japan

Deep in the heart of Saitama lies one of Kanto?s best-kept secrets — Nagatoro. It?s long been a popular vacation spot for in-the-know Tokyoites, around 90 minutes from Ikebukuro or Ueno. Nestled between Mt. Hodo and the Arakawa River, it is the...

Quickly becoming one of the most popular Tokyo day-trip destinations, Okutama is a nature-lover’s paradise 90 minutes from Shinjuku. From breathtaking canyons to ancient shrines, the area has a lot to offer. It’s difficult to squeeze everything...

An all-in-one autumn bus tour from Tokyo is one of the easiest — and most memorable — ways to see the changing colors. If you’re keen to see some fall foliage, but not so keen on navigating multiple trains, then a bus tour is the way to...

Atami is a beloved seaside resort just 45 minutes from Tokyo. Renowned for its relaxing spas, charming architecture, and rich geisha culture, Atami offers not only a peaceful retreat but also a taste of the best of Japan. Here?s how to spend two...

If you’re looking for a getaway from the chaos of urban life, Shirakawag?, nestled in the Japanese Alps, just might be the place for you. To experience the best of it, you can — and should — stay overnight. Here’s how to get there, and where...

Tokyo events for Monday, October 28 to Sunday, November 3, 2024. Known as the royal flower in Japan, chrysanthemums and their festivals start to make an appearance this week. But if staring at beautiful flowers all day isn’t your thing, you can...

The madness of Halloween might soon be over, but events in Tokyo haven’t lost their spark. It’s the best time of year for k?y? (the viewing of autumn leaves), but on the days when you’re not getting out into nature, you’ll want to take...

The chilly air of November means it is the ideal time for k?y? (the viewing of autumn leaves), and as Japan shifts from green to red, many festivals celebrate the change. We have compiled a list of events all over Japan, so no matter where you are,...

Lesly Downer is an exceptional choice to author this captivating book. A true expert on Japan, she brings a wealth of experience as a historian, author, lecturer, TV presenter, and journalist. Having lived in Japan for fifteen years, she possesses...

The post New Video! 8 Reasons Why You Should Visit Shin-Okubo appeared first on Tokyo Cheapo. The post New Video! 8 Reasons Why You Should Visit Shin-Okubo appeared first on Tokyo Cheapo.

Tokyo is stuffed with impressive architecture — a city that?s constantly renovating and rejuvenating is a city with fresh and imaginative ideas. Kengo Kuma, one of Japan?s most celebrated architects, demonstrates this with boundary-breaking...

Tokyo events for Monday, October 21 to Sunday, October 27, 2024. The weekend before Halloween, parties, cosplay, and parades take center stage. On the less spooky side of town, autumn arrives with food festivals and tea ceremonies. For something...

On the northeastern tip of Hokkaid?, Shiretoko National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site distinguished by its virtually untouched wilderness and high chance of wildlife sightings.  Home to one of the densest brown-bear populations in the world,...

Part of the picturesque Izu Peninsula in Shizuoka, J?gasaki Coast is the ideal escape. With its crystal-clear waters, weird and wonderful museums, and a wealth of cute cafés, the area offers more than enough for a memorable and refreshing day trip...

Halloween has become a massive hit for Japan in the last decade. This includes a lot of imported traditions like trick-or-treating, parades, and spooky costumes. But some events have a distinctive Tokyo twist. Tokyo Halloween festivities can happen...

Tokyo events for Monday, October 14 to Sunday, October 20, 2024. The influx of autumn festivities is approaching. Thousands will flood the streets of Kawagoe to see the towering traditional floats, crowds will gather in Enoshima for their modest...

(Accidental) cellular roaming in Japan was once a traveler?s nightmare, but roaming has become, for some visitors at least, a viable alternative to travel SIMs and rental Wi-Fi. Here, we review Japan roaming rates for some of the most popular phone...

Nara is the perfect day trip from Kyoto or Osaka — plenty of delicious snacks, plenty of temples, and most importantly plenty of deer! The ancient capital of Japan is a wonderful place to visit, filled with history, nature, and great eats. The...

Elegant kimono, smooth white make-up, and that classic demure look — geisha are, by nature, charming. Actually seeing a geisha in Japan is uncommon, but it’s not impossible. And if you are going to see one, Kyoto is your best bet. Here’s our...

Looking for a hearty welcome and the opportunity to meet new people" Some bars in Tokyo are more “foreigner-friendly” than others, particularly if you don’t speak Japanese. Alcohol is the social lubricant that transcends cultures — and...

From Michelin-star dining to casual coffee and food trucks, there’s something for everyone at Azabudai Hills. You’ll find an impressive range of both Japanese and international food at different price points, and even vegan and gluten-free...

Shibuya is once again asking people to stay away on Halloween — and now, neighboring Shinjuku has expressed concerns of its own. Both wards of Tokyo have experienced issues with crowds of rowdy revelers and resultant trash, and they have clamped...

