Transportation
What's the best ticket for Tokyo transportation?
Tokyo, Japan
Hello, Japan lovers! I’m often asked “What is the most efficient way to get around Tokyo by public transportation?” As a Tokyo local guide, the answer differs depends on your preferences and your itinerary in Japan. I'd like to introduce the basic kno...
Kaori S.
Jul 26, 2024
Transportation
How to book FUJI EXCURSION
Mount Fuji, Japan
FUJI EXCURSION is direct train to Mt.Fuji FUJI EXCURSION is Limited Express train to Mt.Fuji area. This is only direct train to Mt.Fuji at the present (July 2024). It takes 1H52min from Shinjuku to Kawaguchi-ko Lake, 4130JPY one way. It's operated ...
Kaori S.
Jul 25, 2024
General
Art Museum of Japanese Paper-cutting (Kirie) in Kawaba Village in Gunma Prefecture
Gunma, Japan
Art Museum of Japanese Paper-cutting (Kirie) in Kawaba Village in Gunma Prefecture (Art Museum of Japan Kirie Hyakkei in Kawaba Village in Gunma Prefecture) If you plan to visit Gunma prefecture and are interested in Japanese art of paper-cutting, I'd lik...
Shinichiro H.
Jul 18, 2024
Travel Tips
How to plan a trip: 5 Essential Steps
Japan
I managed to get a two-week vacation this year, so I decided to go on a trip with my family. This is where the travel planning began. Which country shall we visit? Once deciding on the country we've always wanted to go to, the first step was to book th...
Naoaki Hashimoto
Jul 17, 2024
Food & Drink
The Kobe Beef Experience
Kobe, Japan
‘Kobe beef’ are cuts of fatty, marbled meat from the Tajima strain of wagyu cattle that are known for its flavor, tenderness and its considerable fat marbling. As the name discernibly indicates, the cattle are raised in Kobe and the wider Hyogo Prefecture...
Erina Morgan
Jul 10, 2024
Things To Do
A Handy Hanami (Cherry Blossom Viewing) Guide In Japan
Tokyo, Japan
Where To Go Tokyo: The most common spots in Tokyo are Ueno Park, Yoyogi, Shinjuku Gyoen, or Chidori-ga-fuchi (next to the Imperial palace) are the most popular spots.Kyoto: Maruyama Park, next to Yasukuni Jinja, is the most popular.Osaka: Kema Sakurano...
Erina Morgan
Jul 10, 2024
Food & Drink
4 Kaiseki Restaurants in Kyoto You Have to Try
Kyoto, Japan
Kaiseki ryori, the grand cuisine of Japan, has an incredible amount of depth. This cuisine is the perfect fusion of visually appealing and delicately arranged food, served in an environment which has a uniquely serene ambience. More than a type of food,...
Erina Morgan
Jul 10, 2024
Travel Tips
Exploring Your Roots: The Ultimate Guide To Amazing Heritage Tours
Japan
When I was growing up, I couldn’t remember much about my home. Not the apartments, or neighborhoods where I spent most of my childhood. I’m talking about the country I was born in. Kenya. After years of being raised in the United States, coming back to ex...
Ajitsa Ashihundu
Jul 10, 2024
Food & Drink
Eating the Zen Way: Shojin Ryori, the Food of Buddhist Monks
Japan
What is "shojin ryori"? Shojin ryori is a type of cooking commonly practiced by Buddhist monks in Japan.In days before, shojin originally meant zeal in progressing amongst the path of enlightenment or pursuing a state of mind free of worldly thoughts and ...
Erina Morgan
Jul 09, 2024
Things To Do
What To Do in Osaka
Osaka, Japan
Whether it be during the day or night, Osaka is a very lively city that will constantly keep you distracted and entertained. Here are some of our top must-sees and things to do during your time in Osaka: Dotonbori and Ebisu Bridge This area is one ...
