The temptation is nearly unbearable, but… You wouldn’t be here if you weren’t a good Japan traveler, so you already know to take off your shoes off outside the door, you wouldn’t dream of eating and drinking while walking around, and the last thing you’d ever do is get on a train while blabbing onContinueContinue reading “Don’t accidentally do these five things that drive Japanese locals crazy”
Author Archives: Jonelle Patrick
Great things to do in August
More Lotus Flowers Lotus season continues, and here are the best places to see lotus flowers, including rare varieties found nowhere else and a garden grown from 2,000-year-old seeds. Tell me more! • Lotus Festival at Sankei-en Garden Continues This must-see festival for lotus-lovers continues through early August. You’ll be delighted by the Sankei-en volunteers,ContinueContinue reading “Great things to do in August”
Hōkoku-ji Temple
The Bamboo Temple This Kamakura temple is a must-see for its towering bamboo forest, its exquisite garden-like grounds, and its teahouse, where you can enjoy a delicious bowl of mattcha while contemplating the gently-swaying bamboo. Lovely in every season, it’s a particularly welcome destination in the summer months when the bamboo dials the temperature downContinueContinue reading “Hōkoku-ji Temple”
Sankei-en Garden
Worth seeing in any season Sankei-en is a huge garden with many nooks and crannies to explore, including some famous historical buildings and a venerable cedar pagoda. It’s got respectable flower displays in every season, but the best time to be there is July and August, when it opens early for lotus flower viewing. ThisContinueContinue reading “Sankei-en Garden”
TeamLab Borderless
If you see nothing else while you’re in Tokyo, see this. No one in the world creates digital environments as rich and immersive as TeamLab, and wandering through this ever-changing kaleidoscope of digital wonders is entertaining for far longer than most museums, because it feels like you never step into the same river twice. TeamLab’s BorderlessContinueContinue reading “TeamLab Borderless”
Korakuen Area
The Korakuen neighborhood is a great mix of venerable and modern entertainment, from the quirky thrills of Japanese baseball to a centuries-old stroll garden to an amusement park with a roller coaster that zooms right through a skyscraper. It’s an especially good place to go in June for the iris garden, anytime from April throughContinueContinue reading “Korakuen Area”
Kappabashi Street
Fake food that looks so real it’ll make you hungry! Come for the plastic sushi, stay for the worlds’ sharpest knives! Kappabashi Street is where Tokyo restaurants find everything they need, from super-realistic mugs of beer to gorgeous bowls from Japan’s best kilns. Whether you’re in the market for a stag beetle cookie cutter orContinueContinue reading “Kappabashi Street”
Sengaku-ji Temple
You know the story of the 47 samurai who avenged their lord, then were all ordered to commit ritual suicide? You can see the movie anywhere in the world, but visiting the place where the REAL 47 rōnin are buried is something you can only do in Japan! If you want to see a pieceContinueContinue reading “Sengaku-ji Temple”
Nihon Minka-en Thatch-Roofed Farmhouses
The Nihon Minka-en (Japan Open Air Folk Museum) is an excellent only-in-Japan excursion, and one of Tokyo’s best-kept secrets. Why make the big schlep and fight the crowds at Shirakawago when you can stroll through 23 different thatch-roofed houses less than an hour outside central Tokyo? The Nihon Minka-en is a beautiful park set upContinueContinue reading “Nihon Minka-en Thatch-Roofed Farmhouses”
Koshinzuka Street Market
Walking along Koshinzuka Street is like taking a step back in time. This area is sometimes called “the grandma and grandpa’s Harajuku” because it sells goods geared toward the over-60 set and lots of stuff that hasn’t been available in the rest of Tokyo for years. The best time to go is on days thatContinueContinue reading “Koshinzuka Street Market”
The Tokyo Toilets
Have your own perfect day exploring the seventeen amazing toilets designed by famous architects that were featured in the Wim Wenders film “Perfect Days.” If you want to see the transparent ones turn opaque when you flip the lock on the door, go between April and October, when the weather is warm enough for theContinueContinue reading “The Tokyo Toilets”
Odaiba Area
Odaiba is a man-made island out in Tokyo Bay, and it’s home to the kind of experiences you’ll definitely tell your friends about when you get home. Its only-in-Japan indoor entertainments like the Trick Art Museum, Legoland, TeamLab Planets and Small Worlds Miniatures Museum are especially attractive when it’s hot or rainy out, because they’ll mesmerize youContinueContinue reading “Odaiba Area”
The Tokyo Trick Art Museum
If you’re looking for an unforgettable only-in-Japan experience that most people who come to Japan have never heard of, get thee to the Tokyo Trick Art Museum! Not only will you go home with the most excellent vacation snaps ever, I guarantee you’ll have tons of fun doing it. This is the best place toContinueContinue reading “The Tokyo Trick Art Museum”
