If you see nothing else while you’re in Tokyo, see this. TeamLab’s Borderless is back and better than ever. It’s truly a digital world without horizons, constantly changing and unfolding around you. It’s an especially excellent place to spend a few hours if it’s hot or rainy outside. The moment you enter through the Borderless Universe,ContinueContinue reading “TeamLab Borderless Digital Museum”
Author Archives: Jonelle Patrick
Shinjuku Area
Shinjuku is a neighborhood of contrasts, from the neon glow of the Kabukichō red light district on one hand, to the serene treescape and floral wonderland of Shinjuku Gyō-en National Garden on the other. The garden is especially worth a visit in February for the plum blossoms, mid-March through mid-April for every variety of cherryContinueContinue reading “Shinjuku Area”
Kamakura Day Trip
Kamakura is so close, it’s practically in Tokyo, and there’s no better day trip than seeing some of the most entertaining and unique shrines and temples in the country, all in one place. It’s especially excellent in late March – early April for the cherry blossom promenade down the center of town, in June forContinueContinue reading “Kamakura Day Trip”
Where to see the best cherry blossoms in Tokyo
Cherry blossoms at the Imperial Palace Chidorigafuchi Moat Map to all Cherry Blossom Spots First of all, what kind of cherry blossoms do you want to see? They bloom in four waves of different varieties, starting in mid-March with the dark pink kanzakura… Early-blooming cherries at Shinjuku Gyō-en then the weeping varieties bloom from mid-MarchContinueContinue reading “Where to see the best cherry blossoms in Tokyo”
Great things to do in March
More Plum Blossoms Eyepopping displays of plum blossoms continue to delight through mid-March. Here’s where to see the best plum blossom groves in Tokyo • Girls’ Day (Hina Matsuri) From mid-February through Mar 3 (the actual holiday), sacred doll sets are displayed in households with daughters. The town of Katsuura (an overnight trip from Tokyo)ContinueContinue reading “Great things to do in March”
Yamatane Museum
“Autumn Colors” by Kaii Higashiyama, photo courtesy of Google Art & Culture This is the place to see masterpieces of Japanese nihonga painting, from venerable to contemporary. Their collection of works painted with powdered gemstones is first-rate, and they curate shows that are both enlightening and enjoyable. Visit in March and April for their annualContinueContinue reading “Yamatane Museum”
Sato Sakura Museum
“Sakura River” by Ryo Date This museum doesn’t just collect works painted with powdered gemstones in traditional Japanese nihonga style, they commission new works too! It’s an especially excellent stop in late March to early April, when the cherry blossoms are blooming along the Meguro River outside the door. Situated just a block from theContinueContinue reading “Sato Sakura Museum”
Monzen-Nakachō Area
(Photo courtesy of Narita-san Fukakgawa Fudo temple website) The Monzen-Nakacho area isn’t mentioned on many must-go lists because most visitors don’t know about the neighborhood’s highly entertaining temple, the shrine that’s the birthplace of sumo wrestling, and (in late March to early April) one of the best hidden cherry blossom spots in Tokyo. This isContinueContinue reading “Monzen-Nakachō Area”
Showa Kinen Park
The journey out to Tachikawa Station to see Showa Kinen Park is well worth it, especially if you’ve got kids. There are many huge (and unique!) playgrounds, kilometers of bike paths, boat rentals, swimming pools, a Japanese garden with a bonsai collection, and the biggest flower displays in Tokyo. Especially worth seeing are the cherryContinueContinue reading “Showa Kinen Park”
Rikugi-en Garden
Serene in every season If you’re looking for the most Japanese garden of all time, that garden would be Rikugi-en. It not only has gorgeous views around every turn, it’s huge. Especially good times to visit are March for the weeping cherry tree, April for the azalea mountain, and November for the leaves. Rikugi-en isContinueContinue reading “Rikugi-en Garden”
Kudanshita Area
Kudanshita is home to the astonishing cherry blossom display at the Imperial Palace moat, as well as an annual amateur sumo tournament, a WWII museum like no other on earth, and Tokyo’s most controversial shrine. Don’t miss being in Kudanshita for: New Year’s festivities, the annual amateur sumo tournament at the beginning of April, cherryContinueContinue reading “Kudanshita Area”
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
