During the Edo period (1603 – 1867), the job of old-Tokyo’s machi-bugyo city magistrate was really three jobs hiding inside one big overcoat. The post was the modern equivalent of the chief... Read more »
Our ace reporter learns that the fried balls of octopus in Kansai are not quite what he expected. Many people associate the Kansai region of Japan with takoyaki, the quintessential savory street-food... Read more »
With summer’s warmth lingering and winter’s chill creeping in, autumn often feels fleeting in Japan. A wonderful way to hold on to the season is through autumn ikebana, the centuries-old Japanese art... Read more »
As a young man growing up in Ohio, Sean Elliott developed an interest in Japanese culture and history, particularly the exploits of the ninja and the turbulent Sengoku Era. After studying Japanese... Read more »
To really get a feel for Tokyo, pick a neighborhood at random and spend the day exploring what lies there. Step away from the usual haunts of Shibuya or Ginza and embrace... Read more »
Godzilla’s greatest rival comes to challenge him for his Shinjuku crown. Downtown Tokyo’s Hotel Gracery Shinjuku has a good location. It’s situated on the edge of the Shinjuku neighborhood’s Kabukicho section, providing... Read more »
A beautiful way to add a calming sense of escapism to your day. Every animated film from Studio Ghibli will take you on a journey, but in the case of the... Read more »
A man mixes potatoes, tomatoes and peppers in a frying pan on a camping trip There’s something about cooking over a fire that makes even the simplest food taste better. In Japan,... Read more »
As Halloween in Tokyo approaches, we spoke with alternative fashion, culture, and travel blogger, La Carmina. “I’ve been participating in the Goth subculture since I was a teen,” says the creative, “and... Read more »
In the mood to breathe in some delicious — and cooler — mountain air while taking in outrageous views? Our trip up Mount Gassan in Yamagata had something for everyone in our... Read more »