We provide insights, guidance, and practical advice to help you settle in Tokyo.
Roppongi is one of Tokyo’s most famous districts, blending international nightlife, world-class art, and upscale dining. Known for its cosmopolitan vibe and constant energy, Roppongi attracts locals, expats, and travelers seeking both culture and entertainment. Whether you want to explore museums by day or enjoy clubs by night, this guide will help you discover the
Japan is home to some of the world’s most unique accommodations, and nothing embodies cultural luxury more than a ryokan. These traditional inns blend history, hospitality, and comfort, offering tatami rooms, seasonal kaiseki dining, and healing hot spring baths. For travelers planning a trip this year, choosing the right ryokan can turn a vacation into
Japan is one of the most dynamic countries in the world, blending centuries-old traditions with cutting-edge modernity. From the neon lights of Tokyo and the historic streets of Kyoto to coastal towns and mountain villages, it offers a lifestyle as diverse as its geography. People from across the globe are drawn here for opportunity, culture,
Navigating personal finance in Japan can feel overwhelming for new residents, especially when it comes to credit cards. To make the process simpler, we’ve gathered a reliable, up-to-date overview of the most accessible cards for non-Japanese residents. Card Annual Fee Key Benefits Best For Rakuten Card ¥0 1% back on purchases, bonuses with Rakuten services,
Akiya are abandoned or vacant homes across Japan, often in rural towns and villages. Japan has millions of these properties due to population decline and urban migration. Interest in akiya is growing, especially among foreigners curious about affordable property opportunities. Below, we’ll answer the most common questions about akiya, ownership, and the process of buying
When Did Christianity Arrive in Japan? The Early History Undoubtedly one of the world’s great religions, Christianity, like many faiths, has faced opposition in many places where it was not the dominant belief. From its origins in the Roman Empire, it has gone from being an underdog to being the ruling force in many nations.
Japanese cuisine, known as washoku, earned a place on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2013, and every meal balances regional and seasonal ingredients with meticulous presentation that harmonizes taste, sight, and aroma. From bustling city markets to countryside family tables, traditional flavors mingle with modern creativity to craft unforgettable food adventures, and the dishes
One of the highlights of Autumn in Japan is taking part in tsukimi, the centuries-old custom of admiring the harvest moon. In 2025, Chūshū-no-Meigetsu (the Japanese term for “harvest moon”) rises on Monday 6 October, while the astronomical full moon peaks at dusk on 7 October — a rare one-day offset that promises two luminous
Flying is stressful enough. Navigating a 35 million person metropolis with luggage can make you feel like you’re regretting your Japan vacation before its even begun. To help you get off to the best start, this guide breaks down the fastest, cheapest, and most comfortable routes from central Tokyo to Narita (NRT) and Haneda (HND)
Fall in Japan offers travellers something the hot and humid summer festivals cannot: cool evenings, lantern-lit streets, and a cultural deep dive that gives you the perfect feeling after the scorching summer but before the winter chill. Whether you are planning a first trip or hunting for a reason to return, Autumn Festivals, known in
Capsule toy machines – better known in Japan as gashapon or gachapon – turn spare coins into moments of anticipation and joy. From basements in Shinjuku to airport departure lounges, more than half a century of design tweaks and pop-culture tie-ins have transformed a children’s gimmick into a nationwide pastime. For newbies, we’ll explain the
Drinking in Japan is about more than izakaya or tachinomi. Cocktail bars in Japan are going through a major phase of popularity, and there are more creative places to go for a drink than ever. Bartenders at a Japan cocktail bar are experts in local botanicals, low‑ABV creativity, and omotenashi that can turn a quick