Travel Tips

Popular with tourists in Tokyo, Shibuya is currently undergoing a “once in a century” large scale redevelopment project. As they move towards the expected completion date in 2027, you can enjoy seeing the city being reborn each day as new high rise buildings are being constructed.
In this article, we will introduce 5 spots in Shibuya Tokyo at night that offer sweeping views. From the recently opened spots to places with free admittance, let’s check out the bright lights of Shibuya’s night view.
1. SHIBUYA SKY: 360 Degree Views on Top of Shibuya Scramble Square
Source: Shibuya Scramble Square
Shibuya Scramble Square opened in November 2019 and is one of the large complexes connected directly to the station. It is 47 floors and roughly 230 meters above ground, which is the highest in Shibuya.
Source: Shibuya Scramble Square
SHIBUYA SKY, situated in the East building, is Japan’s largest rooftop observation area that offers 360 degree panoramic views of Tokyo and consists of three zones: S..

After Tokyo, the second most prominent city of Japan is Osaka. The Osakan neighborhoods of Dotonbori and Shinsekai have a bustling, exotic vibe rarely matched elsewhere, while the streets surrounding Osaka Station present a more refined, polished aesthetic, allowing travelers to experience the many faces of Japan all in one city.
This article will provide a complete overview of Osaka’s cuisine, transport, seasonal sightseeing, activities, and more! If you’re planning to put Osaka on your Japan itinerary, this overview will ensure you experience everything the city has to offer!
Image: PIXTA
1. Quick facts about Osaka
Image: PIXTA
With a population of over 8 million, Osaka is the largest city in western Japan. It boasts a history reflecting the center of Japanese politics, finance, and culture. It has an abundance of perfectly preserved historic buildings and shrines/temples along with the World Heritage Site of the Mozu-Furuichi Kofungun Tombs.
Meanwhile, the Osaka of today is largely..

English teaching in Japan typically requires a bachelor’s degree to obtain the proper work visa (excluding other means such as a spouse or student visa). In some cases, a transcript of records showing that you have completed at least 14 years of education using English as your primary language. While there are tons of English teaching jobs spread across Japan, it can be challenging to distinguish yourself from others.

Even if a master’s degree or Ph.D. are often considered the ultimate qualifications, there isn’t always the opportunity for practical experience, not to mention they are a significant financial investment. While it’s completely optional, looking into alternative teaching qualifications can set you apart from the crowd and possibly increase your chances of getting hired.

We’ve summarized some of the best teaching qualifications that don’t take too much time to complete, add value to your resume and aren’t as expensive.

The basics: TEFL/TESOL
Photo: iStock/westTEFL is fo..

Did you know that Japan’s shrines and temples welcome regular tourists to stay for a night or more? Experience authentic Zen meditation, the traditional, vegetarian cuisine called shojin ryori, and explore a fascinating world so different from anything you know.
Shrine and temple stays near Tokyo offer an experience that even a lot of Japanese people don’t get to have that easily! Let's get a unique glimpse into the realm of shrines, temples, and traditions.
What is “Shukubo” Temple Lodging?
Taiyoji, a temple sitting at 800 meters high in the middle of the mountains
Called “shukubo” in Japanese, temple lodging is a term for places offering both monks and general worshipers a place to stay.
This historic practice has carried over into these modern times and the majority of shukubo places welcome international tourists with open arms.
In some cases, you directly stay at the shrine or temple while sometimes, the temple lodging is a separate building on the premises or in the direc..

A gentle breeze sways the cotton Noren curtain of this café, telling visitors that it is open. A pink Frangipani and the blue skies bring a smile. A lounging cat and the trickle of water in the pond set the mood for relaxation on this cobblestone street filled with potters who have been hand-making kitchenware for centuries.
This is Uchina Bukubuku teahouse, a place of refreshment for sojourners from near and far.
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History of Bukubuku Tea In the sixteenth century, Bukubuku tea was served in the Ryukyu royal court to welcome envoys from neighboring kingdoms across the ocean. Its popularity grew during the Meiji period, particularly with weddings and the entertainment of guests.
Unfortunately, the Bukubuku tea utensils were destroyed in the Second World War. For Shota, it was painful enough to lose his family and friends, but the loss of the tea utensils meant part of his identity was lost until these utensils were found in Tokyo on the main island of Hon..

