Tokyo Beer Guide: Summer Session
Tokyo’s beer culture is growing and with Summer beginning it’s a great time to check out a few places. Our Tokyo beer guide covers four spots that provide beer-lovers with delicious choices and cool ambiance. Yanaka Beer Hall Located close to Nezu Shrine (根津神社, Nezu-jinja) and in a neighborhood known for old buildings, Yanaka Beer...
Customs and Culture
June In Tokyo: The Lowdown
The month of June in Tokyo marks the beginning of Summer and it’s also when the rainy season peaks. Tokyo’s Summers tend to be hot and humid, but June’s temperatures are mild. Rice planting and eating bamboo treats are traditions that the Japanese associate with June. Mizu-youkan” in bamboo tube (竹筒水ようかん) Yokan (羊羹) is a...
Food and Drink
Haneda Airport Restaurants: Top 5
Haneda Airport restaurants are excellent and the airpot itself is much more convenient than Narita. Tokyo locals actually go to Haneda just to enjoy the food, even without travel plans, which is a testament to the restaurants’ quality. The international terminal is also well designed and kind of fun to hang out in. The international...
Food and Drink
Top 5 Izakaya In Tokyo: Best of the Best
The top 5 izakaya In Tokyo are all special and therefore not ranked, any one could be number one! If you live in Tokyo or plan on visiting, these spots are essential. They are very popular with locals. Be prepared to wait outside a little while, but that is why you bring good company along....
Food and Drink
Heavy Hitters: Takoyaki and Okonomiyaki
Takoyaki and Okonomiyaki are Japan’s favorite street food. They both are heavy, naughty, and delicious. Once upon a time this type of food was only a Kansai regional offering, but nowadays you can find them everywhere. Takoyaki makers are common in home kitchens throughout all of Japan. Takoyaki (たこ焼き) The literal translation is “octopus fried”....
Japanese
Kanji N5 Quiz: 10 Basic
A fun and helpful way to study Japanese. Gambatte kudasai!!! (Good Luck!!!)
Kawaii
Japanese Mascot Obsession
Japan’s mascot craze has become fodder for comedians and late night TV hosts due to it’s bizarre charm. It’s definitely an “Only In Japan” aspect to their pop culture. Essentially, the concept of assigning mascots started with company advertising and that success prompted some areas of Japan to use them to promote tourism. Many regional...
Japanese
Hiragana Flash Cards Game: Part 4
A fun and helpful way to study Japanese. Gambatte kudasai!!! (Good Luck!!!)
Asakusa
Tokyo In May: The Happenings
Tokyo in May is when the school kids and salarymen get to unwind, which starts with Golden Week. Golden Week is a much needed vacation for the hard working people of Tokyo and it essentially begins on April 29th, The Emperor’s Birthday. Constitution Memorial Day on May 3rd and Children’s Day on May 5th continue...