Summertime in Japan leaves just as quickly as it comes. After throngs of summer festivals and one too many shaved ice bowls under a fireworks-dotted sky, fall is around the corner, and winter isn't far behind. In a sudden whirlwind of fall/winter wardrobe prep, post-summer cleaning and all of life’s other pesky trials that come with the changing leaves, it’s a no-brainer for most urban dwellers to imagine themselves taking a cozy getaway far away from the bustling city. The solution? Two words: Kinosaki Onsen. Kinosaki Onsen is a stone’s throw away from Kyoto. It’s one of Japan’s most pictures...
Savvy Tokyo
Personalized products make the best souvenirs, and there’s no better place to make them than Tokyo! Several stores offer services that allow you to customize their products in Tokyo! By choosing the color, design and material, you can be part of the whole creative process. These products not only make unique gifts but also excellent souvenirs. Brands That Let You Engrave Their ProductsBrands That Let You Customize Their ProductsBrands That Offer Unique Customization OptionsBrands That Let You Engrave Their ProductsHave your name, birth date or personal mantra engraved at any of the stores belo...
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Looking for a fun, tasty and educational activity for the whole family? Try these Japanese food factory tours, which are mostly all free to enter in and around Tokyo! Japan is home to plenty of attractions fit for immersing yourself in all things uniquely Japanese. Whether you’re into Studio Ghibli’s world-famous films or are curious to learn about the life cycle of parasites, Japan has you covered with museums galore. Why not combine these fun-filled attractions and your love of Japanese food? Luckily, there are several Japanese food factory tours in and around the Tokyo area that people of a...
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From sightseeing to shopping to international dining to simply taking a deep breath of fresh air and standing against the ocean breeze, Yokohama is the city that appeals to all your five senses. Just under an hour on the subway from central Tokyo, the port city of Yokohama is a welcome break from the busy streets of the capital with its relaxed environment, wide open spaces, and a harbor side where it’s almost too easy to lose your worries and stresses as you stroll or cycle along. Whatever your purpose of the visit is—from sightseeing to shopping to fancy eating or street food and chatting al...
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With several high-profile cases concerning LGBTQ rights in recent years, it can be hard to stay up-to-date. Join us for a glance at the laws in Japan that affect the lives of LGBTQ people. When it comes to Japanese laws related to LGBTQ rights, Japan is often criticized by the international community. Take a look at these recent reports: The 2023 Human Rights Watch report on Japan notes the continuing lack of non-discrimination laws regarding sexual orientation and gender identity and no recognition of same-sex marriages by the national government.Amnesty International’s 2023 report adds that ...
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Between the traditions of the past and the modern, globalized world, how do Japanese couples get engaged these days? In the West, marriage proposals have some common features: the man plans something elaborate for his lady, produces a ring and pops the question. After my boyfriend proposed, I became curious about marriage proposals and engagements in Japan. So, I surveyed six married Japanese friends on their own experiences and their observations of society more broadly. While there were lots of similarities, there were also some enlightening differences. Here are five ways marriage proposals...
Savvy Tokyo
There's still time to make this the most memorable summer yet. Here are some summer outing ideas to plan your month ahead! Welcome to August in Tokyo! Do you have any plans yet? Here are some events around the city to beat the heat or embrace it entirely. From rooftop barbecue parties to night yoga and anime-themed collaborations happening in Japan’s capital, check out our recommended Tokyo events for August 2024! August 19 – 25The Ultimate After-Work Stress ReliefJingu Stadium Night Yoga 2024If you're looking to take advantage of the warm early summer nights in Tokyo, Jingu Stadium Night Yoga...
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Haunted houses in Japan are uniquely hair-raising. Vengeful ghosts, creepy children and human experiments gone wrong are just some of the figures lurking inside waiting to frighten you. Enter, if you dare. In Japan, summer is the season for all things haunted. While the Obon holiday in August celebrates friendly spirits, Japanese people also like to take the edge off the oppressive summer heat with more sinister ghost stories. One popular way to experience a cooling dose of fear is visiting an obakeyashiki (haunted houses) in Tokyo. While Japanese obakeyashiki share many things in common with ...
Savvy Tokyo
From kitchen organizers to making your dinner prep easier, head to Japan’s 100 yen shops for your next kitchen upgrade. Whether you’re outfitting your new home or updating a few things here or there, Japan’s 100 yen shops are great places to start. Depending on where you’re from, the thought of stocking your home with ¥100 items may seem like a questionable consumer choice. But Japan’s shops have a wide range of useful goods to level up your living space on a budget! Don’t believe us? Check out our articles on 100 yen shop must-haves for home decor and DIY nails—this is true for the kitchen, t...
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Tired of snow drifts and winter chills? Look no further than your local grocery store for vegetables with the brightest and freshest flavors harkening to the arrival of spring in Japan! Read on for our five picks for the best veggies of the season. 1. Japanese butterburWhen I first heard of fuki (Japanese butterbur) in a Japanese children’s song, I had never heard of it before—let alone eaten it! But, to pass on this native vegetable in spring would be to miss a traditional star of Japanese spring cuisine! Cultivated in Japan since the Heian period, many modern-day varieties in the store are f...
Savvy Tokyo
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