Japanese seasonal foods you can only get once a year Are you planning on navigating the trains and buses to eat at that restaurant that went viral for the noodles you catch with your chopsticks as they float down a stream in the middle of the table? Sadly, unless you’re in Japan between May andContinueContinue reading “Eat it now or you might miss it!”
Category Archives: New post
Sorry, that machine doesn’t work overtime
In Japan, working stiffs may not get much in the way of work-life balance, but machines sure do. Behold the off-duty vending machine! This pair is on the overnight ferry that travels between Ochiai and Hokkaido, and between the hours of 9:00 pm and 6:00 am, it’s impossible to buy a meal ticket for theContinueContinue reading “Sorry, that machine doesn’t work overtime”
Beyond sushi: All the fabulous dinner choices that aren’t raw fish
If you’re trying to persuade someone who’s balking at eating raw fish to come with you to Japan, here’s some delicious ammo. Contrary to popular opinion, sushi is a special occasion treat, not something Japanese people eat morning, noon and night. These are the foods that the natives have a hard time deciding between whenContinueContinue reading “Beyond sushi: All the fabulous dinner choices that aren’t raw fish”
How get tickets and visit the new Ghibli Park
Real-life Howl’s Moving Castle photo thanks to Helen Foster Not to be confused with the Ghibli Museum near Tokyo, this new Ghibli Park (near Nagoya) was built to offer a real-life immersive experience for fans of the Studio Ghibli anime movies. It’s five distinct worlds, each featuring life-sized environments from the films, so you canContinueContinue reading “How get tickets and visit the new Ghibli Park”
What’s the REAL reason swimsuits aren’t allowed in baths at Japanese inns?
Japanese traditional inns’ #1 anxiety-producing rule is without a doubt, “You must bathe nude with strangers.” Naturally, those who come from cultures where nakedness is seldom allowed outside of intimate situations* this just feels wrong. And no amount of online assurance that “nobody cares how you look” and judgey admonishment to “just get over yourContinueContinue reading “What’s the REAL reason swimsuits aren’t allowed in baths at Japanese inns?”
14 events nobody knows about that will go straight onto your bucket list
From firewalking to swooning over cars covered in bling, some of the most memorable reasons to come to Japan are the ones nobody knows about. Yet. Read on for fourteen of the best reasons to plan your trip so you don’t miss them! 1: The Midnight Fox Parade What it is: A festival that seesContinueContinue reading “14 events nobody knows about that will go straight onto your bucket list”
Can I wear shorts and tank tops in Japan?
I follow a lot of travel advice forums, and this question has been coming up a lot lately, as people make summer vacation plans. I’ll be the first to tell you that if you plan to be in Japan anytime between May and October, it’s going to be steamy. Not just hot, but humid inContinueContinue reading “Can I wear shorts and tank tops in Japan?”
Do I have to fill out the Visit Japan form online before I go?
No. That’s the short answer. For now. But it comes with a “but”… First of all, what is this damn form for? It’s for clearing Customs, not in lieu of showing your passport at Immigration. You still have to do that. TLDR: If you’re going to comply with the demand to fill out your customsContinueContinue reading “Do I have to fill out the Visit Japan form online before I go?”
Real foodies skip the Michelin stars and visit…a Japanese supermarket?
Forget the Michelin-starred restaurants—true Japanese food aficionados check out the wonders of Japanese supermarkets! I’m really not kidding—the first time I lived in Japan, I was struck speechless the first time I ventured into a grocery store. The produce was all so beautiful, it looked like a food stylist had chosen each spear of asparagusContinueContinue reading “Real foodies skip the Michelin stars and visit…a Japanese supermarket?”
How to make your own mini-me figure in Tokyo!
You may not realize how badly you need an incredibly lifelike model of yourself until you open that box and hold it in your hand, but suddenly it needs to be riding the Xmas train… posing for photos with your cherry blossom Lego set… and taking up residence in your library Do I have moreContinueContinue reading “How to make your own mini-me figure in Tokyo!”
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!”
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!”
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?!”
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”
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!”
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”
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”
How to get into Shinjuku Gyoen during cherry blossom season
If you’re in Tokyo to see the cherry blossoms, there’s no place bigger and better and pinker than Shinjuku Gyōen National Garden. The problem is, everybody and their brother knows that, so now you have to book a time slot in advance to get in. If you’re a buttoned-up planner who is adept at navigatingContinueContinue reading “How to get into Shinjuku Gyoen during cherry blossom season”
Tips & tricks for maximum fun at the new TeamLab Borderless
Hi, it’s me, Jonelle. The TeamLab Borderless Digital Museum is the hottest ticket in Tokyo right now, but it’s also the great grandaddy of FOMO. There are no maps, and it’s designed to get you turned around so you “discover” instead of beelining to the thing you’re dying to see. The new Azabudai Hills siteContinueContinue reading “Tips & tricks for maximum fun at the new TeamLab Borderless”
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”
How to pick a hotel in Tokyo and book it yourself online
I’m not going to recommend specific hotels because your budget and travel plans are unique to you, but here’s how you should pick a place to stay in Tokyo. How to check out the options and book your hotel by yourself online The best way to see all the options is to do a GoogleContinueContinue reading “How to pick a hotel in Tokyo and book it yourself online”
Where do I get a visitor transit card at Haneda Airport?
