The beckoning cat temple, Gōtokuji, is so famous among international tourists that the spot is probably on your itinerary for Tokyo. If you aren’t in a hurry, we recommend stopping by one of the cafes or shops near Gōtokuji. Quite a few of them have cutely designed maneki-neko products! The sweets created by artisans are […]
The Recommended Spots Near the Lucky Cat Temple, Gōtokuji Read More »
If you are a coffee lover, Chouette Torréfacteur Laboratoire (梟焙煎研究所) is the place to go close to Gōtokuji. You will find the locally rumored “ultimate espresso (究極のエスプレッソ)” here. Apparently, the owner, Takayama-san (髙山さん), worked at a Michelin three-star restaurant in France, thus the French cafe name and the delicious food and coffee served! Not only
Chouette Torréfacteur Laboratoire: A Hidden Gem in Setagaya Read More »
You might have come across the beckoning cat, maneki-neko (招き猫). The cat figurine is often believed to bring good luck to the owner. Leaving the figurine’s ability to bring good fortune aside, the maneki-neko is a cute decor and might cheer you up when feeling down. If you are smitten by maneki-neko, the must-visit spot
Gōtokuji: Tokyo’s Infamous Maneki-neko Lucky Cat Temple Read More »
Even if you haven’t been to Japan before, your image of Shinjuku is most likely an area in Tokyo that is filled with skyscrapers and crowds. While the stereotype is true, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden (新宿御苑) is where you can escape the crowds and adore Japanese and Western-style beautiful gardens. Although it is one of
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden: An Oasis of Peace and Quiet Read More »
While Kichijōji is in Tokyo, it still has its own vibe! Hidden in the urban jungle are many unique cafés and dessert places that we highly recommend! Stop by any of the spots below and take a rest from your exploration of the area. We are sure you will be pleasantly surprised by the food
The Best Guide to the Must-Visit & Unique Cafés in Kichijōji Read More »
If you enjoy browsing apparel and accessories, visit Leberment (リベルマン) on Nakamichi-dōri Street in Kichijōji. The shop is opposite Kichijōji Nishi Park (吉祥寺西公園) and has a small cafe, perfect for taking a brief break. In addition to the owner’s carefully picked items, works from lesser-known artists can also be found at Leberment.
Leberment: A Must-Visit Shop in Kichijōji for Stylish Items Read More »
If you come to Kichijōji for local food and snacks, visit the Daiyagai (吉祥寺ダイヤ街) parallel to Kichijoji Station beyond Harmonica Yokochō. The arcade is divided into three zones: the East Zone (イースト・ゾーン), the West Zone (ウエスト・ゾーン), and the Dome Zone (ドーム・ゾーン). When you walk on the covered shopping street, you will notice that more than 50
Kichijōji Daiyagai: The Paradise for Foodies Read More »
Are you excited about your trip to Japan but realize that your flight either arrives too late or departs too early for you to utilize public transportation to travel between Haneda Airport and Tokyo? This is especially bad news for those who are travelling on a budget. While there are hotels close to the airport,
The Best Guide to How to Spend a Night at Haneda Airport Read More »
As soon as you walk out of Kichijoji Station from the north exit, the yellow sign of Harmonica Yokochō Kichijōji (ハモニカ横丁吉祥寺) will be on your face. This is the best part of Kichijōji for everyday dining, grabbing a couple of side dishes, eating while walking, and visiting an izakaya at night. Most of the shops
Harmonica Yokochō: An Izakaya & Street Food Paradise Read More »
If Kawaguchiko (河口湖) or Lake Kawaguchi is on your Japan itinerary, the limited express, Fuji Excursion, might be the train you want to take from Tokyo! To accommodate the mass amount of passengers traveling from Tokyo to Kawaguchiko, JR East Japan introduced the limited express service, Fuji Excursion (富士回遊), in March 2019.
Fuji Excursion: The Fastest Option from Tokyo to Mt. Fuji Read More »