Takumi Saito

Winter travel in Hokkaido is often explained simply as “there is a lot of snow.” That description is not wrong, but it does not fully capture the reality. Once every few years, the main issue is not the amount of snow itself, but the way heavy snowfall can temporarily slow down or stop city functions. Transportation pauses. Logistics are delayed. Movement across the city does not follow schedules as planned. This can happen even in major urban areas. This does not occur every winter. At the same time, it is not treated as a rare or abnormal event by people ...

The Sapporo Snow Festival is widely known as one of Japan’s major winter events, especially among international travelers. The massive snow sculptures, ice carvings, and nighttime illuminations look impressive in photos and videos, but many visitors find that the actual experience feels different from what they imagined. That difference is easy to explain. The festival is not just something you “look at.” It comes with real conditions on the ground: extreme cold, icy sidewalks, large crowds, and longer walking distances than most people expect. For those experiencing a Japanese winter for the first time, it is common to arrive without ...

After arriving in Japan, one of the first questions many travelers face is how to get from the airport into Tokyo. Tokyo has two main international airports: Narita and Haneda. You’ll often see guides comparing which one is “better” or “more convenient,” but in reality, the answer isn’t that simple. For international arrivals, many visitors end up flying into Narita. This usually comes down to flight availability, price, or schedules, and choosing Narita is not a mistake or a disadvantage by itself. That said, factors like arriving late at night, traveling with large suitcases, or staying in areas such as ...

When planning a trip to Japan, many visitors wonder whether they really need an IC card. Questions like “Should I get Suica or PASMO?” come up very often. Some travelers plan to use a JR Pass, while others expect to move mainly within cities. With so many transportation options, it’s not always clear what you actually need. Online advice can also be confusing, with some saying an IC card is essential and others saying it’s optional. The reason for this confusion is that the role of an IC card is often not explained clearly. It’s not always obvious what IC ...

Asakusa is often very appealing to first-time visitors to Tokyo. With its temples and traditional downtown atmosphere, it’s widely known as a place where you can feel a strong sense of “old Tokyo.” At the same time, many travelers hesitate. They wonder whether staying in Asakusa is actually convenient, and whether it works well as a base for exploring Tokyo. Questions about airport access and overall transportation convenience are especially common. Famous sightseeing areas can sometimes feel different in practice than they do in images or guidebooks. The actual experience of staying there—and how easy it is to move around—doesn’t ...

When planning a place to stay in Tokyo, many people start by looking for a good hotel. For a first-time visit, however, choosing the right area often has a much bigger impact on how comfortable your trip feels. Tokyo is a very large city, and different areas can feel completely different. Even small differences in distance or the number of transfers can noticeably change how stressful daily travel becomes. This article does not recommend specific hotels. Instead, it focuses on how to think about choosing an area. Rather than deciding based only on what is popular or well-known, the goal ...

Tokyo’s transportation system can feel overwhelming at first. With multiple train companies, different ticket types, and unfamiliar station names, even a short trip can feel stressful—especially if it’s your first time in Japan. The good news is that you don’t need to understand everything to get around smoothly. A few simple rules are enough to move with confidence, avoid common mistakes, and choose what fits your travel style. This guide focuses on practical decisions rather than technical details. By the time you finish reading, you should feel comfortable choosing between trains, subways, and IC cards—and know what to skip. Why ...

Asakusa is one of the most iconic neighborhoods in Tokyo for first-time visitors. Centered around Senso-ji Temple, it offers traditional streets, local food, and classic “Japan” scenery in one walkable area. If you are unsure where to start your Tokyo trip, Asakusa is one of the safest choices. This guide highlights the best things to do in Asakusa from a local Japanese perspective. Why Asakusa Is So Popular with International Visitors You Can Experience “Classic Japan” in One Place In Asakusa, famous sights like Kaminarimon Gate, Senso-ji Temple, and Nakamise Shopping Street are all close together. Just walking around the ...

Tokyo is the most searched and most visited city for travelers coming to Japan. Traditional temples, ultra-modern cityscapes, world-famous food, and pop culture all exist side by side. Tokyo truly represents the diversity of Japan. However, many visitors feel overwhelmed by one simple problem: There are too many places to visit It is impossible to see everything in one trip Information online is often confusing This page is designed as a starting point for Tokyo travel. It gives you a clear overview of what you can do in Tokyo, and helps you choose what to explore in more detail. Why ...

New Chitose Airport is the main gateway to Hokkaido. While access to Sapporo is generally easy, many travelers still wonder: Which transportation option is best? Is the train better than the bus? What happens in winter? This guide explains how to travel from New Chitose Airport to Sapporo honestly, based on real local experience in Hokkaido. Basic Information: New Chitose Airport to Sapporo Distance: approx. 45 km Average travel time: JR train: 37–40 minutes Bus: 60–90 minutes Taxi: about 60 minutes Main arrival areas: Sapporo Station, Odori, Susukino, Nakajima Park Option 1: JR Rapid Airport (Best Choice, with Important Local ...