The entrance at Universal Studios Japan decorated with Christmas decorations like lights, ribbons, and a hanging wreath. People are walking towards the entrance.

Universal Studios Japan: Pure Magic Despite the Wait

Rather than recreating previous Universal theme parks in Orlando and Hollywood, Universal Studios Japan has developed and expanded new and existing rides, incorporates Japanese entertainment franchises and has a more “Japanese” feel to it than the Tokyo Disney parks. It also has a universal appeal that any international visitor would love as well. The official … Read more

A lit-up stone path with trees around it at Mt Koya at night.

Koyasan: An Amazing Adventure

Koyasan: Monks, Monasteries, and Mausoleums Koyasan is the closest the modern tourist will come to experiencing the true Japan… or at least, the true Japan as it relates to Buddhism. Koyasan is the home of Shingon Buddhism. Founded by the monk Kukai, Shingon has shaped Japanese thought for well over a millennium. Although Koyasan means … Read more

Imperial Palace Gardens Tokyo with a small bridge over a small body of water, which is reflecting the bridge.

The Imperial Palace Gardens: Find Peace in Japan’s Busiest City

Tokyo’s intense crowds, underground subway passages, and blaring neon lights can make you claustrophobic.  The Imperial Palace Gardens offers a break with some of the loveliest scenery in Tokyo. Escape the busy crush of commuting workers. Slow down, relax, and enjoy the beauty of the garden. It’s just a 10-minute walk from Tokyo Station. What … Read more

Matsuyama Sunset

Matsuyama Japan: A Cool Castle, Amazing Onsen, and Using Birds for Fishing!?

Matsuyama: A Literary Adventure Matsuyama — and its historic bathhouse, Dogo Onsen — are immortalized in Natsume Soseki’s famous novel, Botchan.  The city celebrates its literary past with enthusiasm. The author’s influence can be seen in the most unlikely places. Enjoy some Botchan dango, a snack sold everywhere in Matsuyama. This dessert is made up … Read more

Small Japanese style cat figurines on a wooden surface.

Top 10 Unique Museums in Japan: You’ve Never Seen Anything Like This

Japan is well known for putting its own unique spin on things. Their museums are no different.  You’ll find hundreds of museums in Japan. They cover everything from anime characters to buttons to parasites. Forget the National Science Museum or the Museum of Modern Art. Make tracks for our top ten quirky Japanese museums you … Read more

Sensoji Temple at Night with lit up laterns in front of it.

Sensoji Temple: History, Food, and Amazing Festivals

Sensoji isn’t the just oldest temple in Tokyo. It’s actually much older than Tokyo itself.  The temple drew crowds when Tokyo was a sleepy fishing village. It’s still popular today, despite the many attractions Tokyo offers.  The skyscrapers in the area dwarf the main hall, distinctive gates, and five-story pagoda. Don’t be put off by … Read more

The outside of Tokyo Station, with the street lamps lit up.

Tokyo Station: So Much to See and Do

Are you an architectural aficionado? Or maybe you would prefer to be surrounded by amazing stores and shop for hours on end? If neither strikes your fancy, how about trying some ramen that will leave your taste buds asking for more? Tokyo Station has architectural domes that rival the cathedrals of Europe, an incredible indoor … Read more

Huis Ten Bosch - A Windmill can be seen in the foreground with a river, house, and big building in the background.

3 Theme Parks in Japan That Will Blow Your Mind

Japan doesn’t lack theme parks.  Serious Disney fans make the pilgrimage to Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea. In Osaka, Universal Studios Japan draws countless crowds of domestic and international visitors.  Japan’s unique theme parks are less well known. The weirder theme parks – like the New Zealand farm themed attraction — didn’t survive the bursting … Read more

The outside of the Ikebukuro Sunshine City Mall in Japan.

Things to Do in Ikebukuro: Fun For Everyone

Ikebukuro: Japan’s Female Otaku Scene Ikebukuro is filled with so many things to do. You can enjoy aquariums, arcades, amazing city views from sky-high buildings, and a Pokemon Center that has a huge selection of items to choose from. For the ladies, you could even rent your own private butler for a few hours.  Without … Read more

A street in Shibuya, with many people walking around looking at the various shops.

Shibuya: The Heart of Street Fashion

What to Do in Shibuya During the Day Move over Ginza! Shibuya is rapidly replacing the glamorous department store district as the new center of Tokyo’s fashion scene. Shibuya’s Harajuku district has already reached international fame. But this area is only the start. Shibuya’s Omotesando shopping street is known as the “Champs-Élysées” of Tokyo – … Read more

Ueno Park Tokyo - People walking a long a walking path with trees on both sides, as well as people sitting down on benches in front of a small pond.

Ueno Park: Something for Everyone

Can you picture one thousand cherry trees in full blossom?  Do you crave ancient temples with beautiful architecture?  Would you like to view the largest collection of Japanese art in the world?  Do your kids like engaging, hands-on science museums?  Do they like the zoo? Do you (nothing wrong with admitting it!)? If so, you’ll … Read more

Odaiba,Tokyo at night with the Ferris wheel lit up with vibrant colors of green, blue, yellow, and red.

