Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in Tokyo
Feb 17, 2019 By Bert Wishart
St. Patrick's Day, the commemoration of the death of the patron saint of Ireland, is celebrated in more countries around the world than any other national festival, and Japan, is of course, no different. As a day in which the abstinence restrictions of lent are temporarily lifted, it has, particularly in...[ Click to read more ]
Art of the Abandoned Station at Ueno Park
Jan 29, 2019 By Jason Gatewood
The Keisei Railway runs between Ueno Park and the far reaches of Chiba Prefecture including the city of Chiba and Narita Airport. Up until 1997, Keisei had a station right in the middle of the tunnel directly serving the Ueno Park Zoo and National Art Museum. The former Hakubutsukan-Dobutsuen station...[ Click to read more ]
Tokyo Area Flea Markets
By Jason Gatewood
If you’re searching for a truly unique curio or gift for someone here around Tokyo or are looking to get a one-of-a-kind item at a really low price, then you should check out one of the many flea markets happening around the metropolis. All kinds of treasures (and a little...[ Click to read more ]
Tokyo’s Romantic Valentine Spots
Jan 20, 2019 By Bert Wishart
With Valentine's Day just around the corner, you may be wanting to find that perfect place to cozy up to your loved one and not sure of quite what to do about it. But fear not, because there are actually quite a few romantic spots in this fair city of...[ Click to read more ]
Japan Brewer’s Cup: The Tournament of Suds 2019
Dec 26, 2018 By Jason Gatewood
Please read the following in the voice of one of those monster truck TV spots from back in the day: Thirty-five of the best craft brewers from all over Japan, plus one each from Taiwan and the Czech Republic, and six craft beer importers are thrown in for good measure....[ Click to read more ]
Let’s Tour Sendai: Getting and Staying There
Nov 30, 2018 By Jason Gatewood
Located about 350 km (220 mi) to the northeast of Tokyo, the City of Sendai makes for a very pleasant getaway from the hustle and bustle of the Metropolis and due to its position on the Shinkansen “bullet train” network, along with various air and bus options along with low...[ Click to read more ]
Let’s Tour – Sendai: What to eat
By Jason Gatewood
No review of any part of Japan would be complete without talking about its contributions to the gastronomic scene, and Sendai has definitely done its part, and there are TONS of places to check out local delectables. Beef Tongue Ask any Japanese person anywhere what food Sendai is famous for,...[ Click to read more ]
How to Use your Suica on the Shinkansen
By Jason Gatewood
One of the first things anyone traveling around Tokyo should do is to pick up a Suica or Pasmo transit card. The main advantage being that it speeds entering and exiting the fare gates, and gives a small discount since all transit agencies round up their cash fares to avoid...[ Click to read more ]
Let’s Tour – Sendai: What to see & do
By Jason Gatewood
For a city its size (just over one million people, which is considered small by Japan standards), Sendai has a storied past, steeped in nature, and has a vibrant lifestyle for its citizens. This all adds up to a perfect place to check out if you’re looking for a change...[ Click to read more ]
Fall Festivals in Tokyo
Oct 30, 2018 By Jason Gatewood
Just because the leaves are golden (or gone), and the temperature has fallen, doesn't mean the festival numbers have gone down along with it. As always, you'll be able to eat tasty yatai street food, purchase cool trinkets, and enjoy being outside in the crowd… Just remember to bring your jacket!...[ Click to read more ]