There’s a reason that Shinjuku Gyoen is one of the most-visited gardens in Tokyo—there’s something spectacular happening all year long. One of the very best places to see cherry blossoms—from the very earliest bloomers in mid-March to the late-bloomers in mid-April—it’s also especially wonderful in February for plum blossoms and November for the unbelievable chrysanthemumContinueContinue reading “Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden”
Mt. Takao
Mt. Takao is still within Tokyo city limits, but it feels like a world away! You can ogle plum blossoms in February, walk across hot coals in March, hoist a cold one with a great view all summer, or hike and enjoy the monkey park any time of year. Climbing this mountain has its rewards!ContinueContinue reading “Mt. Takao”
Asakusa-bashi Area
Asakusa-bashi is the neighborhood where they sell the incredibly expensive dolls displayed on Girls’ Day, and also the home of quirky souvenir emporium Shimojima and many excellent beading and jewelry-making supply stores. It’s especially great to visit the doll stores in the month before Girls’ Day from mid-February to March 3. First, the doll stores!ContinueContinue reading “Asakusa-bashi Area”
What Japanese phrases should I learn before I go?
None. That’s right, none. Yikes, that seems super rude, right? Nobody wants to be the kind of clueless tourist who assumes all the world speaks English! But let’s imagine for a moment how trotting out those “useful Japanese phrases” you plan to memorize on the plane will play out… Imagine, if you will, a foreignContinueContinue reading “What Japanese phrases should I learn before I go?”
Great things to do in February
Setsubun On Feb 2-3, everyone celebrates Setsubun to usher in good luck for the new year. People dressed as demons are chased around and pelted with dried soybeans by everyone else, who are busy shouting things like, “Out with the bad luck, in with the good!” It’s also the holiday on which they sell bigContinueContinue reading “Great things to do in February”
Zojō-ji Temple
This temple is the subject of many woodblock prints and the burial place of seven shōguns. It’s a lovely place to see hundreds of Jizo figures with their colorful pinwheels and take a classic “ancient & modern” photo with Tokyo Tower, especially excellent at the major Buddhist holidays like New Year’s in January, Setsubun inContinueContinue reading “Zojō-ji Temple”
Hama-Rikyu Teien Garden
This garden is huge, with a teahouse on the big pond’s island where you can enjoy a bowl of tea. It’s a great place to visit any time of year, but especially eyepopping in February when the plum grove is in bloom, and in late March to early April for the cherry blossoms. Peonies andContinueContinue reading “Hama-Rikyu Teien Garden”
Yushima Shrine
I think the Yushima Shrine is the most beautiful shrine in Tokyo, and it’s especially worth seeing in February during plum blossom season and in November to celebrate the can’t-believe-your-eyes bonsai chrysanthemums. I love the Yushima shrine because it’s a fabulous example of Imperial shrines, which are built of unlacquered cedar with gold leaf detailing,ContinueContinue reading “Yushima Shrine”
Kyū Shiba-Rikyu Garden
This garden isn’t huge, but it’s choice. In any season, it’s one of the best places to take photos showing ancient and modern side by side in Japan, but it’s especially known for its plum blossoms in late February to early March, and its wisteria in late April to early May. Kyū Shiba-Rikyu Garden isContinueContinue reading “Kyū Shiba-Rikyu Garden”
Ikegami Honmon-ji Temple
Ikegami Honmon-ji is the major Nichren sect temple in Tokyo, and a great place to see all the big Buddhist festivals. It’s especially worth a visit in late February to mid-March, when its extensive plum garden is in bloom, and for the Oeshiki Ikegami Festival of 10,000 Lanterns in mid-October. This magnificent temple sacred toContinueContinue reading “Ikegami Honmon-ji Temple”
Jindai Botanical Gardens
This garden isn’t just beautifully designed for strolling, its flower displays in every season rival the cherry blossoms for sheer WOW. It’s most famous for the plum grove that begins to bloom in February, the cherry blossoms in March, its incredible display of azaleas in April, its wisteria in late April to early May, andContinueContinue reading “Jindai Botanical Gardens”
Asakusa Area
The Kaminari-mon (Thunder Gate) – gateway to Senso-ji temple and the Nakamise-dori shopping street This is where I take people on their first day in Tokyo. It’s everything you think Japan should be – traditional festivals, a secret garden, temples & more. It’s also a great place to see the big festivals during pretty muchContinueContinue reading “Asakusa Area”
Don’t let AI ruin your Japan trip!
