Thomas Shiozaki
The Storied History of the Yamanote Line
The Yamanote Line is Tokyo's, if not Japan's, most iconic rail line, and also one of its busiest. It's time for a special Yamanote trip—a journey through its past!
The Shinkansen Network in Japan
A visit to Japan is incomplete without some travel on the Shinkansen, Japan’s bullet train network. With a new line connecting Hokkaido, there isn’t a better time to see all of Japan in the blink of an eye!
Japan's Most Popular Train Passes
Japan's railway companies have created multitudes of passes to attract passengers, which can be confusing and off-putting at first to novice riders. Let's check out some of the passes so you'll be ready to ride the rails!
The Nintendo Revolution in the Good Old Days
Most of us probably had at least one product from Nintendo, and it’s time to travel back in time and visit the most popular ones.
4 Traditional Japanese Toys
Nowadays Japan has digital toys like PS4 and 3DS, but what were the popular toys that were widely played generations ago?
4 Essential Pieces of Ninja Gear
In the world of fiction, ninja climb like Spider-man and toss out weapons like they've got bottomless Bat-utility belts. But how much was real, and how much is modern embellishment? A look at their gear will help us find out!
4 'Alcoholic' Beverages with 0% Alcohol
'Nomyunication' (communication through drinking) is very important in Japanese society. But what if you're not good at drinking? No problem! Come check out these 0 percent alcohol alcoholic drinks!
Yamanashi Winery Day Trip
Katsunuma, a region in Yamanashi, is a wine powerhouse with 31 wineries producing 27 percent of Japanese wine each year! Come with us on a day trip of three distinct wineries.
The Changing Faces of Horoyoi
See if you can recognize some of the flavors and faces of Horoyoi!
Popular Imported Snacks in Japan
While Japan has its own sweets and snacks galore, a good number of overseas imports have made it big here as well. Let's check out the list!
5 Nostalgic 'Dagashi' Treats
Cheap 'dagashi' snacks were produced for a time when kids used to count their pocket money instead of their Facebook likes. And they're still kicking!
Luxury Uemura Cosmetics
While there are plenty of articles out there on how to get cheap cosmetics, there are also times when you just want to spend real money on one or two golden, premium products for your skin.
Hated Medicine as a Kid? These Might Help!
A number of day-to-day Japanese health products can make having a sick kid (or being one!) a little less awful.
6 Cool Japanese Words for Snow
Japan has more than 100 ways to describe snow. Here are six of the most interesting varieties!
5 Fun Otoshidama Envelopes
What's better than getting an envelope full of money at New Year's? How about a cool-looking envelope full of money!
How to Make it to the Office the Day After
We all like to eat and drink endlessly, but nobody likes a stomachache or a hangover. Here are four Japanese tricks for beating the post-party blaaaaghs.
Window-Shop Chic in Omotesando
Get your eyes and wallet ready for an elegant journey down Tokyo's top shopping street.
5 Ways to Identify Authentic Sushi
With sushi now popular the world over, it's easy to get your hands on a rice-and-raw-fish combo almost wherever you happen to be. But how can you tell if your restaurant of choice is the real deal?
