This week in Tokyo, the temperatures are set to soar and the rain to pour. Luckily, the events line up for this week is 100% weatherproof! Dog Stories Exhibition, Daikanyama Dog Stories features three Japanese artists, all with canine inspired …
Tokyo events for Mon, June 13 to Sun, June 19, 2022 This week enjoy the in-the-flesh return of the Taiwan Festival, seasonal flower festivals and the annual opening of one of Tokyo's most unique beer gardens. Taiwan Festival Tokyo, Ueno Park …
Tokyo Vice---the TV series inspired by the Jake Adelstein book---was shot in Tokyo over 2020/21. Set in 1999, the series uses locations that are evocative of late 90s Tokyo. While the interiors of the hostess club, the police station, and the …
Set in Tokyo in 1999, Tokyo Vice is an antidote to all those cartoonish, over the top depictions of Tokyo, like in the Netflix series Kate, or in the upcoming Hollywood blockbuster Bullet Train. The attention to detail will trigger nostalgia for …
Japan's system of tolled expressways can get you to most places that you want to go, and there's no doubt that they are efficient and well maintained. However, the tolls are amongst the most expensive in the world. Often, the costs of driving …
All the budget ways of getting into town. UPDATED with COVID-19 info.
We're not featherless bipeds for nothing! Put your feet to good use and save money by walking between central stations in Tokyo.
The mostly flat, utilitarian cityscape of Tokyo doesn't lend itself to an abundance of romantic spots, but they do exist! So what is a romantic spot? It's a place of beauty where the scenery and the atmosphere fill your heart with an optimistic …
What you need to know for before and after your arrival in Japan.
How to get from the plane to your accommodation. UPDATED with COVID-19 info.
We've ranked the top contenders.
If you've never owned a car, or it's been a few years since you owned a car, it's easy to forget the many potentials pitfalls with purchasing a second hand vehicle. To help prevent you making an expensive mistake, we've put together some tips …
There are some very good reasons that most Tokyoites don't have cars---primarily great public transport, and really expensive parking. If you're considering buying a car, you may find that the exorbitant costs of parking outweigh the vehicle's …
By now, virtually everyone has heard of akiya banks and Japan's crisis of empty houses caused in part by the declining population. However, there's still a lot of confusion as to exactly what they are, how they operate, and how anyone interested …
Whether it's hitting Honshu's most famous slopes during winter or soaking in the adundance of nature during summer, Hakuba has plenty to offer throughout the entire year. Where is Hakuba? This is not as simple as you might think. The area which …
As a foreign resident of Japan, especially if you live in a big city, you might never own a car or even miss owning one. Trains, planes, buses, bikes and rental cars are all convenient and reasonably priced. Used cars often come with attractive …
Want to browse the internet or do your online banking at a cafe? Get a VPN to protect your privacy. Here's our cheapo guide for free VPNs.
For us Japan old-timers it's easy to forget just how confusing Japan's enormous rail system can be. Each of Tokyo's international airports are served by two different lines operated by two different operators that go more or less to the same …
How to order your sushi, pizza and every cuisine in between.
It's not easy finding secondhand ski and snowboard gear in Tokyo, but with a little work, you can snag some great deals! Here's where to look.
You can ride on the world's shortest escalator, visit an arcade or museum, and take a tour of the Ajinomoto Umami Science Square.
The Passive House methodology provides us with ways to reduce energy consumption and make living in our Japanese homes and apartments more comfortable.
We break down the data-only and data + voice options so you can work out which is most economical for your needs.
What's an izakaya? Here's a breakdown on this iconic Japanese institution, including etiquette and your all-you-can-eat and all-you-can-drink options.