This little piece of fiction is from FineArtAmerica My friend the amazing tour guide recently told me that getting his guests into the top sushi restaurant in Tokyo is no longer his biggest challenge—it’s breaking the news that cherry blossoms aren’t really that pink and their #1 must-see destination doesn’t exist. The thing is, everyoneContinueContinue reading “Don’t let AI ruin your Japan trip!”
Great things to do in January
Tell me more! Best shrines for enjoying the new year’s festivities: • Winter Illuminations Many of Tokyo’s fabulous free winter illuminations continue in the month of January, as well as the eye-popping paid illuminations at Tokyo Mega-Illumi, Yomiuriland, and Sagamiko. Tell me more! • Winter Sumo Tournament The Tokyo winter sumo tournament runs for 14ContinueContinue reading “Great things to do in January”
Nezu Shrine
The Nezu Shrine is a great place to see a pristine red and gold Shintō shrine and experience a lively celebration of New Year’s in January, as well as brilliant autumn leaves in November. What it’s most famous for, though, is its can’t-believe-your-eyes azalea display in April. Come for the beautiful red and gold shrine,ContinueContinue reading “Nezu Shrine”
Yasukuni Shrine
The shrine with a sumo ring! The most controversial shrine in Tokyo, the Yasukuni Shrine hosts festivals with all the trimmings in January, April, July and October. It’s also got a fascinating WWII museum, a lovely garden and an outdoor sumo amphitheater. This is a gorgeous, lively, maddeningly nationalistic, must-see Imperial shrine. Like the MeijiContinueContinue reading “Yasukuni Shrine”
Shibuya Area
Shibuya is a shopping paradise, home to my three favorite stores in Tokyo, that iconic scramble intersection, a thought-provoking museum, the famous Tokyo Toilets and an excellent skatepark. Even on Coming-Of-Age day, girls head over to Shibuya to party as soon as their family duties are over! The best time to see the famous ShibuyaContinueContinue reading “Shibuya Area”
Kanda Myōjin Shrine
How could the gods resist granting THESE prayers? The Kanda Myōjin shrine is in the heart of Akihabara—the cosplay, anime and video game heaven—so it’s no surprise that this is where manga artists pray for success! It’s also an excellent place to do some kimono-spotting in January and November on the traditional coming-of-age days. Sure,ContinueContinue reading “Kanda Myōjin Shrine”
Ryōgoku Area
Ryōgoku is home to two of the first things people think of when they hear the word “Japan”: sumo wrestling and woodblock prints. The Tokyo sumo tournaments happen for ten days every January, May and September. The sumo stadium is right next to Ryōgoku Station, and watching a sumo match is like nothing you’ve everContinueContinue reading “Ryōgoku Area”
When is the best time to come to Japan?
How to see Japanese festivals and events that most people missFrom today, I’ll be publishing a series of posts about destinations that are especially great to see in each month, with shout-outs to festivals, events, and places to see flower extravaganzas that are just as amazing as The Crowded Pink Season. Everyone thinks the bestContinueContinue reading “When is the best time to come to Japan?”
