From September to November, Japan’s autumn is full of charm! This season is perfect for enjoying delicious fruits like grapes and apples, as well as breathtaking fall foliage. Here’s your guide to making the most of this beautiful time of year. Seasonal Foods As autumn arrives, Japan’s culinary scene celebrates the harvest with a variety of seasonal delights: Autumn vegetables…
Odawara Castle, one of Kanagawa Prefecture’s top tourist attractions, is believed to have been constructed in the mid-15th century. It is famous as the stronghold of the Hōjō clan, who ruled the Kanto region. Although much of the original structure was destroyed by earthquakes and other disasters, the castle keep was reconstructed in 1960, with additional buildings respectively restored in…
In Japan, it’s believed that there are many gods, a concept captured in the phrase yaoyorozu no kami, literally meaning “eight million gods.” Among these, however, the goddess of the sun, Amaterasu Ōmikami, is considered the supreme deity. One notable place where Amaterasu Omikami is enshrined is Asagaya Shinmeigu Shrine, in the Asagaya neighborhood of Tokyo. The shrine is known…
Japan’s traditional festivals are known for their vibrant parades centered on mikoshi palanquin. But did you know that the largest mikoshi in Japan is displayed at Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine? This magnificent mikoshi, adorned with diamonds and pure gold, is truly a sight to behold! Explore Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine’s 400-year history Founded in 1627, Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine enshrines Emperor Ōjin as…
Tokyo’s fall season (September to November) offers a range of weather conditions, from lingering summer heat to cooler, crisp days. To help you prepare, we’ve put together a month-by-month packing guide that ensures you’ll have everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable trip. September in Tokyo September weather in Tokyo The month starts off with summer-like temperatures, often exceeding…
Just a five-minute walk from the famous Ameya-Yokocho market in Ueno, Tokyo, there’s a legendary restaurant called “Ponta Honke.” In business for over a century, they specialize in yōshoku, Western-style dishes that have uniquely developed in Japan. The venerable establishment’s impressive wooden nameplate stands out amidst the bustling buildings and eateries in the neighborhood. At Ponta Honke, you can savor…
In Japan, there is a tradition of eating bentō (boxed meals) during travel on trains and the Shinkansen. These special bento are known as ekiben, and they are a delightful part of the travel experience. As the name ekiben—a portmanteau of eki, meaning “station” and bento—suggests, these boxed meals can mainly be purchased at major train stations and some more…
Asakusa is one of Japan’s top tourist destinations. Every day, countless visitors travel the 820-foot-long, shop-lined path leading to the famous Sensō-Ji Temple. However, just to the right of its main hall lies the often-overlooked Asakusa Shrine. A Japanese National Treasure with 350 Years of History When you arrive at Asakusa Shrine, start by bowing at the torii gate before…
Situated in the bustling Toyosu district of Tokyo, “teamLab Planets TOKYO DMM” (hereunder referred to as “teamLab Planets”), produced by the international art collective teamLab, offers a distinctive art museum experience that integrates advanced digital technologies with natural elements. Visitors at this museum become part of the art itself, engaging with installations that transform based on human interaction. This article…
Perched on the 7th floor of the Shibuya PARCO shopping complex, you’ll find a conveyor belt sushi restaurant that stands out for offering top-quality sushi at reasonable prices: “Kanazawa Maimon Sushi.” High-Quality Sushi in Shibuya at Kanazawa Maimon Sushi Kanazawa Maimon Sushi is a conveyor belt sushi chain with its main branch in Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture. Known for its…
“A mountain of fried shrimp would be like a dream come true.” Such is the delicious dream that inspired a unique restaurant in Shibuya, Tokyo: “Ebiyama.” Their signature dish is the “Ebiyama Special Bowl,” which features both ebi furai (breaded and deep-fried shrimp) and tonkatsu (breaded and deep-fried pork cutlets). “海老山スペシャル丼,” Ebiyama Special Bowl 1,700 JPY (tax included) A must-try…
When visiting Tokyo, it’s crucial to be aware of local regulations that may affect your activities. These rules ensure public safety and maintain the city’s cleanliness and comfort. Here are key regulations to keep in mind: Littering As of July 2024, strict littering regulations are enforced in many areas of Tokyo. In these areas, litter even as small as a…
Right in front of the landmark commercial facility SHIBUYA109, and just a short walk from Shibuya Station in Tokyo, you’ll find “Hakata Jidori Fukuei Kumiai Shibuya.” This restaurant offers a variety of dishes made with carefully selected chicken. The spacious interior, boasting 107 seats, is adorned with bamboo and pine, creating a serene Japanese garden-like atmosphere. The restaurant also features…
The essence of yakitori (Japanese grilled chicken skewers) lies in its simplicity, yet the dedication and craftsmanship behind it are profound. The care and attention put into each skewer vary from one restaurant to another. Since opening in 2002, “YAKITORI MOE” in Roppongi, Tokyo, has consistently delighted fans with its authentic taste, making it a beloved spot for yakitori enthusiasts….
In today’s social media-driven world, the visual appeal of food has become a crucial factor in a restaurant’s popularity. “Hamburger Steak and Omurice Shop Ikura Shibuya” (hereafter referred to as “Ikura Shibuya”) reflects this modern trend. The restaurant has quickly become popular after opening in June 2024, thanks to its Instagram-worthy dishes. “プレミアムハンバーグオムライス,” Premium Hamburger omelet rice 3,000 JPY (tax…