October 2022: 5 Events Not to Miss in Tokyo
The spookiest month of the year is upon us, and that means the start of blood-pumping, heart-pounding, nail-curling events in Tokyo. But youâll be r...
26-09-2022 21:47
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A Guide to Buying on Mercari in Japan
For those who are fans of Depop or Ebay, Mercari can seem like Japanâs holy grail â full of cheap Issey Miyake and Canon cameras. However, Japanes...
13-09-2022 21:44
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A Guide to Opening a Business Bank Account in Japan
Once youâve gone through all the steps and registered your company, youâll likely be looking for a bank to help handle your financial affairs. Jap...
12-09-2022 21:49
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Lovin on a Prayer ? Visiting Tokyo’s Top Love Shrines
Romance and marriage are something many people want, but both can b difficult to find. If youâre looking for love, you may want to consider visiting...
10-09-2022 21:46
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Top Tokyo Pop Culture Events
Japan is chock full of festivals, and we donât just mean traditional ones with fireworks and Bon dances. If you like pop culture (be it anime, manga...
07-09-2022 22:14
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Tokyo Toilets: When Architecture Calls
Voice activated, transparent and inspired by nature, Shibuya is taking public toilets to the next level. Leaving no stone unturned in its quest to be ...
02-09-2022 22:10
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Everything You Need to Know About Shiba Inu
Whether you know it by name or not, anyone whoâs a Japanophile â or just spends a lot of time on the internet â will be familiar with the adorab...
29-08-2022 22:11
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Setting Up a Company in Japan
Setting up a company for the first time can be daunting. Incorporation choices, paperwork, and even getting your hands on company seals (or hanko) are...
26-08-2022 22:03
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The Strange Library: Tokyo’s Haruki Murakami Library
Part library, part literary haven, the Waseda International House of Literature is much more exciting when called by its alternative name: The Haruki ...
25-08-2022 22:10
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September 2022: 5 Events Not to Miss
Summer festivals may be drawing to a close, but the autumnal equinox means there are plenty of celebrations to check out in September.
The â hopefu...
25-08-2022 22:10
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Understanding the new Shinkansen Luggage Rules
Bullet train baggage rules have changed. On some lines, luggage compartments are a thing of the past and from now on youâll need to reserve a specia...
22-08-2022 21:59
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What we Know about the Harry Potter Studio Tour in Tokyo
Reborn from the ashes of the Toshimaen theme park will be The Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo â The Making of Harry Potter, set to open in the first ...
16-08-2022 21:46
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Getting your Broken Phone Repaired in Tokyo
So your brand new phone slipped out of your pocket onto the station platform and now you can barely touch the screen without getting chunks of broken ...
11-08-2022 21:47
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10 Best Things to Do in Shibuya
Shibuya is Tokyoâs youth mecca, never short of shopping complexes, bars, art, music and â luckily for us â things to do. You donât need all th...
04-08-2022 21:47
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A Guide to Property Taxes in Japan
Home Sweet Home, the saying goes. But for all the happy memories there, you might wonder just how much itâs worth when your annual property tax bill...
22-07-2022 21:45
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August 2022: 5 Tokyo Events Not to Miss
August marks the peak of festival season, but with the ongoing travails of COVID-19, that peak is more of Mount Takao proportions compared to the usua...
20-07-2022 21:58
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Bulk Buying in Japan: Best Online and Offline Options
Bulk buying means different things to different people. For some, itâs about better value on essentials. For others, it means cutting down on time a...
19-07-2022 21:49
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The Complete Guide to Japan’s Regional Rail Passes
The famous Japan Rail Pass â which gives you unlimted travel on JR trains around the country â is actually just one of MANY rail passes. There are...
18-07-2022 21:48
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JR Passes for Foreign Residents
Only tourists are able to purchase the famous Japan Rail Pass, which allows travelers to flit around the country on the normally expensive Shinkansen....
11-07-2022 21:48
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Best Affordable Tokyo Sushi Restaurants
When it comes to the consumption of raw fish, youâre spoiled for choice in Tokyo â at all price points. There are plenty of cheap places where you...
05-07-2022 21:53
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Lose Your Way at the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, Tokyo
The Ghibli Museum is currently open, with some COVID-19 restrictions in place. All visitors aged three and over are required to wear face masks regard...
29-06-2022 21:46
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July 2022: 6 Tokyo Events Not to Miss
July usually marks the start of festival season, but in the cautious world of Japan in 2022, most big events (including the majority of fireworks fest...
