Tokyo Christmas Market 2018: Tokyo’s Answer to a European Christmas
If you’re looking for a European Christmas market in Tokyo to put you in the mood for the holidays, then the Tokyo Christmas Market in …
Asia/Oceania
7 Interesting Things to do in Matsuyama, Japan (plus combining your trip with Tokyo)
Matsuyama, Japan is a destination full of connections. Located in Ehime prefecture in Shikoku, it’s a place where striking up a conversation with a stranger …
Shichi-go-san: Japan’s celebration of kids aged 7 5 3
Shichi-go-san (七五三) is a Japanese festival held annually in November. Shichi-go-san literally means ‘7 5 3’ and celebrates the health and longevity of girls aged …
Halloween in Japan is unlike anywhere else (where to celebrate in Tokyo)
If you’ve seen recent photos of Halloween in Japan, you might be surprised to learn that Halloween has really only become “a thing” here over …
Japan’s Tori-no-Ichi: The Rooster Market That Sells Rakes
The Tori-no-Ichi (酉の市 – rooster market) is an open-air fair that takes place annually on the ‘Days of the Rooster’ in November according to the …
Blood Type Personality: What does your blood type say about you?
Strike up a conversation in a bar or head out to a dinner party in Japan and the likelihood is that the conversation will, at …
5 Breathtaking Things to do in Yakushima, Japan’s natural wonder
Yakushima may be a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but it’s still one of Japan’s best-kept secrets. Located just south of Kyushu mainland, this island full …
Some no Komichi: Experience Tokyo’s River of Kimono Silks
The Some no Komichi is a three-day event held in late February showcasing traditional Japanese textile dyeing techniques. The event is held in Shinjuku’s Ochiai …
So, how can we overcome “amusement park syndrome”?
When I wrote ‘Yes, Japan is unique, but it’s not your fantasy land‘ last week, I wasn’t sure of the response it would get. I …