Blog - Living In Tokyo

Guides

Working and doing business in Japan

Overview So you decided to make the decision and move to Japan. Or perhaps you live abroad and will be visiting Japan on business. In either case you are now most likely wondering about working and doing business in Japan. These are natural concerns anyone would have when moving to a new country or visiting on business. I would like ...

What’s it like living in Tokyo? Part two

In today’s post I would like to continue with “What’s it like living in Tokyo? Part two” After reading this post you will have a better understanding of what to expect when you visit Tokyo for the first time. If you haven’t read “What’s it like living in Tokyo? Part one” click here. During springtime you will see many people wearing ...

What’s it like living in Tokyo?

This is a question I always get asked “What’s it like living in Tokyo?“. I would like to answer this questions in more detail as follows: But before I answer that let me first tell me more about myself and my background. I’m originally from New York. As a child while growing up I was really fascinated about Japan and ...

Interesting things about Ueno Park

Introduction In today’s post I would like to tell you about a fairly famous park in Tokyo. That is Ueno Park. Ueno Park is located in the Taito Ward district of Tokyo. It was established on October 19th, 1873. Ueno Park was among Japan’s first public park created during the Meiji period. It is popular during spring and lots of ...

Trendy Areas In Tokyo

Introduction In today’s article i would like to tell you about some trendy areas in Tokyo. These places offer a variety of things to see and do from shopping, eating, drinking, people watching and everything in between. If you come to visit Tokyo, then paying a visit to one or all of these places will definitely be worthwhile. So without ...

Top Sightseeing Spots in Tokyo Part Two

We have discussed three top sightseeing spots in Tokyo in Part 1. In part 2, we will focus on two popular sightseeing spots namely, Tokyo Disneyland and the Sumida River Cruise. Tokyo Disneyland Tokyo Disneyland is one of the best Disney Castle Parks in the world. Tourists from all over the world visit it for the quality of maintenance, awesome dining ...

Tokyo Station （東京駅）

One of the most iconic, if not the most iconic train stations in Tokyo is Tokyo Station. It is located in the heart of Tokyo in Chiyoda Ward and is across the street from the Imperial Palace. This station is served by the Shinkansen (Bullet Train). At over 3000 trains per day, Tokyo Station is the fifth busiest in terms ...

Tokyo Skytree – Why It Is Such A Wonderful Place Of Tourist Interest

Japan, the Asian super power is certainly a country which inspires awe for most of us. A country that was totally devastated by the Nagasaki and Hiroshima nuclear bombs, is today standing tall. It is truly a testimony to the will and sheer determination of the fantastic Japanese people. The country is the right example of modern development without forgetting ...

The 3 Major Department Stores in Tokyo

Tokyo has a number of department stores. Tokyo department stores are excellently crafted with the best infrastructure. The first department stores were established hundreds of years back. The departmental stores here in Tokyo today are huge and have everything in them from clothing, electronics and restaurants to fun games. In short you can say entering any of the department stores ...

Top Sightseeing Spots In Tokyo Part One

Tokyo, Japan’s capital city, is known to have the largest metropolitan economy on Earth. Apart from the financial sector, one of the biggest contributors to this economy is the tourism industry. In fact, the city witnesses millions of tourists from other parts of the country as well as from around the world visiting every year, leading to billions in revenue ...

Senso-ji （浅草寺）

In today’s post I’d like to tell you about Senso-ji. Senso-ji is the oldest temple in Tokyo. It was formerly part of a sect of Buddhism called Tendai. Over 30 million people visit Senso-ji every year. History Senso-ji pays homage to the Goddess of Mercy called Kannon. or (Guanyin). According to legend, in 628 two brothers who happened to be fishermen ...

Japanese Manga Cafes

Introduction If there’s anything I’ve learned through my travels in Japan it’s that much of Tokyo is more complicated than it may first appear. The culture is so unique, and it exudes itself deeply into the people of the area but also into the businesses. There’s things in Tokyo you just can’t find anywhere else, there’s nothing like it. An ...

Machida (町田)

In today’s post, I’d like to follow up on places that aren’t tourist traps and talk to you about Machida. Just like Hachioji, it is on the outskirts of downtown Tokyo. Machida has two train stations. One is on the JR Yokohama Line and the other is on the Odakyu Line. It is about a forty minute train ride from ...