29-06-2022 21:46
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A Guide to Taxes for English Teachers in Japan
Taxes and Takoyaki, two things youâre just not going to be able to avoid while youâre in Japan. While weâve already discussed in depth the calcu...
21-06-2022 21:47
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Tokyo Events This Week: Markets, Exhibitions, Flowers and Fi
This week in Tokyo, the temperatures are set to soar and the rain to pour. Luckily, the events line up for this week is 100% weatherproof!
Dog Stories...
19-06-2022 21:52
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Japan’s Most Affordable and Healthy Foods
Healthy eating isnât exactly known for being healthy for the bank account. Especially not in Tokyo, where itâs often cheaper to eat out at restaur...
17-06-2022 21:50
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Get Ready for Studio Ghibli?s First-Ever Theme Park
The worldâs first Ghibli theme park is set to open near Nagoya on November 1st, 2022. And yes, weâre just as excited as you are!
In harmony with A...
14-06-2022 21:48
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Tokyo Events This Week: Taiwan Festival, Flowers, and High A
Tokyo events for Mon, June 13 to Sun, June 19, 2022
This week enjoy the in-the-flesh return of the Taiwan Festival, seasonal flower festivals and the ...
13-06-2022 21:52
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The International Student’s Survival Guide to Tokyo
For many, visiting a city for a short period of time just isnât enough. Studying abroad gives you an entire year to immerse yourself in the local li...
08-06-2022 21:47
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Toyosu Fish Market: Everything to Know Before You Go
Toyosu Market is open for sightseeing and the famous morning tuna auction is currently open to the public again. Applications (in Japanese) to see the...
03-06-2022 21:48
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Top Things to Do in Shinjuku
Shinjuku is definitely one of Tokyoâs most popular neighborhoods. Itâs one of those areas thatâs good for just about everything â sightseeing,...
02-06-2022 21:48
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Tokyo Restaurants for Groups with Diverse Diets
If youâve looked at your food options as a vegetarian or vegan in Japan, youâve probably noticed the recent shift towards specialty restaurants ca...
30-05-2022 21:48
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Where to Find The Authentic Taste of India in Tokyo
A country which boasts over 1 billion residents is bound to have a monumental impact on the global culinary cultureâ âand India has done just that....
27-05-2022 21:46
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25 Ideas For Great Japanese Souvenirs
So youâre in Japan, doing all the awesome things and living life like itâs an anime. But your friends/family/pets/potplants want a piece of the ac...
25-05-2022 21:49
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6 Fun and Frightening Alternatives to Tokyo Disneyland and D
If Disney isnât your dream but you love a good theme park then Tokyo wonât disappointâchoose from Hello Kitty boat rides to record-breaking roll...
25-05-2022 21:49
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Getting from Narita to Asakusa
Asakusa is one of Tokyoâs older districts. Itâs characterized by narrow alleyways packed with noodle shops, shopping streets, and a grand templeâ...
23-05-2022 22:07
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How to get a Part-time Job for Students in Japan
Being a student is tough. While the cup ramen may be better in Japan, money worries are international. (Plus, donât you want to try the real stuff")...
18-05-2022 21:47
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15 Real-Life Locations from the TV Series Tokyo VIce
Tokyo Viceâthe TV series inspired by the Jake Adelstein bookâwas shot in Tokyo over 2020/21. Set in 1999, the series uses locations that are evoca...
12-05-2022 21:45
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A Guide to Cafe Hopping in Harajuku
As one of the liveliest areas in all of Tokyo, Harajuku is everything you expect it to be and more. Itâs a vibrant hub of youth and kawaii (cute) cu...
10-05-2022 21:52
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A Guide to the Japanese Post Office
Japanâs postal system can be a headache for the uninitiated, and itâs just gotten more complicated with the phasing out of handwritten labels for ...
06-05-2022 21:47
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Poké Lids: The Beauty of Pokémon Manhole Covers in Japan
Designer manhole covers are a thing in Japan, and there are hundreds of PokĂ©mon-themed ones across the country. Spotting these colorful and cute âP...
05-05-2022 21:49
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Things that Tokyo Vice gets Right and Wrong about Tokyo
Set in Tokyo in 1999, Tokyo Vice is an antidote to all those cartoonish, over the top depictions of Tokyo, like in the Netflix series Kate, or in the ...
