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”
Category Archives: Excursions
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”
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”
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”
Bigtime cherry blossoms, small town crowds
Everyone who comes to Japan for cherry blossom season flocks to the top spots in Tokyo for good reason—they’re spectacular. Which means they’re also spectacularly crowded. But guess what? Locals know that just an hour away in Kamakura, you can see jaw-dropping pinkness and gorgeous blooming views at the most entertaining shrines and temples inContinueContinue reading “Bigtime cherry blossoms, small town crowds”
Seven Perfect Days in Tokyo: Destination combos that work together
Here are seven ways to hit all your must-see Tokyo attractions, then discover the other incredible things to see nearby! • Quick “7 Perfect Days” navigation buttons, if you already know where you’re going • Perfect Day #1Art Aquarium, only-in-Japan theater, shopping gold & the world’s best coffee Start at Art Aquarium, then roam to…TheContinueContinue reading “Seven Perfect Days in Tokyo: Destination combos that work together”
Jonelle Patrick writes about Japan 