Karaoke （カラオケ）

A typical Japanese past time and also one of my personal favorites is Karaoke (Called carry oke in the west) . First let’s go over what Karaoke actually means. カラ represents the Chinese character 空 which means empty. オケ is a shortened version of オーケストラ which means orchestra. So basically it means “Emtpy Orchestra” Now you are probably wondering what ...

What Makes The Imperial Palace In Tokyo Such A Famous Place In Japan?

The Imperial Palace Tokyo Japan without any doubt is one of the most preferred tourist destinations in the world. Each year it attracts millions of tourists from around the world in general and the Western Nations in particular. The country offers some of the finest and most varied tourist attractions for people with different tastes and requirements. Yes, Tokyo continues ...

Some Interesting Facts about Hachioji （八王子）

In this months post I would like to talk to you about some interesting facts about Hachioji. It’s in Tokyo but located on the outskirts. It’s about an hour away from the downtown area. The reason I’m telling you about this particular city is because it’s off the beaten path. Many people who visit Tokyo only stick to the major tourist destinations. ...

Governor of Tokyo: Yuriko Koike

Yuriko Koike, the first female Tokyo Governor is a qualified and a potential political leader in Japan. Beginning in 1992, her shifting, yet active role in politics has credited her in her current position as she holds the office of Governor of Tokyo. Being in the House of the Representative for 24 years, Yuriko Koike is one of the most ...

Etiquette in Japan

In this month’s article I’d like to talk to you about etiquette in Japan. I will tell you about some of my experiences and what you shouldn’t be doing when you arrive here. Taking A Bath I’m originally from the United States. In the United States when we take a bath, we wash our bodies with soap inside the bathtub. ...

Crime in Tokyo

There is no doubt that Tokyo, Japan is one of the most enchanting places in the world. It is very easy to see why so many people not only visit Tokyo for its many attractions, but choose to live in the true fantasy that is Tokyo. Located on Honshu, the main island of Japan, Tokyo lies tucked along the North ...

Common Scams in Tokyo

Tokyo is one of the most popular tourist destinations for people across the globe. You will love the delicious food, themed cafes, cherry blossoms, and the rich history visible in temples, castles, and shrines. There is something for everyone in Tokyo. However, you need to be aware of some common scams or botakuri (Japanese term for the scam) in Tokyo ...

Capsule Hotels （カプセルホテル）

One thing that many foreigners who visit Tokyo find surprising is how small or cramped things are. This ranges from the size of an apartment, space in an elevator, the size of cars, etc. But none of those can compare to staying in a capsule hotel. If you are claustrophobic then staying at a capsule hotel is definitely not an option ...

Akihabara Electric Town

Akihabara is the household name of an area surrounding the Akihabara Station in Chiyoda ward in Tokyo, Japan. The administrative area referred to as Akihabara belongs to the Kanda-Sakumacho and Sotokanda districts in Chiyoda. Even though there is another administrative district further North of Akihabara Station known as Akihabara in Taito ward, it is not the same place where people ...

A Tourist’s Guide to Riding Shinkansen, Japan’s Amazing Bullet Trains

A land of pink cherry blossoms, cutting-edge technology, and heroic samurai legends, Japan exudes orderly innovation. This is most seen in its iconic Shinkansen or “bullet trains.” How fast do bullet trains go? Test runs have reached upwards of 361 mph (581 km/h), yet the Shinkansen boasts a zero-fatality record. These trains put new meaning into the word punctuality. Average ...

6 Reasons You Should Stay at the Okura Hotel During Your Tokyo Vacation

There are 100,000 hotel rooms in Tokyo and just as many sights to see. Hotels in the city run the complete gamut. From a capsule hotel with only a bunk to sleep in, to rooms in the sky in some of the city’s tallest buildings. For some people, a trip to Japan is a once in a lifetime experience. After ...

12 Unbelievable Japanese Superstitions That Will Blow Your Mind

The Japanese society is inherently entrenched with superstitions. While the origins of these superstitions is widely debated, most of them are still practiced far and wide. But what exactly are these superstitions about? Are they meant to teach you lessons? Are they designed to offer practical advice? Let’s find out about 12 unbelievable Japanese superstitions that will blow your mind! ...