How to Beat The Crowds on the Hakone Loop

The Hakone Loop is the most popular thing to do in Hakone. Every single person I spoke to there was doing it. Get it right, and you’ll see some cool sights and enjoy everything from cute trains to cable cars. Get it wrong, and you’ll experience a massive time suck, surrounded by people, and an experience that feels a bit like a sheep being herded. So, here’s how to do it the right way.

Read more

10 Brilliant Things to do in Hakone – That Aren’t The Loop

Every single person I met in Hakone was doing one thing on their trip – the circuit known as The Loop – which is a shame, as, of all the things I did in Hakone on my recent visit, the Loop was not the most interesting or fun.

So, if you’re visiting Hakone for more than one day or want to expand your horizons outside of the Loop, here’s what else you might want to do on your trip.

Read more

Float shaped like a lion dance lion surrounded by dancers in the Samurai Show in Tokyo

Is Tokyo’s Samurai Restaurant the New Robot Restaurant?

I’m underground in an adult club in Tokyo’s Kabukicho. And I’m about to have my mind blown! But don’t worry, this blog hasn’t suddenly got X-rated. Instead, I’m checking out the Samurai Restaurant, the new incarnation of Tokyo’s famous Robot Restaurant, which closed in 2020… but can it live up to its predecessor? Let’s find out…

Read more

The Sagano Romantic train goes around a curve on the track so you can see the front engine. The pretty blue river runs alongside the red and yellow train.

The Quick Guide to the Sagano Romantic Train in Kyoto

The Sagano Romantic Train is a scenic sightseeing train that travels along the top of the Hozugawa River and the Hozu Gorge in Kyoto between Arashiyama and Kameoka. But, is it worth taking the time out of your day to sit on it – and if it is, how do you get your tickets, where should you sit – and why, exactly, is it romantic? We explain…

Read more

Signs showing pictures of sushi bowls outside a restaurant in Toyosu Market Tokyo

Is Toyosu Market Worth Visiting? No. But This Is…

Opened in 2018, Toyosu Market is the new home to the old Tsukiji Fish Market which used to attract hundreds of visitors every morning for its fascinating tuna auction and photogenic fish stalls – so, does Toyosu offer the same lure to visitors, and should you visit? Well, for the market itself, the answer is no but you shouldn’t strike Toyosu completely from your plans as there’s one area you will want to see.

Read more