Only-in-Japan Experiences
There are some things that just defy description, and nowhere leaves visitors at a loss for words like Japan. Pretty much everything in The Tokyo Guide I Wish I’d Had is something you can only see, eat, or do in Japan, but here are some experiences that might not be on your radar… • TakeContinueContinue reading “Only-in-Japan Experiences”
Great things to do in July
Edogawa Goldfish Festival A grand goldfish festival takes place in Edogawa every July, and it’s an amazing opportunity to experience Japan’s iconic meme for dashed hopes for yourself, as well as marvel at exotic goldfish varieties and pick up some choice swag. Tell me more! Search term: Edogawa goldfish festival, kingyo matsuri Edogawa • FloatingContinueContinue reading “Great things to do in July”
Yushukan Museum
The Yasukuni Shrine grounds are home to an extensive WWII museum, with a fascinating collection of artifacts, weapons and memorabilia from the Japanese side. It’s easy to spend a few hours here, especially if it’s hot or rainy outside. The Yushukan is arranged as a timeline that starts long before the war, detailing events inContinueContinue reading “Yushukan Museum”
Yayoi-Yumeji Museum
This museum is a hybrid that exhibits several collections in various combinations, revolving around the work of Taisho Period artist Takahisa Yumeji. If you love Jazz Age art and fashion—the period when age-old Japanese traditions were shook up by contact with Western ideas—you’ll love the Yayoi-Yumeji Museum. It’s two museums in one—the Yayoi collection ofContinueContinue reading “Yayoi-Yumeji Museum”
Ueshima Museum
Works by Lauren Quin and Annie Morris This new museum near Shibuya’s hip Miyashita Park is home to a collection that’s an extremely satisfying romp through a who’s who of international modern art, with a special focus on young Japanese artists bursting onto the world stage. An especially nice place to spend some time whenContinueContinue reading “Ueshima Museum”
Tomo Museum
The Tomo Museum showcases artists taking traditional techniques in whole new directions, and the way they exhibit each piece is a work of art in itself. It’s an especially nice place to visit on a hot or rainy day. This is the most spectacular ceramics museum in Japan. The galleries are designed to frame manyContinueContinue reading “Tomo Museum”
Tobacco & Salt Museum
The collections of smoking paraphernalia on the Tobacco floor are pure amusement gold. These two are my personal faves Don’t bother going to the Tobacco & Salt Museum unless you love being surprised by hilarious collections of smoking paraphernalia, weird things made from salt, and a gift shop that will satisfy the souvenir needs ofContinueContinue reading “Tobacco & Salt Museum”
Small Worlds Miniature Museum
This sprawling homage to Japanese modelmaking art is both amusing and amazing! It goes without saying it’s got trains that run through vast, detailed scenes, but it’s also got planes that fly, rockets that launch, and anime worlds that come to life. As an added bonus, you can commission a 3-D version of yourself fromContinueContinue reading “Small Worlds Miniature Museum”
National Museum of Nature & Science
Not just for kids! You might not think a natural history museum is a must-see when there are so many only-in-Japan things to do, but you’ll thank me for telling you about the All Things Japanese wing at the National Museum of Nature & Science! From mighty indigenous bugs, to ancient people mannequins with aContinueContinue reading “National Museum of Nature & Science”
The Mingeikan: Japan Folk Art Museum
Objects in this museum’s collection expanded the concept of “art” to include items that are useful as well as beautiful. The Mingeikan—a museum dedicated to the Japanese Mingei Movement of the 1920s—literally means “Museum of the Peoples’ Art.” Their collection celebrates objects used in everyday life which have been honed to perfection (and beauty) byContinueContinue reading “The Mingeikan: Japan Folk Art Museum”
Yayoi Kusama Museum
Some of the famous pumpkins This dedicated Kusama Museum is the place to see all things Yayoi Kusama—the iconic pumpkins, the brilliant canvases & and an infinity room—all in one place. It’s an especially great place to visit on a hot or rainy day. Yayoi Kusama might be the most well-known (and eccentric) modern artistContinueContinue reading “Yayoi Kusama Museum”
Kokugakuin University Museum
Various animal figures, late Kōfun Period, 6th Century Kokugakuin University was founded by the imperial family with the mission to study the origins of the Japanese people and their beliefs, and this museum is the premier place to see excellently displayed artifacts, from those dating back over 15,000 years (the dawn of Japanese cuteness culture!)ContinueContinue reading “Kokugakuin University Museum”
Hoki Museum
