During Hinamatsuri literally “doll’s celebration”) beautiful ornamental dolls are displayed in Japan's household to celebrate the good fortune of girls.
Todd FongFebruary 21, 2025
In the social media-fueled new world of tourism, we are tempted to hurry from one Instagrammable spot to the next,…
Todd FongNovember 11, 2024
In hindsight, the timing couldn't have been more perfect. Having spent most of the prior week attempting to outmaneuver one…
Todd FongNovember 4, 2024
A phoenix is rising in the shadow of Osaka, but you'll need to look closely. It rises slowly and deliberately…
Todd FongOctober 1, 2024
Congratulations! You've worked hard all year and are ready for your well-earned summer vacation, so you booked your non-refundable trip…
Todd FongJune 25, 2024
On arriving in Japan a decade ago, one of my early purchases was a photo book documenting kakigori かき氷, the…
Todd FongJune 20, 2024
Explore the history of Japanese baseball and its rise to new heights in international popularity by producing some amazing players.
Todd FongMay 20, 2024
With its historical warehouse district and important shrines and temples, Kawagoe is one of Tokyo's best day trip destinations in…
Todd FongMay 17, 2024
For years, overseas visitors to Japan have seemingly worn a groove traveling between Tokyo and Kyoto / Osaka during their…
Todd FongMarch 14, 2024
I first visited Hamamatsu in the Spring of 2021. Before that, my only knowledge of the city was a blur…
Todd FongMarch 12, 2024
As global tourism rebounds in the post-pandemic world, travelers must think about how their travel practices impact the places they…
Todd FongMarch 8, 2024
As global tourism rebounds in the post-pandemic world, travelers must think about how their travel practices impact the places they…
Todd FongMarch 8, 2024
The image of the Shinkansen, Japan's high-speed train, is iconic for travelers worldwide. Its sleek facade is instantly recognizable, and…
Todd FongFebruary 22, 2024
If you're looking for a way to round out an itinerary in Japan focused mainly on visiting famous landmarks, shopping…
Todd FongFebruary 22, 2024
The Japan Rail (JR) Pass is one of the most coveted tools in the Japan traveler's toolbox, but it is…
Todd FongFebruary 6, 2024
The Innovative Spirit of Hamamatsu, from Japan’s First Shogun to Makers of Instruments & Motorcycles
From an Evangelion-themed train, a traditional cotton weaving heritage, to makers of motorcycles and grand pianos, Hamamatsu's culture of innovation…
Todd FongMarch 27, 2023
As the world returns to travel as a business and leisure activity after a forced hiatus, once again, we are…
Todd FongMarch 16, 2023
Sustainable Tourism has become an increasingly important topic as the world considers how to maximize the potential of global tourism…
Todd FongMarch 16, 2023
On March 11th, 2011, the northeastern coast of Japan suffered the most unimaginable horrific disasters of modern history. A magnitude…
Todd FongMarch 8, 2023
While the cities of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka continue to get the lion’s share of overseas tourists to Japan, few…
Todd FongFebruary 2, 2023
In the modern age of international tourism to Japan, Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka capture the vast majority of foreign visitors,…
Todd FongFebruary 2, 2023
Near the geological center of Goto’s Fukue Island, there is a tiny general store catering to the locals living in…
Todd FongJanuary 31, 2023
Full disclosure: This article was written in collaboration with Trekkling to promote a cycling experience people can enjoy near (or…
Todd FongJune 29, 2022
There's more than one way to get from Tokyo to Kyoto. You could, for example, hop on a Shinkansen at…
Todd FongFebruary 9, 2022
Adventure is calling your name, and it's called Kyushu. Japan's westernmost island is a natural paradise of geothermic hot springs,…
Todd FongJanuary 31, 2022
The TAKUMI Road runs along Japan's western coast, collectively known as Hokuriku, from Fukui to Niigata prefectures. It is centered…
Todd FongJanuary 15, 2022
To be a good traveler in Japan, it certainly helps to be a good historian of Japan. Too many times,…
Todd FongJanuary 12, 2022
