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Where to Stay: A Guide to Boutique Hotels in Japan

Posted on:July 7, 2025

Planning your trip to Japan? Once you’ve mapped out your must-visit cities, the next step is just as important—finding the perfect…

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Hi, I’m Lauren

This is your go-to for Japan travel tips, hidden gems, and inspiration. Each post is crafted by me (and sometimes my team!) to help you explore Japan with ease.

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chasingjapanvibes

🇯🇵 Helping you explore Japan beyond the crowds
✨Off the beaten path & Ghibli vibes
🌸 Hidden gems, foodie eats, & boutique stays
Ghibli films weren’t just beautiful. They were p Ghibli films weren’t just beautiful. They were preparing us to enjoy Japan slowly. They taught us to:
✨ Wander with curiosity
✨ Sit with silence
✨ Find magic in everyday life
✨ Respect the old ways and honor nature But somehow we grew up and forgot. We feel like we have to rush through to visit every viral spot in Tokyo. 
 We lost the wonder. Traveling through Japan is your chance to live a Ghibli scene—not just watch it. So slow down. Sip tea. Chase the vibes of Japan.

Follow me if you’re ready to rediscover Japan like Miyazaki and his Ghibli films always showed us. 💖 I’m Lauren, sharing the Japan you’ve always dreamed of — beyond the tourist hotspots. #traveljapan #japantravel #japanlife #ghibli #ghiblivibes #slowtravel #ghiblimagic #hiddenjapan Japan slow travel | Studio Ghibli vibes in Japan
⛩️ Which Japan traveler are YOU?
Take the te ⛩️ Which Japan traveler are YOU?
Take the test ⬇️ 1️⃣ The Shrine Expert
Knows exactly how to bow, wash their hands, and clap twice before a prayer. You seek out the shrines in each neighborhood, can spot a sacred rope, and probably have a favorite shrine. 2️⃣ The Bento Collector
Lives for cute packaging, seasonal treats, and train station bentos that deserve their own Michelin star. 3️⃣ The Matcha Addict
Matcha latte in one hand, soft serve in the other—and yes, you can taste the difference in the quality. Your camera roll is 50% green desserts. 4️⃣ The Nature Lover
You seek out mossy trails, hidden waterfalls, and clear views of Mount Fuji. The further from the city, the fuller your soul feels. 5️⃣ The 7-11 Loyalist
Eats 80% of their meals at the konbini—and proudly. You swear by the egg salad sandwiches, stock up on onigiri, and the late night snacks. It’s just not the same back home. 👇 Drop your type in the comments
💬 Tag a friend who matches each one 💖 I’m Lauren, sharing off-the-beaten-path Japan travel tips so you can experience the magic beyond the tourist crowds. #japantravel #traveljapan #japantravels #traveljapan🇯🇵 #japantrip #matchalovers #japanshrine #seveneleven #onigiri #bentolunch #bentobox #711
The first time I came to Kyoto, I didn’t enjoy i The first time I came to Kyoto, I didn’t enjoy it. I expected too much and it quickly lost its appeal from the touristy vibe. Gion was crowded. The buses were packed. I left feeling... underwhelmed. But the second time, I slowed everything down. I wandered through less-popular neighborhoods, explored a cafe hidden in the forest, went to Gion only at night for Maiko experience. I let the rhythm of Kyoto carry me, instead of chasing an idea of it. Finally, I saw the beauty that people truly love in Kyoto. One little tip that helped was avoiding the buses whenever possible, and just take a taxi through the busy areas… 💖 I’m Lauren, sharing off-the-beaten-path Japan travel tips so you can experience the magic beyond the tourist crowds. #slowtraveljapan #kyoto #mindfultravel #japanvibes #solotraveljapan #japantravel #slowtravel
Traveling gluten-free in Japan? 🇯🇵 It’s to Traveling gluten-free in Japan? 🇯🇵 It’s totally possible — you just need to know where to look! After tons of research (and taste-testing), here are 6 gluten-free-friendly spots I found across Japan that are worth adding to your list: 📍 Tokyo — Esoragoto Udon
 A rare gem serving gluten-free udon noodles in a cozy café setting — comfort food done right. The beef with the egg is best and don’t forget the gluten free tempura 🍜 📍 Tokyo — Rizlabo Kitchen
 Fluffy, gluten-free soufflé pancakes that actually live up to the hype — tucked away on a charming street in Omotesando/Harajuku area. 🥞 📍 Kyoto — Oike Cafe
 A relaxing café that offers gluten free breakfast and lunch — perfect for a break between temple-hopping. 🌸 📍 Hiroshima — Tamariya Rice Flour Donut Shop
 100% rice flour donuts — light, chewy, and made fresh daily in this family-run shop. Make sure to eat them right away or find a place to warm up, because they get stiff after a few hours. 🍩 📍 Nagoya — Gluten-Free Michinori Bento
 Grab-and-go gluten-free bento boxes with locally sourced ingredients — ideal for a Shinkansen ride or picnic, hand down one of the best bento boxes I’ve had. 🍱 📍 Fukuoka — And Soy Stories
 A dreamy plant-based café using soy-based and gluten-free ingredients, their soft serve with the waffle cone is a must-try. 🍦 Traveling Japan gluten-free can be tricky… but when you find the hidden gems, it’s SO worth it! 💬 Save this for your Japan foodie list & comment “GF Japan” if you want my guide with the gluten-free finds across Japan! #GlutenFreeJapan #JapanTravelTips #JapanFoodie #HiddenGemsJapan #glutenfreetravel
We weren’t meant to rush through Japan.
Not ju We weren’t meant to rush through Japan.
Not just hop city to city, shrine to shrine, checklist to checklist. Just like the beautiful scenes of a Ghibli film, we were meant to wander slowly—
