Seasons And The Best Time To See Mount Fuji

Above, a view of Mount Fuji from a Shinkansen train to Osaka. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Prior to my last trip to Japan in October 2015, I had visited Japan seven times and during those trips I had not been able to get a clear daytime view of Mount Fuji (whenever I was in its vicinity).

The first time I was able to see it was at night in 2004 while at Lake Kawaguchi for a fireworks festival.

My only time I was able to view it in daylight was during my 2015 trip while taking a Shinkansen train to Osaka.

For those planning to visit Japan and wish to see Japan's most famous mountain, Live Japan has information on the best viewing months so tourists can plan accordingly (once the pandemic is over).

They begin with:

Mount Fuji isn’t always visible from Tokyo and even if you stay for a week, weather and season might have it hide behind clouds the entire time. But for most people, seeing Japan's most famous mountain is at the top of the bucket list. So, to help you plan: when are the best chances of seeing Mount Fuji?

Which season is the best, when is the best time of the day? And how is the weather at Mt. Fuji connected to how it looks? We’ll tell you when to best see Mount Fuji in all its glory from various angles!

To read more, go here. 

Mandarake at Tokyo's Nakano Broadway

Above, the Nakano Station entrance to Broadway Nakano. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

During the pre-COVID19 days, a vacation trip to Japan was possible for people who could afford and have enough dough to indulge in their collectibles hobby.

I have traveled to Japan eight times over the years since 2001 and one of my frequent stops while in Tokyo was the Nakano Broadway shopping mall, which contains several Mandarake stores that specializes in differing genres of otaku culture collectibles. 

Mandarake is a good source for new and used Godzilla and other kaiju toys.

Live Japan had posted an article on Mandarake in March 2019, but has updated it this month. Therefore, it is worth a look.

They begin it with:

Located in Nakano, just a 5-minute train ride from Shinjuku, Nakano Broadway is well known as a mini Akihabara and has been a haven to otakus and their culture for many years. This huge complex that spans over several floors is home to a multitude of shops all catering to all game, anime, and manga lovers!

Within Nakano Broadway there is one chain that clearly sticks out among the rest: Mandarake. This shop's everywhere in this shopping center and is impossible to miss! And the best part? You don’t even need to be really familiar with this otaku culture to be able to appreciate it and join in on the fun!

To read the full article, go here. 

Things To Do In Kyoto Station

Above, an inside view of Kyoto Station. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For many of us Americans, the first time we took notice of Kyoto Station was watching the 1999 movie, Gamera 3: Revenge of Iris. It was inside Kyoto Station that the kaiju Gamera battled the monster Iris (or Irys).

As it turns out, besides being in Japanese monster movie history, Kyoto Station has things to do besides catching or disembarking a train. Live Japan has listed 8 of those things.

They begin with:

Kyoto Station is the first stopover for most visitors to Kyoto. Having a modern art-esque look, the large building actually has many attractions and places to visit inside. 

The author, a Kyoto native, will introduce you to several special unique things to do at Kyoto Station, from spots where you can enjoy great views, savor delicious cuisine and find the perfect gifts! 

Kyoto Station Building, reflecting Kyoto Tower off its mirrored surface. The building has a grand presence and amazes visitors from everywhere! 

The building itself was constructed in 1997 and was designed by Hiroshi Hara. He also worked on many innovative modern structures such as the Umeda Sky Building in Osaka and Sapporo Dome in Hokkaido. 

The station concourse is spacious, where lines and curves, geometric patterns, and abstract objects are intermingled, creating a mysterious space. Hotel Granvia Kyoto is connected to the east side of the station building and JR Kyoto Isetan is connected to the west side. Between the two buildings is a large open area with a ceiling and glass wall, there is also the aerial Skyway Tunnel passageway some 45 meters above ground that connects the east and west structures. 

In the Kyoto Station Building there are many facilities with plenty of things to do to spend your whole day here.

Above, a view of Kyoto Station from a Shinkansen. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Kyoto Station is covered in The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan.

To read more, go here. 

Odaiba's Spectacular Views

Above, a view outside of Odaiba's Aqua City shopping mall. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

In 2000, Godzilla fans became aware of Odaiba, Tokyo's artificial island at Tokyo Bay through the feature film, Godzilla x Megaguirus. Since then, many of them visited Odaiba, including 2004's G-TOUR.

