Tokyo

長沼公園

Tokyo’s Hidden Forest Bathing Spot: A Guide to Walking Naganuma Park

From Shinjuku Station, it takes about 45 minutes on a direct train to reach Naganuma Station, the closest stop to “Tokyo Metropolitan Naganuma Park” (referred to hereafter as “Naganuma Park”) in Hachioji, Tokyo. This lush metropolitan park spreads across hilly terrain with about 100 meters of elevation difference. With great access from central Tokyo, it’s a perfect spot for hiking…

御岳山

Need a Nature Break? Explore Forest Trails at Mount Mitake in Okutama

Nestled in Tokyo’s Okutama area, Mt. Mitake (929 meters / 3048 feet) has long been revered in mountain worship. At its summit lies Musashi Mitake Jinja Shrine, boasting over 1,300 years of history, drawing worshippers and hikers. Seasonal trekking trails, vibrant forests, and a lively approach to the shrine offer diverse experiences. Just two hours by train from Shinjuku, its…

紅葉屋

Hike Mt. Mitake and Reward Yourself with Momijiya’s Udon and Stunning Views

Located in the lush western Tokyo area of Okutama, Mt. Mitake is a popular destination for both spiritual visitors and hikers, crowned by the historic Musashi Mitake Shrine at its summit. The approach to the 929-meter summit is lined with lodging facilities and souvenir shops, bustling with hikers and tourists alike. Amid this lively path stands “Momijiya,” a long-established udon…

Tokyo’s Hidden Art Gem: Enjoy Edo-Era Ukiyo-e at Ibasen Museum

Ukiyo-e, traditional Japanese woodblock prints that vividly depict the daily lives and customs of Edo-period commoners, have today established themselves as highly regarded art worldwide. However, at the time, ukiyo-e circulated as publications, functioning as everyday items and becoming a familiar and beloved presence in the lives of Edo residents. From a medium rooted in ordinary life to an art…

高尾山

Day Trip to Mount Takao: Stunning Views and Delicious Food Near Tokyo

Just about an hour from Shinjuku in Tokyo, Mt. Takao offers a rare combination of easy access and rich natural beauty, drawing hikers and tourists all year round. In 2007, the mountain earned three Michelin stars, putting it firmly on the world’s travel map. With an elevation of 599 meters (approximately 1965.22 feet) and roughly 3 million visitors a year,…

羽二重団子 本店

This 200-Year-Old Dango Shop in Tokyo Is Blowing People Away

“Habutaedango Honten” (referred to hereafter as “Habutae Dango”), a historic teahouse founded in 1819, has its main shop in Tokyo’s Nippori neighborhood. For over 200 years, it has been beloved by locals and visitors alike. With such a long history dating back to the Edo period (1603–1868), the shop has appeared in the works of many Japanese literary giants, including…

Beginner’s Guide to Japanese Tea Ceremony in Kyoto and Tokyo: Where to Go, What to Expect, and How to Join

The Japanese tea ceremony—called chanoyu or sadō/chadō—is not merely about drinking tea. It is a refined cultural art, a meditative practice, and a spiritual discipline guided by the principles of harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility. For first-time visitors to Japan, taking part in a tea ceremony offers an intimate window into the country’s traditions and aesthetic ideals. Both Kyoto and…

How to Get to Kamakura from Tokyo: A Complete Travel Guide

Kamakura lies just an hour south of Tokyo, but the shift in pace and atmosphere feels far greater. Once the political center of medieval Japan, this coastal town blends historical weight with relaxed seaside charm, famous for its numerous temples, breezy beaches, and the iconic Great Buddha watching over it all. For first-time visitors to Tokyo, Kamakura offers one of…

みそ汁カフェ味苑

More Than Just Miso Soup—This Tokyo Cafe Reimagines a Japanese Staple

Miso is a traditional Japanese seasoning made from fermented soybeans and rice, with over 1,000 years of history. It’s a staple in Japanese cuisine—found in miso soup, stews, hot pots, and grilled dishes—and deeply rooted in Japanese food culture. If you’re looking to see, taste, and truly experience Japan’s miso culture, “Miso Soup Cafe Ajien” is the place to go….

玉丁本店 八重洲店

Rich Miso, Big Flavor—Taste Nagoya’s Comfort Food at This Tokyo Station Spot

Miso—a traditional Japanese seasoning made by fermenting soybeans with rice, barley, or salt—is a staple in Japanese cuisine. From miso soup to hot pots and simmered dishes, it’s an essential element of everyday meals. Different regions of Japan have their own miso traditions. In Aichi Prefecture, a major soybean-producing region, aka miso (red miso) has been a local favorite for…