Author Archive Michael Stigall

Michael Stigall


Bouldering in Tokyo in 2024

Feb 28, 2024 By Michael Stigall

I doubt that there is a single kid in the western world and a few from other places in the...[ Click to read more ]

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Volunteering in Kanto

Jan 31, 2024 By Michael Stigall

Winter is a time where we often have more time on our hands than we know what to do with....[ Click to read more ]

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Snow Festivals in 2024

Jan 30, 2024 By Michael Stigall

It been a warm winter so far, but it is finally beginning the drop into the single digits. With that...[ Click to read more ]

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Plum Viewing in Tokyo – The Top Umemi Spots in 2024

Jan 29, 2024 By Michael Stigall

While the cherry blossom is the flower that tends to dominate the imagination of Japanese botanic appreciation, it is perhaps...[ Click to read more ]

Hatsumode in Tokyo – Making Your First Shrine Visit of 2024

Dec 27, 2023 By Michael Stigall

New Years in Japan is laser-focused on firsts. You have your first sunrise of the year, which is very important,...[ Click to read more ]

Ice Skating Rinks in Kanto

By Michael Stigall

For most of us from colder climates, it is hard to imagine winter without ice skating. Luckily, many in the...[ Click to read more ]

Winter Food in Japan

By Michael Stigall

As an American, there are certain foods that I look forward to when things start getting chilly. Most of those...[ Click to read more ]

Odaiba’s Misfit Museum: The Unko Museum

Nov 30, 2023 By Michael Stigall

Maybe I've been here too long but sometimes I forget that Japan has a reputation for being, well, a weird...[ Click to read more ]

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Tokyo’s Christmas Markets 2023

By Michael Stigall

Some years ago, I had the opportunity to visit Europe right before the holiday season was underway. One upside to...[ Click to read more ]

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Winter Illuminations in Tokyo 2023

By Michael Stigall

Christmas Day in Japan is just another working day for the most part.  The most interesting facet of the Christmas...[ Click to read more ]