03-05-2022 21:43
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Jake Adelstein’s (Remnants of) Tokyo Vice
TV drama Tokyo Vice is based on the real-life story of American-journalist-in-Japan Jake Adelstein. Itâs set in 1999 and takes viewers deep into Tok...
28-04-2022 21:44
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The Complete Guide to Getting From Tokyo to Mt Fuji
So you want to see Mt Fuji, that 3,776-meter-high icon of Japan" Itâs actually a volcano, but letâs not think too much about that⊠Whether you p...
27-04-2022 22:13
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How to Save Money on Japanese Highways
Japanâs system of tolled expressways can get you to most places that you want to go, and thereâs no doubt that they are efficient and well maintai...
27-04-2022 22:13
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What happens if you get COVID-19 while traveling Japan"
At the time of writing in late April, Japan is yet to welcome international tourists. But in anticipation of the re-opening (we all have our fingers c...
25-04-2022 21:48
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Walk, Don’t Ride! The Tokyo Subway Map by Walking Time
Orignally inspired by Londonâs Walking Tube Map showing the walking time in minutes between London Underground stations, Tokyo Cheapo has produced (...
21-04-2022 21:47
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A Guide to Cafe Hopping in Asakusa
As one of the most popular destinations in every Tokyo guidebook, Asakusa is home to a good number of shrines, temples, and a historic shopping distri...
18-04-2022 21:49
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Tamjai SamGor: ?Untranslatable? Famed Hong Kong Noodles Arri
Tamjai SamGor Mixian (âSamGorâ) is a fast casual restaurant from Hong Kong specializing in mixian (rice noodles), with over 66 outlets, including ...
10-04-2022 21:45
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How to Renew Your Japanese Visa Online and In-person
âHow do I renew my visa in Japan"â we hear you cry. We know itâs a baffling subject. Hereâs our guide on how to extend or modify your Japanese...
07-04-2022 22:08
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Spring Flower Festivals Around Tokyo
Sakura may be Japanâs most famous blossom, but that doesnât mean their other petal-y compatriots should be overlooked! Many places come alive with...
30-03-2022 21:52
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Tokyo’s Most Romantic Places
The mostly flat, utilitarian cityscape of Tokyo doesnât lend itself to an abundance of romantic spots, but they do exist!
So what is a romantic spot...
25-03-2022 21:46
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Hanami in the time of COVID-19 ? What’s canceled and w
Viewing parties, aka âhanami,â for the countryâs famous flowers attract millions of tourists every year, but the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has p...
21-03-2022 21:43
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Mega Guide: The Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo
Important: Many sakura festivals in and around Tokyo have been canceled for 2022, including nighttime illuminations. Many of the cityâs gardens rema...
14-03-2022 21:46
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8 Cherry Blossom Varieties to See in Tokyo this Spring
When youâre sitting beneath a beautiful cherry blossom tree for a hanami (flower-viewing) picnic, you may look up and wonder what youâre actually ...
14-03-2022 21:46
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9 Things to Do in Kabukicho
Kabukicho is the biggest red-light district in Tokyo, where you can âbuyâ girls on an iPad, see Godzilla or spend the night in a love hotel, so em...
08-03-2022 21:44
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Beginner’s Guide to Kampo: Traditional Japanese Medici
Kampo is arguably one of Japanâs best-kept secretsâmany visitors and even residents have never heard of it, yet it has been an integral part of he...
08-03-2022 21:44
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How to Start a Conversation in Japanese
If youâre a second language learner, you might agree that the nervous excitement of starting a conversation is two-fold. Firstly, you have to muster...
07-03-2022 22:19
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How to Rent an Apartment in Tokyo: A Cheapo’s Guide
The good news: foreigners can rent apartments in Japan. The bad news" It can be hard to do so. Weâve pulled together information especially for rent...
02-03-2022 21:45
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A Guide to Moving Large Items Around in Tokyo
It can be a great feeling when you hop onto Tokyo Sayonara Sales or even Craigslist and manage to bag a great dresser and a near-mint-condition washin...
17-02-2022 22:12
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Tokyo Adoption Guide: Rescue Dogs and Cats
Purchasing the latest fad breed of cat or dog is big business in Japan with puppies at Japanese pet shops selling for about „300,000 to „500,000 eac...
