Weekend Activities

Tokyo’s Japanese Gardens

Jan 30, 2023 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...[ Click to read more ]

Ferris Wheels of the Tokyo Area

Jan 30, 2023 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...[ Click to read more ]

Ice Skating in Kanto

Dec 26, 2022 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 ]

Touring Tokyo on Sharebike

Oct 31, 2022 By Michael Stigall

Bike sharing has been a thing in Tokyo for more than a decade now, but it still feels like a relatively new thing only known and used by the savviest...[ Click to read more ]

Yamazaki Whisky in Barrels

Tokyo’s Whisky Bars

Sep 28, 2022 By Michael Stigall

When it comes to alcohol and Japan, the first thing to come to mind for the longest time was sake. While the traditionally fermented rice wine holds a special place...[ Click to read more ]

A Guide to Onsen and Super Sento in and around Tokyo

Sep 28, 2022 By Michael Stigall

The onsen is one thing that immediately comes to mind when one thinks of Japan, and it's no mystery why. In addition to appearing in most tourism-related media, they are...[ Click to read more ]

Riding the Rails: Train Passes for Foreign Residents

Aug 30, 2022 By Michael Stigall

We’ve discussed Japan’s rail passes before, including most recently reviewing the options available for Kanto residents, but what about if you’re living in or traveling to one of the other...[ Click to read more ]

Yebisu Beer Museum

Museum of Yebisu Beer

Jul 25, 2022 By Michael Stigall

Yebisu Beer has a long and storied history beginning in 1887 when the Japan Beer Brewery Company cleared an area of farmland to build a brewery. At this new modern...[ Click to read more ]

Kiso Three Rivers Park in Ichinomiya City

May 30, 2022 By Ray Proper

Kiso Three Rivers Park in Ichinomiya was an old favorite of mine when I lived in Konan City. I am not sure if the whole complex counts as being part...[ Click to read more ]

Ueno Zoo

Tokyo’s Zoos

Mar 31, 2022 By Michael Stigall

As spring thankfully arrives, it's time to abandon the confines of the indoors and embrace the glorious outdoors before that stifling summer heat reclaims the land. One great way to...[ Click to read more ]