Erina Morgan
Jul 09, 2024
Food & Drink
Ramen vs. Tsukemen: What's the Difference?
Japan
Noodles can be found almost everywhere. True, with varying flavors, ramen has been a staple in every tables that you can find in Japan. For a very long time, ramen has been the king of Japanese cuisine. But Japan has its own way of giving things a twist,...
Michael Santiago
Jul 09, 2024
General
7 Easy Ways To Differentiate Cherry Blossoms and Plum Blossoms
Japan
Once again, it's spring time in Japan! Considered as the most colorful period of the year, spring offers a tantalizing view of Japan, particularly to its foreign visitors. You look around at a nearby park, and you can see how this Asian country treasures ...
Michael Santiago
Jul 09, 2024
Things To Do
Japan For Thrill Seekers: The Top 7 Theme Parks in Japan
Japan
World record holding roller coasters, cute mascot characters and boat rides. Have you ever wanted to try all of these in one go? Then why not try going to one of the best theme parks in Japan? Here are some of the best theme parks where you can find mos...
Louise Aguzar
Jul 09, 2024
Things To Do
Singing Without Spectators: HitoKara
Tokyo, Japan
Hitorikaraoke, a combination of hitori (by oneself) and karaoke, are karaoke booths especially for one person. The booths at OneKara in and around Tokyo are miniscule. But that’s all you need for one person. Singing karaoke, leisure time consumption numbe...
Mieke Aarsman
Jul 09, 2024
General
Shake it at one of Tokyo's Dancing Schools
Tokyo, Japan
Get your groove on and workout while hopping around on your favorite music. Whether it’s salsa, hip-hop, modern or rock and roll, anything is possible! Nao Dance Academy One of the main schools for dance in Tokyo, Noa Dance Academy offers a myriad of ge...
Mieke Aarsman
Jul 09, 2024
Things To Do
Things To Do In Japan: Sharpen Your Golf Game At One Of These Courses
Tochigi, Japan
There are many golf courses all over Japan. Figures, as it is one of the world’s leading countries as far as business goes. You didn’t think all those business deals were made in the boardroom, did you? A golf course is a much more dynamic and healthy pla...
Mieke Aarsman
Jul 09, 2024
Things To Do
Be Above All of Tokyo at the Tocho: How To Access The Tokyo Metropolitan Govt. Building Observatorie
Tokyo, Japan
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building has two towers, which are both open for public. Not only fun to go to for the magnificent view, but the souvenirs here are great! North TowerApart from a different view than you’d have from the South Observatory,...
Mieke Aarsman
Jul 09, 2024
Things To Do
Poolside Tanning or Workout? 3 of Tokyo's Better Pools
Tokyo, Japan
Is swimming your workout of choice? Many pools are part of gyms that only allow members, so finding a publicly accessible pool can be quite a hassle. Unless, of course, you’re reading my list below ↓Tokyo Prince Hotel Sky Pool A luxury pool with a match...
Mieke Aarsman
Jul 09, 2024
Travel Tips
The Office Away From the Office: Where To Get Work Done In Tokyo (Business Travel)
Tokyo, Japan
Where to work when you are in Tokyo A ‘home away from home’ is often not hard to find; every other website claims to offer you the nicest of hotel rooms at the sharpest of prices. However, what if you have some work to do, and you need a quiet place to...
Mieke Aarsman
Jul 09, 2024
Things To Do
Animals in the City: Ikebukuro Aquarium
Tokyo, Japan
Ikebukuro’s Sunshine Aquarium reopened in 2011 as a state-of-the-art metropolitan aquarium. It features cool attractions like the “Sunshine Aqua Ring” with its view of sea lions or penguins swimming overhead and the dreamlike “Jellyfish Tunnel.” You ca...
Mieke Aarsman
Jul 05, 2024
Things To Do
Run Around The Imperial Palace
Tokyo, Japan
The grounds of the Imperial Palace used to be swarming with samurai in shining armour, ready to fend off an attack to the Shogun, who resided in the castle. Nowadays, some 140 years later, the swift samurai have been replaced with swift Tokyoites in flash...