Live Japan has an article on the best photo viewing spots in Odaiba, particularly at night.

They begin it with:

Boasting excellent access from central Tokyo (just half an hour from Tokyo Station), the artificial island of Odaiba offers a variety of exciting spots such as a theme park, museums, shopping malls, and hot springs. Especially famous is Odaiba’s stunning night view of Tokyo Bay, with the illuminated Rainbow Bridge and both Tokyo Skytree and Tokyo Tower twinkling in the distance. It’s a breathtaking panorama of city lights, best enjoyed after spending a fun day of sightseeing on Odaiba! We’ll take you to the island’s very best night view spots to make the most out of your Tokyo evening!

Above, Odaiba and the Rainbow Bridge from Tokyo Bay. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To see more, go here. 

Live Japan: Top 8 Places To Visit In Tokyo

Above, the Imperial Palace's "Double Bridge". Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Most likely, the coronavirus that is hitting a number of Asian countries, including Japan, will subside when the weather gets warmer in the spring and summer months, just like flus and colds do.

If one is planning a trip to Japan and wonder what are the "must-dos" in Tokyo, Live Japan has some suggestions of that they consider the "top 8 places to visit".

They begin with:

Chances are that your journey to Japan will begin and end with Tokyo! This one day plan is filled with perfect places to visit in Tokyo. Whether it's your first time or you're a seasoned traveler, you'll find your perfect fit with this list! 

Tokyo Orientation 

Tokyo is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Japan. Formerly known as Edo, it was a small fishing village that became the center of Tokugawa Ieyasu’s government in the 16th century. 

In 1868 it became the official capital of Japan and renamed as Tokyo, and since then it has been rebuilt after being hit by disasters as well as devastated by war. 

In 1964 the summer Olympics were held in Tokyo, and in 2020 the Olympics are coming back once again to one of the greatest and most prominent cities in the world. By the late 1970s, the metropolitan area population reached eleven million, and today nearly forty million people live here. 

As Tokyo has such a long history and covers a lot of ground, it means that there is a huge amount to see and do – but as Tokyo is so well connected even if you only have one day in this city, because of a layover or a connecting flight, you can really pack in a lot. 

To help you even more, you can get a Tokyo 1-Day Ticket, which allows unlimited use of all the subway lines and JR lines for just 1,590 yen, or a Suica or PASMO card, which can be recharged and enable easy use of the subway. 

If you are staying longer or visiting again, then the possibilities are almost unlimited: Tokyo Disneyland can take a whole day or two days, there are many recommended area tours such as going to Yokohama, or spend your time walking around and see what you can discover!

To read more, go here. 

What To Do If You Miss The Last Train In Tokyo

Above, a Denny's restaurant in Asakusa. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Getting stranded somewhere in Tokyo after the trains and other public transit systems have shut down for the night (usually around midnight) has never happened to me, but some visitors to Tokyo have.

However, there are some options for stranded tourists and Live Japan has a list of them.

They begin with:

Missing the shūden, as the last day of the train is affectionately called, is a common occurrence among Tokyoites, especially if you’re out and having a good time with friends and family. Other cosmopolitans may be used to public transport running all night, but in Tokyo, buses and trains stop running during the night until the early hours of morning. When this last train runs depends on the line but usually, it is around midnight – easy to miss if you forget the time over a couple of drinks and an engaging conversation. Suddenly, you find yourself stranded and wonder what to do. Of course, a taxi is always an option, but taxis are notoriously expensive in Tokyo and especially if you’re far from home, the expenses might be too much to handle. Thankfully, Tokyo offers a lot of fun and affordable options to spend a night should you miss the last train!

To read more, go here. 

Most Popular Activities In Asakusa

Above, Studio Nanairo Asakusa. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Asakusa's Nakamise Street (Nakamise Dori) is a big tourist draw, but there are other things to see and do in Tokyo's historic district.

Thanks to the folks at Live Japan, they have listed the most popular activities in Asakusa. The ranking are as of November 2019.

