Are you a Japanese local, or just back from a trip there? We need your help to uncover the coolest, most authentic local experiences and be a part of World Nomads’ latest Insider’s Guide to Japan!
Have a look through the titles and let us know in the submission form below which ones you’re an expert at and why you are perfect to write the story.
Please note – we have a specific brief, with specific requirements for style, tone and approach. DO NOT SEND COMPLETED WORKS THROUGH MOJOS. You must apply to be awarded the commissions and we will be in touch if you are successful with more details regarding the assignment.
Deadlines: Applications by 29th August
First draft by 5th September
Payment: 30 cents (USD) per word. If you’re a blogger, writer or author, we’re also happy to put a backlink in the author bio. For photo stories, payment will be discussed separately.
Expertise required: Writers and Photographers wanted. See individual stories for more details.
The Brief:
Select one or more of the following stories. Please note, though included experiences under each story is mandatory, we also welcome your personal tips and additions – you’re the insider!
1. Onsen Etiquette (550 words maximum)
History, culture and step-by-step guide to Onsen. Must include: Faux pas, what to bring and where to go, history, culture, tools, what to bring, where to go, Ooedo Onsen Monogatari and Onsen snow monkeys.
2. Japanese Festivals (550 words maximum plus up to 10 photos)
Tell us about the top festivals travellers must experience in Japan. Include a short history of the festival, what it celebrates, how it’s celebrated and where/when it is on. Must include: Gion Matsuri, Aoi Matsuri, Sanja Matsuri, Sapporo Snow Festival, Cherry Blossom Festival, Seijin Shiki (coming of age festival), New year, Tanabata, Yokote Kamakura Festival.
3. Japanese Nightlife You Wont See Anywhere Else (550 words maximum)
Cultural nightlife you can only find in Japan. Give a short history and background on each and suggest where to go for the experience. Must include: Kabuki theatre, Japanese Noh, Japanese musical instruments, Japanese theatre, dinner at a traditional Japanese guest house, Japanese tea ceremony, Geisha performance, Sumo match, Ryokan.
4. Tokyo Things To Do and Must See (550 words maximum)
Must include: Tokyo Dome, Tokyo Imperial Palace and Edo Castle, Edo Tokyo Museum, Rainbow Bridge, Roppongi, Odaiba Tokyo, Ryogoku Kokugikan, Harajuku, Golden Gai, Meiji Shrine, Tsukiji Fish Market, Kabuki-za, Senso-ji temple.
5. Tokyo One Day Itinerary (550 words maximum)
Tell us how to explore Tokyo in one day. Best things to do for a Tokyo stopover. Tips for those doing Tokyo alone. Including: Tokyo Dome, Tokyo Imperial Palace and Edo Castle, Edo Tokyo Museum, Rainbow Bridge, Roppongi, Odaiba Tokyo, Ryogoku Kokugikan, Harajuku, Golden Gai, Meiji Shrine, Tsukiji Fish Market, Kabuki-za, Shinjuku Gyoen, Ooedo Onsen Monogatari and Mount Mitake.
6. Top Tokyo Outdoor Adventure Activities (550 words maximum)
Tell us the top active things to do in Tokyo. Such as hiking, biking, diving, bike tours, attractions, walking tours. Include Shinjuku Gyoen, Ooedo Onsen Monogatari, Mount Mitake, Toyko bike tours, Bonin islands diving, Izu peninsula diving.
7. Things To Do In Osaka (550 words maximum)
What to do in Osaka to get the full experience including the best of Osaka, off the beaten track, places to visit, museums, things to know about Osaka and tours. Include: Osaka castles, Hinsekai,Dotonbori, Namba parks, Tsutenkaku, Tobita Shinchi, Shitenno Ji, Osaka Jo hall, boat race suminoe.
8. Osaka One Day Itinerary (550 words maximum)
What would you do for 1 day in Osaka? Include the best things to do for a stopover, tips for those going Osaka alone. Must include: Osaka castles, Hinsekai, Dotonbori, Namba parks, Tsutenkaku, Tobita Shinchi, Shitenno Ji, Osaka Jo hall, boat race Suminoe.
9. Top Osaka Outdoor Adventure Activities (550 words maximum)
Include the top active things to do in Osaka such as biking and hiking, walking tours, attractions and places to go. Including: Tennoji park, Minoo Park, Mount Tenpo.
10. Things To Do In Kyoto (550 words maximum)
What to do in Kyoto to get the full experience. Include the best of Kyoto, off the beaten track, places to visit, museums, top 10, walking tours and attractions. Must include: Arashiyama, Kinkaku Ji, Kiyomizu Dera, Nijo Castle, Ginkaku Ji, Ryoan Ji, Sanjusangen Do, Nanzen Ji, Kyoto International Manga Museum.
