Tokyo and Surroundings

Japanese KitKat Journey - Taste Testing the Unique Flavors!

Tokyo Station

It is a really popular chocolate in the UK, yet in recent years it has gained a new worldwide fame for making a small, yet impactful, change to the flavors of its products. As you might have already guessed, the brand’s name is KitKat! In other parts of the world is it just a milk chocolate-covered wafer, but in Japan it has been produced in over 300 flavors – the most famous perhaps being green tea and wasabi, but there has even been special limited edition flavors such as sushi! This is leading to a new trend in tourists visiting Japan – many people buy KitKat to take home as souvenirs and for personal consumption – but now we can also talk about people who come to Japan as KitKat connoisseurs eager to try new flavors.

Trendy or Traditional? Find Your Favorite Mouth-Watering Gyoza in Tokyo!

Asakusa Gyoza
Delectable for Over 100 Years! Bite into History with These Long Time Tokyo Restaurants

Tokyo Station Sukiyaki
Slice of Paradise! 10 Serene Beaches In And Around Tokyo

Tokyo's Surrounding Areas Beaches
Traveling Japan Alone? How to Make the Most Out of Your Solo Trip!

Other Sightseeing
Crave Tuna Sashimi? Fill Your Plate for Just ¥100 at this Amazing Tokyo Restaurant!

Shinbashi Sashimi
Japan's Pokémon Café Serving Up Fun & Festive Dishes For Halloween!

Tokyo Station Other Cafes and Sweets

Add Some Zen (And Kawaii) To Your Life With These 10 Items From Japan!

Ikebukuro Household Goods Stores

Tokyu Hands is the place to go for made in Japan products that add just the right touch to your home and everyday lifestyle. Tokyu Hands is a DIY home improvement retailer located near hub train stations like Shibuya and Shinjuku in Tokyo. There are even a few overseas locations as well. Each floor is chartered by genre and as you explore you can’t help but get excited as your eyes dart from item to item. Tokyu Hands’ motto is “hints for everyday living,” and the items found at the store add a bit a joy to your daily routine while being practical and functional. Let’s take a look at 10 items found at Tokyo Hands that are sure to find their way into your suitcase as souvenirs.

10 Major Cities in Japan: Which One Should You Visit?

Tokyo Station Downtown
Digital Psychedelica! Inside the teamLab Borderless Exhibition

Odaiba Other Contemporary Arts
Quirky, Cute & More: Top 10 Items at Sanrio World Ginza!

Ginza Other Shopping
Shopping at Keio Store: The 10 Must-Try Chuhai Drinks to Savor Japan’s Tasty Highballs!

Grocery Stores
Japan's Cutting Edge in Trends! All You Need to Know about Fashion Building SHIBUYA109!

Shibuya Department Stores
Only in Japan?! Get a Delicious Hot Sandwich While You Get Your Laundry Done!

Ningyocho / Monzen-Nakacho / Kasai 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] Character, Harmony, and Elegance: The Art of Bonsai

Ningyocho / Monzen-Nakacho / Kasai Culture Experience
[MOVIE] Navigating Virtual Airspace with Skyart JAPAN

Shinagawa Adventure Activities
[MOVIE] Achieve Your Cosplay Dreams at Cosplay Studio Crown!

Akihabara Culture Experience
Samurai Museum: Get to Know the Spirit of Japan’s Warriors

Shinjuku Other Museums
Stringraphy at Studio EVE: A Striking and Unique Musical Experience

Shibuya Other Contemporary Arts
Learn the Art of Flower Arrangement at Ohara School of Ikebana

Harajuku Other Traditional Arts

Cute & Convenient: The 6 Must-Buy Suitcases at Shibuya Loft!

Shibuya Other Shopping

Shibuya Loft is a prime spot for all things souvenirs, accessories, stationery, living goods...pretty much anything, actually! Among the colorful and diverse selection of goodies, Loft has a surprisingly rich selection of high-quality suitcases from both Japanese and international brands. We’ve asked the staff to show us the absolute must-have suitcases and travel bags of 6 Japanese brands! Estimated size (by Loft) 30-40L: 1-3 nights (carry-on size) 45-60L: 3-4 nights 60-74L: about 5 days 75-84L: about 1 week 85-95L: 1 week to 10 days Over 95L: long trips, such as studying abroad etc.

Shibamata: Snacking and Sightseeing in Tokyo’s Old Edo Neighborhood

Shibamata / Kita-Senju / Kameari Old Towns (Shitamachi)
Shinjuku Station: All Drug Stores & Electronic Retail Stores in the Area

Shinjuku Pharmacies
4 Mouth-Watering Vegan Restaurants to Visit in Tokyo

Shinjuku Japanese cuisine
Sushi, Snacks & More: Sampling 8 Local Treats on Tokyo’s East Side!

Shibamata / Kita-Senju / Kameari Other Restaurants
Curious Japanese Deciphered: 26 Japanese Words That Stand In For English
10 Things to Know About Summer in Japan – From Weather to Events!

Summer

The Real Reasons Why Japanese People Can’t Speak English

Tokyo's Surrounding Areas

Even in this global age, we Japanese people tend to not be able to speak English, despite having been in contact with the language for about 12 entire years. Naturally, just like every other subject, it also depends on personal strengths and weaknesses. For some, it’s a breeze while others struggle. However, even those who excelled in English class tend to not be very good at the language when confronted with the reality of speaking. Why is that?

The Complete Guide to Tokyo’s Trains & Subways

Tokyo Station

Looking at a map of central Tokyo’s train and subway system can seem like looking at a messy ball of yarn. It’s a complicated web of JR East and other private railway companies, including subways – it intertwines seemingly endlessly, making it hard to understand for anyone who’s not a local. In this guide, we’ll help you understand and confidently navigate Tokyo’s complex train system. Let’s take a look at the number of train lines in Tokyo, what kind of lines there are, which of them are the most convenient for sightseeing, and so on.