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Ramen Lovers, Don’t Miss This Hawaiian-Inspired Spot in Ikebukuro

The Ikebukuro area, one of Tokyo’s major entertainment districts, is a fierce battleground where many ramen shops compete. Among them, “Menya Hulu-lu” has carved out a unique position and maintained top-tier popularity for over a decade. Menya Hulu-lu is located roughly a ten-minute walk from the west exit of Ikebukuro Station, one of Tokyo’s biggest transportation hubs. Removed from Ikebukuro’s…

One-Day Tokyo Tour on the Yamanote Line: A Model Itinerary

Tokyo, Japan’s vibrant capital, is a city of contrasts—where futuristic skyscrapers stand alongside centuries-old temples, and bustling shopping districts blend seamlessly with serene parks. One of the most convenient and efficient ways to explore this dynamic metropolis is by using the Yamanote Line, a circular railway that connects many of Tokyo’s major neighborhoods and must-see attractions. In this guide, we’ll…

Japan’s Hot Summer: Recommended Travel Destinations to Visit During the Scorching Season

Japan’s summer is renowned for its intense heat and high humidity. The country’s climate during the summer months—June to August—can be overwhelming for those unaccustomed to the sweltering temperatures. While Japan offers an incredibly rich cultural experience year-round, visiting during the hot summer can sometimes be challenging for travelers, especially those who aren’t used to extreme heat. So, how hot…

Karuizawa’s Annual Climate and Best Season: How to Enjoy Each Season

Introduction Japan is famous for its four distinct seasons, each offering breathtaking scenery and unique cultural experiences. No matter which season your trip to Japan is, Karuizawa should definitely be on your Japan itinerary. Known for its beautiful cherry blossoms, mild summers, stunning fall foliage, and snowy winter landscapes, Karuizawa is the perfect year-round destination. In this Karuizawa travel guide,…

味噌ラーメン

Craving Ultra-Rich Miso Ramen? Hokkaido’s Asahikawa Style Awaits in Ikebukuro!

Hokkaidō, one of Japan’s coldest regions, has long embraced hearty, warming bowls of ramen. Among its most famous ramen hubs is Asahikawa, a city known for its fierce competition in the ramen scene. One standout shop that traces its roots to Asahikawa is “Asahikawa Miso Ramen Bankara” (referred to hereafter as “Bankara”). For the purposes of this article, we will…

Okinawan Sweets and Desserts: A Guide to the Best Local Treats

Imagine strolling through the lively streets of Okinawa, where the gentle sea breeze carries the sweet aroma of freshly baked purple sweet potato tarts and the irresistible scent of sizzling, golden-brown sātā andāgī (Okinawan deep-fried dough buns). Okinawa isn’t just known for its turquoise waters and sun-soaked beaches—it’s also a hidden paradise for dessert lovers. The island’s unique fusion of…

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Tokyo Soba Spot Loved for 50+ Years – Don’t Miss Their Top Menu Picks!

Standing soba restaurants, known as tachigui soba in Japan, are a uniquely Japanese fast food concept, serving one of Japan’s representative dishes – Japanese soba noodles – quickly and efficiently. “Sobadokoro Kameya” (referred to hereafter as “Kameya”) is one of the capital’s quintessential popular soba restaurants. The Okachimachi branch, located near Ueno’s Ameyoko shopping street in Taito-ku (Taito Ward), is…

A Guide to the Best Local Restaurants to Visit on Your Trip to Okinawa

Okinawa, Japan’s southernmost prefecture, is renowned for its unique culture, breathtaking beaches, and vibrant cuisine. With a rich history and a distinct culinary identity, Okinawa’s food scene is shaped by a blend of local traditions and diverse influences, offering flavors unlike anywhere else in Japan. From fresh seafood and nutritious superfoods to hearty pork dishes and savory stir-fries, the island’s…

Okinawan Superfoods: How Local Ingredients Promote Longevity

Okinawa was once known as a prefecture of longevity. Recognizing this remarkable achievement, Okinawa Governor Masahide Ōta officially declared Okinawa a “World Longevity Region” in 1995. From 1975 to 2005, Okinawan women consistently held the top spot for longevity, while Okinawan men also claimed the highest life expectancy in the nation in 1985. One of the primary reasons for this…

Guide to Tsukishima’s Monjayaki: Best Shops & How to Cook It

Monjayaki is considered a local specialty cuisine of Tokyo. The Tsukishima area of Tokyo in particular is home to many monjayaki restaurants and is bustling with tourists every day. Originally created as a children’s snack, monjayaki was quite simple in terms of ingredients. It consisted of flour dissolved in water, seasoned, and then cooked on a griddle. However, as monjayaki…

A Must-Know for Travelers! How to Use Public Toilets in Japan

Japan is known for its advanced technology, rich cultural traditions, and exceptional cleanliness. Among the many surprises that await visitors, one of the most unexpected is the unique experience of using a toilet. Japanese restrooms range from high-tech bidet toilets with multiple functions to traditional squat toilets that may feel unfamiliar to first-time users. Navigating these different types of toilets…

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What Sets Mazesoba Apart from Ramen? A Look at the Must-Visit Shibuya Restaurant

Shibuya, a trendy Tokyo area where food culture constantly thrives and evolves, is home to “soba MAREN Shibuyaten” (hereafter referred to as “soba MAREN”) a restaurant offering distinctive mazesoba crafted by a Japanese cuisine restaurant. Mazesoba (often referred to as “soupless ramen” outside of Japan) is a noodle dish mixed with a rich sauce or oil, instead of being served…

Temple and Shrine Tour in Ueno Park: Benefits for Wealth, Love, and Luck!

In “Ueno Onshi Park” (hereunder referred to as “Ueno Park”), located in Taito-ku (Taito Ward) Tokyo, there are numerous temples and shrines worth visiting, including shrines with gorgeous and lavish decorations, and temples said to bring good financial fortune. With various temples and shrines situated close to one another, you could easily spend a whole day exploring them. Whether you’re…

How to Apply for and Receive Japan Wireless: Pre-Travel Preparations

You hold up your phone, expecting instant internet access—only to realize nothing is loading. Panic sets in. No Google Maps, no translation apps, no way to share your adventures. Let’s be honest—traveling without internet is like trying to navigate a new city without a map. You’ve just landed in Japan, still buzzing with excitement at the thought of exploring the…