How to get into Tokyo from Narita airport

Narita airport must get the worldwide prize for being farthest from the city it serves. Seriously, what the heckin’ heck were they thinking? But sadly, there’s no time to move it before you come. Depending on how much luggage you have, where you’re staying, and how much you want to spend, here are the optionsContinueContinue reading “How to get into Tokyo from Narita airport”

How & where to get cash in Japan

Nothing is more mortifying than hearing that the restaurant where you just ate the best lunch ever doesn’t take credit cards… Credit card use is spreading, but outside the big cities (and also in more traditional Tokyo neighborhoods), many small stores and restaurants are still cash only, so it’s a good idea to carry enoughContinueContinue reading “How & where to get cash in Japan”

How to buy & use a train card

You can go anywhere in Tokyo with only a short walk at either end. Subways and trains are used by everyone from schoolchildren to corporate bosses because they’re by far the best way to get around Tokyo. Taking a taxi is expensive and slow because Tokyo is huge and the streets are usually choked with traffic.ContinueContinue reading “How to buy & use a train card”

How big is Tokyo?

It’s hard to plan a trip to somewhere before you know how big it is and how hard it will be to get around. Scroll down to see Tokyo’s main subway line superimposed on your city’s map! Anyone who wants to be somewhere on time in Tokyo takes the train. They’re not just frequent andContinueContinue reading “How big is Tokyo?”

Great stuff to do in Tokyo for FREE!

Tokyo doesn’t have to be expensive. There are super fun free things to do all over the place, if you just know where to look. Shrines and temples dish up quirky specialties and entertaining festivals, parks put on seasonal flower extravaganzas (year-round, not just in cherry blossom season!) and wandering through the right stores isContinueContinue reading “Great stuff to do in Tokyo for FREE!”

Hi, I’m Jonelle Patrick

So glad our paths have crossed! I’m the author of five mysteries set in Japan. In addition to The Last Tea Bowl Thief and the Only In Tokyo mystery series, I produce the monthly newsletter Japanagram and blog at Only In Japan. I also teach at writing workshops, appear as a panelist at Thrillerfest, and was the keynote speaker at the ArrowContinueContinue reading “Hi, I’m Jonelle Patrick”