11. Kyoto One-Day Itinerary (550 words maximum)
Tell us what you would do for 1 day in Kyoto. Include tips for Kyoto stopovers, those going Kyoto alone and the best of Kyoto. Including: Arashiyama, Kinkaku Ji, Kiyomizu Dera, Nijo Castle, Ginkaku Ji, Ryoan Ji, Sanjusangen Do, Nanzen Ji, Kyoto International Manga Museum.
12. Top Kyoto Outdoor Adventure Activities (550 words maximum)
Top active things to do in Kyoto such as hiking, biking, places to go. Including: Arashiyama, Maruyama park, Philosopher’s Walk, Kurama Dera, Mount Kurama, Kyoto Higashiyama biking, Sanzen-in biking.
13. Things To Do In Hiroshima (550 words maximum)
What to do in Hiroshima to get the full experience. Include off the beaten track, places to visit, museums, tours and castles. Must include: Hiroshima Peace Memorial, Itsukushima, Hiroshima Castle, Hiroshima Peace Park, Momijidani park, Hiroshima Museum of Art, Shukkei En, Ninoshima.
14. Hiroshima One-Day Itinerary (550 words maximum)
Tell us what you would do for 1 day in Hiroshima. Include tips for Hiroshima stopovers, those going Hiroshima alone and the best of Hiroshima. Including: Hiroshima Peace Memorial, Itsukushima, Hiroshima Castle, Hiroshima Peace Park, Momijidani park, Hiroshima Museum of Art, Shukkei En, Ninoshima.
15. Things To Do In Okinawa (550 words maximum)
What to do in Okinawa to get the full experience. Include places such as Yaeyama islands, Kerama islands, Yonaguni, Shuri Castle, Miyako Jima, Mount Gusuku, Mount Omoto.
16. Okinawa One-Day Itinerary (550 words maximum)
Tell us what you would do for 1 day in Okinawa. Include tips for Okinawa stopovers, those going Okinawa alone and the best of Okinawa.
17. Top Okinawa Outdoor Adventure Activities (550 words maximum)
Top active things to do in Okinawa including, scuba diving, biking, bike riding, island tours, biking, walking tours and pictures. Include: Yaeyama Islands, Kerama Islands, Yonaguni, Miyako Jima, Ishigaki, Kuchinoeraba Jima, Mount Gusuku, Mount Omoto, Ryukyu Islands diving, Spider Loop MTB area biking.
18. Hiking in Japan (550 words maximum)
Best hiking trails in Japan. Must include: Mount Asahi, Mount Chokai, Mount Fuji, Mount Kaimon, Mount Oku Hotaka, Mount Tsurugi.
19. 11 Unforgettable Temples and Shrines of Japan (550 words maximum plus up to 11 photos)
A selection of the most popular or interesting Shrines and Temples in Japan. Including the following: Kinkaku Ji, Kiyomizu Dera, Omamori, Shinto Shrines, Meiji Shrine, Itsukushima, Ginkaku Ji, Shitenno Ji, Kushida Shrine, Ryoan Ji, Engaku Ji, Hokkaido Shrine and Shiba Park.
20. Japan – Know Before You Go (550 words maximum)
General, interesting tips travellers need to know about Japan before you go for the first time. Must include: what to do and what not to do, rules in Japan, budgeting, money tips, sim card advice and anything you wish you knew.
21. Accommodation Types in Japan (550 words maximum. Optional – up to 10 photos)
A practical guide to the types of accommodation in Japan including what they are, pros and cons and how much they cost. Such as Capsule hotel, Ryokan, Minshuku/Pensions, Business hotels, love hotels, Manga and Internet cafes.
22. Best Japanese Markets (550 words maximum plus up to 10 photos)
A selection of the best Japanese street markets from around the country. Some examples include Tsukiji, Takeshita Street Ameya-Yokocho, Omotesando, Nakamise Market, Nishiki Market.
23. 5 Unique Japanese Landmarks (550 words maximum plus up to 10 photos)
Unique landmarks and places of interest around the country. Including Tokyo Dome, Arashiyama, Kinkaku Ji, Itsukushima, Tokyo Imperial Palace and Edo Castle, Hiroshima Peace Memorial, Kyoto Tower, Osaka Castle.
24. 5 Museums We Love in Japan (550 words maximum)
The best museums to visit around Japan. Including: Edo-Tokyo Museum, Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum, Mori Art Museum, Hiroshima peace museum, National art museum, Okinawa prefectural museum, Liberty Osaka, Sapporo beer museum.
25. Getting Around in Japan – Insider Tips (550 words maximum)
Tips for getting around in Japan; from the Shinkansen to everyday public transport including trams, trains, buses and taxis.
