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!”
Category Archives: Travel hacks
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?!”
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”
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”
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”
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”
Should I hire a guide in Japan?
People always ask me if they should get a guide in Japan or not, and it’s the one question that I can’t really answer for you! Here’s a quiz to help you figure out whether a Japanese-speaking guide will make your time in Japan a lot more enjoyable, or not. Do you like to seeContinueContinue reading “Should I hire a guide in Japan?”
Jonelle Patrick writes about Japan 