Top 25 Things To Do In Yokohama

Above, a view of Yokohama's waterfront and Cosmo World from the Landmark Tower. Photo by Armand Vaquer,

The last time I had been through Yokohama, Japan was in 2014 when I traveled by commuter train to visit the Godzilla Slide at the Kurihama Flower World in Yokosuka. 

Before that, I spent a few hours in 2005 roaming around the waterfront of Yokohama.

Gaijinpot has posted a list of 25 things to do in Yokohama.

They begin it with:

Yokohama is a 30-minute train ride from central Tokyo, you’d be forgiven for thinking that this harbor town was simply another ’burb caught up in the capital’s urban sprawl. That is, until you cross the prefectural border and are greeted by wide waterfront views, gleaming cruise ships and expansive green spaces. A step back from the water lies an array of quirky museums, Japan’s biggest Chinatown and top-notch shopping to boot. All across the city, you’ll feel the relaxed, seaside vibes of somewhere like L.A. or Vancouver, but with a distinctly Japanese spirit.

Keen to make the trip? We’ve teamed up with Marine & Walk Yokohama, an innovative mall and event space, to bring you 25 things to do in Yokohama.

To read more, go here.

10 Best Things To Do In Shinjuku

Above, Godzilla peers over the Toho Cinemas in the Kabukicho section of Shinjuku. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

There's one thing about Tokyo: there's always something in the city to see and do.

Gaijinpot has posted a list of 10 top things to do in the Shinjuku section of Tokyo. 

They start it off with:

You probably think of Shinjuku when you imagine views of Tokyo. This central area of Tokyo is great for living and has exciting shopping, business and entertainment opportunities.

From skyline views and vibrant, diverse nightlife to the urban oasis of Shinjuku National Garden, Shinjuku is packed with Tokyo’s top sites. Below is our list of the top ten things to do when you visit Shinjuku.

To read more, go here. 

5 Everyday Japan Experiences To Try

Above, shopping at a konbini is one suggestion. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Now that Japan is fully open to foreign visitors, the usual attractions there beckon. But there are ordinary things to see and do while there. Those are worthwhile to do as well.

Japan Today has listed five everyday experiences one should try in Japan. I've done them all.

They begin with:

TOKYO - If you’re planning a trip to Japan, you no doubt have all the big sights on your list—traditional shops and streets around Kyoto, towering samurai castles, the iconic Mount. Fuji and much more. A good place to plan your trip is our very own GaijinPot Travel.

But for me, what really makes for an interesting travel experience are the smaller things that are mundane for people living in a country but novel and captivating for newcomers. So if you want to feel truly immersed in Japanese culture, check out these quintessential everyday experiences you might have left off your list.

Be sure to read the comments with the article. Some feel the list is silly, but others have better suggestions.

To read more, go here. 

Gaijinpot: 5 Historical and Quirky Places to Visit in Kyushu

Above, the Peace Statue at Nagaski Peace Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Now that Japan will be welcoming foreign tourists again in four days, it is now the time to take a look at what places to visit while there.

Gaijinpot has posted five historical and quirky places to visit in Kyushu. I visited Kyushu back in 2007 and enjoyed the trek there.

For daikaiju eiga fans, Kyushu was prominent in Rodan (1956), including Mt. Aso, Sasebo City and Fukuoka. Fukuoka was featured in Gamera: Guardian of the Universe (1995). While visiting the seven on the list, side trips to other sites are worth one's while. They are covered in The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan.

They begin with:

Kyushu is Japan’s southernmost main island and the third largest after Hokkaido. There are seven prefectures that make up the island: Fukuoka, Saga, Nagasaki, Oita, Kumamoto, Miyazaki and Kagoshima. These prefectures are home to a handful of active volcanoes (26 to be exact), world-class hot spring towns and great local cuisine.

While not as popular as Okinawa or Kyoto there’s an undeniable charm to each prefecture that make up this island. From Kokura Castle in Kita-Kyushu down to Sakurajima in Kagoshima, many other destinations await the eager explorer.

Here are our top five spots to get you started on planning your Kyushu adventure.

 To read more, go here.

Explore Kyushu With The JR Kyushu Discover Rail Pass

Above, a view of Fukuoka from Fukuoka Tower. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Back in 2007, I took a trip down to Kyushu, Japan and wandered around Kumamoto, Fukuoka, Mount Aso, Nagasaki and Sasebo. This trip was before the Hakata and Kagoshima Shinkansen was built.

Now, with that Shinkansen and other commuter trains available, the JR Kyushu Discover Rail Pass will make exploring Kyushu a lot easier.

According to GaijinPot:

Whether you’re traveling in Kyushu to enjoy the lush countryside home to natural hot springs, active volcanoes and waterfalls, or heading into the bustling cities to shop your heart’s content, getting around Japan’s underrated third-largest island has never been more affordable or convenient, thanks to the new JR Kyushu Discover Rail Pass.

Although Japan’s borders are still closed to tourists from abroad due to the coronavirus, the JR Kyushu Discover Rail Pass is designed for the country’s foreign residents who want to discover Kyushu’s hottest tourist attractions in a fast and efficient manner.

The pass offers users unlimited travel on JR Kyushu shinkansen and limited express trains for three consecutive days. If you’re planning to visit more than one city on your trip, it makes sense to take advantage of this limited-time discount—as you’ll likely be using the train to move around the island.

To read more, go here. 

5 Days Exploring Tohoku With The JR East Pass

Above, a boat tour of Matsushima Bay's islets. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One of the best things about being a foreign visitor to Japan are the JR Rail Passes, which allows for unlimited travel during a certain amount time (for example: 5 days).

Unfortunately, travel to Japan is verboten at present due to the pandemic. Eventually, things will open up again (when, is anyone's guess). But, since we all have plenty of time to plan ahead, this is something to take into consideration.

GaijinPot has posted an article on the JR East Pass. I used it back in 2006 to travel from Tokyo to the Tohoku region to visit Sendai and Matsushima. It came in handy and I saved some money using it.

They begin their article with:

The JR East Pass for the Tohoku region provides anyone holding a non-Japanese passport, including residents of Japan, five days of unlimited travel from Tokyo around the zone of the pass for just ¥20,000.

The pass provides huge savings to non-Japanese travelers, making it easier to explore this fascinating region of Japan when travel reopens. Earlier we gave you an itinerary to explore Akita, Aomori and Iwate, the three northern prefectures of Tohoku. Now, we’ve got a great itinerary introducing Tohoku’s three southern prefectures of Fukushima, Miyagi and Yamagata.

This is a chance to explore a bit of history and culture as well as plenty of lakes, mountains and ocean scenery. So daydream now and see it for yourself later.

To read more, go here.