Travel Tips

Shibuya Marui is getting a makeover. It’s going green.
And when we say going green, we don’t mean the building will literally be painted an unsightly green. Far from it. The company plans to rebuild the store in a functional, environmentally friendly, and oh-so-stylish wood.
Read on to find out about Japan’s first major wooden retail establishment!
Main image: PR Times
Shibuya Marui is Closing in 2022
Rendered image of inside the store after reconstruction. Image: PR Times
Since its opening in 1971, the flagship store has been frequented by all manner of shoppers. From anime lovers flocking to events, to Tokyo fashion-lovers seeking out the latest trends, the shop seems like it caters to almost everyone.
But to make way for the future, the beloved store will be closing its doors to shoppers on August 28, 2022. The business hours of Shibuya MODI will not be affected.
Japan’s First Major Wooden Retail Building
Rendered image of the storefront after reconstruction. Image: PR Times
Making ..

Just an hour outside of central Sapporo lies the region of Jozankei, a gorgeous area rich in nature known for its relaxing onsen baths.
And now, art collective NAKED, INC. has made the area all the more magical, with an illuminated nature walk in Jozankeifutami Park. The summer event is called the JOZANKEI NATURE LUMINARIE-WATER LIGHT VALLEY- (hereinafter Jozankei Nature Luminarie). So here’s what you need to know about the event.
What is the Jozankei Nature Luminarie?
Image: PR times
With the beautiful nature of Jozankei as its backdrop, the Jozankei Nature Luminarie is an illumination event, where various spots throughout Jozankeifutami Park are lit up in a magical spectacle, available to those staying in accommodation at Jozankei Onsen.
Now in its seventh year, the illumination has returned once again to the delight of many, taking inspiration from the surrounding valley and river to light up the natural scenes that are otherwise hard to enjoy by night. This night setting makes for..

“My Neighbor Totoro”, directed by Hayao Miyazaki and produced by Ghibli Studios in 1988, has made its way onto the list of anime classics. The Ghibli Museum in Mitaka city is a must-see pilgrimage site for anime fans.
But what die-hard Ghibli fans want to keep secret is Shiro-Hige’s Cream Puff Factory in Setagaya! The shop sells super cute and delicious Totoro cream puffs and cookies. In fact, the snacks produced there are the only ones officially approved by Hayao Miyazaki himself to use the Totoro image!
Image Source: 白髭のシュークリーム工房 (http://www.shiro-hige.net)
How to get to the Totoro Cream Puff Factory!
Shiro-Hige’s Cream Puff Factory is tucked away in a quiet residential area about a three-minute walk from Setagaya-Daita station on the Odayu Odawara Line. There are plenty of signs along the way, so you’ll be able to find the shop quickly and easily.
Originally a small shop located in Suginami, it moved to its current location surrounded by a beautiful green forest to accommodate it..

There are countless types of ramen in Japan. Some popular flavors include soy sauce (shoyu), miso, salt, tonkotsu (pork bone broth), and seafood just to name a few.
Although any of the aforementioned are incredibly enticing, there are also Gotochi ramen — original ramen dishes originating in specific regions throughout Japan.
Here we have asked Mr. Hiroshi Osaki, a ramen critic and expert who’s tried many of these regional dishes, to help us choose the top three Gotochi ramen shops in the Kanto area.
Recommendations by Ramen Expert, Mr. Hiroshi Osaki!
Mr. Osaki was a ramen-lover from a young age. “Just like how rice is the staple food for most Japanese people, ramen is my staple,” shares Mr. Osaki, a ramen critic who goes through around 720 bowls of ramen per year.
Profile
Hiroshi Osaki
Ramen critic and chairman of Ramen Data Bank Co., Ltd., Osaki is also one of the founders of the Nippon Ramen Association as well as the executive chairman of the Tokyo Ramen Show. In 1959, he was bor..

Kanazawa in Ishikawa Prefecture is so alluring it can quickly turn your quick weekend visit into an extended stay. Once ruled by Maeda Toshiee, one of the most powerful samurai warriors of his time, Kanazawa still carries the aura of back when it was one of the wealthiest towns in the region with a flourishing art and cultural scene.

An elegant town, Kanazawa is well known for its pristine historical district lined with traditional shops, an Edo castle, Insta-worthy art museums and stylish coffee shops and breweries. These are all the often-desirable features that could be a magnet for over-tourism, yet, compared to other “traditional Japanese” spots like Kyoto, Kanazawa manages to remain off the radar.

