If you look at the photo above of me taking the bus back to the airport knowing my vacation has ended and it’s time to go home, what you see is the face of post-travel depression and exhaustion. All rolled up in one. For those Read More …
I often get e-mails and social media messages from people of whether or not a JR Pass is necessary. They often hear from their friends who traveled to Japan that they bought a JR Pass but is it necessary? My opinion is: Only BUY a Read More …
When riding on a train or a subway in Japan, there are a few things that one should keep in mind and important tips of etiquette. Here are 10 things to prepare yourself before riding on a train or subway in Japan. I. WHERE TO Read More …
Japan is known as one of the safest countries in the world. The country was ranked as third in the most peaceful country in the world according to the fourth annual Global Peace Index (GPI) back in 2010 and as of the last GPI in Read More …
In Tokyo, It’s quite easy to use the JR Trains, especially the main Yamanote Line. But there are times where you need to get to an area that is only served by a metro subway line which is NOT a JR East Train and you Read More …
I am often asked of how I took my day and night shots of Tokyo Station and where can they go to take photos of the location. First, I didn’t take my DSLR or lenses, I just used a Canon Powershot G7x and Panasonic DMC-LX10 Read More …
#TravelLife – For those who are traveling to Japan and want to know how they can withdraw money, 7-Eleven is the best way. Not all 7-Eleven have ATM’s but the first step is to look for the red/white sign outside the window that has ATM. Read More …
When I’m in Japan, one of the things that can really stump Japanese is when you ask them what year they were born? What year was the structure or business started? In the US, we are used to going by a year such as: This Read More …
You have seen it at many Shrines throughout Japan. Fox statues galore. Perhaps one of the few places where you will see a lot of them are in Kyoto at Fushimi Inari Jinja where they are everywhere. May it be at the main path or Read More …
NOTE: This guide was written before Tsukiji Fish Market moved to Toyosu Fish Market. Tsukiji is still functional as the restaurants of the outer market is still there. While the main fish auction is at Toyosu. You are planning your trip to Japan and one Read More …
In Japan, especially in Tokyo, in major foreigner-friendly shopping areas such as Akihabara, there are logos showcasing “Japan Tax-Free Shop”. It’s important to for people traveling Japan to know that shops will NOT give you tax-free if you don’t ask for it. Afterall, how would Read More …
You are planning to go to Japan for the first time and are wondering about Japanese currency. Should you get currency at the American airport or local bank before going to Japan? Should I wait until you get to Japan? Here is my advice when Read More …
For those who have read my post about the Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass), I first recommend after activation at a JR Station to discuss with them on getting shinkansen tickets in advance (as you want to make sure you get your seat before finding Read More …
So, you are traveling to Japan and want to figure out how to travel Japan on a budget and are interested in the Japan Rail Pass. Should you get a 7-Day, 14-Day or 21-Day JR Pass? Should you get one at all? If you are Read More …
If you are traveling Japan, aside from your passport and your JR Pass, one of the most important things to do, once you arrive in Japan, is to get an IC Transportation Card that will allow you travel in Japan. You can purchase the card Read More …