Skip to content

Tokyo's Underground, Unfiltered.

Search

Recent stories and guides

Education guides

Best International Schools in Japan: A Parent's Guide

International Schools

Best International Schools in Japan: A Parent's Guide

A national overview of international schools in Tokyo, Kobe, Osaka, Kyoto, and beyond — curricula, costs, and how to compare.

Read guide →

Best International Schools in Tokyo: A Parent's Guide

International Schools

Best International Schools in Tokyo: A Parent's Guide

ASIJ, BST, Nishimachi, Seisen, and more — how Tokyo's international school market compares for expat and Japanese families.

Read guide →

Best International Schools in Kobe: A Parent's Guide

International Schools

Best International Schools in Kobe: A Parent's Guide

Canadian Academy, Marist Brothers, St. Michael's — and preschool options for families in Kobe, Rokko Island, Ashiya, and Nishinomiya.

Read guide →

Best International Schools in Osaka: A Parent's Guide

International Schools

Best International Schools in Osaka: A Parent's Guide

Osaka YMCA, OISKG, Senri — and how Kansai families compare Osaka with nearby Kobe options.

Read guide →

Best International Preschools in Kobe: What Parents Should Know

Preschool

Best International Preschools in Kobe: What Parents Should Know

How to choose an English or international preschool in Kobe — environment, location, pathways, and options including Rokko Island.

Read guide →

Best Preschools in Kobe: International, Bilingual, and Local Options

Preschool

Best Preschools in Kobe: International, Bilingual, and Local Options

Compare international preschools, English programs, yochien, and hoikuen — who each option is best for.

Read guide →

Preschool Before Canadian Academy: What Parents Should Know

Preschool

Preschool Before Canadian Academy: What Parents Should Know

Early English exposure, classroom readiness, and preschool options — with clear notes on admissions.

Read guide →

Moving to Kobe with Children: International School and Preschool Guide

Moving

Moving to Kobe with Children: International School and Preschool Guide

Best family areas, schools, preschools, and commute considerations for relocating to Kobe.

Read guide →

Stories

Kyoto's Best Outdoor Rooftop Bars (2026)
Tokyo Guide

Kyoto's Best Outdoor Rooftop Bars (2026)

Kyoto's best rooftop bars with real terraces: K36, CICON, In The Moon, UE, Towerland, and more. Pagoda views, Kamo River sunsets, open-air drinks.

Jun 6, 2026·10 min
Tokyo's Best Outdoor Rooftop Bars (2026)
Tokyo Guide

Tokyo's Best Outdoor Rooftop Bars (2026)

Tokyo's best rooftop bars with real open-air terraces—not just a window view. Andaz, Bvlgari, Tokyo Confidential, CÉ LA VI, and more for sunset cocktails.

Jun 6, 2026·10 min
Japan Fireworks Festivals 2026: Best Hanabi and How to Watch
Culture

Japan Fireworks Festivals 2026: Best Hanabi and How to Watch

Japan fireworks 2026: Sumida River, Nagaoka, Lake Biwa, and dozens more hanabi taikai. Dates, viewing tips, yukata, and how to reserve river seats.

Jun 5, 2026·10 min
Japan Rainy Season 2026: Tsuyu Dates, Tips, and What to Do
How To

Japan Rainy Season 2026: Tsuyu Dates, Tips, and What to Do

Japan rainy season (tsuyu) 2026: Tokyo and Kyoto roughly June–mid July. What to expect, what to pack, indoor plans, and why June can be a smart visit.

Jun 5, 2026·9 min
Summer in Japan 2026: Weather, Festivals, and Where to Go
Travel

Summer in Japan 2026: Weather, Festivals, and Where to Go

Summer in Japan 2026: hot and humid June–August, but festivals, fireworks, and Hokkaido escapes. Weather by region, what to pack, and how to beat the heat.

Jun 5, 2026·11 min
Japan Train Etiquette: Rules Every Traveler Should Know (2026)
How To

Japan Train Etiquette: Rules Every Traveler Should Know (2026)

Japan train etiquette in 2026: quiet cars, priority seats, line-up rules, and Suica basics. What to do on Tokyo metro, JR, and shinkansen — clearly explained.

Jun 4, 2026·9 min
Tipping in Japan: Do You Tip? (2026 Guide)
How To

Tipping in Japan: Do You Tip? (2026 Guide)

Tipping in Japan: you generally do not tip in 2026. Restaurants, taxis, and hotels — what's expected, rare exceptions, and what to do instead.

Jun 4, 2026·7 min
Winter in Japan 2026: Best Places, Snow, and What to Pack
Travel

Winter in Japan 2026: Best Places, Snow, and What to Pack

Winter in Japan 2026: Hokkaido powder, Tokyo illuminations, fewer crowds. Best winter destinations, costs, packing list, and onsen season tips.

Jun 4, 2026·10 min