My Travel Guides
I’m often asked quite a bit of whether or not the Shinjuku is safe? One may hear comparisons between Shinjuku and America’s “Sin City”, Las Vegas. But the two are very different but have some similarities. For the most part, Tokyo is safe day and Read More …
In the United States, we are accustomed to knowing that America has 50 states, a federal district (Washington D.C., which is also a capital city) and five major territories (which includes Guam, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, U.S. Virgin Islands and Northern Mariana Islands). The latter Read More …
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 …
For those going to Tokyo, if there is one thing you will often ride on, it’s the JR Yamanote Line. It’s one of Tokyo’s most busiest lines and it’s the line that will connect you to important stations such as Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, Ueno and Read More …
I’m often asked what seat I would recommend on an airplane flight, window seat or aisle seat? There are a few things I look for on a flight, if it’s a domestic, short flight, I don’t mind the aisle seat. If I’m on an international Read More …
Japan is a beautiful country and when it gets warmer, while visiting the parks are enjoyable, some areas that have a lot of water will attract mosquitoes. And parks like Yoyogi Park at one time, had problems with mosquitoes that carried the dengue virus. While Read More …
UPDATED”: [NHK] A magnitude 6.1 earthquake has struck the Osaka region in western Japan. Three people are confirmed dead. More than 230 others are reportedly injured. The Shinkansen line that runs from Tokyo to Osaka has resumed operation after service was partially suspended. But local 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 …
When going to Japan, it’s easy to confuse temples and shrines. But they are quite different. Temples are Buddhist sites, while shrines are Shinto sites. It’s even more confusing by the fact that there are some areas that meld the two religions together. And that 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 …
You are visiting Japan and go to a shrine or temple and you notice people going to an area which looks like a tub of water and you see people drinking from it? The thought may cross your mind… “Why are they drinking the water?”, Read More …
You booked a flight and got it very cheap and you are now excited. But many travelers are learning that the cheap flight they paid for was “basic economy” and not regular “economy”. And for those who have read about the confusion, frustration or the Read More …
Quite often when I speak to people about traveling, especially to Japan, I’m always asked how much one should save. Especial for meals and how can one eat cheap. That is not an easy question as everyone is different and depending on how many weeks Read More …
I have written about IC Cards, such as Suica and Pasmo. But let’s assume you are planning to go back to Japan and are not sure how much money you have on your IC Card. Fortunately, there is an app called Suica Reader and if Read More …