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8 Free Things to Do in Japan

September 19th, 2012By Lieske LeynenCategory: Culture, Travel

Entertainment isn't hard to come by in Japan, but it isn't always cheap, here are 8 free alternatives to check out. 1: Free entrance day. Some parks like Ritsurin or museums have a free admittance day every couple of months, so seeing a sight that might usua ... » Continue Reading
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The Story of Japanese Love Hotels

September 19th, 2012By GaijinPotCategory: Arts & Entertainment, Culture

One of my favorite J-pop groups, Kome Kome Club, wrote a tune a number of years ago called “Funk Fujiyama.” The lyrics gently poked fun of many of the stereotypes and ideas that visitors to Japan at that time had. Twenty years later, I find the tune -- with its r ... » Continue Reading
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Hidden Tokyo: Off the Beaten Path

September 19th, 2012By Vivian MorelliCategory: Travel

What sights would you see with a ¥10,500 ANA ticket to dreamland destination Tokyo? The answer is easy, as Tokyo is filled to the brim with cool tourist spots (including one or two noteworthy towers) and infamous scramble crossings, with enough people and unique shops ... » Continue Reading
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Beating the crowds during holiday season in Japan

September 18th, 2012By Lieske LeynenCategory: Arts & Entertainment, Culture, Events, Shopping

In the Japanese holiday seasons, it is near impossible to avoid crowds and travel can be expensive. Here are some hints on how to avoid costs and crowds and still have a great time. 1. If possible, book your train or airplane tickets so that you depart a day or ... » Continue Reading
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The Tastes of Japan

September 18th, 2012By John AsanoCategory: Food & Dining, Travel

Japan is one of the best foodie places on the planet with a wide variety of dishes and regional specialities. Japan as we know it today is a relatively modern invention. Before the Meiji Restoration, Japan was a collection of states and regions each with its ow ... » Continue Reading
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Edo-Tokyo Museum: One Station Past Akihabara, and Several Centuries Earlier

September 17th, 2012By Justin VelgusCategory: Travel

I would not say my second home of Tohoku (northern Japan) is not cool, but let’s just say many of my friends are easiest to meet in Tokyo. Tokyo is great, but to me and others who live in or have been to Japan more than once, Tokyo can seem a bit dull if you’r ... » Continue Reading
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Gunkanjima by Night

September 17th, 2012By Offbeat JapanCategory: Photography, Travel

Gunkanjima doesn't need any more presentation: it is the famous abandoned island of Japan and one of the most loved urban exploration spots in the world ! My dream to go there has been fulfilled a few times, but like all explorer/hobbyist photographer, I wanted more... ... » Continue Reading
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Can You Put a Price on Love and Care?

September 17th, 2012By Gabrielle EwartCategory: Shopping

Someone once threw me a small, brown, hairy kiwi fruit, and I threw a wastebasket over it until it was dead. Something out of this world is usually priceless. Its value surpasses the baseness of money. Love and care are things which come from the heart. Nurturi ... » Continue Reading
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Beer culture in Japan

September 14th, 2012By GaijinPotCategory: Culture, Travel

Japan is truly an alcohol lover’s paradise. Bars and izakaya saturate each neighborhood, customers are rarely carded when buying alcohol (even when a little below the 20-year-old legal age), alcohol is sold in some vending machines, it is perfectly legal to walk down th ... » Continue Reading
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Singled Out

September 14th, 2012By Emma PerryCategory: Culture

Why the Japanese have no problem asking about your marital status. As I looked in the mirror, I gave myself a quick, appraising look. I had decided to go with the black knee-length dress, tailored blazer and long, gold pendant. Professional but not your regular borin ... » Continue Reading