shin– Author –

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...

From towering observatories to futuristic rooftops, Tokyo and Yokohama offer some of the most breathtaking cityscapes in the world. Whether you’re chasing sunsets, neon lights, or panoramic selfies, here are the best places to soak in th...

When most people think of Japan, they picture ancient temples, cherry blossoms, or bustling street crossings in Shibuya. But if you're looking for something truly unique—something you won’t find anywhere else in the world—teamLab is it. ...

If you're planning to travel around Japan, here's one thing that can literally lighten your journey: Send your suitcase ahead with a luggage forwarding service. As someone born and raised in Japan, I can tell you—this is a lifesaver. Jap...

If you've never experienced a Japanese sauna, totonou might sound like just another wellness buzzword. But for many of us in Japan, it’s something much deeper—something physical, emotional, and almost spiritual. I was born and raised in ...