Japan

Tokyo is a Winter Shopping Paradise! 10 Popular Spots Recommended by Travelers (2019-2020 Edition)

Tokyo Station Gift Shops

It’s Christmas season in Japan and you need to pick up gifts for friends, family and coworkers. However, despite all the extravagant Christmas decorations splashed across the city and shopping areas, very few places actually sell Christmas related goods that could be given for stocking stuffers or holiday gifts. Most department stores sell high ticket items that may be over your budget and may lack originality as many shops sell the same items that are available all seasons. But, if you look hard enough and think outside the box, you might find some interesting, creative and much appreciated Christmas presents for your loved ones back home. We asked 10 international travelers and residents where they enjoy shopping in Japan during the Christmas season. These are some of their recommendations.

Come see this spectacular view only an hour away from Sapporo! Easy one-day sightseeing trip to the clear waters at Lake Shikotsu

Sapporo / Chitose Rivers, Lakes & Canyons
Nara Japan Itinerary: Top 5 Must-See Shrines and Incredible Temples in Japan's Ancient City

Nara, Ikoma, Tenri Shrines
Mouthwatering Ways to Start Your Day: 5 Perfect Morning Cafés Near Shibuya Station!

Shinjuku Other Restaurants
Fun in Tohoku and Akita: Most Popular Tourist Destinations

Surrounding Areas Of Akita Other Sightseeing
Spa Day in Kaminoyama Onsen: Hot Springs, Castle, Dining Tips & More!

Surrounding Areas Of Yamagata Hot Springs (Onsen) & Bath Houses (Sento)
Why is This Red Bull so Important in Japan?! Fukushima's Akabeko Will Steal Your Heart

Aizu-wakamatsu Gift Shops

Quirky 'Sora-Donki' Discount Shop Opens at New Chitose Airport: Top Staff-Recommended Products & More!

Sapporo / Chitose Discount Stores

When you hear the name 'Don Quixote' in Japan, you will most likely picture Japan's largest discount store chain. Sora-Donki, the airport location of the chain, recently opened its second branch on the international departure floor of the New Chitose Airport on August 30, 2019. This branch boasts an area of up to three times larger than that of its Haneda Airport counterpart, with items upon items lining the store, offering an overwhelming variety of goods including snacks and drinks, souvenirs, medicines, and even clothing. Because it is located on the international floor, it is perfect for inbound travelers. Let's take a look at some of the most popular items amongst traveling visiting from overseas.

Christmas Colors: 5 Popular Winter Illuminations in Yokohama's Minato Mirai district (2019 Edition)

Yokohama Winter
When in Kansai, try the local specialty "takoyaki!" Top 5 popular Osaka spots for beginners to visit

Nara Suburbs Okonomiyaki, Monja & Takoyaki
Shimokitazawa Guide: Fashion Walk Around Tokyo’s Artsy Neighborhood!

Tokyo Station Old Towns (Shitamachi)
Top 5 Must-See Kansai Hotspots - As Recommended By 164 Foreign Visitors!

Umeda, Osaka Station, Kitashinchi Other Sightseeing
Tokyo Brunch: 4 of our Favorite Spots for a Japanese-style Brunch in Asakusa!

Asakusa Japanese cuisine
Japan Food Trends for 2019: The “Dish of the Year” is Tapioca!

[MOVIE] A Japanese Drum Experience at TAIKO-LAB

Shibuya Other Sightseeing

Have you always wanted to learn a traditional Japanese instrument? How about one that makes you exercise in the process? If the deep sound and rhythms of the traditional Japanese taiko drums have always spoken to you, why not try your hand at taiko drumming with a dynamic class? As I learned at TAIKO-LAB in Aoyama, taiko is more than just making sound; it’s about feeling the rhythm through your entire being!

Say Hello to Kitty and Friends at Tokyo’s Cutest Train Station!

Tokyo's Surrounding Areas Pop Culture
Purikura: Change Yourself Up with Photo Booth Fun!