This is not a photograph. The Hoki Museum houses the finest collection of Realist art in Japan—maybe in the world—and not only do they display the stunningly huge and lifelike works in their collection, they commission new works from artists around the globe and are the first to exhibit them. It’s an especially great placeContinueContinue reading “Hoki Museum”
Fukagawa-Edo Museum
The Fukagawa-Edo Museum is a life-size town, complete with shops, homes & treasure storehouse that have been recreated down to the last detail. It’s an especially great place to visit on a hot or rainy day. Are you ready for a little time travel? One step inside this shitamachi museum, and we’ll find ourselves in theContinueContinue reading “Fukagawa-Edo Museum”
Artizon Museum
It’s not just the art that’s worth seeing at the Artizon Museum, it’s the way it’s presented. From unique curating ideas that surprise you by shwoing familiar masterpieces from a new perspective to galleries that invite you to see more, come closer, and think differently, don’t miss seeing whatever is on display while you’re inContinueContinue reading “Artizon Museum”
Ueno Area
Ueno is the heart of “Old Tokyo,” where a vast park hosting venerable museums and thousands of sacred lotus exists side by side with busy artisans and merchants doing what they’ve been doing best for centuries Why do guidebooks send people to Ueno for all the wrong reasons? For example, if you go during cherry blossomContinueContinue reading “Ueno Area”
Shinagawa Aqua Park
This indoor entertainment park is so much more than just an aquarium. Part immersive digital wonderland, part aqua showcase, part zoo, it offers cute animals, dolphin shows and even an amusement park ride! It’s an especially great place to visit on a hot or rainy day. The first galleries are a collaboration with digital artistsContinueContinue reading “Shinagawa Aqua Park”
TeamLab Planets
Planets is more sensory than the other digital environments TeamLab is famous for, so get read to encounter living plants, interactive mirrored scmoos and a wading pond stocked with digital koi and blooming flowers! It’s an especially nice escape from the heat and rainy days of summer. Come prepared to give up your shoes andContinueContinue reading “TeamLab Planets”
Ikebukuro Area
Let’s wander through a faux Meiji Era town eating savory Japanese dumplings at Gyoza Stadium, check out the spooky streets and weird ice cream, then roam around the LABI electronics superstore to see all the strange toys and appliances! It’s an especially good place to spend a few hours if it’s near Halloween or hot or rainy outside.ContinueContinue reading “Ikebukuro Area”
Ginza
The delights on display in the department store food halls make it nearly impossible to choose Ginza’s fancy shopping reputation is the least interesting thing about this neighborhood that’s also home to an eye-popping goldfish aquarium, a primo kabuki theater, food halls that put Harrod’s to shame, and the prefectural shops that sell best-of-their-kind specialitiesContinueContinue reading “Ginza”
Deal with rainy summer days the only-in-Japan way!
If you’re in Tokyo anytime from mid-June through July, chances are you’ll have the, uh, privilege of experiencing the traditional Japanese season known as tsuyu: the rainy season. (And since Japan is in the Asian monsoon belt, that means hot and rainy.) But the Japanese have been coping with steamy summer days for centuries, soContinueContinue reading “Deal with rainy summer days the only-in-Japan way!”
Great things to do in June
More Irises The first week of June is still a fantastic time to gaze at purple seas of iris, including those in a secret garden that’s only open to the public during iris season. Here are the the best iris gardens in Tokyo. Tell me more! • Mt. Takao Beer Garden Not only is aContinueContinue reading “Great things to do in June”
Kyu-Furukawa Garden
Kyu-Furukawa garden is a fascinating mix of before and after Japan opened to the West in 1868, with a jewel of a Japanese garden seamlessly integrated with a European-style rose garden and Meiji Era mansion. Especially nice in June when the roses are in bloom, and in November for autumn leaf season. This garden surroundsContinueContinue reading “Kyu-Furukawa Garden”
Hasedera Temple
This temple is known for its gigantic golden Kannon figure, but it’s also got a winding path guarded by a thousand stone Jizo figures, an underground grotto, a magnificent prayer wheel, and is a must-see in June for its hydrangea garden. Kamakura is stuffed with entertaining shrines and temples, but Hasedera is the only oneContinueContinue reading “Hasedera Temple”
Flower extravaganzas of Japan: Way beyond cherry blossoms!
At the Ashikaga Flower Park Cherries, schmerries, everyone crowds in to see the fluffy pink things, but they aren’t the only flower extravaganza to see in Japan! Not only will your friends be green with envy when you show them photos of these beauties, you’ll skip the jostling crowds and high-season prices. • Plum blossomsContinueContinue reading “Flower extravaganzas of Japan: Way beyond cherry blossoms!”
