There is a reason Shinjuku is such a well-traveled destination in Tokyo. I must confess that I avoided it on my first two trips to Japan, thinking it was too touristy or too expensive or too unsafe (the red light district is there, after all). I was wrong. Fortunately, I rectified this on my third […]
themed restaurants
Down the Rabbit Hole and Into the Alice in a Labyrinth Restaurant in Ginza
Japan loves Alice in Wonderland. So much so that there are a bunch of Alice in Wonderland-themed restaurants throughout the country. Six restaurants in particular are owned by Diamond Dining, a company that manages a slew of themed restaurants across Japan: Alice in a Labyrinth in Ginza Alice in a Picture Book in Shinjuku Alice […]
Guide to Ikebukuro, Tokyo: Anime, Video Games, Shopping, and Cats
For me, walking into Ikebukuro, Tokyo for the first time was a bit like walking into Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory. I didn’t know what to expect, but I had a wonderfully surreal experience, and I couldn’t wait to go back. On various visits, I have: Seen a man in blue plaid pants walking two dogs dressed […]
5 Things to do in Ginza, Tokyo’s Most Upscale District
Ginza is known as the upscale, opulent district of Tokyo, but there is more to it than pricey stores. Ginza is a feast for the eyes, brimming with incredible, eye-catching buildings and storefronts designed by illustrious architects. Its architectural prowess is especially evident at night when everything is lit up against the dark sky. So […]
Lunch at the Hello Kitty Saryo Café in Kyoto
Have you ever wanted to dine on sweet treats with Hello Kitty, one of Japan’s most beloved icons? If you’re in the Higashiyama area of Kyoto, the Hello Kitty Saryo café is the place for you! Clara JulietteClara hopes to share her love of exploring cultures and inspire others through the power of storytelling. In […]