They begin with:

Here are the best Activities in Asakusa, with travel tips and more, according to LIVE JAPAN, a top-class travel website for visitors to Japan. Our ranking is based on the most popular pages viewed by foreign visitors in a given category. 

For instance, Studio Nanairo Asakusa, Tokyo Japan Fishing, Asakusa Kimono Rental『DAIKICHI』 and other related spots will be listed. Be sure to check them out during your visit to Asakusa!

Above, yours truly at Studio Nanairo Asakusa in 2015.

To read more, go here. 

Mistakes First Time Tourists Make In Tokyo

Above, many tourists avoid trying out local restaurants. Big mistake! Photo by Armand Vaquer.

There are some mistakes that many visitors to Japan make when they visit the country for the first time. 

Before heading over, it is a good idea to "bone up" on local customs and etiquette.

To aid in that, Live Japan has a list of "15 Mistakes Tourists Make When Visiting Tokyo For The First Time".

They begin with:

Culture shock is common for first-time visitors to Tokyo. A lot of tourists can fall into the trap of assuming that Tokyo is just like any other city in the world, but Japan is a unique country with its own distinct customs, culture and etiquette. 

When in Tokyo, do as the Tokyoites do. Here are some of the most common mistakes people make when visiting for the first time.

To read more, go here. 

Regional Japan Rail Passes

Above, the front of the JR East Rail Pass I used in 2006.
Below, is the reverse side. Photos by Armand Vaquer.

When people, in general, hear "Japan Rail Pass", it is usually the pass usable in all of Japan.

But there are also regional rail passes available to visitors (they still have to purchase them in their home countries and bring the voucher to redeem in Japan) and Live Japan discusses four of them available from JR East.

I used a JR East 5-day rail pass to go to Tohoku in 2006 (pictured at top).

They begin with:

Japan is such an amazing destination for tourists that companies do their best to make it as easy to travel around as possible, and at an astonishingly low price. Japan rail passes and train tickets make this possible. 

Here we will introduce four different Japan train tickets which JR East, Japan’s largest train company offers. No tourist should be without!

To read more, go here. 

9 Most Popular Clothing Shops In Ginza

Above, the Ginza Mitsukoshi department store at Ginza Crossing. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Ginza has always been known as Tokyo's premiere shopping district, even when Godzilla stomped through it in 1954.

For those who are visiting Japan, Tokyo in particular, and want to do some shopping for clothing or other goods, Live Japan has a list of nine most popular clothing shops in Ginza.

They begin it with:

Here are the best Clothing Stores in Ginza, with travel tips and more, according to LIVE JAPAN, a top-class travel website for visitors to Japan. Our ranking is based on the most popular pages viewed by foreign visitors in a given category. 

For instance, Luggage and Travel Bags | GINZA KAREN, Luggage and Travel Bags | GINZA LIFE in Ginza Core, Ginza Maggy Ginza Main Store and other related spots will be listed. Be sure to check them out during your visit to Ginza!

To read more, go here. 

Shopping At Narita Airport

Above, Tokyo Banana cakes, a popular item for Japanese and foreigners alike. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

So you're ready to head home after your vacation to Japan and are at Narita Airport waiting for your flight to board.

However, there are a few people that you hadn't purchased a souvenir for(or for yourself).

Live Japan has the top 5 souvenir stores (many of them are duty free) at Narita Airport for some last-minute souvenir shopping.

They begin with:

Narita International Airport, the gateway to Tokyo. The duty free shop inside is the perfect spot for souvenirs with items that can only be purchased before a flight. 

This time we had the duty free staff carefully select and recommend souvenirs as well as interviewed foreigners about their purchases and products they like. This is a must-read for those who don’t know what souvenirs to bring to their friends after a trip to Japan!

Above, one of the Fa-So-La SHOPS at Narita Airport's departure terminal. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here. 

Tokyo "Tourist Traps" and Alternatives

Above, the Shibuya 109 department store. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Tokyo is one of the most populated cities in the world. This can be a problem when one adds to the local population the hordes of foreign visitors (over 30 million last year) at many of the popular tourist "traps".

But there are alternatives and Live Japan has listed 8 tourist traps to avoid with suggestions on where to go instead.

I'll have to admit that some of the places Live Japan says to avoid I actually enjoy visiting.

