If you’re in Japan for any length of time, you’ll see it. Period costumes. Beautiful ladies in equally-beautiful kimonos. Perhaps someone dressed as an oni, scaring children into behaving. Packs…
Derek Winston
Immediate Help and Resources for English-Speakers in Japan TELL Lifeline: 03-5774-0992. Free, anonymous telephone counseling all across Japan, 9:00 am – 11:00 pm daily Police: 03-3501-0110. Monday –…
I was nervous the first time I visited a Shinto shrine in Japan. I mean, I have a passing familiarity with Western religion, so I generally know what is and…
“Nice statues,” I said to my photographer. “They’re very detailed, almost like… ‘by God Eliot, it is like a photograph from life!’’’ “What are you talking about?” my photographer asked,…
Being a jeans-and-sweatshirt kind of guy, I do not go to Harajuku often. I have fashion writers for that sort of thing. Much younger fashion writers, who know the brands…
Allergic? Not so much into cats? Well, Tokyo has an answer to that. How about an owl cafe? They’ll be just as contemptuous of you as cats are, we promise.…
Japanese whisky? What are we talking about? Aren’t the Scottish brands better? That’s where you’re wrong. Japanese whisky has been in demand ever since Nikka’s 10-year Yoichi single malt won…
It can get quiet in Roppongi, if you know where to go. After all, the bar and clubbing scene isn’t for everyone. Sometimes you would rather not have to deal…
Did you come to Tokyo looking for ninja? Of course you did! Why else would you come?!?! The best-known enclave of most-honorable shadow warriors is located at the Ninja Restaurant…
Wear the raincoat. No, not your own, use the one from the shop. You’ll thank me later. The Tori no Iru Bird Cafe is a nice side-excursion from your trip…