2025– date –

The Japan Rail Pass has long been the ultimate key to exploring Japan with ease and freedom, offering unlimited rides on bullet trains and JR lines across the country. But after the massive price hike in October 2023, travelers everywher...

Dreaming of exploring Japan with unlimited train rides? The Japan Rail Pass is your golden ticket — but buying it the right way can save you time, money, and stress. As someone born and raised in Japan with 33 years of firsthand experien...

When you think of Japanese food, sushi and ramen probably come to mind first. But if you really want to experience how locals eat every day, you can’t miss gyudon — a simple, hearty beef bowl that’s the soul of Japan’s fast food culture....

Think tonkatsu is just deep-fried pork? Think again. Japan’s love for crispy cutlets goes far beyond the usual. From juicy beef to shrimp patties and childhood-favorite menchi katsu, there’s a whole world of katsu dishes worth discoverin...

When people think of Nagoya’s local cuisine, miso katsu tops the list. Imagine a crispy pork cutlet generously smothered in a rich, sweet-and-savory red miso sauce — this is a taste that surprises and delights visitors. Having grown up i...

Most people visiting Kyoto think of temples, geishas, and bamboo groves. But if you’re looking for something truly unforgettable—something that feels both thrilling and peaceful—you need to experience the Hozugawa River Boat Ride. I’m no...

I was born in Nagoya, went to university in Shiga, and worked part-time in Kyoto all through my student days. To me, Kyoto isn’t just a place I visited—it’s a place I lived, wandered, got lost in, and fell in love with over and over agai...

Everyone knows Mt. Fuji. But not everyone feels it. I grew up in Japan, and even now—after decades of seeing it from roads, trains, and mountaintops—I still get a quiet thrill when Fuji-san appears in the distance. This day trip from Tok...

Thinking of skipping the coin purse for your trip to Japan? Think again.Even in 2025, Japan remains surprisingly cash-heavy—especially for travelers. And as someone born and raised here, I still carry my coin purse almost every day. In t...

Tokyo isn’t just about temples, towers, and tonkatsu. If you're traveling with kids—or simply want a peaceful moment surrounded by sea life—you’ll love Tokyo’s aquariums. Despite being smaller than Western-style mega-aquariums, these spo...