Where to see the strangest shrines in Tokyo
Some of the gods in residence at Tokyo’s shrines have hilarious and entertaining specialties! Oddly enough, many of these shrines sit on the grounds of venerable Buddhist temples. Japan’s indigenous Shintoism predates the arrival of Buddhism, and because Buddhist belief doesn’t require renouncing allegiance to other gods, they preserved the sites honoring the old godsContinueContinue reading “Where to see the strangest shrines in Tokyo”
Fun stuff to do in Tokyo when it’s HOT outside
Don’t let a little steamy weather keep you from having all the summer fun and seeing all the good stuff! There are plenty of only-in-Japan delights you can 100% enjoy and still keep your cool. Instead of groaning at the soaring temperatures, think yourself lucky you’re here for experiences and food that are only offeredContinueContinue reading “Fun stuff to do in Tokyo when it’s HOT outside”
Where to see the best koi nobori in Tokyo
The charming fish flags that celebrate the carp that climbed a waterfall to become a dragon used to only hang outside houses with sons from the middle of April until May 5th (now known as Childrens’ Day), but recently, thrillingly huge schools of them have begun to appear in the skies of Tokyo. When theContinueContinue reading “Where to see the best koi nobori in Tokyo”
The secret locals know about finding the best cherry blossoms in Tokyo
Yes, the Meguro River near Nakameguro Station is amazing, but… If you’re planning a trip to Japan, you’ve seen the pictures, done the research, checked the cherry blossom forecast, and planned your itinerary to make sure you see the best of the best at the peak of the pink. But if you spend all yourContinueContinue reading “The secret locals know about finding the best cherry blossoms in Tokyo”
Pink River Season: The cherry blossoms just keep on giving
This especially fine one is at a park in Kanazawa, but pink rivers are everywhere, once you start to look! Real cherry blossom hunters don’t just sigh and write a wistful haiku about the fleetingness of life when the petals begin to fall. Now it’s time to gear up for Pink River Season! Because asContinueContinue reading “Pink River Season: The cherry blossoms just keep on giving”
Just added: New destinations & travel tips
What’s new on The Tokyo Guide I Wish I’d Had • NEW DESTINATIONS • The Tokyo Toilets are all the public toilets lovingly cleaned by the main character in Wim Wenders’ film Perfect Days • They’re just public restrooms, but each is a masterpiece of the architect’s style and vision • Beautiful during the day AND lit upContinueContinue reading “Just added: New destinations & travel tips”
All things Disney
Photo: Japlanease, which is Helen Foster’s excellent Japan travel guide that explains ALL the nuts and bolts (and what they cost) I’m not going to pretend to know about Tokyo Disneyland or DisneySea. But I know it’s a major must-see for some travelers, so I’m going to send you to the greatest Disney authority IContinueContinue reading “All things Disney”
The Tokyo Toilets…with maps!
The quietly fascinating janitor in Wim Wenders’ Perfect Days cleans toilets for a living. But not just ANY toilets. If you spent every day in and out of the seventeen toilets designed by Japan’s most famous architects, your days might be perfect too! These toilets use innovative materials—some are made of clear glass that becomesContinueContinue reading “The Tokyo Toilets…with maps!”