Mieke Aarsman
Jul 05, 2024
Travel Tips
Don’t ‘Smartphone’ and Walk
Japan
Campaigns at train stations urge travelers to stop walking around while using their smartphones after a series of incidents with people busting into each other and/or into arriving trains in 2013. According to Japan Today, there were over 120 people inj...
Mieke Aarsman
Jul 05, 2024
Transportation
Straight to your destination with the taxi/private car in Japan
Japan
Taxis picture courtesy of online tomodachi In Japan, where trains stop running around midnight, taxis are the only alternative available if you want to get home in the middle of the night. Also, if you don’t feel like figuring out where exactly your stayo...
Mieke Aarsman
Jul 05, 2024
Travel Tips
Navitime helps you navigate Japan's trains
Japan
Navitime is one of the main navigation services in Japan. The interface is very easy, with a small icon as your virtual self walking along your route on your phone's screen. Download! Apart from Navitime, there are other companies offering navigation serv...
Mieke Aarsman
Jul 05, 2024
Things To Do
Take a Hike on Mt Takao
Tokyo, Japan
Mt Takao is perfect for beginners. Its slope is not too steep, mostly well paved and equipped with signboards and picnic tables. Halfway up is a fabulous view of Tokyo and Kawasaki city, a view reserved for the climbers since you cannot get there with th...
Mieke Aarsman
Jul 05, 2024
Things To Do
Take a tour of Hikone Castle
Shiga, Japan
During the period of the revolution in Japan known as the Meiji Restoration in 1868, most of the castles in the country were destroyed. They were considered as unwanted reminders of the feudal past. Hikone Castle, too, was on the list for demolition. Howe...
Mieke Aarsman
Jul 03, 2024
General
How To Get Active and Stay Fit On Holiday In Japan
Tokyo, Japan
Visiting Japan soon? No need to leave your training condition at the mercy of the fast-food-ramen joints, ubiquitous escalators and enticing cakes and sweets. Even on holiday (or business trip) you can work out and stay fit. Living in Japan, I was always ...
Mieke Aarsman
Jul 03, 2024
Transportation
How To: On the Road in Japan
Japan
Driving in Japan When you want to visit the more remote places, where even buses don’t come or don’t come often, renting a car can provide the answer. When you share the costs, it’s even quite cheap. Enjoy transportation freedom and rent a cool car in Jap...
Mieke Aarsman
Jul 02, 2024
Transportation
Riding The Shinkansen In Japan
Japan
The Shinkansen, or Bullet Train If there's one train that you should experience while in Japan, it's got to be the Shinkansen. As the fastest train in Japan and one of the fastest in the world, it takes you to your destination in just a flash. Especial...
Mieke Aarsman
Jul 02, 2024
Transportation
Explore Japan With the Cutest Ride: Japanese Buses
Tokyo, Japan
The Buses of Japan image courtesy of images.1233.tw The Japanese bus, or 'basu' There are basically two types of buses in Japan: long distance buses, and local buses. Long distance buses run both during the day and in the night (the so-called ‘night ...
Mieke Aarsman
Jul 02, 2024
Travel Tips
8 Useful Apps While Traveling In Japan
Japan
Don’t understand Japanese, but still want to have a trip to Japan? Let me help you with this issue! It is always challenging to travel to a new place, especially if you do not understand the local language. However, don’t let that ruin your trip. Japan...
Mieke Aarsman
Jul 02, 2024
Food & Drink
Have A Drink With Gyaru At The Gyaru Café
Tokyo, Japan
10sion The different styles within the 'gyaru' genre are extremely fluid, with their adherents as one of the most mobile and online groups of people in Japan. If you want to stay up-to-date, a visit to this café, located in the more gyaru-dense area of To...
Mieke Aarsman
Jul 02, 2024