Louise 
Watching sumo in Tokyo (or anywhere) live is a highlight of any trip to Japan — even if you’re not a sumo fan. Sumo is Japan’s national sport. The number of foreign wrestlers increases each year, yet Japan remains the only country where professional sumo wrestlers compete. Sumo has a deep connection to the Shinto … Read more
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
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
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: 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
Shikoku, the smallest of the four main islands in Japan, is home to the longest pilgrimage in Japan. The 88 temple pilgrimage trail circles around the outskirts of the entire island. The temples were all visited or founded by the first pilgrim, Kukai. Kukai is also known as Kobo-Daishi, and he founded Shingon Buddhism. He … Read more
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 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
Would you like to view Tokyo from the world’s tallest tower? Then Tokyo Skytree is just what you’re looking for. Or how about seeing 350,000-liter penguin and seal tank? You can if you go to Solamachi. In addition to the aquarium, Solamachi is home to 300 stores, many of them quite quirky, with some of … Read more
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
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
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
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
Shibuya is a shopper’s paradise by day. After dark, the district becomes THE nightlife hotspot in Tokyo. You can get your groove on in trendy nightclubs, dine on amazing cuisine, or even experience theater that rivals Broadway and London. Shibuya is the place to be when the sun goes down. What You Can Do in … Read more
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
Japan takes its enthusiasm for cherry blossoms to lengths that amaze visitors. From the beginning of March, Japan cherry blossom forecasts appear on the news. Plans are made to take in the best of the blossoms, and dedicated fans stake out spots beneath the trees hours in advance. The best way to understand Japan’s national … Read more
Arima Onsen is a natural hot spring resort in Hyogo prefecture, and is Japan’s third oldest hot spring. If you want absolute relaxation and peace, this is the place to go. While close enough to touristy areas like Osaka or Kyoto to be an easy day trip, Arima is screened from the cities by Mt. Rokko, … Read more
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: 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
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
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
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
Adjacent to Shukkei-en Garden, the Hiroshima Prefectural Art Museum is an unhurried way to spend a few hours (and in summer, a welcome break from the heat). It is home to thousands of art pieces, which is perfect for any art lover! What You Can See There The museum offers views of Shukkei-en from above … Read more
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