Tokyo’s Romantic Valentine Spots
Jan 30, 2023 By Michael Stigall
Valentine’s Day always sneaks up on me. Between recovering from Christmas and New Year's and dealing with some seriously cold Tokyo weather, it’s easy to forget that Valentine’s Day is mere weeks away. So assuming you’ve picked up your best chocolate from the nearest Department Store, the next step is...[ Click to read more ]
Tokyo’s Japanese Gardens
By Michael Stigall
Let's be honest for a moment: Tokyo is an amazing place, but sometimes all that concrete and urban bustle can get to even the best of us. What does a person do on those kinds of days? Well, there is always a train out of town somewhere quieter, or maybe...[ Click to read more ]
Ferris Wheels of the Tokyo Area
By Michael Stigall
Ferris wheels aren't the first thing that comes to someone's mind about Japan unless you visit here and notice how many of them seem to exist. Almost every large city here seems to boast one Ferris wheel attraction somewhere nearby. While most Ferris wheels here don't rise to the level...[ Click to read more ]
Hatsumode in Tokyo – Making Your First Shrine Visit of 2023
Dec 26, 2022 By Michael Stigall
New Years in Japan is laser-focused on firsts. You have your first sunrise of the year, which is very important, and other firsts like the Shinenkai parties to bring in the New Year. Easily the most important of these New Year’s rituals is hatsumode. Hatsumode is the first visit of...[ Click to read more ]
Winter Illumination in Tokyo
By Michael Stigall
Christmas time in Tokyo can be a bit surreal. On the one hand, there are Christmas markets, gigantic sales, innumerable shopping centers, and more decorations than you would expect, but on the other hand, all magically disappear by December 26th. This is not the case with one local tradition, illumination....[ Click to read more ]
Ice Skating in Kanto
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 ]
Skiing in Tokyo: Day and Weekend Trips!
Dec 19, 2022 By Jason Gatewood
Most Japanese say being able to enjoy all four seasons outdoors makes Japan unique. The tourist records set over are in agreement with that statement for sure. Here in Tokyo, we can trek to western Kanagawa, Nagano, Gunma, and Tochigi Prefectures in search of the perfect slope to ski down....[ Click to read more ]
Winter Fun in Tokyo at Yomiuri Land
Nov 29, 2022 By Michael Stigall
With the famous Disney Resort a relatively short ride from Tokyo Station, it is easy to forget that Tokyo actually has several other wonderful theme parks and attractions worth visiting. Today we will focus on Yomiuri Land, just 30 minutes from central Tokyo. While not as big as Disney, Yomiuri...[ Click to read more ]
Tokyo’s Christmas Markets
Nov 28, 2022 By Michael Stigall
A few 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...[ Click to read more ]
The Toy Stores of Tokyo
By Michael Stigall
With Thanksgiving behind us, we are officially into the Christmas season. For most of us in the Capital with children, it is time to get busy shopping for presents. While there are still plenty of online options, there is something much more satisfying about going to a good toy store...[ Click to read more ]