Connected to Tokyo with a direct Shinkansen (bullet train) in less than three hours, Kanazawa is a city too good to pass up. So Are you feeling the allure yet? Here are five places to visit for a trip to Kanazawa that will keep you busy and have you daydreaming of coming back.

1. 21..

Sarushima is the only uninhabited island in Tokyo Bay. The beautiful natural island is perhaps best known for this sight: A long wooden pathway wedged between brick walls that are covered with moss and tall trees stretching toward the sky. At the end of the path is a dark and mysterious-looking tunnel tucked surreptitiously away in the island's luxuriant forest.
While the scene is certainly photogenic enough for social media likes – and that's what many people go there for – you can also consider visiting the island simply to enjoy the sights of a bygone world and experience walking through historic buildings and artifacts that had been built for wartime use.
As exotic as the idea of exploring ruins surrounded by dense shrubbery sounds, the island is surprisingly accessible, being located quite near the bay coast. Taking a day trip here from Tokyo or Yokohama is very doable and highly recommended!
Does this island live up to its rumored mystique? This LIVE JAPAN writer from..

Are you familiar with the name “Shimokitazawa?” If you’re into Japanese literature, then you might know of the original novel “Hello, Shimokitazawa” by Banana Yoshimoto. Or if dramas are your thing, then maybe you've seen one called “Shimokitazawa Diehard” starring Eiko Koike. Or maybe you're a music fan who's been to the Shimokitazawa Music Festival.
How has this town, formerly nicknamed “cotton town” for all its clothing stores, changed? Allow us to introduce some of Shimokitazawa's best antique shops, gourmet food spots, and latest trendy information!
In Japan, the narrow streets and alleys are called rojiura, which literally translates to “back alleys.” In Shimokitazawa, besides the shops along the streets there are also many shops hidden among and within the buildings. Like a Hong Kong movie set, you will find coffee shops in room A on the first floor, and ramen shops in room B on the second. The streets and the floors of the buildings are lined with all kinds ..

Japan is well known for its traditional culture, incredible food, and indecipherably difficult Kanji-based language. But Kyoto has found a way to make the characters accessible and fun for locals and tourists alike, with Gion’s “Japan Kanji Museum & Library”. You can experience the insane world of kanji in all three dimensions through images, graphics, and interactive exhibits. It has become particularly popular recently, so we decided to head over to experience some Kanji!
Experience Man’yogana stamps
50,000 Characters! Experience the Deep World of Kanji with All Your Senses
Gion is located near Yasaka Shrine in Kyoto. The Kanji Museum opened up in 2016, along Shijo Street, the center of Kyoto Tourism.
In 2011 the “Kyoto Shiritsu Moto Yasaka Junior High School” closed, and the museum was established. The museum attracts many elementary and junior high school students from around the nation, and since its opening, it has attracted around 250,000 people.
The Kanji Museum is also a famo..

The Asuka Period took place about 1400 years ago today, in which the center of Japan was located in the current Asuka Village of Nara Prefecture.
Asuka, Japan has much to explore, such as ancient tombs and burial mounds, and many other sites that tell the story of the prosperity of that time.
For that, a bicycle is our top recommendation! You can rent a bicycle at the rental shop right in front of Kintetsu Asuka Station and see all of these ancient spots brimming with history and romance, along with the scenic views surrounding the area.
Arriving at Asuka Station: Getting Our Cheap and Convenient Sightseeing Ride
It takes about 1 hour to Asuka Village via the Kintetsu Train from Kintetsu Nara Station located in central Nara, and about 40 minutes via the limited express train from Osaka Abenobashi Station.
When you get out at the station square, you can stop by the Asukabito-no-Yakata for tourist information of Asuka Village.
▲Rear left: Asuka Station; Right: Asukabito-no-Yakata
▲Tou..

When booking a Hakodate hotel, be sure to stay at one with a private onsen! Take advantage of Hakodate's famous hot springs by staying in the Yunokawa Onsen area.
The following are popular, conveniently-located Hakodate onsen hotels with large bath areas, and which have amazingly luxurious breakfasts!
1. La Vista Hakodate Bay: Ranked #1 in Hokkaido for “Hotel with Delicious Breakfast”
La Vista Hakodate Bay is located in the Bay Area, where the famous sightseeing spot, the Red Brick Warehouse, is located. This area is a convenient location with great shopping and dining options.
Also, it is within walking distance of the Motomachi area, another popular sightseeing spot for its churches and Western-style buildings.
Since there aren’t many particularly tall buildings in the area, this Hakodate hotel provides a spectacular view of Hakodate Bay and the city.
Especially the natural onsen hot spring located on the top floor, “Kaikyo no Yu,” has a great view of Mount Hakodate and Hakoda..