asking for trouble

My Favourite Japan Guides, Blogs & Books

I am no longer updating my own Japan guides so here are some books, zines, bloggers and vloggers I recommend. I have tried to include mainly those written by people who are Japanese or living in Japan.

Japan Experts

Providing a wealth of resources and information that is better than any guide book.

  • Kaila Ocampo / Rainbowholic – kawaii life and travel in Japan. Posts regularly on Youtube and Instagram but support on Patreon for additional content, travel guides, personal advice and monthly blog posts.
  • Makiko Itoh – author and food writer. Her blogs Just Hungry (recipes & food), Just Bento (bento recipes & tips) and Just My Japan (culture & society) are sporadically updated but she is very active on Facebook & Patreon on all these topics, and many more!

General Japan Blogs

Blogs based in Japan that are currently active and updating with new content

  • The Japan Times (daily newspaper with great food/culture writers)
  • Kyoto Journal (articles on traditional Japan and culture)
  • Moshi Moshi Nippon (kawaii & pop culture news including shops, cafes & events)
  • RocketNews24 (the latest weird, wacky and cute news + event/cafe/shop visits)
  • Time Out Tokyo (news, event listings, shopping, restaurants and more)
  • Tokyo Cheapo (cheap and free things to do in Tokyo + tips for living in Japan)
  • Tokyo Fashion (street snaps, fashion news and current/future trends)

Japan Trip Planning Resources

Everything you need to know to plan your trip.

Japan Books & Guides

I have not read all of these – please check reviews before purchasing. Sorry for Amazon links but you can get the info and buy elsewhere.

Diary Style Blogs

These are no longer updated but are great reads about life and travel in Japan

marceline

Hello! I’m Marceline Smith, the designer and owner of Asking For Trouble. I create illustrated stationery, accessories and gifts using my cute characters inspired by Japanese kawaii. This is my business and personal blog where I write about my creative doings, inspirations, travels, Japan trips and daily life. Read more »

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All text, photos and illustrations are © Marceline Smith 2007-2024 unless credited otherwise. You may repost my images with full credit and link. However, do not reproduce full posts without my permission or use my images or writing for commercial purposes. Thank you!

DISCLAIMER

All opinions are my own and I am not compensated or sponsored for writing about any products or services featured unless stated in the post. Links to shops and websites may be affiliate links – I receive a small commission from your orders at no cost to you, which helps me fund this site. I do not accept advertising.