They begin with:

If you plan to visit Japan, Tokyo is most likely at the top of your list for many reasons. Being the capital city of Japan, the center of business and one of the most important and iconic cities in the world, Tokyo is the ultimate urban destination. 

As the world’s most populated city, Tokyo brings in millions of tourists every year and the trend is increasing. According to surveys by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, in 2018 there were about 14 million foreign visitors to Tokyo. And almost 6 trillion yen was spent by these visitors while in Tokyo. That is a lot of tourist money, meaning hotels, restaurants, shops and tourist attractions are competing for tourist attention and dollars. 

And although anywhere in Tokyo is filled with amazing things to do and see, some places are a little over-crowded and have a distinct "touristy" vibe. Here is a list of nine places that might be considered tourist traps and some alternatives if you want to skip the long lines and discover someplace new.

To read more, go here.

What To Wear While Traveling In Japan

Above, snow on the ground in Tokyo's Kappabashi "Kitchen Town" section. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

My February 2014 trip to Japan was rather interesting. My arrival timing couldn't have been worse as I arrived at about the same time a big snowstorm hit Japan and I ended up stuck in a Keisei Line commuter train midway between Narita Airport and Tokyo in Chiba Prefecture. Although snow is not unusual for Tokyo, it was the biggest snowstorm in years.

Also, towards the end of my trip to Japan, another big storm hit Tokyo.

Live Japan has a useful article on what clothing to wear while traveling to Japan during any one of its four distinct seasons. Even though I was stuck in a train car, at least I knew ahead of time what to wear.

They begin with:

Planning your trip to Japan soon? The weather makes a huge difference in the kinds of clothes and accessories you'll want to pack! 

Since Japan has four distinct seasons and that weather varies greatly from area to area, in this article, we’ll take a closer look at those four seasons and the weather in Tokyo all around the year.

To read more, go here. 

Live Japan's Guide To Shinjuku Station

Above, the Godzilla Head in Shinjuku. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Shinjuku Station in Tokyo is one of the largest and busiest train and subway stations in the city. It is easy to get lost in it.

This is the station to go to in order to see the Godzilla Head at the Hotel Gracery.

Fortunately, Live Japan has a comprehensive guide to the station.

They begin their guide with:

Shinjuku is one of Tokyo’s – and Japan’s – busiest areas, acting as an office town, a shopping district, a center for urban culture and lifestyle, and thus a prime tourist destination. In the center of all of this is Shinjuku Station, a massive hub that connects five railroads and people from all over the country.

Giant shopping malls border the enormous station, as well as Kabukicho, Tokyo’s most famous red-light district. Towering home electronics stores sell state-of-the-art electronics to locals and tourists alike - and everything is connected by a vast underground network of exits, arcades, and tunnels, all belonging to Shinjuku Station. The hub deserves its reputation as a labyrinth of over 200 exits that, at times, can be seemingly impossible to navigate.

Let's start to unravel this large spiderweb that is Shinjuku Station's structure and directions first.

By the way, although the Live Japan guide doesn't mention it, those wanting to see the Godzilla Head should use the East Exit. 

To read more, go here.

Japan Tourist Passes & Day Tickets

Above, passengers board a JR Yamanote Line train in Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One great thing about Tokyo is the city's vast network of public transportation.

A car isn't really necessary to own in Tokyo since there's trains, subways, buses and taxi services available. And going outside of Tokyo is very easy.

But for foreign tourists, there's additional bonuses and Live Japan presents them.

They begin with:

There are certain tickets available that are offered specifically to tourists who want to explore Japan – and there are some great deals to be made. 

While there’s a wide variety of special deal tickets for tourists available, every railway company sells them in a different manner and place. So with your sightseeing goal in mind, first check which company’s lines will take you there. Some special deals might not be sold at all stations and will require that you visit a specific information or ticket center instead.

 To read more, go here.

Live Japan: How To Eat Sushi Like A Local

Above, a plate of sushi in an Asakusa restaurant. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It is not too surprising to see over the years how well many Godzilla fans have mastered the art of eating Japanese food, especially sushi.

I have been among many at sushi restaurants in Japan and in the U.S. following an event such as Godzilla movie screenings.