✨ through moss-covered forests
✨ sit quietly at Japanese villa
✨ sip peacefully at at tea ceremony 
✨ and take in locals working on their craft. That’s where the real magic of Japan lives.
Not always in the guidebooks. Not always in the golden route. Slow travel lets you notice the tiniest details—the way the sun hits a tiled roof, the scent of matcha, the sound of wind chimes in summer. ✨ Travel Tip: Cut 1 city from your itinerary. Add an extra day. Sit longer. Walk slower. Explore the Japan you’ve always dreamed of 
💖 I’m Lauren, and I share quiet, beautiful places to help you experience Japan beyond the crowds. 🧭 Follow for hidden gems, slow travel tips, and peaceful moments from Japan. 
💬 Comment if you’re planning to take your time next trip. #ghibli #japan #japantravels #japantraveltips #hiddenjapan #slowtravelling #slowtravel
Did you know that 73% of Japan is forests, mountai Did you know that 73% of Japan is forests, mountains, and nature?
But most travelers only see the 23% — the neon cities, the trains, the towers. And while those places have their magic… they aren’t the whole story. ✨ Real Japan is more than Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.
It’s ancient cedar forests, quiet trails and villages tucked into valleys. Here’s where to go if you want to explore the other side of Japan: 
🌿 Yakushima: A magical island with mossy trails and 1,000-year-old trees that inspired Princess Mononoke 
🌿 Mount Aso (Kumamoto): Japan’s largest active volcano surrounded by lush green calderas 
🌿 Nagano & the Kiso Valley: Alpine villages, scenic hikes, and seasonal beauty year-round 
🌿 Ozu & Ehime: Castles, rivers, and the kind of peace you didn’t know you were craving 
🌿 Matsushima (Miyagi): One of Japan’s most scenic coastal views, with pine-covered islets and peaceful bay cruises Japan has soul beyond the skyline, you just have to know where to look.
✨Nature, tradition, and stillness are just a train ride away. 🔖 Save this for your future itinerary 
💬 What’s your favorite nature spot in Japan — or one you’re dreaming of? 🌸 I’m Lauren — showing you how to skip the crowds and discover Japan’s hidden gems. #hiddenjapan #traveljapan #japantravelguide #japannaturelovers #japantravel #offthebeatenpath #natureinjapan #explorejapan #traveljapan🇯🇵 Japan nature travel tips | Japan hidden gems
We weren’t meant to rush through Japan.
Not ju We weren’t meant to rush through Japan.
Not just hop city to city, shrine to shrine, checklist to checklist. Just like the beautiful scenes of a Ghibli film, we were meant to wander slowly—
✨ through moss-covered forests
✨ sit quietly at Japanese villa
✨ sip peacefully at at tea ceremony 
✨ and take in locals working on their craft. That’s where the real magic of Japan lives.
Not always in the guidebooks. Not always in the golden route. Slow travel lets you notice the tiniest details—the way the sun hits a tiled roof, the scent of matcha, the sound of wind chimes in summer. ✨ Travel Tip: Cut 1 city from your itinerary. Add an extra day. Sit longer. Walk slower. Explore the Japan you’ve always dreamed of 
I’m Lauren, and I share quiet, beautiful places to help you experience Japan beyond the crowds. 🧭 Follow for hidden gems, slow travel tips, and peaceful moments from Japan. 
💬 Comment if you’re planning to take your time next trip. #ghibli #japan #japantravels #japantraveltips #hiddenjapan #slowtravelling #slowtravel
Some things I don’t follow when traveling in Jap Some things I don’t follow when traveling in Japan — even if IG, TikTok or travel blogs tell me to. 
Here’s what I skip (and what I do instead): 1️⃣ Only going to convenience stores
7-11 and Lawson are great for quick snacks (and they’re open 24/7), but Japan’s supermarkets are next level — think fresh bento boxes, sushi, and seasonal fruit at even better prices. 2️⃣ Thinking I’m missing out by leaving the Golden Route
There’s more to Japan than Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. The lesser-known towns are where the magic (and fewer crowds) live. 3️⃣ Pocket Wi-Fi over eSIM
I skip the pocket Wi-Fi. A local eSIM is easier, cheaper, and no extra device to carry around. 4️⃣ Skipping Premium Economy in Japan Airlines.
Yes, economy is cheaper—but a 12-hour flight from LA feels twice as long without the extra comfort and amenities. 5️⃣ Shopping at Don Quixote
I prefer bringing back handcrafted, local goods. Less clutter, more memories, and better quality. 6️⃣ Lawson’s Mt. Fuji Shot
It’s a cool photo… but there are dozens of lesser-known spots with jaw-dropping Fuji views (without the crowd or vending machine ad backdrop). 7️⃣ Go-karting in Tokyo
It might be fun—but I’d rather connect with the real culture than drive Mario-themed karts down city streets. 8️⃣ Treating the JR Pass like gospel
It’s not always worth it. You need to plan in advance, and it’s not digital. Sometimes individual tickets or IC cards are way more convenient. 9️⃣ Jumping around cities too fast
Spending just 2 days per city = surface-level travel. Go slow, dive deep, and find hidden gems. 🔟 Animal Cafes
The ethics can be questionable. I prefer nature-based encounters or visiting animal sanctuaries instead. ✨ Travel is personal. You don’t need to follow every viral trend to have a meaningful Japan trip. 💬 Which of these do you agree with? What’s your personal Japan “skip”? 🌸 I’m Lauren, sharing off-the-beaten-path Japan travel tips so you can experience the magic beyond the tourist crowds. #traveljapan #japantraveltips #japantravelguide #japantravels #traveljapan🇯🇵 #japan

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