Japan Domestic Ferry Experience - Shikoku Yawatahama to Kyushu Beppu

In 2015, I traveled to Japan using the JR pass. While I was traveling through Shikoku 四国　Yawatahama 八幡浜 to Kyushu 九州 Beppu 別府, I took the Uwajima-Unyu 宇和島運輸 ferry to go across the Seto 瀬戸 inland sea. I have dedicated this article for my experience of taking Japanese domestic ferry while traveling in Japan.

Japanese Domestic Ferry across Seto Inland Sea

Day trip to Shizuoka and viewing Fuji Mountain

In November 2015, I traveled to Japan using the JR pass. When I was going from Kansai area to Tokyo, I decided to stop by Shizuoka 静岡 on the way to Tokyo. Since Shizuoka is less than one hour away from Tokyo by bullet train, I figured that Shizuoka would be a perfect place for taking a day trip from Tokyo, especially for travelers who enjoy great food and great views of Fuji Mountain 富士山.

I was greeted by Fuji Mountain on the way to Shizuoka

Crab Feast Experience at Tokyo Shinjuku Kani Douraku Restaurant

Have you ever wondered what this famous franchise restaurant serve inside? Japan is full of specialty food ingredient restaurants. The ingredient ranges from Wagyu Kobe beef to seafood. This article is dedicated to my dining experience at the famous Kani Doraku or Douraku かに 道楽 Crab specialty restaurant in Tokyo Shinjuku during lunch hours in March 2010. I have posted photos of most of the dishes from the ~3000 yen lunch course meal.

Kani Doraku Crab Restaurant. They are everywhere in Japan!

Tokyo Love Story - Tokyo Romantic Places and Things to Do

Many travelers visit Tokyo for different reasons, for people who travel as couples, it is their romantic getaway. Historically Tokyo has been giving visitors the mere impressions of mixture of the past and the future, however, with some detail planning, visitors would soon discover that Tokyo as a city offers many romantic spots and activities. I have come up with some of the best recommended spots, activities and tours for couples who are seeking for good times, romantic getaway, proposal or perhaps memorable honeymoon.

Tokyo Tower has always been the symbol for romance in Japan

The origin of Ippudo Ramen: Quest for world's first Hakata Ippudo restaurant

In November 2015, I traveled solo to Japan using the Japan Rail JR Pass. While I was touring in Hakata/Fukuoka of northern Kyushu, I decided to pay a tribute to the very first franchise restaurant of the most popular ramen  chain in the world: Ippudo Ramen, 一風堂

Original taste at the origin of Ippudo Ramen franchise restaurant in Fukuoka Japan

Tokyo Akihabara Maid Cafe Experiences

One of the most interesting experiences I had in Japan was at Maid Cafe in Tokyo Akihabara. In general, Japanese Maid Cafe consists of waitress in maid outfit that serves up a cute show, drinks, meals and dessert. This blog post is written to show and tell about my few visits to some of the most popular maid cafe in Japan.

Maid Cafe Capital: Japan Tokyo Akihabara

Kobe Beef in Kobe, Japan: My Kobe Beef experiences.

Updated on 01/31/16

Only the specific breed of cattle, processed in specific areas in Japan, raised by special methods, and graded by strict Japanese beef rating system, are qualified to be the real "KOBE BEEF" Real Kobe Beef are rarely exported outside of Japan, and when they are exported, they are usually served at very expensive restaurants overseas.

Nicely marbled intramuscular fat Kobe beef steak.

Tokyo and Kyoto Sample Itinerary: Planning for the essence of Travel in Japan

Many of the first time travelers in Japan, while the main destination is modern Tokyo, will always try to fit ancient Kyoto or Osaka into their busy itinerary. Being a working professional with a busy schedule, I find it difficult to come up with vacation time longer than two weeks. With a short vacation time in mind, I have listed my own itinerary in 2012 as well as my suggested travel planning. Briefly, I flew from Los Angeles to Kansai international airport near Osaka; after touring in the Kansai area, I took the ultra modern bullet train from Kansai area to Tokyo; after touring in the Tokyo area, I flew home from Tokyo Haneda airport back to Los Angeles.

Traveling between Tokyo Tower and Kyoto Tower

Wagyu Japanese Beef

Wagyu Japanese beef, the most sought after land animal meat in the world, usually have similar characteristics of being very tender and having extreme level of intramuscular fat. Wagyu is a general term used for high grade Japanese breed beef, which usually covers famous "brand" names such as Kobe, Matsusaka, and Omi beef. I am dedicating this blog post to some of my best Wagyu experiences and Wagyu restaurants in Tokyo and other parts of Japan.

Wagyu Japanese Beef, the most tender and juicy beef in the world

Japan Onsen for Shy Travelers - Hakone Kowakien Yunessun Swimsuit Hot Spring Bath and Private Onsen Ryokan

While almost all Onsen in Japan do not allow wearing swimsuits, I believe many of the foreign travelers to Japan feel uncomfortable getting naked for the authentic hot spring experience. Luckily there are some special hot spring onsen near Tokyo Japan that permit and require bathing suits to be worn. There are also options of private onsen, foot onsen, and reserved-time family onsen time for those who are a bit on the uncomfortable side.

