Sumo is considered Japan’s national sport, and the Ryōgoku area of Tokyo is home to the Ryogoku Kokugikan, where sumo tournaments are held. As a result, the area is known for its many chanko nabe hot pot restaurants. “Chanko” refers to the meals eaten by sumo wrestlers. Among these, hot pot dishes are especially common, so in Japan, the word…
Oden is a dish in which a variety of ingredients—such as vegetables like daikon radish and seafood-based items like chikuwa (tube-shaped fish cake) and kamaboko (another type of fish cake)—are simmered together in a large pot. Tokyo is home to many restaurants where oden takes center stage. The ingredients used in oden and the type of broth it’s simmered in…
In Japan, oden is so ingrained in everyday life that you can even buy it at convenience stores. Oden is a traditional Japanese home-cooked dish where various ingredients such as daikon radish, eggs, chikuwa (tube-shaped fish cake), and konnyaku (firm jelly made from konjac yam) are slowly simmered in dashi broth. Tokyo, where oden culture is deeply rooted, is home…
Onigiri (rice balls) can be conveniently eaten with just one hand and enjoyed with a wide variety of fillings. They’re so widely enjoyed that many consider them Japan’s soul food—and it turns out they’re a big hit with international visitors as well. Part of their appeal lies in the endless possibilities for fillings and flavors. But what kinds of onigiri…
Shibuya attracts many tourists from around the world and is widely known in Japan as a hub for youth culture and trends. However, the Maruyamachō area of Shibuya was once a flourishing geisha district, lined with many restaurants during the Meiji and Taisho eras. It’s said that scenes of geisha entertaining guests with dances and shamisen performances were once a…
A kissaten (traditional Japanese cafe) is typically highlighted by retro furniture, warm lighting, casually displayed art, and a calm atmosphere where jazz or classical music plays in the background. These nostalgic cafes—where you can relax and enjoy carefully brewed coffee and yōshoku (Western-inspired Japanese cuisine)—are a uniquely Japanese part of food culture. At “Cafe Bridge,” a long-standing kissaten located inside…
Slam Dunk is a classic coming-of-age sports manga from the 1990s that still captures fans’ hearts today. Many fans travel to Kamakura, a coastal town about an hour south of Tokyo, to visit the real-life settings and iconic scenes that appear in the story. One of the most famous spots is the railway crossing seen in the anime’s opening sequence….
Rain in Japan isn’t just weather, it’s a season. Known as tsuyu, the annual rainy season transforms the landscape and travel experience across much of the country. But not all regions are affected equally. For example, Sapporo, the capital city of Japan’s northernmost prefecture, Hokkaido, enjoys relatively mild summers and is largely spared from the prolonged period of rainfall seen…
Japan’s rainy season, known as tsuyu in Japanese, typically lasts from May to July, depending on the region, bringing days of steady rain and overcast skies to much of the country. However, one notable exception is Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost prefecture. The capital city, Sapporo, offers a rich blend of food, shopping, and culture, while also enjoying a cooler, drier climate…
Kabuki is one of Japan’s most celebrated traditional performing arts, and the Kabukiza Theatre is a venue dedicated exclusively to kabuki. Just behind this historic venue—long at the heart of kabuki culture since the Meiji era—is a retro kissaten (Japanese-style cafe) that draws visitors from all over the world: “Kissa American.” Kissaten differ from modern cafes that serve trendy food…
Just a short, accessible trip from Tokyo, Kawaguchiko (known in English as Lake Kawaguchi) is one of the best places to take in spectacular views of Japan’s most famous peak, Mt. Fuji. Nestled at the mountain’s northern base, this tranquil lake is a favorite for both day-trippers seeking a quick getaway and travelers looking for a longer, more immersive escape…
As one of the Fuji Five Lakes, Kawaguchiko (also known in English as Lake Kawaguchi) offers some of the most spectacular views of Japan’s iconic Mt. Fuji. This picturesque lakeside destination in Yamanashi Prefecture draws visitors year-round, all hoping to catch the perfect view of the mountain. However, timing your visit can make all the difference—clear skies may reveal a…
As Japan’s capital and a gateway to exploring the country, Tokyo welcomes millions of international visitors each year. For those arriving at Narita International Airport, the Narita Express (N’EX) is one of the most convenient ways to reach the city center. With generous storage space and a direct link to Tokyo’s major stations, the N’EX is especially popular among passengers…
This retro-style cafe, featuring heavy wooden furniture and chairs upholstered in leather and velour, offers guests a place to enjoy drinks like coffee alongside light meals such as sandwiches and pasta. Unaffected by trends and dedicated to preserving a nostalgic atmosphere, Japanese cafes like this have long been loved by many. Located near Higashi-Ginza Station, “Kissa You” is a long-established…
As the primary airport rail connection between Narita International Airport and central Tokyo, the Narita Express (N’EX) offers travelers a fast, comfortable journey into the heart of the city. For first-time visitors, understanding how to purchase and reserve tickets for this essential train service can help ensure a smooth arrival experience. This guide covers everything you need to know about…