What's the Average Cost of Living in Japan?
So, how expensive is Japan really? Read on to find out the average cost of living in Japan in comparison to the US dollar and the UK pound sterling to see if a potential move to Japan is within your budget!
Walk in the Footsteps of Queens & Presidents
The State Guest House, also known as the Akasaka Palace, is a neo-baroque palace just east of Shinanomachi Station in central Tokyo. It's hosted everyone from Gerald Ford and Queen Elizabeth to Donald Trump.
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.
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!
10 Shockingly Cheap Tokyo Ramen Shops
Trying to find a ramen bowl that’s in-budget, but still mouth-wateringly delicious can be frustrating.
12 Amazing Mountains in Japan's National Parks
Many of Japan's most beautiful mountains can be found in the nation's 34 national parks.
Stay in Shinagawa for Planes & Bullet Trains
Shinagawa Prince Hotel is located just west of Shinagawa Station, making it a popular stopover hotel for people on their way into or out of Tokyo.
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!
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.
Tsukishima Monja Street
If you're looking for a Tokyo specialty food, 'monjayaki' is it. And if you're looking to get it, Tsukishima is the place to go!
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!
Catch a Glimpse of 'Sakura' in the Winter
One popular cherry blossom viewing spot in Tokyo has transformed its riverside property into a sakura tree light display.
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.
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!
The 21 Best Places to See Mount Fuji
We take a stab at answering the perennial question, 'Where can I get the best view of Mount Fuji?' Here are our 21 best answers.
Samurai Snoopy & More at Pop-Up Peanuts Shop
Japanese-style Snoopy art exhibition celebrates 50 years of Peanuts in Japan.
30 Stunning Flowers in Japan's National Parks
From June hydrangeas to September spider lilies, here are 30 reasons for flower fans to fall in love with Japan's 34 flower-filled national parks!
Top 5 Shopping Streets in Tokyo
While you can stay home and do online shopping until your fingers fall off, some of the best deals to be had are out on the streets. Here are five of the best shopping streets in Tokyo, offering you everything you could ever need in the big city.
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.
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!