Open-air private onsen hot spring with a nice view. This type of accommodation could be very expensive.

Project Shinkansen 2015 - Japan Rail Pass Itinerary Seto Inland Sea

In November 2015, I traveled to Japan using the Japan Rail Pass. I traveled solo. It was my second trip using the JR pass since the The Journey 5 years prior. I bought a 14-day JR pass and used it for 10 days in Japan due to lack of vacation time from my job. Even though it was only a 10-day trip, I was able to maximize my time in Japan and the value of the JR pass for a trip of a life time. Briefly, I traveled through Osaka/Kobe/Kyoto, Shikoku, Fukuoka, Ise, Tokyo and Nagano. Here are the highlights of my itinerary:

Japan Rail Pass Route 2015. Project Shinkansen Setonaikai Seto Inland Sea

Day Trip from Tokyo - Quest for Snow Monkey in Nagano Jigokudani Monkey Park

In November 2015, I traveled to Japan using the Japan Rail Pass. While I was staying the Tokyo area, I took a side/day trip to Nagano, hoping to see the amazing Jigokudani Snow Monkey bathing in hot spring.

Baby Japanese Snow Monkey

First Cabin Hotel Hakata - Review for Japan Hotel

In November 2015, I traveled to Japan using the Japan Rail Pass. While I was traveling in Fukuoka/Hakata area in Kyushu, I stayed at First Cabin Hotel (hostel) in the most bustling area in Fukuoka/Hakata city. I am posting my hotel review on my Tokyo travel blog since First Cabin hotel chain offers same setting for each of their locations throughout Japan: Akihabara, Tsukiji and Haneda terminal in Tokyo, Namba in Osaka, and Karasuma in Kyoto. All locations are highly convenient and popular.

First Cabin Hotel Hakata, new concept of accommodation in Japan

Hotel Princess Garden - Review for Tokyo Hotel

In November 2015, I traveled to Japan using the JR pass. While I was traveling in the Tokyo area, I stayed at Hotel Princess Garden off the JR Meguro station on the JR Yamanote loop line. Aside from being an inexpensive and convenient hotel, here is my latest in-depth hotel review:

Hotel Princess Garden, great value Tokyo hotel.

Useful Travel Japanese Phrases

While language barrier has never been an issue for me during my trips to Japan in the past 15 years, I found it fun to be able to speak a few phrases to test out my foreign language skills during my travel. Having some survival Japanese phrases handy could make your trip more pleasant when people around you can not or unwilling to speak English (or any other foreign language) I also felt that Tokyo has become more English speaking friendly along with the foreign tourism surge in the past ten years.

Just point and order when you see plastic food models in front of the restaurants

I have listed phrases that are useful and essential for new travelers to Japan.

Tokyo Transportation - Getting around in Tokyo

Getting around in Tokyo could be both adventurous and challenging for first time travelers. With one of the most developed public transportation system in the world, learning about the basics before hand could make your trip much more pleasant. I am focusing on public transportation in major train and subway systems in this blog post, as they are the most popular methods of getting around in Tokyo.

Famous Tokyo Yamanote loop line train

Best Food in Tokyo Japan

Updated on January-09-2016

Besides your typical sushi and ramen, there are plenty of other variety of delicious food in Japan for travelers to explore. I have come up with a list of my recommendations for delicious of food in Japan for adventurous eaters, foodies and connoisseurs.

Dobin Mushi Teapot Soup

Tokyo Meiji Jingu Shrine - Time Travel in Tokyo

Aside from the hustle and bustle in Tokyo, a visit to the Meiji Jingu shrine offers a more relaxing and spiritual experience while in Japan. This Shinto shrine was originally dedicated for the Meiji Emperor, it has recently become one of the most popular sightseeing spots in Tokyo for both Japanese people and foreign travelers.

Time travel in Tokyo, a visit to Meiji Jingu shrine.

WiFi Internet Mobile Phone Access in Tokyo, Japan

WiFi will make traveling in Japan easy. You will need WiFi to check map/location, direction, train schedule, and restaurant reviews. WiFi will also enable you to check in on Facebook and stay in touch with your family and friends back home. 

Staying connected to the internet while traveling in Japan could be challenging. I have listed some of the best options for WiFi internet connection in this blog post. With the intention of attracting more international travelers to Japan, there had been campaign to provide free and affordable WiFi to foreign visitors. 

Rental pocket wifi hotspot in Japan

Night Out in Tokyo: Tokyo Nightlife

After a typical day in Tokyo with sightseeing or a side trip to Hakone for hot spring.
The nightlife could start around 5pm to 6pm or later depending on your day plan.

My typical night out would be:

- 5pm to 6pm (time of sunset): Tokyo City View Observatory for the beautiful night scenery;
- 8pm: Sushi dinner at Midori Sushi in Akasaka.
- 10pm to 11pm: Second stop for quick bite at Miroku Standing Yakitori bar in Akasaka.

Exciting Tokyo nightlife could start in Shibuya

For some travelers, they could stop there but remember Tokyo is a city that runs 24 hours a day. I would recommend adventurous and energetic travelers to maximize their Tokyo experiences by going further: