Japan

Tokyo Sales Secrets: Best Shops for Bargains & 'Fukubukuro 2020' Lucky Bags

Ikebukuro Department Stores

One of the biggest parts of Japanese pop culture is its fashion and shopping districts, where the hottest Japanese brands can be found at department stores, clothing stores, and others. During New Year’s, many of these shops sell these popular items in so called “lucky bags,” called fukubukuro, at ridiculously discounted prices. They are limited in numbers, making it a popular custom for shopping aficionados. Join along as we dive into this curious culture, plus share tips and tricks for getting the best deals!

Tokyo Events in February & March 2019: Can't-Miss Events, Expos and More!

Asakusa Winter
Tokyo on a Budget: 90 Minutes, All-You-Can-Eat, for Less Than $20!

Ikebukuro
Ultimate Tuna: 3 Spots To Experience Incredible Fresh Seafood in Japan’s Tohoku

Sendai And Matsushima Sashimi
5 Bamboo Forests in Tokyo: Must-See Picture-Perfect Spots!

Ebisu / Naka-Meguro Parks
Day Trips From Tokyo: 7 Famous Tourist Spots to Enjoy History & Nature in Tokyo's Suburbs

Other Nature
We Tried Japan's $30 'Obligation Chocolate' For Valentine's Day - Would We Do It Again?

Tokyo Station

Shimokitazawa Guide: Fashion Walk Around Tokyo’s Artsy Neighborhood!

Tokyo Station Old Towns (Shitamachi)

Shimokitazawa is a unique, trendy and artistically-minded neighborhood, lying just to the west of Tokyo's world-famous Shibuya district. The neighborhood is split up into two areas on either side of the train station (north and south), both of which are characterized by a collection of narrow pedestrian walkways that are bursting with life, great food, delicious coffee and retail variety in equal measures. Shimokitazawa is a congregating spot for the city's resident bohemia, along with vast numbers of local and international students—Tokai University's Yoyogi Campus is just a short skip away, as is the University of Tokyo’s Komaba Campus. As such the neighborhood has grown into one of the focal points of Tokyo's alternative youth culture giving it a vibe of fresh-faced authenticity, especially by Japanese standards. Here we walk around the streets of Shimokitazawa to give you an idea of the area’s vintage fashion trends and cool clothing stores!

Dining in Tokyo: 4 Late-night Dinner Spots in Asakusa!

Asakusa Yakiniku
What Souvenirs To Buy In Tokyo 2020: 18 Of The Best Gift Ideas, Recommended By Local Guides!

Asakusa Other Shopping
Tokyo Travel: Enjoying Date Night at Sumida Aquarium’s “Night Aquarium”

Ryogoku / TOKYO SKYTREE(R) Zoos, Aquariums & Botanical Gardens
Asakusa Tokyo: Top 15 Recommended Souvenirs in this Christmas Shopping Paradise!

Asakusa Gift Shops
Daiso: Top 5 Weirdly Useful Kitchen Goods at Japan’s Famous 100-Yen Store!

100 Yen Shops
4 Spots That Will Make You Fall in Love With Sapporo's Winter Ice Cream Culture

Sapporo / Chitose Other Cafes and Sweets

[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!

[MOVIE] Sightseeing Taxi: Tour Tokyo the Easy Way!

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

Tokyo's Surrounding Areas Pop Culture
Stringraphy at Studio EVE: A Striking and Unique Musical Experience

Shibuya Other Contemporary Arts
Purikura: Change Yourself Up with Photo Booth Fun!

Arcades
[MOVIE] Navigating Virtual Airspace with Skyart JAPAN

Shinagawa Adventure Activities
Become a True Gundam Pilot - Stepping into the P.O.D. at a Tokyo Arcade! (Video)

Arcades

From Tourist to Foodie Explorer: 15 Important Phrases to Know Before Going to Eating Out in Japan

Japanese cuisine

Knowing the language in a restaurant can really make or break your meal! In this article, we’d like to introduce to you some simple but extremely useful phrases to make sure you aren’t too lost in translation at restaurants in Japan. It’s important to note that not everyone will say these exact sentences, but being able to pick out key words will make understanding and speaking much easier!

3 Wi-Fi Rental Shops Near Osaka Station and Usage Guide

Umeda, Osaka Station, Kitashinchi Wi-Fi Rental Shops
Just 2 Hours from Tokyo! Heading to Niigata via Joetsu Shinkansen

Niigata And Sado Other Sightseeing
How to Eat Sushi: the Complete Guide to Japan’s Most Famous Food

Sushi
3 Insane Japanese Sweets You'll Wish You Had Back Home (Kobe, Motomachi)

Kobe, Sannomiya, Kitano Other Cafes and Sweets
Where the Scenery of Lake Biwa is the Locale's Pride and Joy - 5 Top Recommended Hotels in Shiga

Otsu, Kusatsu Hotels
36 Times More Tourists than Before! Three Popular Baths in Kinosaki Onsen for International Visitors

Kinosaki Onsen Hot Springs (Onsen) & Bath Houses (Sento)

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!

Kesennuma City Memorial Museum (Ruins of Koyo High School): Telling the Story of the Great East Japan Earthquake

Other Surrounding Areas Of Miyagi Other Sightseeing
The 'Obligatory Chocolate' of Japan: The Quirks of Valentine's Day and Other Adopted Western Celebrations

Tokyo's Surrounding Areas
Eggs on a Stick?! This Amazing Japanese Chicken Place Will Take You to New Realms of Flavor

Noboribetsu / Lake Toya Yakitori
Cozy and Fun: Experience Casual Tokyo at a “Pub Under the Rails”

Ginza Izakaya
Inside Beautiful Koshien Stadium, Japan's Mecca for Baseball Fans

Nishinomiya, Koshien Stadium, Amagasaki Other Sports
Rebun Island: 7 Inspiring Sights in Japan’s Wild North That'll Have You Booking Your Trip!

Shiretoko Other Nature

15 Mistakes Tourists Make When Visiting Tokyo for the First Time

Other Sightseeing

Culture shock is common for first-time visitors to Tokyo. A lot of tourists can fall into the trap of assuming that Tokyo is just like any other city in the world, but Japan is a unique country with its own distinct customs, culture and etiquette. When in Tokyo, do as the Tokyoites do. Here are some of the most common mistakes people make when visiting for the first time. Main image credit: rene_salta / Shutterstock.com