Arcades
(Video) OFF-KAi!!: An Akihabara Hair Salon for Anime Fans

Akihabara Other Health and Beauty
Learn the Art of Flower Arrangement at Ohara School of Ikebana

Harajuku Other Traditional Arts
[MOVIE] DRUM TAO’S MANGEKYO – a Kaleidoscope of Taiko Drums

Shinagawa Shows
Kurayami Gohan – Experiencing the Dinner in the Dark

Asakusa Culture Experience

A City That Never Sleeps: Top 3 Spots to Stay in Ikebukuro Until Morning (If You Miss the Last Train!)

Ikebukuro

Ikebukuro, along with Shinjuku and Shibuya, is a major hub in Tokyo. Here there are many Japanese language schools, commercial complexes, and recently one particular road has become very popular. Otome [Maiden] Road is known for its shops selling anime goods and magazines. It is a part of town that has become popular even with travelers who see it as a “subculture mecca” for fans of manga and anime. There are lots of places where you can have so much fun you forget the time - and even end up missing the last train home! This happens to more than just a few people. In this article we will tell you about good places where you can leisurely spend time until morning that include a hotel-like net cafe and a restaurant-cafe that has many repeat visitors from overseas. These are also good places to rest for travelers who arrive in Japan in the middle of the night and need a place to rest as well as being good places for groups who want keep on partying throughout the night. These spots have delicious food and just about anything else you might need.

Visiting Lake Biwa: 3 stylish cafés offering dreamy views of the area

Shiga Suburbs Other Restaurants
Know Before You Go: Osaka and Kansai Travel Phrases (Different to Textbook Japanese!)

Umeda, Osaka Station, Kitashinchi Other Sightseeing
The Complete Guide to Haneda Airport Arrival Lobby

Haneda Other Sightseeing
Robatayaki, Jingisukan and More: Must-try Mouthwatering Hokkaido Cuisines

Otaru Sushi
Ueno Discount Shopping: Travelers Reveal Favorite Souvenirs at Huge Tokyo Bargain Store!

Ueno Other Shopping
Great Ways to Spend Spare Time at Narita Airport: Restaurants, Relaxation Spots, and Family-Friendly Kids Parks!

Minami Nights! Inside Osaka's Wildly Popular Club Cheval Osaka

Nanba, Dotonbori, Shinsaibashi Clubs

Namba, Dotonbori, and Shinsaibashi are well known areas in Kansai, generally referred to as “Minami”. Large and glamorous, with famous departments, huge commercial buildings, restaurants, fashion boutiques and shops of every kind you can think of, this is the place to go if you want the Osaka experience. You'll find famous Osakan food here, and plenty of places to enjoy the nightlife. In this report, we'll be taking on one of the bigger places in the Osaka club scene, Cheval Osaka (just Cheval from here on). With a luxurious atmosphere, some of the best audio systems in the world as well as the club scene's first smoke separation system, the club's comfort and service have won positive reception, and the party just keeps going on. The club also sees plenty of tourists visiting Japan, so if you're looking for a place to head out to when night hits, this is for you!

Meals, Manners & More: Your Ultimate Guide to Eating in Japan!

Ginza Other Japanese Food
Nagahama Travel Guide: Cute Old Castle Town With Artisanal Glassware, Great Food & More!

Hikone, Nagahama Other Traditional Arts
Expats Reveal: 8 Weird Japanese Customs That Foreign Visitors Just Can't Get Used To

Ikebukuro
Cozy and Fun: Experience Casual Tokyo at a “Pub Under the Rails”

Ginza Izakaya
How to Plan the Perfect Japan Trip: Top 6 Problems to be Careful of
How is This Station So Hard to Exit?! Mastering Tokyo Ueno Station to See the Sights

Ueno

Japan Cherry Blossom 2020 Forecast: When & Where To See Sakura in Japan

Spring

Planning your dream vacation to Japan in spring for the cherry blossom festival? Here's all about when and where to see cherry blossoms in Japan in 2020! Here we do a deep dive on Japan's cherry blossom forecast, about sakura viewing culture, and where are the best places to see cherry blossoms in Japan.