Beyond Tokyo: Great only-in-Japan stuff to do in the rest of the country
I’m always telling people they should spend more time in Tokyo because HELLO UNKNOWN GOODNESS, but there are plenty of other places in Japan worth visiting too! You already know the obvious ones, so I’m going to show you some only-in-Japan spots where you’ll be astonished by the experience, not the crowds. MAP TO ALLContinueContinue reading “Beyond Tokyo: Great only-in-Japan stuff to do in the rest of the country”
Where to get the best foodie souvenirs in Tokyo
If you’re longing to bring home the amazing tastes of Japan to share with your nearest and dearest, you need to know about antenna shops! Many regional governments sponsor “antenna” outlets in Tokyo where they sell their most famous wares at the same price you’d pay if you visit the hometown maker. In one stop,ContinueContinue reading “Where to get the best foodie souvenirs in Tokyo”
Where to get a healing souvenir for your ailing loved one
If you have dear ones whose health you can’t stop thinking about—even while on your dream trip to Japan—why not bring back a healing gift to show how much you care? Japan has many healing shrines and temples—some specific, some general—and you need not be a practicing Buddhist or a Shinto believer to enjoy theContinueContinue reading “Where to get a healing souvenir for your ailing loved one”
How to make your own sea creature swim through TeamLab Borderless!
Did you know there’s a room at TeamLab Borderless where you can make your own sea creature and send it swimming through the museum? It’s really fun, it’s not just for kids, and it’s free for everyone with museum admission! Here’s how! When you enter the aquarium room, find the doorway leading into the sketchContinueContinue reading “How to make your own sea creature swim through TeamLab Borderless!”
How to find a traditional Japanese inn and book it yourself online
This is one of the the most luxurious inns I’ve ever stayed at—it’s Miyamasu Onsen in the town of Zao Onsen, in Yamagata So, you’ve asked yourself the question, “Is staying at a traditional Japanese inn heaven or hell?” and decided it’s an experience you can’t afford to miss. But how do you find the bestContinueContinue reading “How to find a traditional Japanese inn and book it yourself online”
What to do in Tokyo on a rainy day
You’ve got every precious day in Japan all planned out…then you wake up one morning and it’s raining. Here are some only-in-Japan things you can do on a rainy day that might deliver even more fun than what you thought you’d be doing today! MAP TO ALL DESTINATIONS • Only-in-Japan Aquariums If the word “aquarium”ContinueContinue reading “What to do in Tokyo on a rainy day”
Do you know about the currency converter on your iPhone calculator?
Today I learned that there’s a super handy currency converter built right into my iPhone! If you have iOS 18 or later, it’s in the calculator app. Here’s how to use it: See this button? Tapping it takes you to this: Toggle the “Convert” slider… and you’ll see this: You can change the currencies byContinueContinue reading “Do you know about the currency converter on your iPhone calculator?”
What museum shows are happening while you’re in Tokyo?
Here are links to the current exhibition schedules of all my favorite Tokyo museums in one place, so you can check what eye-popping art will be on display while you’re there! These are all great museums, but the ones with pictures are my personal only-in-Japan favorites. • ARTIZON MUSEUM Choice pieces of modern art byContinueContinue reading “What museum shows are happening while you’re in Tokyo?”
Nine must-see Tokyo museums you’ve never heard of
These only-in-Japan museums and galleries are smaller (and far less crowded) than the ones listed in every travel guide, but they offer a rich dive into Japanese culture, with exhibits that are thought-provoking and visually spectacular. Every single one is well worth spending time at! MAP TO ALL NINE MUSEUMS More great museums are onContinueContinue reading “Nine must-see Tokyo museums you’ve never heard of”
Best Summertime Playgrounds In Tokyo For Kids
It’s hot. It’s humid. If only you could just take off your shoes and wade into that inviting fountain in the park! Well, in Tokyo, you can. And so can your kids. Here are five FREE parks where you and your offspring can beat the summer heat. The first three of these are “splash parks”ContinueContinue reading “Best Summertime Playgrounds In Tokyo For Kids”
The OTHER cherry blossom seasons
These kanzakura cherries bloom a week to ten days before The Season cracks a bud Even the official cherry blossom forecasters have a hard time predicting the peak of the somei yoshino bloom, so you’re not alone if you guessed wrong. But failing to hit the precise moment for the fluffy pink variety has aContinueContinue reading “The OTHER cherry blossom seasons”
Jonelle Patrick writes about Japan 