Odaiba Japan: A Seaside Playground for All Ages

Do you enjoy interactive museums, arcades, shopping, or architectural feats of genius? How about cars, cosplay, beaches, or onsens? Odaiba has all this, and more.  Odaiba showcases the best of modern Japan.  You’re going to love the high tech island haven of Odaiba. Odaiba’s Origins Odaiba was once the declining Shogun’s defense against the outer … Read more

Some of the huge buildings lit up at night in Ginza. A yellow taxi can be seen driving by.

Ginza: Tokyo’s Glamorous Past

Chic shopping, world-class cuisine, and awe-inspiring architecture await you.  Ginza is THE place to window shop in Tokyo.  Opulent brands and cutting-edge trends abound.  Japan’s prominent retailers have flagship stores in Ginza. They go way over the top to get your business.  You’ve never had a department store experience like this.  After browsing the overpriced … Read more

Shinjuku at Night with a sea of huge buildings everywhere. There are buildings with their lights on for what seems like miles and miles.

Things to Do in Shinjuku at Night

Shinjuku After Dark: A Wealth of Night Life Shinjuku is a different place after dark. The neon signs are turned on, and the staid business district transforms into a gaudy collection of bars and restaurants.  In West Shinjuku, the skyscraper district remains conservative. The sole exception is Yodobashi Camera, lit up with a dazzling light … Read more

A wide-shot taken of the city, with al of the huge buildings everywhere.

Things to Do in Shinjuku in the Day: Something For Everyone

Shinjuku’s skyscrapers are an iconic Tokyo sight. If you’ve ever seen a clip of Godzilla pushing over a skyscraper, chances are you’re looking at Shinjuku. Since 1991 when the Tokyo Government relocated to Shinjuku, the district has enjoyed a reputation as Tokyo’s political center. It’s also a thriving business hub. Shinjuku Station holds the world … Read more

A photo taken at night of Tokyo, with the Rainbow Bridge, Tokyo, Tower, and numerous buildings.

Top 10 Free Things to do in Tokyo

It is very easy to spend money in Tokyo. Between the world-class shopping available in Ginza and Odaiba’s mega-malls, the bargains at Akihabara and the incredible range of entertainment and restaurant options, Tokyo can make your travel budget disappear. You don’t need to blow your bank account! Some of the capital’s best attractions are free. … Read more

A crowd of people walking through the many colorful lights, signs, and shops in Akihabara at night.

Things to Do in Akihabara: An Otaku’s Guide

Akihabara:  Geek Culture, Maid Cafes, and Electronics Galore Akihabara is well known as the electronics center of Japan. While chain electronics shops can be found all over Tokyo, Akihabara has the highest concentration of stores. It is where Japan’s electronic product companies test their products on the domestic market. With limited edition products and special offers, … Read more

Amazing Animal Islands in Japan - Zao Fox Village A Cute Fox with its eyes closed looks as if it is smiling.

4 Amazing Animal Islands in Japan

Surrounded by Cats, Bunnies, and Foxes:  A Taste of Cute Animal Islands in Japan Japan’s animal attractions can be a hit or miss. Many zoos or animal-themed parks can be depressing to foreign visitors, featuring small cages and apathetic animals. Animals at many pet-cafes quickly become bored of the attention they receive from customers and … Read more

Tsukiji Fish Market Shop that sells Crab and other seafood with a male worker standing in the middle of the shop.

Tsukiji Fish Market: All You Need to Know

Tsukiji Fish Market: Japan at its Freshest **Note: The inner market has moved to its new location called Toyosu Market, so the follow information is not valid. However the outer market is still open and it worth going to! Tsukiji Fish Market is an unlikely seeming tourist attraction. A wholesale fish market, even if it … Read more

Kinkakuji The Golden Pavilion in Kyoto - Shot from afar with the pond and trees surrounding it.

Kinkakuji: Tourist Trap or Treasure?

The key to enjoying Kinkakuji (aka The Golden Pavilion) is to get there early and adjust your expectations. Is Kinkakuji Worth Visiting? Out of all sights to see in Kyoto, the glittering walls of Kinkakuji evokes the greatest expectations—and unfortunately, often leads to the greatest disappointments. Kinkakuji was not intended to be a temple. The … Read more

Torii Gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine. Two women dressed in traditional Japanese clothes can be seen walking through it side-by-side.

Fushimi Inari Shrine

You’ve probably seen photos of Fushimi Inari Shrine (Taisha) without knowing it. The iconic photo of the many red torii (traditional Japanese gates) forming one continuous tunnel was taken here. You’ll have no difficulty locating the exact spot. Rows of tourists can be seen, cameras in hand, as they wait for the crowds to pass … Read more

Kiyomizudera Temple at Dusk, with people on the veranda.

Kiyomizudera Temple: Kyoto’s Finest Temple

Photos of Kiyomizudera always show the temple’s signature wooden verandah, constructed in the Edo period, framed by sakura or maple leaves—the temple is incredibly popular in spring and autumn. A temple this size is rarely seen outside of Tokyo and Osaka. Kiyomizudera’s many corners conceal hidden surprises. Atmosphere Despite its status as one of Kyoto’s … Read more

Shukkeien Garden with small bridges over a pond and green nature all around.

Shukkeien Garden: Escape the City

 Shukkei-En is a wonderful garden to feel peace and enjoy nature. This downtown park is a recreation of the garden that existed on the site before the atomic blast. What You Can See There Shukkei-en is itself a small-scale recreation of West Lake in Hangzhou, China. Shukkei-en means “contracted view,” and the garden was designed … Read more