suitcase, even a few new shirts? That’s is where my head is at these days!

Discovering Roppongi on a Budget: Top Sites to Visit

Roppongi, a vibrant district in Tokyo, is known for its dynamic nightlife, art scene, and international flavor. While it’s often associated with upscale entertainment, there are plenty of budget-friendly attractions to explore, for both first timers or veteran travelers. Let’s take a look at the top tourist sites in Roppongi that won’t break the bank.

Tokyo Unveiled: The Top 5 Must-Visit Tourist Sites for First-Time Travelers

If you’re gearing up for your first adventure to Tokyo, you’re in for an unforgettable experience. This vibrant metropolis effortlessly blends ancient traditions with futuristic innovations, creating a mesmerizing tapestry of culture, history, and modernity. To make the most of your trip, I’ve compiled a list of the top 5 must-visit tourist sites for first-time travelers.

5 things to know before exploring Japan

There is a lot to things to know before heading to Japan, so narrowing it down to some of the key ones is quite useful. Here are five general things to know before preparing and exploring Japan.

Blog: Flying into Haneda

I nearly forgot that for the first time in my many trips to Japan, I am finally flying into Haneda upon my arrival (and not Narita for once).

How to get from Narita Airport to Tokyo

Congratulations, you have made it to Japan. You have traveled for hours, but your journey is still not quite over. In fact, you are still an hour away from downtown Tokyo, so how on earth do you manage not only the jet lag but also getting you and your luggage into the city? Here are some ways to get into the city.

Blog: Japan in 2 months!

My brain is having a hard time realizing that I am going to be heading to Japan in just about 2 months! It doesn’t feel real until I look at the calendar and reality begins to kick in.

Final verdict: Solo travel vs. group travel

I have listed all of the positives and negatives for both traveling by yourself and the ups and downs with traveling with a group. So what is the answer? Is it better to travel on your own or to travel with a group? The answer, at least to me, is not that simple.

Blog: Trying something new

All of my posts on this site are geared to inform and entertain travelers. While I enjoy doing that, I find myself wanting to add a personal touch to the posts but have been reluctant to do it. However, a lot of thought, I figure, why not?

The Drawbacks of Group Travel: 5 Challenges to Keep in Mind When Traveling with Friends

Traveling with others — whether it’s friends, family, or a small group — often leads to unforgettable adventures. Shared laughs, collective memories, and safety in numbers are all big pluses. But group travel isn’t without its challenges.

Here are five real downsides of traveling with others that I’ve personally experienced. These aren’t deal-breakers, but they’re important to know before you plan your next group trip.

Why Traveling with Friends Makes Every Trip Better: 5 Reasons to Go Together

In my previous posts, I talked about the ups and downs about solo travel. Now I want to shift to traveling with others.

Traveling solo has its perks — freedom, self-discovery, and independence — but it also comes with challenges like loneliness and stress. On the flip side, traveling with friends or in a group brings its own set of advantages that can truly elevate the experience.

Whether you’re planning your first group trip or reminiscing about the good times with your travel crew, here are five reasons why group travel can be the way to go.