Stationery Heaven: Why You Will Spend 3 Hours Looking at Pens in Tokyo
Forget your boring Biro. Japanese stationery is engineering art. Here is your guide to “Loft,” “Itoya,” and the best pens you will ever write with.
CULTURE
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The “J-Beauty” Treasure Hunt: 5 Japanese Skincare Products You Must Buy (Under $15)
Japanese sunscreen is legendary. The mascara never smudges. Here is your guide to the best affordable beauty products hidden in every drugstore.
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Table for One, Please! Why Japan is the World’s Best Destination for Solo Travelers
Worried about eating alone? Don’t be. In Japan, “Ohitorisama” (Solo Living) is an art form. Here is why you should book that ticket, even if your friends can’t come.
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The Throne of the Future: A User’s Guide to Japanese High-Tech Toilets (And Why You’ll Miss Them)
Heated seats? Music? Automatic lids? Once you try a Japanese toilet, you can never go back. Here is how to navigate the buttons without accidentally spraying yourself.
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Drums, Street Food, and Fire in the Sky: How to Crash a Japanese Summer Festival (“Matsuri”)
Put on a “Yukata,” grab a beer, and follow the sound of the drums. Here is your guide to the chaotic, sweaty, and beautiful world of Japanese summer.
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Giants, Salt, and Spirits: How to Watch Sumo (Even if There is No Tournament)
It’s not just wrestling; it’s a religious ritual with 300-pound gladiators. Here is your guide to tournaments, morning practice, and eating the “Sumo Stew.”
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It’s Not Just a Game, It’s a Festival: Why You MUST Watch a Japanese Baseball Game
Forget the quiet stadiums of the MLB. In Japan, baseball involves trumpets, chanting, flying balloons, and beer girls carrying kegs on their backs.
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The Bullet Train is a Party on Wheels: How to Master the Shinkansen & The “Ekiben” Ritual
Don’t just sit there. Here is how to snag the “Mt. Fuji Seat,” understand the baggage rules, and why eating a cold bento box is the highlight of your trip.
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How to Get an Instant 10% Discount in Japan: The Ultimate “Tax-Free” Shopping Guide
Don’t leave money on the table. Here is how to use your passport to save 10% on everything from sneakers to KitKats. (Plus: The rule about the “Sealed Bag”).
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Stop Carrying Your Suitcase on the Train! The “Magic Hack” for Hands-Free Travel in Japan
Are you dreading hauling your luggage onto a crowded Shinkansen? Don’t do it. Here is how to use Japan’s incredible (and cheap) luggage delivery system.