All-you-can-eat ('tabehoudai') buffets offer a wide variety of food from sushi to desserts. While the buffet style is prevalent in other countries as well, it is one of Japan's characteristics that restaurants will offer an unlimited number of dishes in one category.
Many foreign visitors to Japan choose all-you-can-eat as one of the things they want to experience during their trip to Japan. In this issue, we asked several foreigners who love Japan what culture shock they experienced when visiting these restaurants in Japan (each comment is the opinion of the respondent).
Amazing, endless food in the same category!
Here are the most common opinions among those interviewed this time. In Japan, people often eat the same category of food at specialty restaurants, such as sushi at a sushi spot and yakiniku at a yakiniku restaurant, but they were surprised by this style.
“All-you-can-eat in Japan is pretty special. I was surprised at first by the all-you-can-eat style, such a..

In Japan, all-inclusive accommodation packages have recently gained a lot of attention! Generally, most accommodation facilities require separate fees for drinks, meals, services, and activities. Since all-inclusive packages enable you to enjoy your stay without paying extra, it’s become quite the popular option.
We will introduce all-inclusive hotel packages in Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, and Hyogo Prefecture. From bustling cities to fresh-aired suburbs, prepare to fall in love with stays filled with regional charm!
1. Nipponia Hotel Nara Naramachi: Experience the ancient capital of Nara while delighting in delicious sake! (Nara Prefecture)
Scattered around the ancient capital of Nara are well-known historical monuments. These include Todaiji Temple, famous for its large Buddha statue; Kasuga Taisha Shrine; and Kofuku-ji Temple.
An eight-minute walk from the centrally located Kintetsu-Nara Station is Nipponia Hotel Nara Naramachi.
“Naramachi” refers to an area that was once on the grounds ..

Odate City is in the northernmost part of Akita Prefecture. The city offers visitors the chance to learn more about unique traditional crafts such as magewappa (bent woodware.) You can also get to know the famous Akita dog breed, savor local produce, and experience the warmth of the people who operate the area's facilities.
Magewappa: a unique Japanese craft with strong Odate connections
A magewappa bento box
The craft of magewappa (bent woodware) has a 400-year-long history in Odate. Originally, local woodcutters and artisans used the cedar trees that surround the area to create beautiful and functional items such as trays, lunch boxes, and wooden containers for cooked rice, and the craft still survives today.
Shaping strips of boiled cedarwood
To create magewappa items, craftsmen boil thin strips of straight-grained cedar until they're pliable, then fashion the pieces into different shapes. A bottom and a wood finish are added, and the item is polished. This is, of course, ..

Indigo dying, known as Aizome is a labor of love using oxygen, water, bacteria, and constant turning of the fermented leaves. In some ways making indigo dye is like making sake, with a careful eye to fermentation and adjusting the temperature, like willing a cocoon to transform into a butterfly at just the right time.
Utsuki san the owner of Aizenkobo personally inspects the best indigo for his workshop. He tells me there used to be lots of indigo growers but now there are only five in Tokushima and one in Hyogo. The use of natural dyes gives stability and strength, but chemical production results fade over time. The natural dye doesn't mix with water so it doesn't wash away the color but actually improves over time. For cotton, the fabric needs to be dipped 100 times for the dye to reach the right color and quality, while it is 200 times for silk.
A story of renewal When I asked Utsuki san whether he has confidence in the future of indigo, his wife thought deeply and told ..

Mt. Fuji is Japan's iconic mountain loved by locals and tourists alike, which means there are plenty of spectacular views and adorable snacks to celebrate its beauty!
Here we'll look at some recommended sightseeing spots and delicious local dishes from around Mt. Fuji and its Fuji Five Lakes.
1. Yoshida no Udon: Specialty Local Fujiyoshida Cuisine
Yoshida Udon (courtesy of：Fuji Five Lakes Tourism Federation)
Yoshida no Udon is a traditional dish from Fujiyoshida City, Yamanashi Prefecture. It is an impressive udon dish of thick noodles, horse meat, and boiled cabbage. There are nearly 50 shops that serve Yoshida Udon scattered about the city. Each shop boasts its own unique flavors, so you can find the one you love the most!
Each shop uses a condiment called 'suridane,' a mix of sesame, Sichuan pepper, and chili pepper. The suridane seasonings also vary by shop, just like the noodles, so you can enjoy a different taste wherever you go.
2. Mt. Fuji Melonpan: Adorable..