The Ultimate Guide To Tokyo
This post first appeared on Japan Trends. Shibaura House is a community space in the Tokyo district of Shibaura, a neighborhood in the south of the city near the port. The stylish glass building was designed by Kazuyo Sejima and hosts […]
Isari Juu Hachiban is one of those restaurants that hides in plain sight. Unless someone tells you to take note, you would walk right passed it. It’s second-storey position and difficult-to-read name make it a less than obvious place to […]
There are so many fantastic free events happening in Tokyo in November and December that it was tough choosing just five for this bimonthly events wrap. But we had to (because the editor said so). After much discount coffee fuelled […]
Download Podcast Your favourite cheapos are back with a special on location recording of the “Best Of Japan Tour” in Coredo Muromachi. The tour is organised by the Nihonbashi Tourist Information Center who provide a few different tours and experiences […]
This event is now closed, and this post originally appeared on Japan Trends. Roppongi has its fair share of bright lights and other-worldly experiences, but this is certainly something new. Finnair is sponsoring a stimulated aurora experience event at Tokyo […]
So you want to get dressed up, do the whole kimono thing while you’re in Tokyo? These timeless outfits are not exactly cheap, but that’s why kimono rentals exist. You can experience wearing one for a short time without having […]
It’s not really a big surprise that Gonpachi inspired the restaurant in Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill, since Gonpachi is basically a Japanese themed restaurant in Japan. For me, the surprise is that this hyper produced eatery is actually reasonable value […]
With the dollar stronger than ever (at time of writing, 90 USD will buy you 10,700 yen), now is a great time to visit Japan and get a big bang for your buck. We’ve done three days in Tokyo on […]
Here’s a tip for those who want a filling Japanese meal on the cheap: try visiting a university cafeteria. Most university grounds, and thus, their cafeterias, are open to the public (although when in doubt, it’s best to ask). Forget […]
Ok, you’ve been enjoying your authentic Japanese food and can’t imagine missing normal, unexciting Western food. But that moment will come, so you’d better be prepared. The first thing you’ll miss is probably pizza, but you might end up missing the unexciting […]
I’m not a time travel expert, but I think if it existed today, it would be extremely expensive. While I’m sure there would be an article or two on the site dedicated to Hard-Off inspired time machine assembly, I’m here […]
Tokyo may seem shiny-shiny and new – and parts of it are. It can feel like everyone has new stuff all the time and you certainly wouldn’t be the first one to look, agape, at what people are putting on […]
January and February are the coldest, dreariest months in Tokyo after December finally wrests winter from the hands of fall and delivers it in time for the new year. Here are some events to take your mind off the cold […]
Chinese Café Eight is a chain of Chinese Restaurants with four Tokyo locations, including Roppongi, Shinjuku, Akasaka, and Ebisu, as well as another location in Shinsaibashi, Osaka. The restaurants all have a unique atmosphere with a few … er, interesting decoration […]
Ever wondered what it’s like to be a pastry chef in Japan? We chatted to Nao Maeda, one of Tokyo’s pioneering gluten-free patissiers, about life, dough and sweets. She shared a few cheapo tips for a gluten-free Tokyo too. How long […]
Strrrrrike! Though bowling and boring sound suspiciously similar when katakanized, it doesn’t have to be a drag! We recently went Tokyo bowling after a lengthy hiatus and it was pretty fun, even though our left butt cheeks were mysteriously sore […]
Although the Chinese are one of Japan’s largest minority groups and there are Chinese restaurants aplenty, most Chinese food in Japan has been adjusted to suit local palates. These dishes are called chūka ryouri (which literally means “Chinese cuisine”), but if you’re […]
If, like us, you’re a fan of all things green tea, your time in Japan won’t be complete without a glimpse into the ancient art of tea ceremony. Here is what you can expect, and where to enjoy it. A little […]
Leave it to Japan to adapt and rework foreign dishes to give them a new identity. As it implies, soup curry is a hybrid of the two dishes that comprise its name; it’s thin and watery for a curry, so it’s […]
Download Podcast In this podcast episode your intrepid Cheapos venture into the deepest darkest depths of Akihabara. With their guide Aaron Baggett, Cheapo extraordinaire and author of our book “A Cheapo’s Guide To Akihabara“, hear them dodge maids, escape the […]
Akihabara is largely known for two things: electronics and being an otaku haven, though nowadays, the electronics seem to have become overshadowed by the geeky stuff. The closest English translation for otaku would be geek, although otaku carries a stronger […]
If you ask people what food comes to mind when you say “Harajuku“, crêpes will probably come up—no food is more synonymous with the teen mecca. Pro tip: Go deeper into the colorful, wacky streets on a guided kawaii food […]
The Michelin Guide is one of the most respected and famous systems for rating restaurants and hotels across the world. Gaining a Michelin star can instantly propel a chef from the depths of obscurity into the light of stardom, while […]
In need of some beautification and pampering? Here are some English-speaking salons where you can give your eyebrows and nails some tender, loving care: Eyebrow Threading A hair removal practice that’s said to have originated in India, threading is said […]