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 ]

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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 ]

Buying Christmas Trees in Tokyo 2019

Nov 12, 2019 By Admin

If you are in the market for a Christmas Tree to liven up your holiday season you with trim and presents, you are in luck. Stocks are very limited so, don't delay!  The trees are a bit shorter than you might get used to but they have very nice shapes and I am...[ Click to read more ]

English Stand-up Comedy Around Tokyo

Oct 29, 2019 By Jason Gatewood

Turn on the TV at any given moment during “Golden Hour” (what we Yanks call Primetime) and you’ll no doubt see comedy duos interspersed in the endless waves of food tasting, international shenanigans, and celebrity anecdotes that seem to permeate the average Japanese media diet. Those comedy teams, called manzai,...[ Click to read more ]

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Tokyo Motor Show 2019

Sep 27, 2019 By Jason Gatewood

Japan's motorcar industry is one of, if not the most important exporter and revenue generator in the economy here. Brands like Toyota, Honda, Nissan, and Mitsubishi are known all over the world for their quality and innovation. Not to mention more than a few people swear by these brands. So...[ Click to read more ]

Festival Tokyo – Theatre, Dance, Music, Visual art, and Film

By Jason Gatewood

One of the benefits of living in the world’s largest urban area is the simple fact that there’s always something going on in town for you, no matter what you’re into. Take the arts for example. There have been no less than 3 performing arts fairs around the Metropolis just...[ Click to read more ]