Japan Travel Tips & Hidden Gems
Several astute readers have noticed lately that I have been trying to focus on establishing distinct tourism destinations. While locales such as Kamakura, Hakone, and Nikko linger on the radars of more informed foreign visitors, they are rarely, if ever,…
Themed dining experience are one of the things that Tokyo has no shortage of. Sadly though, the foreign media tend to only focus on a few places such as the Robot Restaurant or the Kawaii Monster Cafe (which both tragically…
Any visitor to Tokyo knows that there is absolutely no shortage of random temples and shrines to explore. Indeed, at times it can seem as if there’s a spiritual establishment sandwiched between each of the city’s many high rises. Many…
Note: Unfortunately, this place closed down in 2021… Those familiar with Tokyo may be rather surprised to see an Oedo Onsen Monogatari post on a blog typically dedicated to off the beaten path destinations. After all, the facility isn’t really…
Note: Unfortunately, this place closed down in 2019… What’s up nerds and nerdettes? Today we will be taking a look at one of Tokyo’s latest attractions, VR Zone Shinjuku. This virtual reality theme park opened at the start of summer…
Although I have been in Japan for most of my life, the summer’s sweltering heat and humidity are something I will never get use to. If you haven’t had the opportunity to experience these conditions yourself, just try to image…
Tokyo is a city comprised of a near infinite number of tall buildings. Because of this, life on the streets below can often feel cramped and claustrophobic. Luckily there is an easy way to escape the concrete jungle; simply go…
When I tell people that some of the BEST ramen I’ve ever had was actually in the bowels of a monolithic train station, they tend to give a inquisitive look at best. Who can blame them? They must think of…
Ever since hitting up Kusatsu Onsen, I’ve been on a real hot spring kick. I have been visiting as many onsen as time allows. As such you can imagine my delight when I found that Azabu Juban, an area I…
Today we are going to take a look at one of my favorite little hidden gems in Tokyo, Atago shrine. There’s really not that much to see at this centrally located shrine so it will be a relatively short post.…
Today, we will be taking a look at something that can easily be added as a one-off to an existing itinerary. The site is known as Happo-en or “Garden of the Eight Views” due to the fact that it is…
Everyone knows about the climactic end of World War II and the atomic bombs yet only a few are aware of the deadly fire bombings of Tokyo. The plan was orchestrated by Air Force General Curtis LeMay and designed to…
Fall is a most beautiful time of the year to visit Japan. As the seasons change, the heat and humidity of summer gives way to the cool ambiance of autumn. This transition paves the way for the changing color of…
Japan is a vast country with a myriad of things to do. One could spend their entire life trying to experience it all and never begin to scratch the surface. Between ancient shrines, temples, or the ultra modern, there is…
You know, I’m probably going to catch some hate for this one, but the Mitama Festival is honestly one of my favorite events in all of Japan. Signaling the start of summer and the long procession of Obon celebrations to…