On the western outskirts of Kyoto, the beautiful scenery of Arashiyama attracts thousands of tourists every year. In Arashiyama, I highly recommend a boat ride on the Hozugawa river...

Both international and local reviewers state that Bills serves some of the best pancakes in Tokyo. I always pay a visit to its Omotesando branch when I am in the Harajuku or Shibuya...

When Japanese want to refresh their bodies and minds, they often take a trip to a hot-spring resort to bathe in the therapeutic waters. One such resort is Kinosaki Onsen, which is located in Hyogo...

For visitors interested in exploring places within reasonable distance of Tokyo, Kanazawa is definitely worth considering. The city has...

Located by Lake Kawaguchi, Hotel Konansou offered me an experience that I will remember for years to come. Upon arrival, I entered its huge lobby, which is in a very traditional Japanese...

I love visiting farms. And Mother Farm is my first choice for making a trip from Tokyo. This time of year is good for interacting with its delightful animals and enjoying the...

In 1876, as Japan was undergoing major efforts toward modernization, the government hired William S. Clark, an American professor of chemistry and biology, as an advisor to help...

At any time of year, if you are seeking a little tranquility and peace at the heart of Tokyo, I would highly recommend Rikugien. There are many traditional gardens...

Some people have a hard time deciding about desserts. Sometimes, they may feel like eating strawberry shortcake — at other times, chocolate cake or crepe...

Oshino Hakkai is a set of eight ponds in the small village of Oshino, not far from Mt. Fuji. The village has been designated as a Mt. Fuji World Cultural Heritage Site Asset, and...

Yomiuriland is one of the largest amusement parks in Tokyo, and it can be reached in about 35 minutes from Shinjuku Station. Among the park’s 44 attractions are a giant Ferris wheel...

Autumn in Japan is a lovely period, and one place in Tokyo not to be missed is Meiji-Jingu Gaien, the park around the major tourist site of Meiji Shrine. The park has a wonderful approach...

Rurikoin is the Kyoto temple that I always recommend people should visit. It opens only twice a year: in April for its cherry blossoms, and in autumn for its maple leaves. There are many...

For flower lovers, Keisei Rose Garden, which is located in Yachiyo, not far from Narita Airport, is a place not to be missed. True to its name, the garden boasts around...

With its cafés, bookstores, lifestyle stores and boutiques selling the latest fashions, the Tokyo district of Daikanyama has long been very popular. The one place...

The Tokyo district of Asakusa is highly popular among tourists and is home to a famous large, old temple. But in contrast to its traditional character, Asakusa also features...

If you are in Japan in summer, one place you must visit is Furano, a small town at the heart of Hokkaido. In that season, many kinds of flowers are...

I have discovered many beautiful places in Japan, and one spot not far from Tokyo I would recommend is Hitachi Seaside Park. It can be...

If you are fascinated by history, Matsumoto Castle is the place to go. Also known as "Crow Castle" owing to its black exterior, Matsumoto Castle is...

If you love enjoying a delicious breakfast in a nice, cozy place but tend to get up after restaurants have stopped serving that meal, World Breakfast Allday is...

As children, different people had different favorite toys. For me, my favorites were the colorful, variously shaped Lego bricks. I would follow the instructions and...

One place where you can enjoy the elegant world of the traditional Japanese inn is Shosuke no Yado Takinoyu, on the outskirts of Aizuwakamatsu in Fukushima Prefecture. Its hot spring was...

Izumo Grand Shrine in Shimane Prefecture is a famous Shinto shrine dedicated to relationships and marriage and one of the most ancient and...

The hedgehog is rather an exotic animal in Japan. Among the various popular animal cafés in Tokyo, there is one where customers can relax and...