Bouldering in Tokyo in 2024
Feb 28, 2024 By Michael Stigall
I doubt that there is a single kid in the western world and a few from other places in the world who does not want to crawl the walls like a certain well-known web-slinging superhero. While most of those climbing feats aren’t possible, it is still possible to do some...[ Click to read more ]
Volunteering in Kanto
Jan 31, 2024 By Michael Stigall
Winter is a time where we often have more time on our hands than we know what to do with. It is cold, wet, and mostly dark, so we often assume that there is not much that we can do. However, this is not true. One thing to do during...[ Click to read more ]
Snow Festivals in 2024
Jan 30, 2024 By Michael Stigall
It been a warm winter so far, but it is finally beginning the drop into the single digits. With that said, the possibility of snow begins to come to mind. You see, because Japan is over 70% mountainous and located in the temperate latitudes of the western Pacific where the...[ Click to read more ]
Plum Viewing in Tokyo – The Top Umemi Spots in 2024
Jan 29, 2024 By Michael Stigall
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. Sporting reddish pink or white flowers, they are distinguishable from the sakura by their split ended petals and their strong,...[ Click to read more ]
Ice Skating Rinks in Kanto
Dec 27, 2023 By Michael Stigall
For most of us from colder climates, it is hard to imagine winter without ice skating. Luckily, many in the metropolis share that view, and there is a wide selection of ice rinks to choose from. We’ve looked high and low for the best places to hit the ice this...[ Click to read more ]
Winter Food in Japan
By Michael Stigall
As an American, there are certain foods that I look forward to when things start getting chilly. Most of those foods, like a roasted turkey or pumpkin pie, are simply not that easy to come by in Japan. So, what's a person to do when you want something warming and...[ Click to read more ]
Tokyo’s Christmas Markets 2023
Nov 30, 2023 By Michael Stigall
Some years ago, I had the opportunity to visit Europe right before the holiday season was underway. One upside to this trip was experiencing the Christmas Markets that pop up in both major cities and small villages. These markets sell festive food and drink and all sorts of Christmas decorations....[ Click to read more ]
Winter Illuminations in Tokyo 2023
By Michael Stigall
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 ]
Biking Around Tokyo
Oct 27, 2023 By Michael Stigall
As sure as you'll find vending machines, convenience stores, and a small shrine in the average Japanese neighborhood, you'll find people traveling around on a bicycle. More everyday transport than pleasure, most Japanese use their bikes to run errands, ferry children to daycare, and get to and from their local...[ Click to read more ]
The Top Parks Around Tokyo
Oct 26, 2023 By Michael Stigall
The metropolis is a great place to live, but the space available isn't always great. Being constantly surrounded by buildings can feel a bit oppressive after a while. That is when it is to get out and recharge in a spot with some green, take a mental health day! Granted,...[ Click to read more ]
