Muji Huts Are Back & Ready for Purchase
Previously only available to other businesses, these tiny Muji homes can now be purchased by anyone.
Sing & Learn the Names of Japanese Stations
Rock to the beat of station names and level up your knowledge of Japan’s railway system while you’re at it.
Noge: Yokohama's Hub for Cheap Drinks
With some 500 drinking establishments just 10 minutes south of Minato Mirai, the Noge area is 'the' spot to hit for a cheap drink in Yokohama.
Top 10 Museums as Chosen by Overseas Tourists
These collections of samurai armor, ancient artifacts and futuristic technology are sure to pique your interest.
Things to Do Around Hakone-Yumoto Station
Visitors to Hakone have to change trains at Hakone-Yumoto Station, meaning you always have a bit of time to kill. With temples, forest adventures, souvenir shopping and the Eva store, there's plenty to do while you wait!
Shin-Yokohama Raumen Museum
The Shin-Yokohama Raumen Museum is less a museum than a Disney-like experience of ramen!
Miyakobashi Shotengai: Tiny, Old-School Bars
If you're up for an adventure, head to this old-school drinking area for a spot of local culture in Yokohama.
Is Japan Boring Outside of Tokyo?
Tokyo certainly has charm and no one could doubt the convenience of living or staying in the major city. However, there’s so much more to see outside of Tokyo and I'm happy to give you a few examples... it’s literally my job to promote the entire country.
Il Miraggio: Buffet Lunch in Hakone
If you're looking for a bite while exploring the south side of Lake Ashi in Hakone, why not head to Il Miraggio on the bottom floor of the Hakone Hotel? You can get a lovely view of the lake—and, more importantly, build your own brownie sundae!
Hakone Sekisho: Historical Checkpoint
The Hakone Sekisho was one of 53 checkpoints used by the Tokugawa Shogunate to maintain control over Japan's population. Now faithfully reconstructed, it makes for a pleasant visit while in Hakone, offering a nice view of Mount Fuji on a clear day.
Torigin: Good Eats South of Odawara Station
If you're looking for a good meal around Odawara Station, head a block and a half southeast to Torigin, which focuses on 'yakitori' skewers and 'kama-meshi'—rice, meat and vegetables cooked in small metal pots.
Hacks for Dealing With Dietary Needs in Japan
The food in Tokyo, Osaka, Hokkaido and most anywhere in Japan might cause you to forget about your dietary restrictions. However, for those of us who cannot forego our diets due to health or religious reasons, these are our tips to dining to Japan.
Hakone Yosegi Zaiku: World of Woodcraft
Hakone 'yosegi zaiku' is a kind of woodworking technique typically used to make puzzle boxes with elaborate opening mechanisms. Not only do they make a great gift—at the Hakone Trick Museum you can even make one of your own!
A Stay in Yokohama Landmark Tower
Standing at 296.3 meters, Yokohama Landmark Tower was the tallest building in Japan when it opened in 1993. While its lower half is full of shops, restaurants and offices, the 49th to 70th floors are occupied by a five-star luxury hotel!
Glimpse the Artistic Side of Yokohama
One artistic taxi driver uses photography to capture the everyday poetry of his job.
Hakone Shrine: Home of the Nine-Headed Serpent
The mountains of Hakone have been worshipped for at least 2,500 years. Hakone Shrine venerates the three most important deities of the region: two legendary ancestors of the Japanese imperial line, and the goddess of Mount Fuji herself!
5 Cheap Shopping Stops Near Famous Japan Sites
Ginza, Omotesando and Shibuya are not the only places to shop in Japan. In some Tokyo suburbs, there are places worth a stop; outside Tokyo, you may just score even better deals!
Odawara Castle: Last Stand of the Old Order
Located just south of Tokyo, Odawara Castle was known as an impregnable fortress—until it was taken down by a party!
Huge Mural & Ancient Ceramics in Hakone
Marked by swanky design in the midst of Hakone's mountains, the Okada Museum of Art features an impressive collection of East Asian ceramics and varied Japanese art.
7 Samurai Spots in Tokyo & Surrounding Areas
Relive the Edo days with our selection of samurai-related spots in and near Tokyo... with two special bonuses!