26. What to Take to Japan (550 words maximum)
What you need to pack for a trip to Japan. Shoes that slip on and off easily, lightweight snow/ski jackets, travel adapters, Takhuaibin, phrasebooks.
27. Japanese Etiquette and Faux Pas (550 words maximum)
Tips on everyday Japanese cultural etiquette including culture, what not to wear and what not to do, Onsen and shoes indoors.
28. Tokyo Nightlife (550 words maximum)
The best of Tokyo Nightlife, as suggested by local insiders. Include bars, restaurants, cafes and entertainment, Izakaya, Nomihodai, Yakitori.
29. Tokyo Bars You Have to Try (550 words maximum plus up to 10 photos)
The latest bars in Tokyo to try – as suggested by locals.
30. Best food in Tokyo (550 words maximum plus up to 10 photos)
Interesting foods and dishes to try in Tokyo as suggested by nomads. Including food, street food, and delicacies.
31. Osaka Nightlife (550 words maximum)
The best of Osaka nightlife as suggested by local insiders. Include bars, restaurants, cafes and entertainment.
32. Osaka Bars You Have To Try (550 words maximum plus up to 10 photos)
Latest bars in Osaka to try, as suggested by locals including sake, whiskey and cocktails.
33. Best Food in Osaka (550 words maximum plus up to 10 photos)
Interesting foods and dishes to try in Osaka as suggested by nomads. Include street food and local favourites.
34. Kyoto Nightlife (550 words maximum)
The best of Kyoto nightlife, as suggested by local insiders. Include bars, restaurants, cafes, entertainment.
35. Kyoto Bars You Have To Try (550 words maximum plus up to 10 photos)
The latest bars in Kyoto to try, as suggested by locals including sake bars, whiskey, cocktails.
36. Best food in Kyoto (550 words maximum plus up to 10 photos)
Interesting foods and dishes to try in Kyoto as suggested by nomads. Include street food and popular dishes.
37. Hiroshima Nightlife (550 words maximum)
The best of Hiroshima nightlife, as suggested by local insiders. Including bars, restaurants cafes and entertainment.
38. Hiroshima Bars You Have To Try (550 words maximum plus up to 10 photos)
The latest bars in Hiroshima to try, as suggested by locals including sake bars, whiskey, cocktails.
39. Best Food in Hiroshima (550 words maximum plus up to 10 photos)
Interesting foods and dishes to try in Hiroshima as suggested by nomads. Include street food and favourite dishes.
40. Okinawa Nightlife (550 words maximum)
The best of Okinawa nightlife, as suggested by local insiders. Include bars, restaurants, cafes and entertainment.
41. Okinawa Bars You Have To Try (550 words maximum plus up to 10 photos)
The latest bars in Okinawa to try – as suggested by locals.
42. Best food in Okinawa (550 words maximum plus up to 10 photos)
Interesting foods and dishes to try in Okinawa as suggested by nomads. Include street food and favourite dishes.
43. Japan Vaccinations (550 words maximum)
General vaccinations you need before travelling to Japan.
44. Japan Earthquake Safety (550 words maximum)
What to do in an earthquake in Japan.
45. Japan Visa Information (550 words maximum)
Visa requirements for Japan.
46. Japan Money (550 words maximum)
A guide to money in Japan including cash, credit cards and ATMs.
47. Japan Sim Cards (550 words maximum)
Japan has a different phone network compared to the rest of the world. Tell us about phones, SIMs and how to get connected in Japan. Give us a guide to making calls in Japan.
48. Japan – Is it Safe? (550 words maximum)
General safety tips for Japan including safety for women, crime in Japan, drink spiking in Japan, Yakuza (Gokudo) and pollution.
49. Relocation To Japan – Expats and Teaching English (550 words maximum)
What is it like to work and live abroad in Japan. What are some things you wish you knew and what’s the best and worst things about the experience? Which areas should you live in? What is it like teaching English in Japan?
50. Top Japanese Photo Spots (550 words maximum plus up to 10 photos)
Where are the best places around Japan to take photos? Are there any specific tips for the location such as mixed lighting, outdoors or portraiture?
51. Learn How To Make Japanese Cuisine (550 words maximum)
Where in Japan should you go to learn the various dishes of Japanese cuisine.
Tips for applicants:
These stories are designed to be standalone blog posts to be featured on WorldNomads.com, but will also be reformatted to become a downloadable Insider’s Guide.
See below for some examples:
Brazil: A first-timer’s guide to Salvador
7 Ways to Avoid Getting Sick While Travelling
5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Going to Australia
Aussie Crocs & Sharks: Tips to Remain Alive
The Insider’s Guide to 6 of America’s coolest cities
First 24 hours in India
Thailand Survival Guide
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