Tokyo events for Monday, October 7 to Sunday, October 13, 2024. Japan does Halloween a little differently — they have their own monsters, called y?kai, after all — and many events pop up in Tokyo before October 31. Dress up as a cat at the...

“The Show” at Kanda Myojin Shrine, near Akihabara, is a must-see performance that celebrates traditional storytelling with an all-female cast. The silent retelling of the legendary life of Ono no Komachi, a famous Japanese poet from the Heian...

There?s nothing that hits the spot like a good gelato. Or ice cream ?" What?s the difference, anyway" Both are cooling, sweet, and divinely delicious — but they are two separate treats. As someone who’s had the real deal in Florence before...

Moving to Japan" There are plenty of guides, but we?ve got pro-level intel that can only come with experience. Whether you’re conquering Tokyo, the countryside, or somewhere in between, these tips will smoothen your transition.  From breezily...

Do you yearn for a home in the Japanese countryside, far from the hustle and bustle of big-city life" An akiya (abandoned house) may be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for. Jump...

Tokyo events for Monday, September 30 to Sunday, October 6, 2024. Tokyo’s biggest autumn fireworks, Tamagawa Fireworks Festival, and Odaiba’s lantern festival brighten up the skies of Tokyo. Salsa Street is ready for the dancers and Tokyo...

Kyoto, Japan’s ancient capital, is a dream destination for many travelers. If you are short on time and can’t stay overnight, it’s possible to do a day trip from Tokyo instead. With just a 2-hour Shinkansen ride, you can reach Kyoto and...

Do you know about Saio, the sacred princesses who served at Ise Jingu Shrine for hundreds of years" You can learn about the lives and culture of the Saio through a visit to historical sites, museums, and hands-on facilities in Meiwa Town, the...

The spookiest month of the year is upon us, and that means blood-pumping, heart-pounding, nail-curling Halloween events in Tokyo. But you’ll be relieved — or perhaps disappointed — to know that not all October events have a Halloween theme;...

October means autumn, and in Japan, that means stunning fall festivals. You could visit a ginormous tug-of-war, a secret mud festival, or get in the Halloween spirit. Wherever you are this month, be sure to check out all the top events near you....

Tokyo events for Monday, September 23 to Sunday, September 29, 2024. Tokyo Game Show is the major draw of this week. But if you don’t have tickets, you can also head to fireworks near Akabane, immerse yourself in cultural festivals, grab a pint...

The post New Video! Are These Places in Tokyo Overrated" appeared first on Tokyo Cheapo. The post New Video! Are These Places in Tokyo Overrated" appeared first on Tokyo Cheapo.

When people think of fall in Japan, they tend to think of leaves bursting into red and yellow. But there is more to the season than just the trees undressing — there is a wonderful variety of autumn flowers to see in Tokyo and beyond. Japan has...

You’re spoiled for choice if you’re looking for an international gig to head to in Japan over the next six months. From big-name stadium-level acts like Green Day and Iron Maiden to up-and-coming artists like New Dad, there’s something for...

Off the coast of Niigata is a melting pot of cultures from around Japan called Sado Island. You can only get to the remote island by boat, but the ride rewards you with diverse natural landscapes, food, and festivals. Here?s how to explore it as an...

If you?re looking for an adrenaline boost, rafting and canyoning in Gunma is the way to go. Here?s what you can expect from a day at Canyons Minakami — based on our experience. Spoiler: you’ll be rappelling down waterfalls! While we did a...

Tokyo events for Monday, September 16 to Sunday, September 22, 2024. You’ll need to hop all over Tokyo this week to battle the FOMO. On the menu: Plum wine and beer are the drinks of choice, fireworks are having an encore, and Hello Kitty turns...

Akihabara is the otaku capital of Japan and is a great place to spend a few hours — whether you’re into anime or not. Between the crazily colorful, multi-story buildings, the “maids” plying the streets, and the hole-in-the-wall cafes and...

The eSIM market has exploded in recent years. With so many options out there it can be hard to pick the best one for your trip to Japan. Fear not! We’ve done the legwork for you. From short stays to long and everything in between, here’s some of...

You can watch ninjas fight up close in the Shinjuku Ninja Live Show, a modern-day performance inspired by the traditions of Kabuki theater. Staged in Tokyo’s Kabukich? area, the show has the backing of the Japan Ninja Council — the world’s...

Tokyo events for Monday, September 9 to Sunday, September 15, 2024. Every corner of Tokyo is putting on a festival — from Kichij?ji to Shibuya — so why not be a part of the festivities. The moon rises again in Shimokitazawa, Shibuya is...

Tokyo is full of secrets. From luxury bars behind hidden doorways to underground cafés, some of the best spots are easily missed. You’ll uncover some of them here, with our guide to seven of the best hidden cafés and bars — all of which we have...

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