Stories from Japan
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Destinations, food, culture and travel wisdom from the TokudAw team
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The JRA Tokyo Racecourse Museum
The Tokyo Racecourse is a historical track, first opening in 1933 and renovated in 2007. It offers more than just watching horse racing. The grounds are home to the JRA Tokyo Racecourse Museum with interactive displays and memorabilia related to the sport. The area also allows visitors to get close to the horses, depending on schedule and weather.
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.
How to Best Utilise the Indy Pass in Japan? A 2026 Guide to Hidden Power Gems & Unmatched Cultural Pass
How to experience the most Japan while skiing at Indy Pass resorts in Japan. TokudAw’s list of recommended accommodations, regional cuisine, and experiences across every Indy Pass resort cluster in Japan.
What to do at Japanese Cruise Ports-of-Call
Sample transportation itineraries at common ports-of-call for passenger cruise ships in Japan.
The Secret Spots of Japan’s Snow Country Winter
Explore Japan’s snow country on the slopes and off: This itinerary will take you from from Nagano and Niigata to Gunma, through tunnels, onsen towns, and over the mountains.
Best of Japan’s Manga and Anime Itinerary
One day sight-seeing itineraries for Japan’s most popular Anime and Manga series.
Japan: An itinerary for the crafter and textile lover
An in-depth itinerary for those who want to explore the art, textiles, and crafts of Japanese culture – both current and modern.
Is Yomiuriland Worth Visiting? Everything You Need to Know Before You Go
Looking for a fun day trip from Tokyo? Yomiuriland offers exciting rides, seasonal events, family-friendly attractions, and beautiful illuminations, making it a great destination for visitors of all ages.
What Is a Unique Food Experience in Tokyo? Try This Salt-Making Workshop and Umeboshi Tasting
Looking for a unique food experience in Tokyo? Learn how to create your own custom salt, taste different varieties of umeboshi, and discover a hands-on activity at Tokyo Solamachi that's perfect for food lovers and curious travelers.
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.
A Day in Harajuku: Beyond Meiji Jingu and Takeshita Street
Think you know Harajuku? Beyond the neon signs of Takeshita Street and the towering torii gates of Meiji Jingu lies a neighborhood of quiet charms and hidden creative hubs. Join us for a curated stroll through the 'other' Harajuku—where we start the morning with a touch of Sanrio-themed tradition at Togo Shrine, get lost in the innovative art of CAS:SPACE, and hunt for the perfect waterproof souvenir at B-SIDE LABEL.
From the whimsical feline world of the mofusand flagship store to a breathtakingly elegant finale at Haute Couture Omotesando, this itinerary is for the traveler who seeks a balance of playful pop culture and refined relaxation. Step off the beaten path with us and discover why Harajuku remains Tokyo’s most surprising district.
Peak Performance Style: The Ultimate Guide to Shopping Outdoor Luxury in Japan
A comprehensive shopping guide for high-end outdoor brands. This article explains where to find flagship stores in Tokyo and the mountains, highlights "Japan-only" exclusive lines like TNF Purple Label, and offers a seamless way to book shopping transport via Tokudaw.
Where is the Best Facial in Japan? Your Guide to Flagship Luxury and "Glow-Up" Souvenirs
If you’re traveling to Japan, you’ve probably asked yourself: Where can I actually get the best facial? and What skincare should I squeeze into my suitcase before I leave? Forget the generic spa menus at your hotel. To get the "Glass Skin" of your dreams, you need to go straight to the source: the flagship salons of Japan’s most iconic skincare brands. Here is where to go and what to buy.
Functionality and craftmanship: Japan’s best inventions you need at home
Japan’s reputation for its innovation and technology is renowned around the world.
The country has a history of being home to incredible creations and inventions, whether it be in the home or the international stage.
From simple tools to cool gadgets, here are some traditional Japanese tools you need to bring home with you to make your everyday life easier!
Tokyo to Hakone: An easy, fun day trip with a private car
Just one and a half hours away from Tokyo, Hakone is a beautiful city on the side of Lake Ashi and surrounded by rolling mountains and onsen (hot springs). The city offers a variety of sights, from museums to cruises, all with a beautiful backdrop of Japan’s natural landscape. With so much to do, here’s TokudAw’s guide to a perfect day exploring Hakone.
Japan snow season from Kyoto and Osaka to Hakuba
If you’re planning on travelling from the Kansai region (most often Osaka or Kyoto) to Hakuba for snow season, booking with a private transportation company is the best way to go to ensure a safe, comfortable journey for all. At TokudAw, we combine our travel agency expertise with our in-house private transit to offer you a special, authentic journey filled with rich local experiences you can’t get on a regular trip.
From the Narita or Haneda Airport to the Nagano snow resorts
Make every step of your trip in Japan worth it with TokudAw’s private transport services available from key locations to snow resorts in Honshu closest to Tokyo.
How to decorate your Christmas tree with Japanese souvenirs this festive season
The festive season is just around the corner! But this Christmas, don’t miss out on the chance to have your tree shine extra bright by adding your favourite Japanese souvenirs to the mix.
Japan souvenir stores are filled with cute keychains and hanging decorations featuring many traditional, cultural figures. But there’s only so much room on a single keychain. Instead, try adding a unique twist to your tree this year by hanging these keychains as ornaments instead.
Disney Christmas in Japan: 15 must-buy items from Japan’s iconic Disney stores
With over 40 Disney stores globally, Japan is the ultimate destination to stock up on all your Disney favourites for the coming Christmas period.
Disney is one of the, if not the, most famous franchises of all time. From toddlers to great-grandparents, the beloved films and characters have touched the hearts of millions around the world.
Celebrate alongside all your favourite childhood characters with these adorable and unique festive items. New collections and items are released every festive season, so here’s a few you definitely cannot miss out on!
The amazing world of Japanese stationery: What to buy and where
Combining colourful designs and high-end paper and ink, Japanese stationery is famous for being some of the best in the world! Offering specific Japanese brands and traditional products such as calligraphy pens and paper, there is so much that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
Whether you’re an avid scrapbooking fan or a humble, daily user of the classic diary and pens, Japan’s stationery is one thing that you simply cannot skip on your trip.
With so many options to choose from and only so much space in your pencil case, here’s a quick guide on the best from what the world’s stationery capital has to offer.