Takumi Saito

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 ...

Japan is one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world. Some travelers are even curious to “experience a Japanese earthquake once.” But when a strong quake actually happens, curiosity is not enough. What protects you is calm action and a few simple rules you already know in advance. As a local guide from Hokkaido, my main message is simple: if an earthquake happens during your trip, focus on three things: protect your body, turn off fire and heaters, and secure your escape route. If you remember these three points, you can greatly reduce the risk of serious danger. Why ...

The Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) is one of the most popular ways for international travelers to explore Japan by Shinkansen and limited express trains. However, many first-time visitors feel confused about how it works, how to exchange it, which trains they can use, and how to reserve seats. As a Japanese local guide, this article explains the JR Pass in a simple and practical way—covering eligibility, how to exchange the pass, how to use trains, reservations, and essential travel tips. What Is the JR Pass? The JR Pass allows unlimited travel on JR trains for 7, 14, or 21 ...

Choosing the right area to stay in Sapporo can completely change your travel experience. Each district has a very different atmosphere, level of convenience, and hotel quality. As a local from Hokkaido, here is my complete guide to the best areas to stay in Sapporo—based on travel style, convenience, and hotel value. Best Areas to Stay in Sapporo (Quick Summary) These four areas are the best choices for most travelers: Sapporo Station — Best for convenience Odori Park — Best for sightseeing Susukino — Best for food & nightlife Nakajima Park — Best for quiet, relaxed stays Choose based on ...