What are Jinja? Places of Worship Infused with Nature’s Energy
Japanese regard the sea, the mountains, the forest, and natural landmarks as places where the kami reside. In ancient times, these were...
Shibuya’s Underbelly: A Walk Through Love Hotel Hill and Dogenzaka
Shibuya may have the reputation of being a teen shopping mecca with a bonkers street crossing, but there is a seedier underbelly...
Three Days in Fukuoka: Food Stalls, Islands and Hakata Ramen
One of Japan’s 10 most populated cities, Fukuoka is a bustling, vibrant place. With white-sand beaches, blue water, fresh seafood and sumptuous...
Head To Toriyoshi For Some Juicy, Smoky, High-Quality Yakitori
Many cultures have something similar to yakitori in their cuisine—meat or vegetables threaded onto a stick and cooked over fire. When you...
Sumiyoshi Shrine: Traditional Architecture and Powerful Sumo
Not far from Fukuoka’s Naka River, the Sumiyoshi Shrine sits as it has for centuries, shaded by old, leafy trees and bearing...
Say Cheese! The Ultimate Guide to Purikura Japanese Photo Booths
If you’re looking for a fun activity that doubles as a memorable keepsake and great social media content, you really can’t go...
Matsuri, the Sacred Rituals of Prayers and Festivities
Since ancient times, Japanese have gathered at sacred places — a great boulder or ancient tree — to commune with the kami....
A $500 Sandwich At Nakameguro’s Wagyu Mafia
In Tokyo, you can totally get by eating on a dime. But when there’s so much high quality and Michelin food all...
Catch your own meal at Zauo Fishing Restaurant Tokyo
Japan is synonymous with sushi. Every day, thousands of fisherman take to the seas, bays and rivers in search of the highest...
Floats, Zodiacs and a Fountain of Youth: Kushida Shrine
A gentle breeze flaps the tall flags at the entrance to Kushida Shrine as I wait for a chance to cross the...