There is a saying with a couple of variations that goes something like “tourists seem to leave their brains at home when they travel”. Many will read this and nod in agreement, as tourists everywhere are often seen disoriented, bumbling, fumbling, miming, breaking social rules and norms, and some even breaking laws! The bigger the…

Before I came to Japan, I had only vaguely heard of Okinawa. In fact, I’d heard of it because it was featured in the first Kill Bill movie, and in Karate Kid. And when I came to live in Japan, I definitely didn’t think I would be in a country with tropical beaches and Hawaii-like…

Hokkaido, the northernmost prefecture of Japan, is expecting to have an influx of tourists during the winter season due to its powdery snow and winter festivals. One of the most anticipated annual events happening this December is the opening of the Ice Village, which is located inside the Hoshino Resorts Tomamu, in central Hokkaido. Various…

For many years, Japan had been a country that foreign tourists overlooked. This might seem a bit funny at first, considering how influential Japanese cuisine, manga, anime, video games, and technology have been. It was not uncommon to see Western media talk about Japan and the wonders of The Land of the Rising Sun, from…

  Heading to Kumagaya Stadium during your time at the Rugby World Cup this year? Saitama City is just a stone’s throw away, and it’s a great destination for sports fanatics looking to explore a local, welcoming city—one that loves sports as much as they do. Saitama City is just a 40-minute train ride from…

At this point it shouldn’t be a surprise to know that the number of tourists visiting Japan has been increasing. In fact, each year has seen a new record, and 2019 is no different. The number during the first half of the year: 16.63 million. That’s a 4.6 percent increase from 2018. Additionally, the Japan…

Tourism is a very important industry, bringing billions of dollars to the most visited countries. Japan has become a very important touristic destination in recent years, and as its popularity increases, a trend that has been on the rise around the world might be making an appearance in the Land of the Rising Sun. However,…

Whenever people talk about visiting Mount Fuji, there are a few standard approaches to go about it. If you are physically fit or the adventurous type, you would probably relish the experience of making the tough ascent during the summer months and experience its spiritual strength and visual beauty from the summit. For those who…

With the summer coming closer, many establishments all over the country are now bringing out their own set of preparations for the upcoming season. One particular establishment that is often visited by tourists in Tokyo has also prepared their own share of excitement for summer! While the season may come with the heat, Edo Kingyo…

Harry Winston, Tiffany, Cartier. These are jewelry brands that everyone knows. Loved all over the world, possession of these brands’ items is often perceived to mean high status. However, it seems that foreigners visiting Japan do not take notice of these high-end brands, but aim for downtown jewelry stores in places like Ueno and Okachimachi.…