The Mobile Suica: The Best Way to Get Around Town

Aug 28, 2024 By Michael Stigall

We’ve talked about IC cards before. There’s Suica. There’s Pasmo. There’s ICOCA. There’s Manaca. So many cards! But the good news is that most of them can be used throughout Japan’s rail network. The bad news is that due to a materials shortage, some cards like the Suica haven’t been...[ Click to read more ]

Japanese Cooking Classes in Tokyo in English

Jul 31, 2024 By Michael Stigall

Food shopping in Japan has a reputation for being a touch on the expensive side, and as you wander the aisles of your local supermarket looking at your basic groceries – cheese, fruit, freshly baked bread – it is hard to disagree. However, if you look at local produce you...[ Click to read more ]

The Best Thai Restaurants in Tokyo

Jul 29, 2024 By Michael Stigall

Japan is rightly lauded for being a nation of amazing food. From sashimi to sushi, from nabe to bashimi, there is so much to taste here. However, wasabe and Taiwan Ramen aside, it doesn't really do much in the way of strong, spicy flavours. Which is why, for those of...[ Click to read more ]

Summer Beer Gardens in Tokyo 2024

By Michael Stigall

In summer, is there anything better than sipping on an ice cold beer as the city temperature rises? Well yes, actually there is: Digging into a freshly grilled piece of meat that perfectly accompanies your frosty glass. There are of course many beer gardens across the city right now, but...[ Click to read more ]

Summer Activities in Tokyo For Kids

Jun 26, 2024 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 ]

Best Summer Picnic Spots in Tokyo

By Michael Stigall

With the weather becoming a lot nicer, many people are ready to get out and enjoy the warm weather, and having a picnic is an excellent and cheap way to get out into the city and enjoy it. I know a few places from small squares to riverside glens that...[ Click to read more ]

Tokyo Fireworks Festival in 2024

May 31, 2024 By Michael Stigall

Fireworks and summer festivals are arguably the best part of summertime in Japan, with days spent wearing yukata and jinbei traditional clothing while munching street food and nights spent outside watching literally hours of explosions and enjoying the atmosphere of the festival, and the crowds.  Summer festivals are a rare...[ Click to read more ]

How to Reach Kumamoto from Tokyo or Kansai

By Justin Hanus

Most visitors to Japan are aware of the top tourist destinations, such as Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and other places in Kansai. However, there are interesting spots to see all over the country, including some that are less frequented by tourists. Visiting these places often gives you a more authentic Japanese...[ Click to read more ]

No Comments

Hawaiian Food in Tokyo

By Michael Stigall

There are places one can go to in Japan where it will seem you’ve stepped through Doraemon’s Dokodemo Door and straight up landed in America’s 50th state, Hawaii. From hula dancing to learning to play the ukulele, Japan has been all-in on all things Hawaiian since the heady “Bubble Era”...[ Click to read more ]

No Comments

Tokyo’s Best American BBQ

May 29, 2024 By Michael Stigall

In the United States, BBQ is cooking meat for long periods at low temperatures with smoke from a wood fire.  BBQ adds a distinctive smoky taste to the meat, and depending on the style in question, BBQ sauce.   While BBQ traditions may not have originated in the United States, they...[ Click to read more ]