Yuki Tanaka
Culture & Food Editor
26 years in Japan
Born and raised in Tokyo. Writes about the city most tourists never see.
Grew up in Shibuya, 1988–2006. Moved to NYC for university, returned to Tokyo in 2012. Has lived in Shimokitazawa, Nakameguro, and now Yoyogi.
Tokyo
Expertise
Japanese convenience store culture, izakaya etiquette, Tokyo neighborhoods, daily life
Articles by Yuki Tanaka
Travel
Tokyo Autumn Foliage 2026: Best Parks, Ginkgo, and Day Trips
Sep 14·11m
Tokyo Guide
Asakusa Guide: Senso-ji, Skytree, and Old Tokyo Done Right
Sep 11·10m
Tokyo Guide
What to Do in Osaka: 16 Things That Actually Deliver
Sep 10·11m
Tokyo Guide
Brooklyn of Tokyo 2026: Shimokitazawa, Koenji, and Who Wins
Sep 1·8m
Tokyo Guide
Koenji Guide 2026: Tokyo's Punk-Vintage Neighborhood
Sep 1·8m
Culture
Gotokuji Temple: Tokyo’s Maneki-Neko Cat Temple (Hours, Access, Official Shop)
Aug 19·8m
Food and Drink
How to Order at Ichiran in Japan: Ticket Machine, Booths, Order Sheet, Kaedama
Aug 19·8m
Travel
Japan New Year for Tourists 2026–27: What’s Open, Hatsumode Maps, Meiji Jingu Hours
Aug 19·12m
How To
Trash Cans in Japan: Why Streets Are Clean and Where Tourists Can Actually Throw Things Away
Aug 19·8m
Culture
Tokyo Sento Guide: Neighborhood Baths, Mt. Fuji Murals, and the ¥600 Soak
Aug 19·9m
Culture
Best Cat Cafes in Tokyo: Where to Go and What to Expect
Aug 16·6m
Culture
Anime Pilgrimage in Japan: How to Visit Real Locations From Your Favorite Shows
Aug 13·8m
Culture
Gachapon: Japan's Capsule Toy Obsession, Explained
Aug 13·7m
Culture
Japan's Vending Machine Culture: Why There Are Millions of Them Everywhere
Aug 13·6m
Culture
What Is Kawaii Culture? Japan's Obsession With Cute, Explained
Aug 13·8m
Culture
Yuru-Kyara: Japan's Cutest Mascot Characters, Ranked
Aug 13·10m
Culture
How to Watch Sumo in Tokyo: Tickets, Etiquette, and When to Go
Aug 5·9m
Tokyo Guide
Pokemon Center Japan: Where to Find Every Store and What's Different
Aug 4·7m
Culture
Karaoke Japan 2026: Boxes, Prices, Chains
Aug 3·10m
How To
Japan Rainy Season 2026 (Tsuyu): Still Visit? Dates by City
Jun 5·9m
Travel
Winter in Japan 2026: Best Places, Snow, and What to Pack
Jun 4·10m
Travel
Kanazawa Travel Guide: Japan's Best Preserved Samurai City (2026)
Jun 3·10m
Travel
Kyoto Travel Guide: What to Do, See, and Experience (2026)
Jun 3·13m
Travel
Nara Day Trip Guide: Deer, Temples, and What to Know (2026)
Jun 3·8m
Culture
7-Eleven vs Lawson vs FamilyMart Japan: Which Konbini for Tourists?
Jun 2·10m
Tokyo Guide
Shimokitazawa Guide: Tokyo's Coolest Neighborhood (2026)
May 15·9m
Tokyo Guide
Japan on a Budget 2026: How to Travel Cheap Without Missing Out
May 1·11m
Tokyo Guide
Best Tokyo Neighborhoods Compared: Where to Stay and Visit (2025)
Mar 21·9m
Tokyo Guide
What to Do in Tokyo: 25 Things Actually Worth Your Time
Mar 20·14m
Culture
What is Omotenashi? Japanese Hospitality Explained
Mar 16·7m
Culture
What Is a Konbini? Japan Convenience Stores 2026
Mar 15·7m
Tokyo Guide
Shibuya Crossing: Everything You Need to Know (2025)
Mar 14·6m
Tokyo Guide
Tokyo Neighborhood Guide: Where to Go and Why
Feb 1·10m