16-02-2022 22:08
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Which Japanese Electric Company is Cheapest" (And How t
In April of 2016, Japan opened up its multi-trillion yen energy marketâbreaking the monopoly regional electricity providers like Tepco and Kepco had...
15-02-2022 21:45
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Tips For Buying a Used Car in Japan
If youâve never owned a car, or itâs been a few years since you owned a car, itâs easy to forget the many potentials pitfalls with purchasing a ...
14-02-2022 21:40
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The Non-Anime-Fan’s Guide to Anime
Partly from pandemic boredom and partly as an attempt to broaden my horizons, I too have joined the anime popularity wave, having recently binge-watch...
10-02-2022 21:41
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Guide to Choosing an Internet Service Provider in Japan
So you handled the move to/within Japan like a pro, and now the only thing missing in your life is unlimited access to the internet" We know that feel...
09-02-2022 21:41
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Finding a Monthly Parking Space in Tokyo
There are some very good reasons that most Tokyoites donât have carsâprimarily great public transport, and really expensive parking. If youâre c...
07-02-2022 21:47
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Finding a Pet Sitter in Japan
So, youâve finally adopted the pet of your dreams. Theyâre loveable, plump, and everything you could ever want. But wait. Your boss is sending you...
03-02-2022 21:45
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Not Just a Mama-chari: Japan?s Classic Shopping Bicycle
The trusty âshopping bicycleâ is ubiquitous in Japan. Itâs used for the daily commute to school and work, carrying kids across town, lugging gro...
03-02-2022 21:45
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Where to See Plum Blossoms in Tokyo
Cherry blossoms tend to steel the spotlight but Japan has other stunning floral displays. Like the plum blossoms, which bloom in February signal the s...
03-02-2022 21:45
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Your Guide to Buying Groceries Online in Japan
If you donât feel like dragging yourself to your nearest supermarket only to get knocked over by a ruthless, carrot-hogging auntie, then you might j...
31-01-2022 21:44
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February 2022: Events Not to Miss in Tokyo
In the blink of an eye, the first month of the year is over. We hope that 2022 has been good to you cheapos so far.
If you made a New Yearâs resolut...
26-01-2022 21:45
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A Guide to Successfully Dealing with Akiya Banks
By now, virtually everyone has heard of akiya banks and Japanâs crisis of empty houses caused in part by the declining population. However, thereâ...
26-01-2022 21:45
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2022 Tokyo Cherry Blossom Dates
Sakura season is right around the corner and we want to make sure you donât miss a single petal, which is why we are presenting you with the latest...
24-01-2022 22:09
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Shopping for Good: Charity Shops and How to Donate Around To
Top Tier Cheapos love charity shops. Charity shops are even cheaper than recycle shops and their profit goes to a good causeâwhatâs not to love"
W...
18-01-2022 21:45
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Tokyo to Hakuba: The Fastest and Cheapest Ways of Getting Th
Whether itâs hitting Honshuâs most famous slopes during winter or soaking in the adundance of nature during summer, Hakuba has plenty to offer thr...
14-01-2022 21:40
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Cavities, Crowns and More: Going to the Dentist in Japan
If you need to see a dentist in Japan but donât know where to begin, this is the guide for you. Whether youâre going in for a cavity check, routin...
12-01-2022 22:18
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Shipping your Stuff Home while Traveling Japan
Weâve all been there. You drank too many Strong Zero 9%, bought four kimonos, a Totoro fan for everyone including your best mateâs uncle and every...
06-01-2022 21:41
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Tokyo Winter Sales: 2021-2022 Round-up
December and January are extremely busy months for most Japanese shops, as their winter sales attract lots of people looking to spend their year-end b...
04-01-2022 21:48
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Buying or Selling a Used Car Privately in Japan
As a foreign resident of Japan, especially if you live in a big city, you might never own a car or even miss owning one. Trains, planes, buses, bikes ...
02-01-2022 21:44
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Where to Get Free COVID-19 Tests In Tokyo
With the rise of the Omicron variant, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government has made provisions for free COVID-19 tests in Tokyo during January 2022.
Not...
27-12-2021 21:48
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January 2022: 5 Events Not to Miss
Happy New Year, cheapos! If you want to kick off the month of January with some fun, start with these events. And if you want to welcome 2022 the Japa...
24-12-2021 21:41
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Your Japanese New Year: Traditions and Celebrations in Tokyo
Note: There will be some all-night train service in Tokyo on New Yearâs Eve this year, but not on all lines. Check official sites before making any ...
