7 Best (And Closest) Hotels for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics Where will you be for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics? If you’re lucky enough to be in Tokyo, expect exciting things – sport climbing, surfing, skateboarding, and karate will be making their Olympic debut. Baseball and softball will return to the games, after being dropped from … Read more
Sumo may be Japan’s national sport, but baseball is Japan’s most popular past time. English professor Horace Wilson introduced baseball to Japan in 1872. Since then, the game has become Japan’s favorite form of recreation. Professional baseball started in the 1920s. It’s now firmly established as the most watched sport in Japan. There are a … Read more
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
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
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
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
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
Disneyland. The place where dreams come true and magic is made. Tokyo Disneyland was the first Disney park to be build outside of the United States and was opened in 1983. As of 2013, it was the 2nd most visited theme park in the world. With this much hype, Disneyland should be a must-visit place … Read more