English language bookshops in Tokyo
Feb 28, 2022 By Michael Stigall
With the advent of e-readers and smartphones, getting your hands on English language literature in Japan isn’t the challenge it once was. It used to be a significant challenge, even in big cities. However, sometimes the book you are looking for isn’t available online, or you just like the feel...[ Click to read more ]
The Best Train Passes in Japan (For Residents)
By Michael Stigall
Many people know of the exceptional value of a Japan Rail Pass, which allows tourists to ride the train systems in Japan for a set period without paying individual ticket prices. Unfortunately, the Rail Pass is only available to non-residents of Japan, so if you're not a tourist, then you're...[ Click to read more ]
Kid Friendly Activities in Tokyo
By Michael Stigall
Tokyo is big, really big. One significant upside to its massive size is that there is something for everyone to enjoy. Obviously, the metropolis is a Mecca to anime and manga fans. Similarly, lovers of technology have several sights and neighborhoods to enjoy. Let’s also not forget nightlife considering that...[ Click to read more ]
Climbing the Walls – Bouldering in Tokyo
Jan 24, 2022 By Michael Stigall
I doubt that there is a single kid in the western world and a few from other places in the world who doesn’t want to crawl the walls like a certain well-known web-slinging superhero. While most of those climbing feats aren’t possible, it is still possible to do some serious...[ Click to read more ]
Spring Pickings – Strawberry Picking Around Tokyo
By Michael Stigall
Japan has a beautiful relationship with fruit. While it tends to be a little expensive (at least to the eyes of foreigners used to supermarkets crammed with the stuff for next to nothing), fruit is revered in status: apples are grown to extraordinary sizes and prized for their taste, mangoes...[ Click to read more ]
Shin-Yokohama Raumen Museum
By Michael Stigall
Whether all you only know about ramen is instant, cup-o-noodles, or are a true aficionado who can tell the difference between shoyu and tonkotsu based ramen by smell, perhaps you’ll agree: Ramen is so good, it should be in a museum. Well, you’re in luck — there is a ramen...[ Click to read more ]
Calling 119 for Emergency Assistance in Japan
Jan 20, 2022 By Ray Proper
Dial 119 for the fire department or medical services Dial 110 for police 119 in Japan is a direct-dial-free emergency number that connects the caller to fire and emergency medical services from any phone. Unlike emergency number services in many other countries, the 119 system in Japan only connects to...[ Click to read more ]
Furusato Matsuri Tokyo 2022
Dec 25, 2021 By Jason Gatewood
Like food? Silly question, right, of course you like food! If you are looking for the opportunity to sample dishes from all over Japan but don’t have the time on your hands to be bouncing through all 47 prefectures and regions to seek out each individual plate (Or like me,...[ Click to read more ]
Hatsumode in Tokyo – Shrines to Visit for New Years
Dec 24, 2021 By Bert Wishart
In Japan, celebrating New Year is all about 'firsts.' Perhaps the most important 'first' is the first trip to a shrine, a tradition called hatsumode. While this visit can happen at any time, usually over the first three days of the year, the most dramatic time will be at midnight...[ Click to read more ]
Holiday Dining Options in Tokyo 2021
Nov 28, 2021 By Jason Gatewood
Tokyo IS good food. In my opinion, the food in Tokyo is the best part of Tokyo! You can get pretty much anything in Tokyo at any time, and Christmas Dinner is no exception. Whether you are searching for traditional holiday fare or something a bit more trendy, there are...[ Click to read more ]