Regular PASMO, Suica and ICOCA transit cards are available again at all train station ticket machines, but if you buy a temporary visitor transit card when you arrive at the airport, it won’t cost you the ¥500 non-refundable deposit and can be reloaded for 28 days from the date of purchase. OR If you haveContinueContinue reading “Where do I get a visitor transit card at Haneda Airport?”
How to put a Japanese transit card on your phone
This is an easy way to buy a transit card. You can do it from home before you leave and use your regular credit card to charge it These instructions are for iPhone, but if you don’t have an iPhone, put your transit card in Google Wallet, not Google Pay. Here’s how to add aContinueContinue reading “How to put a Japanese transit card on your phone”
How to buy and use a transit card
If you’re flying into Osaka/Kyoto or points west, you can buy an ICOCA reloadable transit card at any train station; if you fly into Tokyo, you can buy a Suica or Pasmo reloadable card at any train station. All these cards can be used all over Japan for the local trains and buses (but notContinueContinue reading “How to buy and use a transit card”
The best places to see fluttering fish flags in Tokyo
🎏 Unexpectedly stumbling across a whole bunch of koi nobori fluttering in the wind is one of Japan’s great delights, but if you’d rather not be saying “Hey, wait, why didn’t I know about those?” here’s where to see the best ones in Tokyo! These are the ones at Tokyo Tower Children’s Day is onContinueContinue reading “The best places to see fluttering fish flags in Tokyo”
What NOT to do in Tokyo: The top ten overrated experiences (and what to do instead)
I like to keep things positive around here, but I just scanned the umpteenth itinerary forwarded to me by a coming-to-Japan friend, and I can’t believe that trip planners keep sending people to do this stuff! If yours tries to sell you a plan with these destinations on it,* send them back to the drawingContinueContinue reading “What NOT to do in Tokyo: The top ten overrated experiences (and what to do instead)”
Setagaya Boroichi, the most legendary flea market in Tokyo
The Setagaya Boroichi is the grand old lady of Tokyo flea markets. It’s so ancient and so revered, in fact, it holds Intangible Cultural Treasure status! On December 15-16 and again on January 15-16, it fills every street and alleyway for BLOCKS In classic style, there is loads of crap studded liberally with actual finds. From lacquerContinueContinue reading “Setagaya Boroichi, the most legendary flea market in Tokyo”
How to do the right thing at shrines and temples in Japan
Shrines and temples aren’t just for snapping nice pix – there’s serious specialized goodness to be gotten from throwing a coin to the proper powers-that-be! Here’s how to take advantage of the local supernatural beings’ odd specialties, and do it right: First: Wash your hands It’s polite to ritually purify yourself at the spring nearContinueContinue reading “How to do the right thing at shrines and temples in Japan”
Shrine or temple? The Quickie Guide
You’re craning your neck to see some gorgeous gold-leafed carving, and suddenly you’re overcome with traveler joy. “Isn’t this the most gorgeous…?” Uh oh. Shrine or temple? Because you know that temples are Buddhist and shrines are Shinto (and you don’t want to be that tourist) but which is which? Shrines and temples can both beContinueContinue reading “Shrine or temple? The Quickie Guide”
Tokyo’s best-kept shopping secrets: The Shimojima gift, paper & packaging emporium
I used to drag everyone who came to visit me to Ito-ya, the legendary 9-floor stationery shop in Ginza. But when they renovated and got rid of 90% of their merchandise, turning it into an over-designed boutique selling expensive stuff nobody needs, I had to fill the aching hole in my heart with a newContinueContinue reading “Tokyo’s best-kept shopping secrets: The Shimojima gift, paper & packaging emporium”
Hacking Leaf Season: Beat the crowds & duck those peak prices
Thinking about taking an autumn trip to Japan? Dreaming of strolling through divine gardens bursting with red maples, and serene temples robed in fall leaves? I’m with you: it’s totally my favorite time to be here – not beastly hot nor shiveringly cold, with plenty of upworthy photo ops everywhere – but you may be dismayedContinueContinue reading “Hacking Leaf Season: Beat the crowds & duck those peak prices”
Be sure to pack these because you can’t get them in Japan
Japan is stuffed with (mostly) more and better goods than anywhere in the world, but there are a couple of things you should definitely bring with you, if you think you’ll need them: Deodorant/antiperspirant They do sell something they call “deodorant” but it’s basically perfume. Antiperspirants aren’t sanctioned by the Japanese version of the FDA,ContinueContinue reading “Be sure to pack these because you can’t get them in Japan”
Jonelle Patrick writes about Japan 