Thomas Shiozaki
How Are Men's & Women's Kimono Different?
While traditional Japanese clothing may look the same to the average person, there are some variances between men's and women's kimono. See if you can spot some of the differences.
'Hanami' Manners Matter
Cherry Blossoms First Time in Japan
Don't want to be shamed on Japanese television for having poor manners while enjoying cherry blossoms? Here are the four rules you need to follow to avoid causing a small scandal.
The Historical Stores of Ginza
Ginza has been associated with wealth ever since a silver coin mint was established here early in the Edo Period. Quite a few old shops got their start here, making Ginza a great center for some historical shopping!
Legacy Brands From Elegant 'Shotengai' Ginza
Nowadays, you see Ginza full of Western brands, but before then it was just one relatively elegant shopping street, or 'shotengai.' This street has housed a few Japanese brands that became a legacy in their fields and still exist to this day.
Instagramable Shopping Street Kagurazaka
In the middle of Tokyo, there's a calm shopping street that is visited mainly by locals: Kagurazaka. Its photogenic stores have started to attract tourist attention and their camera snaps. Let us introduce you to our Insta-bae (Instagramable) selections!
Going Back in Time for Books at Jimbocho
After reading, book-loving locals usually sell their tomes back to second-hand bookstores so the books will find a new home. Luckily, there's an old street in the middle of Tokyo that has more than 100 stores dedicated to old books: Jimbocho.
Kitchen-Haven Kappabashi Has More Than Knives
Previously, we've published articles about buying knives in Kappabashi, but this 'shotengai' has more on offer than just cutlery! Let's take a tour together and see a sharper side of this shopping street.
Everyday Japanese Words Not in Your Textbook
Textbooks are essential to Japanese learning. But even if you memorized everything from your book and passed the N1 test, there's still a long road to mastering daily Japanese. Here are a few frequently used words that can add some magic to your Japanese!
Necessary Japanese Jargon for Dating Apps
Dating apps are getting more popular Japan, as it gives people easier access to find dates and meet new people. Just like everything else in Japan, there's lots of jargon hiding the true meaning. Here are some common terms we've decoded for you.
Save Money on Domestic Japan Flights With LCCs
It's no secret that transportation in Japan is expensive. With the trend of low-cost carriers (LCC) spreading all over the world, there are now more choices for cheap domestic flights. Here are some of the major LCCs that fly across Japan.
Visiting Japan Made Easier With Travel Hub Mix
As Japan prepares for the 2020 Olympic Games, many new facilities are being built, more signs are appearing in different languages and more tourist-friendly facilities are popping up. Let's take a look at one such service, Travel Hub Mix.
Seeing Stars in Kanazawa: Michelin 2-Star Tour
Ever since the Hokuriku Shinkansen started running, Kanazawa has been getting more exposure and attention among travelers local and foreign, including 'Michelin Guide' food inspectors.
Bring Home the Gold from Kanazawa
It's a long-standing Japanese social custom to buy souvenirs for friends and colleagues during your travels. And if you're visiting Kanazawa, here are the sweet treats you need to bring back, including gilded cake!
4 Great Day Trips from Kanazawa
Kanazawa is known for its gold, its historical streets and its top-ranked garden. It can also serve as a brilliant base for a number of incredible sights in the region!
Top 5 Regions to See Red Leaves in Japan
As the weather gets cooler, the time of the year for red autumn leaves approaches! While you might be looking for some good spots to spot leaves around Tokyo, why not step out of the capital to discover other nice areas for autumn colors around Japan?
Which Train Exit Should I Take?
Japan has some of the most complicated train systems in the world. But we're here to help you navigate even the busiest stations and find the most convenient way to your destination.
Which Is More Popular: Apple or Samsung?
Apple and Samsung have been fighting for market shares in every corner globally, with both of them having their own stronger markets. How's the competition looking Japan? It's not even close.
The 4 Most Powerful Clans of Early Japan
Japan's Heian Period was dominated by four clans known collectively as Gem-pei-to-kitsu. These clans produced countless famous officials and warriors, and have even influenced Japan all the way to the present day.
4 Japanese Confectionery Trends in Fall 2017
Similar to fashion, Japanese sweets have seasonality and trends. As autumn kicks in, let’s check out a few selections from the 2017 fall 'wagashi' collection.
4 Awesome Fireworks Festivals Outside Tokyo
Tokyo may be the heart of Japan, but to see amazing fireworks this summer, you'll need to venture out of the capital.
