Articles by Anna Toccoli
If you're looking for a captivating destination that blends culture, history, and nature, Shizuoka Prefecture is the place to be! Located just one hour southwest of Tokyo on the JR Tokaido Shinkansen, this region along the Pacific coast and shadowed...
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Discover Shikoku’s Beautiful Japanese Gardens, Pilgrimage Sites, & Old Townscapes
From the Shikoku Pilgrimage, Japan’s most famous gardens, & historic castle towns, these are just some things to see in Shikoku’s Ehime and Kagawa Prefecture.
A Spiritual Journey Across the Temples of the Yamanashi Mountains
Yamanashi Prefecture is one of Japan's best off-the-beaten-path destinations for wandering and letting yourself be taken in the breathtaking views of mountains, lakes, and natural parks. Yamanashi is a must-see for all outdoor enthusiasts. What's more, it's only a 1...
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A Mindful Kind of Travel: Art, Yoga, and Stargazing in Yamanashi
Who said traveling in Japan has to be stressful? If you're tired of shopping and sightseeing and want to take a breather from the hustle and bustle of the city, Yamanashi Prefecture is the perfect location to experience mindfulness and...
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Unleash the Adventurer in You in the Great Yamanashi Outdoors
If you're a lover of nature and hiking and are curious to travel Japan off the beaten path, Yamanashi prefecture is the perfect destination to consider for your next journey. Located only a few hours west of Tokyo by train,...
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The Ultimate Setouchi Experience: A 5-Day Journey Across Seven Prefectures
Visit all seven Setouchi prefectures, from Spirited Away bath houses, picturesque arched bridges, and more, in this five day itinerary!
Explore Tochigi Prefecture: A Journey through Nature and History
Tochigi Prefecture (栃木県) is located in Japan’s northern Kanto region, only a couple hours by train from Tokyo. Home to a wealth of historical, cultural, and natural attractions, Tochigi Prefecture is a beautiful and diverse region that offers a variety...
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Anime, Manga, and Video Games: The Otaku Events You Shouldn’t Miss in Japan
Are you an anime, manga, cosplay or video game lover? Here are the top otaku cultural events you have to see in Tokyo.
The VTuber Phenomenon: The Virtual Streamers Who Conquered Japan (and the World)
It's not rare for Japanese subcultures to expand overseas and then explode in the West. Manga, anime, and video games are just a few Japan exports reaching the Western world and beyond. When it comes to entertainment, new cultural phenomena...
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The History of Hatsune Miku: From Vocaloid Voice Synthesizer to International Pop Icon
It was 2014 when a young pop star with long, turquoise twintails opened U.S. artist Lady Gaga's ArtRave: The Artpop Ball tour, catching the attention of Western non-otaku (i.e., non-lovers of manga, anime, and Japanese pop culture) audiences for the...
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How To Rent A House or Apartment In Japan: A Comprehensive Guide To Real Estate Agencies & How Much it Costs
So you've decided, perhaps to study Japanese or work, to take the plunge and move to Japan. If there is one thing that most new residents of Japan have in common, regardless of where they come from, their age, how long they...
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Where To Find And How To Buy Concert Tickets In Japan
When planning a trip to Japan, people often build their itinerary around tourist spots, museums, and other famous attractions. However, there are many other experiences that tourists tend to overlook, experiences that are perfect to help feel part of the...
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