Demystifying Tokyo’s pop culture was one of my missions after discovering Tokyo’s cuisine beyond sushi and ramen. But I knew we were going to have to recruit some local experts in all things anime, otaku, otome, and yokai to help us make sense of Tokyo pop culture. Evidence of Tokyo’s exuberant pop culture is everywhere … Read more
Tokyo take-homes must be the most covetable in the world for travellers who appreciate beautiful things. I don’t need to give you ideas as to where to find lovely locally made mementoes, although it’s a task I’ve relished, as there’s no shortage of elegant shops selling enchanting souvenirs, or omiyage in Japanese, all over Tokyo. Tokyo Take-Homes: Quintessential Keepsakes What … Read more
Why would you cook in Tokyo when you can eat out so well is something I’ve been asking myself every day. Tokyo is the first destination of our year-long grand tour where I haven’t cooked. If you’ve been to Tokyo, you can appreciate why. If you haven’t, then read on. One of the huge advantages of … Read more
The best Tokyo neighbourhoods are the laidback and local areas like Akasaka and the atmospheric Asakusa. While they rarely get a mention in magazines and with no notable sights to speak of, they are as local as ’hoods get with their buzzy izakayas, karaoke spots, pachinko parlours, and children’s parks, and that’s just the way … Read more
According to the Tokyo expats we met, we would not find a candidate for our Local Knowledge Tokyo guide. “Tokyo locals aren’t friendly,” we were told. “They’re shy, so they won’t make an effort to speak to you,” one said. “They’d rather you just go away, because they get embarrassed they don’t speak English,” said … Read more