Plum Blossom Viewing in Tokyo – The Top Umemi Spots!
Jan 29, 2021 By Bert Wishart
While the cherry blossom is the flower that tends to dominate the imagination of Japanese botanic appreciation, it is perhaps the plum (ume) blossom that should be the more celebrated. Reddish pink or white flowers, they are distinguishable from the sakura by their split ended petals and their strong sweet...[ Click to read more ]
Ice Skating around Kanto (Winter 2021)
By Jason Gatewood
Even with coronavirus still weaving its microbial hooks into every facet of society, The heartbeat of the typical Japanese winter around Greater Tokyo barely skips a beat. As long as you stay socially distanced, masked up, and as frostily vigilant as the winds off Tokyo Bay, you should be alright....[ Click to read more ]
Winter Attractions in Tokyo
Jan 26, 2021 By Jason Gatewood
Wintertime around these parts usually means either taking in some winter sports like skiing and snowboarding or soaking in one of the numerous hot spring onsens around the countryside surrounding the metropolis. But there are a few other things you can check out around Greater Tokyo in the cold part of...[ Click to read more ]
The Top 5 (+2) Parks Around Tokyo
Jan 20, 2021 By Jason Gatewood
The metropolis is a great place to live, but the space available to you isn't always great, and being constantly surrounded by buildings can feel a bit oppressive after a while. Now and again, you have to get out and recharge in a spot with some green, take a mental...[ Click to read more ]
Let’s Tour: Togoshi-Ginza in Tokyo
Dec 24, 2020 By Jason Gatewood
Tokyo’s Ginza shopping district is known far and wide for its opulent array of shops and boutiques catering to those with more than a little bitcoins in their pockets. The most exquisite of luxury brands choose this part of town to put what is sometimes their most unique shop with...[ Click to read more ]
Viewing the Magical Diamond Fuji from Tokyo
Dec 15, 2020 By Bert Wishart
Diamond Fuji is a twice annually phenomenon when the sunrise and sunset align perfectly with Mount Fuji’s summit, looking for all the world like a bright shining jewel placed atop the nation’s crown. There are many great places from which you can witness this startling sunset in Tokyo and the...[ Click to read more ]
Toyoda’s Cheese Steaks Delivers a bit of Philly (and more) to Tokyo
Nov 30, 2020 By Jason Gatewood
Let me be up front— I am probably closer to being from Philadelphia, Mississippi than Philadelphia, Pennsylvania when it comes to the innate knowledge and understanding of the quintessential cheesesteak sandwich. The residents of "The City of Brotherly Love" are rabidly protective of their hometown's symbols, be it Rocky running...[ Click to read more ]
Winter Illumination in Tokyo 2020
Nov 26, 2020 By Jason Gatewood
Christmas Day in Japan is just another working day for the most part. The most interesting facet of the Christmas and holiday season in Japan is that all traces of it will be gone by morning on December 26th. Without fail, every bell, light, and garlands; every decoration will come...[ Click to read more ]
Craft Beer in Tokyo and Yokohama
Oct 20, 2020 By Bert Wishart
Japanese beer is usually thought of as just the 'big three': Asahi, Kirin, and Sapporo. While these are great when ice cold on a scorching day, they aren't exactly the most interesting brews. However, right now, there is something of a craft beer revolution going on. While it is impossible...[ Click to read more ]
Day Trips by Train in Kanto
Sep 29, 2020 By Jason Gatewood
When talking about trains in Japan, people either think of the Shinkansen high-speed rail lines linking Japan's major cities or the commuter lines in major cities, famous for their ease-of-use and convenience, if not for their sometimes crush load capacity. But there's also one more class of service that slots...[ Click to read more ]
