Stories from Japan
Travel Blog
Destinations, food, culture and travel wisdom from the TokudAw team
Featured Post
Search Blog
What’s the Best Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto Itinerary for 7 Days?
The best 7-day Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto itinerary covers Japan’s three most iconic cities without feeling rushed. This golden route includes each city’s major highlights, while leaving room for lesser-known stops and locations.
Japanese foods to try for first-time visitors and how to cook or eat the foods
Unlike many restaurants where food is prepared entirely in the kitchen, many Japanese meals invite guests to become part of the experience. Some restaurants bring raw ingredients to the table for guests to cook, while others serve noodles and broth separately or encourage diners to assemble their own meal. These traditions aren't meant to be complicated. Instead, they allow everyone to enjoy food at their own pace while creating a more memorable dining experience. Another thing many visitors appreciate is the flexibility. Several Japanese dining styles naturally make it easier to order smaller portions or share dishes with others, making them a great option for couples, families with children, and multi-generational groups traveling together. Rather than committing to one large entrée, many restaurants allow guests to choose exactly what and how much they would like to eat.
What Japanese Foods Are Best for First-Time Visitors to Try?
Wondering what Japanese foods to try on your first trip? From sushi and ramen to okonomiyaki, yakiniku, and ochazuke, discover beginner-friendly dishes every first-time visitor should experience.
What Are the Most Popular Day Trips From Tokyo? Top 5 Kanto Tours for First-Time Visitors
The Kanto region offers some of the best day trips from Tokyo, combining iconic landmarks, cultural experiences, nature, history, and modern attractions. From Mount Fuji and Hakone to Nikko, Kamakura, and Tokyo's top sightseeing spots, these five popular tours help first-time visitors experience the best of Japan without the stress of planning transportation and logistics on their own.
The amazing world of Japanese cuisine: Unique must-try foods for your next trip
Japanese food is amongst some of the most famous and loved cuisines around the world. With special delicacies and deliciously detailed treats, there is so much to explore.
Of course, we know you’ll be having your fair share of ramen, sushi, and udon, but make not to miss out on these delightful cultural foods on your next visit!
Top 10 Must-Buys from Don Quijote
If you’ve visited or planned a trip to Japan, chances are that you’ve heard of Don Quijote: the country’s largest discount store. Between travellers and locals alike, Donki is a favourite and one-stop shop for almost anything you could need.
From cosmetics to candy, and suitcases to souvenirs, Donki stores have it all. But with some mega-stores spanning across eight floors, there’s almost no time to see everything on offer in store.
Here’s a quick must-buy guide for all visitors looking to visit a store near them; for travel essentials and keepsake goodies!
An Insider’s Guide on Summer in Japan
You’ll hear it before you see it: cicadas buzzing like a static hum in the trees. Festival drums echo down backstreets. Paper lanterns sway above yakitori grills, while kids chase goldfish through makeshift pools. This is summer in Japan: loud, lively, and layered with tradition. If you’re planning on spending summer in Japan, here’s what you need to know.
What to Pack for Your Winter Adventure
A guide for how to pack for the winter snow and cold weather in Japan. Layering is the best way to stay warm and dress in winter. You’ll need to dress in 3 layers–base layer, mid layer, outer layer. You’ll also need warm accessories, which we will cover in this guide for cold-weather dressing.
The Best Winter Travel Destinations and Activities in Japan for Non-Skiers
The Best Winter Travel Destinations and Activities in Japan (around Tokyo) for Non-Skiers. We have selected a list of winter experiences you can enjoy in Japan without strapping two planks or a board to your feet.
15 Tokyo Japanese lifestyle stores you’ll love
Tokyo is a shopper’s paradise, where you can find everything from cutting-edge electronics to centuries-old craftwork. But when it comes to lifestyle and homeware, Tokyo’s stores offer something truly special.
Whether you're looking for beautifully designed kitchenware, minimalist home decor, or artisan-crafted trinkets, these 15 stores showcase the best of Japanese design. For travelers interested in Japanese culture, these stores offer a glimpse into Japan’s aesthetic philosophy, where function meets beauty.
How to Trace Your Japanese Ancestry (A Beginner’s Guide)
Tracing your Japanese roots is a deeply personal journey, a way to connect with your family's past and understand your own identity. But let’s be honest, it can also be a bit daunting: The language barrier, the unfamiliar record-keeping system, and the sheer distance can make the task seem overwhelming. This is a guide to help you get started.
Echoes of the Past: A Japanese Ancestry Journey
Many people with Japanese ancestry are living in the US or other countries having never experienced the country that their family comes from, and are looking for just the right tour to show them their heritage. This trip is a perfect for first-time travelers of Japanese ancestry looking to learn more about your family’s home country and their roots.
Hakone to Mt. Fuji: How to Get There and Where to Catch the Best Views
Nestled in the serene shadow of the iconic Mount Fuji, Hakone stands as a jewel in the greater Tokyo area, beckoning travelers with its picturesque landscape and tranquil ambiance.
Easily accessible from Tokyo, Hakone is a popular day-trip destination from Tokyo, but staying overnight will let you experience one of its famous ryokans.
Top 7 Places to Experience a Japanese Tea Ceremony in Kyoto
Explore Kyoto's top 7 tea ceremony spots for a tranquil experience of Japan’s rich cultural and Zen traditions in the city's historical and serene settings.
21 Japan Travel Tips For First-Time Visitors
If you’re preparing to head to Japan as a first-time traveler, it’s not always easy to know where to start. This is a guide with tailored travel insights, for the first-time visitor to turn your trip into more than just photos, but memories.
Booking a Japan Tour with TokudAw Inc
At TokudAw Inc, we know that the best journeys are the ones that provide truly personal experiences. So, as your dedicated Japan travel agency, that’s why we go above and beyond to create tailored tour packages for those visiting Japan. Wondering how exactly we do this? Here, we detail how easy it is to book with us so keep reading and take one step closer to your next unforgettable adventure.