24-12-2021 21:41
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Laundry on the go: A Guide to Keeping your Clothes Clean whi
Is that big bag of clothes you brought along with you starting to whiff" Are stains from that late-night ramen binge getting too hard to hide with a s...
22-12-2021 21:42
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Comparing Long-Term Pocket Wifi Contracts in Japan
If youâre a resident of Japan who is interested in getting a long-term pocket wifi rental, youâll want to look through this comparison of provider...
17-12-2021 21:41
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The Meguro-Dori Furniture Shopping Guide
Tired of that IKEA sameness or the far-from-sturdy furniture from Nitori" Head to Meguro-dori Avenue, a large boulevard near Meguro Station. The area ...
14-12-2021 21:45
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The Best Tattoo-Friendly Onsen Near Tokyo
Onsen are a huge part of Japanese culture, which we have written about before. The disappointing thing about onsen is that a lot of them donât allow...
10-12-2021 21:44
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Guide to a Weekend Getaway in Nasu
Nasu is a picturesque town located about two and a half hours northeast of Tokyo that makes for a perfect weekend getaway. There are so many things to...
06-12-2021 22:17
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December 2021: 5 Events Not to Miss in Tokyo
2021âa year that has been both very long and all too short, is coming to a close. Before the year ends, though, here are some festivities to help yo...
30-11-2021 22:10
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Day Trip Guide to “Lake” Miyagase in Kanagawa
If youâre looking for a relaxing day trip from Tokyo or Kanagawa, Lake Miyagase is the place to go. Less touristy than the better-known spots like E...
23-11-2021 21:49
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A Beginner’s Guide to Japan’s Perplexing Rail Sy
For us Japan old-timers itâs easy to forget just how confusing Japanâs enormous rail system can be. Each of Tokyoâs international airports are s...
22-11-2021 21:44
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Interview with Tokyo Vegan Guide Author Chiara Terzuolo
Japan can be a challenging place for a vegan. However, long term Tokyo resident and writer Chiara Terzuolo shows that the choices when eating out are ...
19-11-2021 21:43
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Toyosu Fish Market: What to Know Before You Go
Toyosu Fish Market is open for sightseeing, though some areas may be off-limits as part of COVID-19 prevention measures. The famous Tokyo morning tuna...
10-11-2021 21:46
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Top 10 Picks for Tokyo Winter Illuminations 2021?2022
Ah, winter! When the residents of Japan celebrate the festive season with cream covered sponge cakes, buckets of KFC, and visits to love hotels. Even ...
09-11-2021 21:47
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The Ultimate Guide to Tokyo Festivals
Festivals are the unsung heroes of travel in Japanâfrom fiery winter ceremonies to glorious dance processions in summer, there are almost more of th...
31-10-2021 21:42
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Shinjuku Nichome: Stretching Your Yen in the Gayborhood
Shinjuku Nichome is known as Tokyoâs gay district. The area is home to high concentration of gay bars, clubs and restaurantsâbut how do you choose...
23-10-2021 21:41
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Buying Secondhand Ski and Snowboard Gear in Tokyo
If you donât have the financial resources to splash out on a brand-new snowboard or skis but want to move on from renting, then there are some used ...
18-10-2021 21:45
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10 Things to Do Around Kawasaki Station
While not nearly as big or as popular as neighboring Tokyo or Yokohama, Kawasaki City in Kanagawa Prefecture is home to a sizable population of 1.4 mi...
13-10-2021 21:47
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Where to Buy a Turkey in Tokyo
Before you know it, Thanksgiving will be here, then Christmas, then New Yearâs and Valentineâs Day. But first things first, Thanksgiving is numbe...
06-10-2021 21:41
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A Music Fan?s Guide to Tokyo’s Nightlife
Navigating any of Tokyoâs endless subculture scenes is a bit of a feat, but navigating the Tokyo nightlife scene is an entirely different beast. Wit...
01-10-2021 21:46
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The Complete Guide to Love Hotels in Tokyo
Ready for some lovinâ" Perhaps you stay in a guesthouse or tiny apartment with paper-thin walls, or simply have too many roommates all up in your bu...
01-10-2021 21:46
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14 Great Hikes near Tokyo for Beginners, Enthusiasts and Exp
Thereâs nothing better than getting out into nature. Walking through valleys and up mountains is the perfect way to relax and forget the stresses ...
01-10-2021 21:46
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