But, for those who haven't fully mastered it and are planning to travel to Japan, Live Japan has an article on "How to eat sushi like a local".

They begin it with:

In Japan, sushi is a thoroughly casual food, but even here high-class sushi restaurants are on the rise. While conveyor belt restaurants are still the laid-back places where you won’t have to worry about much, sushi bars and “over the counter” restaurants do have unofficial rules to follow! Here's what to look out for so as not to inadvertently commit a faux pas.

To read more, go here. 

Prices In Japan Compared To Other Countries

Above, Shibuya 109 department store in the Shibuya shopping district. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Over the years, it had been said that Japan is more expensive than the U.S. During my travels there (8 of them), I found that this isn't necessarily the case. I've found a lot of bargains over the years while traveling in Japan.

Live Japan has an article that tackles this by comparing prices for Big Macs, movie tickets, taxis, restaurant chains, medical services and other items with other countries.

They begin with:

Though it is often said that prices are generally high in Japan, some visitors from abroad are surprised by the cheapness of Japanese grocery stores and restaurant chains. In Japan, deflation continued for about 20 years after the bubble economy collapsed in 1998, and the rise of cheap restaurant chains and fast fashion brands grew. According to the competition of small profits and quick returns, it is said that some goods actually became cheaper. 

So are prices in Japan really that expensive? Let us now introduce some of the cheapest and most expensive things in Japan as compared to other countries.

To read more, go here. 

Shibuya and Asakusa

Above, Shibuya Crossing. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Over the years, two of my favorite places in Tokyo to hang out in are Shibuya and Asakusa.

Both are very different but fun to roam around in.

Live Japan has an article comparing the two with information on what to see and do in each.

They begin with:

Shibuya and Asakusa are two of Tokyo’s most-visited areas. Even if you’ve never set foot in Tokyo, it’s very likely that you can easily identify the parade of people at Shibuya Scramble Crossing and the grand crimson lantern suspended above the Kaminarimon Gate of Sensoji Temple. 

Yet, for all their popularity, Shibuya and Asakusa are complete opposites; one represents modernity and the other represents tradition. Shibuya is Tokyo’s trendsetting district that is at the forefront of Japanese pop culture and fashion. On the other hand, a day in Asakusa seems like a step back in time. 

Let’s dive in and take a deeper look at what makes these two areas of Tokyo so popular among visitors!

Above, Kappapashi "Kitchen Town" is a part of Asakusa. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here. 

Japan: 13 Basic Things To Know

Above, food shopping area at the Tokyo Skytree. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Visiting a foreign country can be intimidating to some, and Japan is no exception.

But many people do visit Japan and manage quite well despite not knowing Japanese. Live Japan has an article on 13 basic things visitors need to know before going there.

They start it with:

Vacationing abroad is super fun – but there are so many questions? Is the voltage the same as in my county? Are the rules and laws the same, such as shopping and traffic? Things that are normal at home are sometimes done entirely different in another country. Even on a global scale, Japan stands out as having a lot of unique cultural points, so first-timers to Japan may find themselves overwhelmed and, at times, confused. 

Even if you’re a seasoned traveler, you might still come across surprises when in Japan. Do people speak English? Are the toilets generally free or charged? How expensive is Japan? How available is free Wi-Fi? We’ll go over these and other questions to help you prepare for your trip and explore Japan with confidence. Here are 13 basic things you need to know about Japan!

To read the article, go here. 

Saving Money With A Tokyo Day Pass

Above, the moon and Tokyo Tower. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

There are many ways to get around Tokyo. Just about everywhere one can imagine, there's a subway or train station nearby.

But it can get a little expensive shelling out yen to get around. Fortunately, Live Japan has an article on saving money while roaming around Tokyo.

They begin with:

Tokyo is such a massive city that guidebooks online and otherwise can usually only begin to scratch the surface of the immense number of places worth visiting! While many visitors buy a JR Rail Pass before coming to Japan, it doesn’t cover Tokyo’s extensive subway system. 

Fortunately, there are day passes which allow travelers to save money while sightseeing! Especially if you’re someone who loves to explore, find places that tourists don't usually get to, and see a new side of the city, the new “Tokyo Surprise!” 1-Day Pass might be right for you!

To read more, go here.