Minshuku, I’m Sleeping Over Tonight!

Once, a French cameraman made up a new concept on television, trying to ask people in other countries if he can sleep over at their place. As he progressed, he found much more difficulty in Japan than any other country he had been during all his experiences abroad! However, a more convenient way is to [...]

Four Great Uses of the Konbini

“The Future is here. It’s just not widely distributed yet.” -William Gibson

One of the first things you’ll come to appreciate during your stay in Japan is the konbini, or local convenience store, that lay ubiquitously spread out across the land. With over 42,404 locations, the analogy ‘a konbini on every corner’ is not far fetched, [...]

Alternate Transit in Tokyo—Get on a Bicycle

The Japanese transportation system is very efficient, especially in Tokyo. If you remember, we’ve already written on how to navigate the Japanese train system. However, everyone will admit there are still some disadvantages, like high prices or crowds. Instead, beat the system and get on your bike!
Tokyo trains sometimes make you pay for an extra [...]

Hidden Open-Air Cafes in Tokyo

When grabbing a coffee or just a good meal, it’s rare to find Japanese people eating outside. Even in the summertime, it is very difficult to find a terrace to share drinks with your friends after a long walk. That’s why tourists may easily feel like they are pushed into dark places or inside basements [...]

Five Things the Drinker In You Needs To Know About Japan

Culturally speaking, Japan is one of the most conservative countries in the world.  With its age old traditions and a highly patriarchal foundation, you’d think that getting a beer in the late afternoon (or early, depending on your personal preference) would be a hassle.  However, Japan is home to some of the most liberal alcohol [...]

Your Guide to Hiroshima: Part 3—Recreation and Nightlife

Once you’ve stored your belongings and rested from your trip, you need to go and check out Peace Memorial Park（広島平和記念公園,）and the A-Bomb Dome (原爆ドーム）.  Here, you’ll be able to see first hand the affects of the atom bomb, witness the only structure still standing from the blast, and walk through the Peace Memorial Museum, which [...]

Your Guide to Hiroshima: Part 2—Lodging & Accommodation

Once you arrive in Hiroshima, you are going to want to find a place to stay—that is, if you plan on staying overnight.  There are about five hostels, two hotels, and four ryokans (旅館) in the city as of: August 11, 2009.  (If you haven’t already familiarized yourself with them, ryokans are traditional Japanese hotels/hostels, [...]

Your Guide to Hiroshima: Part 1—Getting There

Hiroshima (広島市, ) is relatively small city (when compared to Tokyo (東京) and the Kansai area) nestled in the southwestern mountains of Japan.  It is quaint, with a streetcar system reminiscent of San Francisco. Due to its rich and horrifying history (the atom bomb) you really need to make the [...]

Navigating the Japanese Rail-System

“I knew I was going to take the wrong train, so I left early”
-Yogi Berra
To put it quite simply, there is no way to visit Japan and not have to tackle their ubiquitous transit system. Legendary for its unique character and astonishing speed, public transportation has long become synonymous [...]