Japan

Tonki: For 80 years, serving the best tonkatsu in Tokyo, Japan

Rohsu-Katsu Teishoku. 160g of perfectly fried loin cutlet at Tonki Tonkatsu in Tokyo, Japan

Out of all the tonkatsu (fried pork cutlet) restaurants in Tokyo, numbering in the thousands, nowhere seems to do it as well as Tonki near Meguro Station. For almost 80 years, Tonki has been serving tonkatsu, a type of pork cutlet which is breaded in Japanese-style panko breadcrumbs and deep-fried until crispy. It may be old-fashioned, but Tonki is an institution of Tokyo. Many will debate which is better: Tonki or Maisen. I tend to side with Tonki and I’m …

Read more

Purchasing a Japan Rail Pass? Important things you need to know

A 7 day Japan Rail Pass

If you are planning to travel to Japan, and want to explore this beautiful country by train, then purchasing a Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) is a must. These train passes, good for 7, 14, or 21 consecutive days of travel, will allow you to move around the country effortlessly, and most importantly, economically. When traveling to a new country, and using a new form of transportation, you probably have questions such as: What is a Japan Rail Pass? How …

Read more

13 amazing Buddhist temples in Japan you should not miss

Kinkaku-ji Temple, the Golden Pavilion, Kyoto

13. Nanzenji Temple – Kyoto Not far from one end of the Philosopher’s Path in Kyoto is Nanzenji Temple, an extensive temple surrounded by smaller sub-temples. While the main grounds are free to enter, the surrounding temples require an entrance fee. Hard to miss is San-mon Gate, an enormous wooden gate first constructed in 1628. Just outside Hojo is a unique site that seems out of place: a large brick aqueduct. This aqueduct was built during the Meiji Period between …

Read more

Tori no Ichi Festival at Hanazono Shrine in Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan

The Tori no Ichi Festival at Hanazono Shrine

Each November, the Tori no Ichi Festival takes place at Hanazono Shrine, a Shinto shrine located not far from Shinjuku Station in Tokyo, Japan. At Tori no Ichi festivals, held all over Japan, lucky charms or rakes known as Kumade are available for sale. The festival held at Hanazono Shrine is one the most important in the Kantō region of Japan. In Tokyo, you can find these festivals at many other temples including Asakusa Temple and Chokoku Temple. 2023 Dates: …

Read more

Fuunji in the Shinjuku Ward of Tokyo, Japan: Tsukemen Ramen

Large Deluxe Tsukemen, Fuunji, Tokyo, Japan

The first time I tasted a bowl of tsukemen was at Fuunji, a small and unassuming ramen shop hidden on a quiet street near Shinjuku Station in Tokyo, Japan. Fuunji is considered by many, including me, to serve the best bowl of tsukemen in Tokyo. Every time I return to Tokyo, I make sure to stop by Fuunji first. Even with its hidden location, Fuunji is no secret. You should always expect a line out the door. Even once inside, …

Read more

Sushi Kyotatsu inside Tokyo’s Narita International Airport

Nigiri Miyako

F Sushi Kyotatsu is my go to spot for sushi every time I find myself on a layover at Terminal 1 of Tokyo Narita International Airport. Delicious and fresh sushi in the most unlikely of places: the airport. When you think of airport food, the last thing that probably pops into your head is sushi. But Sushi Kyotatsu is different. It’s good. I take that back, it’s great. Better than most of the sushi…I have ever had. Though pricey (you’re …

Read more

Harajuku Gyoza Lou for some of the best dumplings in Tokyo

Pan Fried Dumplings with Garlic and Leek, Harajuku Gyoza Lou, Tokyo, Japan

Harajuku Gyoza Lou is a popular and casual restaurant located in the Shibuya ward of Tokyo that has perfected the art of Chinese-style dumplings (gyoza). If you often have trouble deciding what to order at restaurants, have no fear. The affordable menu is simple: pan fried dumplings or steamed dumplings with your choice of original or garlic and leek (chives). The restaurant was located a stone’s throw away from Meiji-jingumae Station on a side street just off busy Omotesandō street. …

Read more

How not to be rude in Japan: Japanese manners and etiquette

Izakaya in Tokyo, Japan

What I love about Japan is how friendly the people are to visitors. As a traveler, it is a great idea to know about simple Japanese manners and etiquette. Respecting the local culture and customs is something you should try to practice, no matter what country you may visit. This list may seem intimating to first time visitors to Japan, but the list is not set in stone. While some of these social customs are expected during business situations, many …

Read more

Sights you should not miss at night in Tokyo’s Shinjuku ward

Neon lights in the maze that is Tokyo

When you dream of Tokyo and Japan, you dream of Shinjuku and its neon lights, department stores, bars, love hotels, shrines, and futuristic skyscrapers. During the day, Shinjuku is a great place to visit for its Shinto shrines, endless shopping, and art galleries. As the sun goes down, Shinjuku comes alive. The neon lights, the crowds, and the energy make Shinjuku one of the most fascinating and bustling places in Tokyo. It’s everything you think Tokyo should be. A quick …

Read more

How to get from Nagano to the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park

Snow monkeys hanging out at the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park near Nagano

One of the main reasons you should visit Nagano is for the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, a unique onsen, or hot spring, filled with wild Japanese Macaques. Yes, you read that correctly. There is a hot spring with wild monkeys that you can visit in Japan. The park, located northeast of Nagano, requires a little work to reach, including a 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) trek on a narrow pathway through a beautiful snow-covered (in the winter) forest. If you are …

Read more