Miyakobashi Shotengai: Tiny, Old-School Bars
If you're up for an adventure, head to this old-school drinking area for a spot of local culture in Yokohama.
Shin-Yokohama Raumen Museum
The Shin-Yokohama Raumen Museum is less a museum than a Disney-like experience of ramen!
Kitchen-Haven Kappabashi Has More Than Knives
Previously, we've published articles about buying knives in Kappabashi, but this 'shotengai' has more on offer than just cutlery! Let's take a tour together and see a sharper side...
Going Back in Time for Books at Jimbocho
After reading, book-loving locals usually sell their tomes back to second-hand bookstores so the books will find a new home. Luckily, there's an old street in the middle of Tokyo t...
Hakone Shrine: Home of the Nine-Headed Serpent
The mountains of Hakone have been worshipped for at least 2,500 years. Hakone Shrine venerates the three most important deities of the region: two legendary ancestors of the Japane...
Il Miraggio: Buffet Lunch in Hakone
If you're looking for a bite while exploring the south side of Lake Ashi in Hakone, why not head to Il Miraggio on the bottom floor of the Hakone Hotel? You can get a lovely view o...
Hakone Sekisho: Historical Checkpoint
The Hakone Sekisho was one of 53 checkpoints used by the Tokugawa Shogunate to maintain control over Japan's population. Now faithfully reconstructed, it makes for a pleasant visit...
Hakone Yosegi Zaiku: World of Woodcraft
Hakone 'yosegi zaiku' is a kind of woodworking technique typically used to make puzzle boxes with elaborate opening mechanisms. Not only do they make a great gift—at the Hakone Tri...
5 Cheap Shopping Stops Near Famous Japan Sites
Ginza, Omotesando and Shibuya are not the only places to shop in Japan. In some Tokyo suburbs, there are places worth a stop; outside Tokyo, you may just score even better deals!
Hakone Luxury: Toki no Yu Setsugetsuka
With two hot spring sources and a vibrant atmosphere, this luxury 'ryokan' in Hakone feels less like a quiet retreat than an exciting 'onsen' resort!
Samurai Snoopy & More at Pop-Up Peanuts Shop
Japanese-style Snoopy art exhibition celebrates 50 years of Peanuts in Japan.
Catch a Glimpse of 'Sakura' in the Winter
One popular cherry blossom viewing spot in Tokyo has transformed its riverside property into a sakura tree light display.
What's the Average Cost of Living in Japan?
So, how expensive is Japan really? Read on to find out the average cost of living in Japan in comparison to the US dollar and the UK pound sterling to see if a potential move to Ja...
Autumn Journey to Oku-Aizu on the Tadami Line
Operating between Aizu-Wakamatsu Station in Fukushima Prefecture and Koide Station in Niigata Prefecture from 1971, the Tadami Line treats passengers to peerless natural scenery dr...
Fabulous Fall Foliage in Geibikei Gorge
Geibikei Gorge, located in the city of Ichinoseki, Iwate Prefecture, has two famous valleys: Geibikei and Genbikei. While the names of the valleys are similar, each has its own uni...
Things to Do Around Hakone-Yumoto Station
Visitors to Hakone have to change trains at Hakone-Yumoto Station, meaning you always have a bit of time to kill. With temples, forest adventures, souvenir shopping and the Eva sto...
Torigin: Good Eats South of Odawara Station
If you're looking for a good meal around Odawara Station, head a block and a half southeast to Torigin, which focuses on 'yakitori' skewers and 'kama-meshi'—rice, meat and vegetabl...
Odawara Castle: Last Stand of the Old Order
Located just south of Tokyo, Odawara Castle was known as an impregnable fortress—until it was taken down by a party!
Finding Bargains in Kanto's Posh Neighborhoods
Japan has 'shotengai,' or shopping streets, where you can find most anything, including food, kimono, gifts, home items, novelty goods, clothes, shoes and what have you. While 'sho...
Mars GardenWood: Get a Fuji View in Gotemba
MarsGardenWood Gotemba is a resort hotel located to the southeast of Mount Fuji, with many of the rooms offer direct views of Japan's signature mountain.
