© Nintendo

Tokyo never fails to dazzle, which is why it is my favorite city in the whole wide world (but oops you already know that!).

This winter, it’s going all out for Super Mario fans!

Until January 13, 2025, the Marunouchi area near Tokyo Station is leveling up with a Super Mario-themed wonderland. If you’re ready to embark on a quest and gather some serious holiday fun, this event is your golden opportunity to press start on an unforgettable adventure.

Although over-tourism has become a hot topic in recent years, Kyoto remains an iconic destination that every first-time traveler to Japan dreams of visiting at least once. Known for its rich history, timeless temples, and serene gardens, Kyoto’s charm is undeniable.

However, if you’re visiting Kyoto in the summer, be prepared for a different kind of experience. The city, nestled in a basin surrounded by mountains, can feel like a steamy cauldron during the warmer months. And just when you’ve adjusted to the heat, late summer has its own tricks—sudden downpours that can take you by surprise! read more

Dear blog, happy 20th birthday.

If you are my offspring, you are officially an adult now. Wait… didn’t I say that 2 years ago already? Can one become an adult twice? I guess… Maybe when you get a Japan residency? Yes you have moved to .jp now so your coming of age is officially twenty. *Cue a dazzling Furisode background takeover.*

(Does anyone here even know what a background takeover is? Oh… right, the last time this blog experienced one, flip phones were still cool. Sorry about that.) read more

When you think of Nagano Prefecture, it’s hard not to imagine its renowned winter resorts blanketed in pristine snow and the breathtaking majesty of the Japanese Alps. While its world-class snow resorts are indeed a must-see, Nagano has much more to offer beyond the slopes.

One of the region’s best-kept secrets is the Suwa area, an often overlooked gem in Nagano that had been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember. This underexplored part of Nagano offers a rich tapestry of history, culture, and authentic suburban charm that is waiting to be discovered. read more

I have introduced Takashimaya a number of times on my blog and social media (particularly here and here) highlighting the timeless allures of this iconic departmental store.

However, the special event I recently attended allowed me to appreciate Takashimaya, and subsequently Japan, from a broader and more profound perspective. It was an incredibly heartwarming experience.

The event was “43rd Japan Traditional Craft Exhibition”, held at Nihombashi Takashimaya S.C. in Tokyo, from 15-20 May, 2024. read more

I hope you find my previous article on Kyoto Takashimaya S.C. helpful.

If your travels take you to Osaka, let me share a hidden gem intimately connected with Takashimaya Osaka that might surprise many.

Takashimaya Archives: A Journey Through Time

In my earlier post, I touched upon the origins of Takashimaya – evolving from a modest used clothing and cotton cloth store to a prestigious department store brand over 190 years. The Takashimaya Archives offers a unique window into this storied history, complete with the company’s endearing mascot, Rose-chan. read more

(Mario statue at 1F of Kyoto Takashimaya S.C. new area T8.)

For any avid fan of Japan, the name Takashimaya resonates as an emblem of international repute among department stores.

My sojourn in Singapore in 2016 placed me in close proximity to Ngee Ann City, and I found myself drawn to “Taka” – as Singaporeans affectionately call it – every other day, seeking a slice of Japan. For many, Takashimaya serves as a beloved portal to authentic Japanese culture.

Did you know how Takashimaya was born? read more

Hello travelers! Today we are back exploring yet another gem of Japan’s snowy region–Omachi City.

Many of you may have heard of the eternally popular Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, but few know that the gateway to this magnificent alpine odyssey is the humble town of Omachi.

Omachi, often overshadowed by its more renowned neighbors like Hakuba and Matsumoto, stands as a serene passage for those embarking on or returning from their Alpine adventures. Sitting at an elevation of around 700 meters, its geographic location enables Omachi to thrive as a hub for mountain tourism, showcasing its unique charm in every season. read more

I believe many of us can agree that Japan is a safe country that embodies a profound sense of peace. Having spent almost four years navigating the bustling metropolis of Tokyo, I’ve discovered an enduring tranquility beneath the surface chaos. But what is it that makes Japan inherently peaceful?

My yamabushi master once told us, that Japan is peaceful because of its “ambiguity”, a concept often notoriously challenging for cultures that value clear-cut, black-and-white distinctions.

Continue reading read more

[This is a collaboration post with Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza]

It’s hard for one to disagree that Japan a wonderful shopping paradise, especially with the yen now weaker than ever against mots foreign currencies.This implies that all the goodness of Japan’s quality products is now available at a substantial discount compared to just a few years ago.

While most travelers tend to shop in typical big cities where a dizzying smorgasbord of shopping malls and retail outlets overwhelms, today I’d like to introduce a unique spot—possibly the most scenic retail outlet I’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting—Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza. read more

There’s something undeniably enchanting about Mt. Fuji that the mere sight of it can make ourhearts skip a beat, evoking an unspoken sense of admiration.

This iconic Japanese mountain has woven its way into the dreams of poets, artists, and travelers, standing as a timeless symbol of Japan’s natural grandeur. Its elusive charm only fuels the passion of those eager to witness its majestic silhouette.

Now, we’ve all heard about Mount Fuji’s perpetual popularity and the classic clichés that grace travel brochures – the iconic peak, the five-story Chureito pagoda and the cherry blossom trees at Arakura Sengen Shrine. read more

(想看中文的翻譯，請點這！)

Picture this: five days of sake-induced giggles, cultural capers, and an avalanche of instagenic photos that will have your iPhone storage pleading for mercy, and by the end of the this boozy voyage we may or may not have emerged as Japanese sake connoisseurs… and that’s just the tip of the sake bottle.

Make yourself a hot cuppa coffee (or sake, to match the theme–hey no one is judging here) because we’re diving into a very, very long article (3500 words!) of a five-day whirlwind through Japan’s Chugoku Region, swirling sake and unlocking travel treasures. read more