Volunteering in Tokyo
Feb 20, 2020 By Bert Wishart
When living in a new country, it can be a great thing to offer your free time to help the local community. One such way is volunteering for a nonprofit organization (NPO). Volunteering has a lot of upsides and a few downsides. It is a great way to meet new...[ Click to read more ]
Watching Sumo matches in Jungyo Exhibition Tour
Feb 10, 2020 By Admin
Watching sumo is one of the most authentic attractions in Japan. The annual grand tournaments are held only in odd months; January, May, and September in Tokyo, March in Osaka, July in Nagoya, and November in Fukuoka. You don't want to miss the tournament matches if you happen to be...[ Click to read more ]
Tokyo Animal Cafes
Jan 30, 2020 By Jason Gatewood
One of the cutest and most unique recent trends in Japan is the cat cafe, where one can enjoy a cup of coffee while playing with cats that roam the shop in search of kibble, doled out by customers for an additional fee. Because space is at a premium in...[ Click to read more ]
Let’s tour: Odaiba
Jan 29, 2020 By Jason Gatewood
You may not know the Odaiba district by name before coming to Japan. Still, you have undoubtedly seen its various landmarks turn up in almost every form of media that showcases modern Tokyo. From landmarks like the triangular inverted pyramid of Tokyo Big Sight to the sprawling convention center, ginormous Ferris...[ Click to read more ]
Try Sumo Wrestler Cuisine at a Chanko Nabe Hotpot Restaurant in Tokyo
Jan 28, 2020 By Jason Gatewood
Of course, you know about Japan’s national sport, sumo. If not, then here are a few ways to familiarize yourself with this original form of wrestling. You might ask yourself, how do those guys gain all that weight, but still maintain their stamina and flexibility? Despite what you might think, sumo...[ Click to read more ]
Escape From Tokyo: “Winter is Here” Edition
By Jason Gatewood
Sometimes you have to get away from all the hustle and bustle that comes with living in the city; double that sentiment if you’re an ex-pat living life in one of Japan’s megacities during the winter months. It’s cold, we’re done with the New Year holidays, and there aren’t many...[ Click to read more ]
Setsubun Festivals in Tokyo 2020
Jan 25, 2020 By Jason Gatewood
So you survived oshogatsu (Japanese New Year's) and are looking forward to the end of March and the blooming of the cherry trees, but the reality is there are at least 60 more days to go before a single pink blossom appears. While it will not bring the blossoms any...[ Click to read more ]
What to do in Tokyo over the New Year’s Holidays 2019
Dec 27, 2019 By Jason Gatewood
People say Tokyo is the most restless city in the world, but maybe they've never been here around the traditional New Year holiday period when most residents aren't punching the clock. Instead, they are spending time with their families, often well outside the Metropolis in their hometowns. Pretty much any...[ Click to read more ]
Snow Festivals in Japan
Dec 26, 2019 By Jason Gatewood
Because Japan is over 70% mountainous and located in the temperate latitudes of the western Pacific where the moist ocean air continually does battle with dry, cold Siberian and Mongolian air coming in from China, the Japan Alps enjoys a healthy dusting of snow every winter. No part of Japan...[ Click to read more ]
Chichibu Night Festival Near Tokyo
Nov 26, 2019 By Jason Gatewood
Located about 2 hours northwest of Central Tokyo, Chichibu is a small mountain community that is popular for weekend getaways thanks to it being the home of Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park and a very picturesque and historic area. Celebrating some of that history is the Chichibu Yomatsuri night festival. This is...[ Click to read more ]
