10 Fun Things To Do in Osaka for First-Timers

10 Fun Things To Do in Osaka for First-Timers

Here is our list of the top ten exciting things to do in the vibrant city of Osaka. From the lively streets of Shinsekai, filled with unique eateries and retro arcades, to popular anime shops like Jump Store, there is truly an abundance of activities and attractions to experience in Osaka.

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The Perfect 2 Day Itinerary for Tokyo Japan

The Perfect 2 Day Itinerary for Tokyo Japan

There are so many things to see and do in Tokyo that it's hard to narrow down what to do if you only have a couple of days to spend in this iconic city but if that’s all the time you have, we have the perfect 2-day itinerary for you. We grew up in Japan and still visit on a regular basis, so these are our recommendations from a tourist and local's perspective.

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10 Simple Steps to Prepare for Your Trip to Japan

10 Simple Steps to Prepare for Your Trip to Japan

Preparing for any trip can be overwhelming, especially if you are traveling overseas for a long period of time. We have traveled to Japan countless number of times, so we've become pros at getting ready for our trip.  These are some tips on how to prepare for your trip to Japan.

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Shopping at Japan’s Discount Fashion and Home Goods Store

Shopping at Japan’s Discount Fashion and Home Goods Store

My family has been shopping at Sanki since I was in middle school and it was our go-to retail store to find clothes and household items at great discounted prices. We view Sanki as a cross between Walmart and Ross.

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Explore These Hidden Gems Near Narita Airport on Your Long Layover in Japan

Explore These Hidden Gems Near Narita Airport on Your Long Layover in Japan

This year we made it a point to explore some old and new places in our hometown in Narita, Japan. The great thing about Narita is that it’s only one train stop away (about 7 min) from the Narita International Airport.

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Our Top 10 Favorite Japanese Comfort Foods That Aren’t Sushi

Our Top 10 Favorite Japanese Comfort Foods That Aren’t Sushi

If you’re visiting Japan for the first time and think that most restaurants are all about sushi, you’re in for a big surprise. There is so much good food in Japan that sushi isn’t something we look forward to eating when we make our yearly visit home.

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The Mysterious Yanaka Cat Town in Nippori, Japan with Cat Tail Donuts

The Mysterious Yanaka Cat Town in Nippori, Japan with Cat Tail Donuts

We were looking for places in Tokyo that was more low-key and not bombarded by tourists and stumbled upon a city called Yanaka, also known as Yanaka Cat Town, which is located in Nippori. It was a breath of fresh air stopping by here after being surrounded by an immense crowd at the Sensoji Temple in Asakusa.

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8 Things You Should Know Before Visiting Asakusa Sensoji Temple During Cherry Blossom Season

8 Things You Should Know Before Visiting Asakusa Sensoji Temple During Cherry Blossom Season

We feel lucky that we grew up in Narita as it is home to a gorgeous Shinshoji Temple, so we rarely ventured out to other temples in Japan. This year, Crystal wanted to visit the famous Sensoji Temple in Asakusa, which is about an hour and a half away from our hometown.

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Enjoy Green Tea and Desserts At This Beautiful Hidden Japanese Garden in Japan

Enjoy Green Tea and Desserts At This Beautiful Hidden Japanese Garden in Japan

Miyoshiya is quite a hidden gem and it can easily be missed as it’s nestled in a small alleyway along Omotesando (表参道), a road that approaches a temple. The alleyway opens up to an intricate Japanese garden which instantly takes you back in time as it’s a stark contrast to the bustling streets.

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Experience A Fascinating Digital Art Museum with teamLab Borderless in Odaiba, Japan

Experience A Fascinating Digital Art Museum with teamLab Borderless in Odaiba, Japan

When we think of museums, we picture large white spaces with artwork hanging on the walls or sculptures in the middle of an open space. You stare at the piece, perhaps read the description, and then move on to the next piece of artwork. At teamLab Borderless, it is a completely different experience. It’s a group of digital artworks that creates a borderless world where you find yourself roaming around exploring for hours in awe.

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Our Cherry Blossom Experience At The Famous Meguro River in Tokyo

Our Cherry Blossom Experience At The Famous Meguro River in Tokyo

We usually visit our family in Japan during the holidays but this year we made it a point to visit during the cherry blossom season so that we could see these special trees blooming in Tokyo at Meguro River. We haven’t seen the cherry blossoms in a very long time and to be honest, I don’t think we really appreciated it as much as we should have while we were living in Japan. We weren’t going to take it for granted this time!

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Dine With Locals in Japan at a Beautiful Countryside Cafe: Eagle 137

Dine With Locals in Japan at a Beautiful Countryside Cafe: Eagle 137

This year when I returned home to Japan, I was looking forward to visiting my best friend’s cafe Eagle 137. It’s located in Kashiwa and it’s not your average tourist spot. Actually, it’s not touristy at all as it’s where the locals go to unwind, relax, and eat delicious local ingredients.

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What to Wear in Japan During Spring's Cherry Blossom Season

What to Wear in Japan During Spring's Cherry Blossom Season

This time of year in Japan can be tricky to pack for. It’s a transitional season where some days you’ll be fine wearing just a sweater, but other days you’ll find yourself needing a coat. Here are some of our suggestions on what to wear during the early spring cherry blossom season in Japan.

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