Hanami in Tokyo 2024
Feb 28, 2024 By Michael Stigall
Rejoice for the end of winter is nearly here, and one of the best times to be in Japan is almost upon us. I am speaking, of course, of cherry...[ Click to read more ]
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...[ 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...[ 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....[ Click to read more ]
Hatsumode in Tokyo – Making Your First Shrine Visit of 2024
Dec 27, 2023 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 Shinnenkai parties to bring in...[ 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...[ Click to read more ]
Winter Food in Japan
Dec 27, 2023 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...[ Click to read more ]
Odaiba’s Misfit Museum: The Unko Museum
Nov 30, 2023 By Michael Stigall
Maybe I've been here too long but sometimes I forget that Japan has a reputation for being, well, a weird place. Occasionally, I come across something that surprises and delights...[ 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...[ Click to read more ]
Winter Illuminations in Tokyo 2023
Nov 30, 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...[ Click to read more ]
