For the most part I get around by train and bus - apart from that, even when it’s a little far, I walk. At such times, I often can’t help but think, “if only I had a bike!” This is where rental cycles are the go to option. Up until a while ago the image of riding a rental bike, with their big
Ginza brings to mind a high class shopping district for elegant women of status. However Ginza isn’t just expensive, but a place where you can find the best of what you are looking for. Here I will introduce some unusual places that are worth checking out. Let’s rediscover the Ginza you desire, full
Kappabashi (also known as Kitchen Town) is a short walk from the widely known Asakusa Kaminarimon. Aimed more towards the professional market, the wholesalers lining this shopping strip offer crockery, cooking goods, plastic display food and packaging materials, etc. Formerly a minor area, once the
In recent years certain areas of Tokyo have become popular, like Kiyosumi-shirakawa, Hikifune, and Oshiage, etc., but we can’t forget the Sumo town of Ryogoku! There are probably many people who have heard of it, but have never been there. I’m going to recommend great places in Ryogoku for those who
The first in Japan! Anywhere Door sweets café comes to Harajuku offering a popular sweet from overseas, the “cone shot”, started in America. With a cute look and new style, these sweets have gathered a lot of attention and become a hot topic on TV, magazines, and social networks. Here we will
There has been an increase in people overseas interested in Japanese culture such as calligraphy, the tea ceremony, and flower arranging, but recently there are many foreign visitors who want to actually try such activities. The highest point of interest is usually because such an idea or art doesn’
Did you memorize the previous places in Shibuya? The key to sightseeing is “go beforehand”, since waiting until the last minute to use the restroom isn’t healthy. This time I’ll introduce facilities in Harajuku, a fashionable area where people dressed in the latest styles come and go among domestic
Visiting a shrine is an integral part of any journey to the land of the rising sun. Most of us have heard through guidebooks of the likes of Kyoto's Fushimi Inari Shrine, Hiroshima's Itsukushima Shrine and Meiji Shrine in Tokyo, etc. However, there are many more spots - hidden secret shrines worth c
This is a continuation of the previous report [“A Quick Trip to Tomamu”, what to do for 2 days and 1 night]. This entry will conclude the second day. [DAY1] What to do (1): Wake up with a jet bath 5:00 AM Retiring before midnight the previous night I got some great sleep and am wide aw
Ishigaki-jima, is an island located about 3 and a half hours away from Tokyo and 1 hour from mainland Okinawa with both a resort-like feeling of Hawaii and Bali, and also offers visitors untouched nature and balmy warm weather, all in a unique countryside atmosphere. Ishigaki-jima's best known sight
Other areas for sightseeing outside of Tokyo are big cities like Osaka and Kyoto, places with World Heritage sites. There are also destinations like Hakone and Iga, where you can take relaxing overnight or day trips, but wait a minute! There’s Hokkaido, full of nature that can be fully enjoyed in ju
Tokyo has traction not only in Japan but in the global fashion culture as well. The area where Harajuku crosses into Omotesando, is lined with popular brand stores, select shops, and is always full of people. There are also a large number of hair salons. Due to the fierce competition and frequent
If it’s your first time in Shibuya and Harajuku, everything is new. It’s normal to get lost, not know where to go or which train to ride, but something you may want to know is where to find a restroom. Overseas there are many places that don’t allow access to their restrooms as crime prevention, but
