Riding the Hello Kitty Bullet Train
That's right. Hello Kitty is such a popular character here that she gets her own bullet train, as I discovered when I accidentally rode it.
CultureShoppingTravel TipsKyushu
March 11, 2019
Category: Shopping
Japan can truly be a shopper's paradise. Japanese people love to bring home souvenirs from their travels, and gift-giving has a strong tradition, meaning that even small towns deep in the countryside usually have an array of local specialties for sale. Of course there is no lack of shopping opportunities in urban areas, whether you are looking for a unique gift or the latest fashion trends.
ALL 265Goods 67Souvenirs 54Ticket 7
Ningle Terrace: Furano’s Cozy Arts and Crafts Village
A central town in Hokkaido known for its picturesque landscape, Furano holds one novel treasure: Ningle Terrace, a group of 15 cottages hidden in the woods next to one of Furano’s most popular resorts, New Furano Prince Hotel.
CultureFood & DrinkShoppingHokkaido
December 17, 2018
15 Things to Do in Sapporo
Known for its annual snow festival, Sapporo is one of Japan’s most vibrant cities and is extremely visitor-friendly. It has fantastic food and plenty to do. Here’s a sampling.
CultureShoppingSightseeingTravel TipsHokkaido
October 19, 2018
¥100 vs ¥300 Stores – The Ultimate 100 Yen Store Competition
If you have been living in Japan or traveling the country, you are very familiar with the 100 yen stores called Daiso. You can get anything here. It is a paradise of abundance. But maybe you have found yourself frustrated with the number of times you had to run back here because the purchased item repeatedly broke.
October 9, 2018
Spacious Shopping in Saitama at Mitsui Outlet Park
There is no shortage of exciting stores here. I was surprised by how aesthetically pleasing the mall is, and by how spacious it is! It is well worth visiting!
September 11, 2018
Eat Gold Ice Cream in Fukuoka
In Canal City shopping centre in Fukuoka, for just 980 yen you can eat gold, and ice cream at the same time. This is definitely the fanciest and most wonderfully wasteful ice cream around.
September 7, 2018
Insta-worthy Places in Odaiba that Will Make You Feel Like You’re in a Different Country
Odaiba, located on the edge of Tokyo Bay, has plenty of great places for fun photos, spots that will make you think you're no longer in Japan.
August 31, 2018
15 Things to Do in Nara
If you travel to countries hoping to experience another culture, Japan is still rich with it and Nara is the perfect place surrounded by culture and history. It is many things at once: traditional, natural, delightful, heartfelt, and all around wonderful. Come to Nara and be amazed. I honestly could name 100 things in Nara that would make for an amazing trip, but I have narrowed it down to the top 15 spots that you will not find even in most guidebooks.
NatureShoppingSightseeingTravel TipsKansai
August 27, 2018
15 Things to Do in Fukuoka
Here we present 15 things you can see, do, and experience in Fukuoka.
Food & DrinkNatureShoppingTravel TipsKyushu
May 15, 2018
The Annual Arita Porcelain Market 2018: A Trip Off the Beaten Track
Every year between April 29th and May 5th, a period with a cluster of national holidays known in Japan as Golden Week, the village of Arita holds a festival about all things porcelain
May 1, 2018
10 Unique Items Only Found in Japanese Hardware Stores
You will find power tools, gas torches, multi-purpose folding knives, and all the usual goodies found in hardware stores anywhere in the world. But as always there are subtle cultural differences. What kinds of cultural differences can you expect in these hardware stores?
April 19, 2018
Takamatsu: Shikoku's Hidden Gem
As the largest city on the island and location of the main transport hubs for commuting between Shikoku and the mainland, Takamatsu, in Kagawa Prefecture, is the most commonly visited city on the island. What does Takamatsu have to offer the average tourist, looking to get the most out of their tour of Japan?
April 19, 2018
The Artisanal Pride Of Edo in Nihonbashi
Some of the oldest merchants still have shops that trace back their history to hundred of years ago, and they are true artisans who take pride in producing one thing. Products range from traditional Japanese sweets to pickles.
April 5, 2018
20 Things to Do in Kawasaki
Kawasaki is not just a Japanese motorcycle company, it is an industrial metropolis where visitors can wander and find an abundance of discovery. Here we look at the 20 best things to do in this amazing city just 1 hour from Tokyo.
CultureShoppingSightseeingTravel TipsKanto
March 1, 2018
15 Things to Do in Shiga
Most tourists come for Lake Biwa, but Shiga prefecture actually offers many interesting activities and beautiful landscape. Here are the top 15 things you might want to do here.
NatureShoppingTravel TipsKansai
January 26, 2018
An Introduction to Nishi Chayagai: Kanazawa's Hidden Treasure
The Japanese refer to Kanazawa as Sho-Kyoto, or Little Kyoto, and at no time is this more evident than when taking in the historic atmosphere that can be found in the city’s three chaya (teahouse) districts.
ShoppingSightseeingTravel TipsChubu
November 27, 2017
Let's Make a Ring in Nakameguro
Are you planning to celebrate a special day here in Tokyo? Anniversary, honeymoon, or perhaps your birthday? If these are the cases for you, how about creating rings of your own in Nakameguro, Tokyo?
October 14, 2017
Shopping in Shinsaibashi: A Visitor’s Guide to Osaka's Largest Shopping District
Shinsaibashi is one of Japan’s most vibrant and fastest-growing shopping venues. Be sure to drop by for a visit next time you are in Osaka!
September 2, 2017