Great things to do in May
More Wisteria These magnificent beauties continue to bloom into the first week in May. Here’s where to see the best wisteria in Tokyo. • Childrens’ Day Childrens’ Day (used to be called Boys’ Day): Fish flags known as koi nobori traditionally fluttered outside the doors of every family with sons, in the hope their childrenContinueContinue reading “Great things to do in May”
Nezu Museum
The Nezu Museum’s motto ought to be “small, but choice” because its high-quality exhibitions and the garden that surrounds it aren’t huge, but are always worth seeing. Its permanent collection is famous for its Japanese swords and the Cultural Treasure iris screen painted by Kōrin, which is exhibited every May. Famous Japanese architect Kengo Kuma’sContinueContinue reading “Nezu Museum”
Kiyosumi Teien Garden
This garden is the most undiscovered jewel in Tokyo, and a stroll around its serene pond is calming at any time of year. Designed as a green oasis, there are still a few floral surprises hidden away. If you venture into the back garden in May, that’s where they keep the irises tucked away… ThisContinueContinue reading “Kiyosumi Teien Garden”
Koshikawa Koraku-en Garden
Koshikawa Koraku-en garden is absolutely beautiful in every season. It’s most famous for its iris garden in late May to early June, but it’s also grand in February for the plum blossoms, late March to mid-April for the cherries, late April to early May for the wisteria, and for its autumn leaves in November. ThisContinueContinue reading “Koshikawa Koraku-en Garden”
Noooo! Why is it CLOSED?!
There’s nothing more disappointing than flying all the way to Japan, navigating the trains, and hiking to the pin on your map,* only to discover that something you really want to see is CLOSED! Here’s what locals know about when things are open and when they’re not. 1 The 30-Minute Rule Most places don’t allowContinueContinue reading “Noooo! Why is it CLOSED?!”
Great things to do in April
More Cherry Blossoms The classic clouds of pale pink somei yoshino sakura end the first week in April, but the late-blooming varieties burst into bloom the second week, hitting their peak mid-April. Here are the best places to see late-blooming cherries in Tokyo • Tulip Festival at Showa Kinen Park I know. It doesn’t lookContinueContinue reading “Great things to do in April”
Nishiarai Daishi Temple
Nishiarai Daishi is a grand Buddhist temple with all the trimmings—a great place to see all the holiday celebrations, but especially fabulous in February when the plum blossoms burst forth, in April when its renowned peony garden comes into bloom, and in late April to early May when its giant wisteria unfurls its meter-long purpleness.ContinueContinue reading “Nishiarai Daishi Temple”
Ni-no-Maru Imperial Gardens
Amazing flower displays…without the crowds! Ni-no-Maru is part of the Imperial Palace East Gardens, and although there are finer and larger gardens to visit most of the year, you will never forget it your whole life long if you see it in April, which the azaleas are in bloom! I didn’t discover this hidden gemContinueContinue reading “Ni-no-Maru Imperial Gardens”
Roppongi Area
Roppongi is best known for sketchy nightlife, but it also offers a couple of provocative museums, a must-see art night, cherry blossoms from mid-March to mid-April, a fine display of koi nobori carp flags from mid-April to May 5th, and some of the best winter illuminations in Tokyo from late November through December. Most visitorsContinueContinue reading “Roppongi Area”
Kamiyacho Area
Kamiyacho is home to Tokyo Tower, an ancient temple with hundreds of cheerful Jizo figures holding spinning pinwheels, and the must-see TeamLab Borderless digital wonderland. If you see nothing else while you’re in Tokyo, see the Borderless immersive digital environment. It’s truly a world without horizons, constantly changing and unfolding around you. From interactive waterfalls…ContinueContinue reading “Kamiyacho Area”
Kameido Tenjin Shrine
For centuries, this shrine has been so famous for its wisteria that Hiroshige featured it in his “One Hundred Famous Views of Edo” woodblock prints. Best times to visit are January for the Bullfinch Festival, mid-February to early March for plum blossoms, late April to early May for the grand wisteria, and November to seeContinueContinue reading “Kameido Tenjin Shrine”
Yanaka Area
Cats are the unofficial mascot of Yanaka, one of the quirkiest (and undiscovered) Old Tokyo neighborhoods. It’s filled with traditional shops, shrines and temples, and is a must-visit in April, when the Nezu Shrine’s can’t-believe-your-eyes azaleas are in bloom. The shrine also puts on a lively celebration of New Year’s in January, and celebrates theContinueContinue reading “Yanaka Area”
Jonelle Patrick writes about Japan 