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 ]
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 ]
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...[ 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...[ Click to read more ]
Odakyu’s Romancecar Museum
Sep 27, 2023 By Michael Stigall
It's an open secret that one of the reasons I enjoy living in Japan is that public transportation is held in high regard and promoted by the people as a...[ Click to read more ]
Tokyo’s Best Mexican Food
Sep 27, 2023 By Michael Stigall
Tokyo is the "World's Greatest Food City," and at last count, home to over 200 Michelin-starred restaurants. More than ramen, udon, and tonkatsu places, you can find whatever a human...[ Click to read more ]
