2021 Sakura Blossoms near Hirai Station in 360 video | TokyoPaul360 https://youtu.be/WHpkaUlDhng It goes without saying, but seeing the...

By Tokyo Paul - September 2026 September in Japan is the month everyone forgets to plan for, and that is exactly why I love it. The cherry blossom and autumn leaf crowds are gone, prices are still summer-low, and the country is quietly getting ready for its best season. Here is what you actually need to know before you book. THE WEATHER Expect real summer heat through the first half of the month, with highs around 27-31C (80-88F) and Tokyo's humidity still very much present.

Week of August 24-31, 2026 EVENTS THIS WEEK International Tokyo Toy Show 2026 - Aug 29-30, Tokyo Big Sight Asakusa Samba Carnival - Aug 29, Asakusa, Tokyo Koenji Awa Odori - Aug 29-30, Suginami, Tokyo (10,000+ dancers) Harajuku Omotesando Super Yosakoi - Aug 29-30, Shibuya, Tokyo Omagari National Fireworks Competition - Aug 29, Akita Hokkaido Marathon - Aug 30, Sapporo Okinawa Zento Eisa - begins Aug 28 IN THE NEWS A magnitude 5.9 earthquake struck southern Ibaraki Prefecture

Your first day in Tokyo after a 12-plus hour flight is not the day to attempt a packed itinerary, no matter how excited you are. I've watched too many friends burn out on day one trying to see everything. Here's how to actually spend those first 24 hours so you land on your feet instead of crashing on day three. LANDING AND GETTING INTO THE CITY From Narita, the fastest way into central Tokyo is the Narita Express (N'EX) or the Keisei Skyliner, both around 40 to 60 minutes de

Everyone knows about Tokyo Skytree and the Shibuya Sky crowds. Fewer people know there are just as many great views around the city that don't require booking weeks ahead or standing in line for an hour. Here are 10 worth seeking out, split between free and paid. FREE VIEWS Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (Shinjuku) - Two free observation decks, both around 202 meters up, with views stretching to Mount Fuji on a clear day. It's genuinely free, rarely crowded outside of

Tokyo has a reputation for being expensive, and if you're staying in five-star hotels and eating omakase every night, sure, it can be. But the truth is you can have a genuinely great week here on a modest budget if you know where the money actually goes. Here's a realistic breakdown, not a fantasy one. LODGING This is where your budget lives or dies. A clean, well-located business hotel or capsule hotel runs 4,000 to 8,000 yen a night (roughly 27 to 55 USD), and a bed in a go

Tokyo's convenience stores are not an afterthought - they're one of the best parts of a trip here. A good konbini run can be more memorable than a sit-down meal, and it's a lot cheaper. Here are 15 things worth grabbing off the shelf, sorted by what kind of craving you're chasing. SWEET Family Mart's Famichiki-flavored everything aside, the sweet aisle is where konbini snacking really shines. Start with a Lawson premium roll cake - soft, not too sweet, and better than most ba

Kameido Umeyashiki offers tourist information and sells specialty items located in Koto Ward, Tokyo, Japan. Location: The garden is...

https://ko-fi.com/i/IQ5Q4IM3Q8 (Haneda pics) https://www.youtube.com/live/-Xm5ntX4z20 (Haneda YouTube live-stream) Hi everyone! If you're...

Paul S added a new item to their Ko-fi Shop. https://ko-fi.com/s/e6aa043f63 February Tokyo Paul Postcards have arrived. The link is above...

Tokyo is a city of contrasts, with a wealth of unique neighborhoods to explore. One of the most famous of these is Ginza, a bustling...

Tokyo is a city of contrasts, where the modern and the traditional coexist in perfect harmony. One of the most unique neighborhoods in...

Shibuya is one of the busiest neighborhoods in Tokyo, known for its iconic scramble crossing, shopping, and entertainment options. It's a...

https://youtu.be/hkxBmQveSNg Today I want to share with you 15 lessons that I have learned from living and meeting Japanese people in...

Plan your visit several months ahead of time to receive the finest flights and lodgings. Japan's cherry blossom season, which takes place...

Short trip sample travel itinerary: Day 1: Touch down in Tokyo and book a hotel. After getting settled, spend the day touring the area...

It's crucial to observe local traditions and customs when dressing when visiting Japan. Here are some general suggestions to keep in mind...

Check out the link below that goes straight to the PDF. A Handbook for Living in Japan & chapter1 https://www.rhq.gr.jp Disclaimer: The...

Hey guys, I just released my Japan Trip Planner book (Journal) I made it to help you organize your trip to Japan, includes a checklist of...

Inspiring photography, maps, itineraries, insider information, cultural knowledge, and experienced guidance, which guarantees a richer,...