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Why is fruit so expensive in Japan? (it's not... mostly)
Let's have a minute of silence for all of the TikTok influencers who claim they spent their whole Japan trip constipated or came home with scurvy because they hadn't been able to afford any fresh fruit in Japan. Most fruit in Japan isn't expensive at all. Here's how to make sure you get your vitamins, plus a season-by-season guide so you know exactly what to buy (or pick yourself) on your trip.

japansophy
Jun 165 min read


teamLab Planets: the complete visitor guide for 2026!
Planning a trip to teamLab Planets TOKYO in Toyosu? This fully immersive digital art museum is a must-visit, but tickets sell out weeks in advance. From wading through water to exploring the infinite crystal universe, find out everything you need to know before you go. Learn how to get there, the best time to visit, ticket prices, and essential tips for clothing in our ultimate teamLab Planets guide, updated for 2026

japansophy
Jun 88 min read


TeamLab Borderless vs Planets: which digital museum in Tokyo should you visit?
Which is better: TeamLab Planets or TeamLab Borderless? This is the question we get asked most whenever we mention TeamLab in our Tokyo content, and, honestly, it's a good one. Both museums are created by the same art collective. Both feature amazing digital installations. Both sell out weeks in advance. And both are genuinely unlike anything else in Tokyo. So how do you choose? We definitely have our favourite. Read on and we'll tell you why

japansophy
Jun 76 min read


Hep Five Osaka: See Umeda again from the ferris wheel (updated for 2026)
That giant red Ferris wheel on top of a shopping mall in Osaka? That's Hep Five — one of Umeda's most recognisable landmarks. Whether you're tempted by the 106-metre views, the 100+ shops, or just want a fun photo stop, here's everything you need to know before you visit.

japansophy
May 256 min read


Japan rainy season travel guide: what to expect & why you should go anyway
Rainy season in Japan doesn't have to be a washout. Here's our travel guide to make sure you get the best out of your June trip to Japan: Tsuyu dates by region, honest weather expectations, a packing list, and why Japan's rainy season might actually be the smartest time to visit.

japansophy
Apr 1910 min read


Best Museums in Tokyo 2026: Here are the ones you can't miss
If you're visiting Tokyo for the first time and are maybe on a tight schedule, you might be tempted to cram in all of the highlights you see on social media. But what you don't see (much) on social media are Tokyo's amazing, world-class museums. To be honest, it's pretty difficult narrowing down Tokyo's museum's to a must-see few, but here are some of what we think are outstanding museums you can't miss plus a few on the quirky side that you can boast to your friends about wh

japansophy
Mar 137 min read


The Ultimate Guide to Seeing Monkeys in Japan: from Onsen Regulars to Wild Encounters
You've likely seen the now-iconic image of Japanese macaques—or "snow monkeys," as they're affectionately called—chilling out in a steaming onsen, looking as serene as a human on vacation. Coming face to face with these furry, red-faced locals is one of those quintessential Japan experiences that’s on just about everyone’s bucket list. But where exactly do you find them? Are they just sitting in hot springs all over Japan? And can you just walk up and say hi? Read on for our

japansophy
Aug 28, 20256 min read


Tokyo Station: Grandiose European charm and a modern urban experience
An architectural incongruity amongst the modern skyscrapers of the Marunouchi district, Tokyo Station is the transportation heart of the city. The gateway to Japan's intricate railway network, Tokyo Station (東京駅) is an architectural masterpiece located in the heart of the city and blends historical grandeur with the sleek efficiency of a modern metropolis. Originally opened in 1914, the station's iconic red brick facade evokes a sense of European elegance, standing in stark c

japansophy
Aug 20, 20255 min read


DiverCity Tokyo Plaza: for shopping, entertainment, and Gundam thrills
The Rainbow Stairs at DiverCity in Odaiba, Tokyo, are infinitely instagrammable Get ready for an exciting and futuristic experience at DiverCity Tokyo Plaza (ダイバーシティ東京 プラザ), a sprawling shopping and entertainment complex located on Tokyo's man-made island of Odaiba. Day or night, it's a vibrant destination that blends high-end fashion with pop culture and technology, all set against a stunning waterfront backdrop. As you approach the entrance, you can't miss the colossal, lif

japansophy
Aug 17, 20254 min read


Odaiba: Tokyo's Futuristic Island Playground in the Bay!
Rainbow stairs at Odaiba's DiverCity: just one of the evening time attractions of this modern complex Get ready for a super-fun, futuristic escape to Odaiba (お台場), Tokyo's incredible man-made island in Tokyo Bay! Leave traditional Tokyo behind: this is a vibrant, modern district packed with impressive architecture, sprawling shopping malls, cool entertainment complexes, unique museums, and absolutely stunning waterfront views. From gazing at the iconic Rainbow Bridge to meeti

japansophy
Aug 16, 20256 min read


Tokyo Tower: Tokyo's Classic Icon with Dazzling Views!
Tokyo Tower: Tokyo's iconic landmark is just a few metres taller than the Eiffel Tower Get ready to ascend a piece of Tokyo's heart and soul at Tokyo Tower (東京タワー)! With its instantly recognisable orange-and-white lattice design, this iconic broadcast tower is a nostalgic symbol of Tokyo's post-war resurgence and a beloved spot for truly classic panoramic views. Reminiscent of its Parisian cousin, the Eiffel Tower, Tokyo Tower offers a charmingly retro vibe combined with mode

japansophy
Aug 16, 20256 min read


Tokyo SkyTree: see Tokyo sparkle from its highest viewpoint!
Get ready to have your breath taken away and maybe your ears popped at Tokyo SkyTree observation deck (東京スカイツリー)! Not to be confused with Tokyo Tower, SkyTree is a colossal broadcast and observation tower that pierces the Tokyo skyline, standing as one of the tallest structures in the entire world and offering unparalleled, breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of the sprawling metropolis, stretching all the way to Mount Fuji on a clear day. Disclosure: This post contains

japansophy
Aug 16, 20258 min read


Kappabashi Kitchen Street: Tokyo's Quirky Kitchen Kingdom!
Kappabashi Kitchen Street in Asakusa for everything you never knew you needed for your kitchen. Get ready to sharpen your appetite and...

japansophy
Aug 16, 20256 min read


Tokyo National Museum: A Journey Through Japan's Artistic Soul
Hello Kitty as a cultural treasure: Tokyo National Museum also stages pop cultural events. Photo by...

japansophy
Aug 16, 20255 min read


Ueno Zoo: Meet Tokyo's Cutest (and Most Famous!) Residents
Ueno Zoo is a hit with visitors of all ages. Ready for a wild adventure right in the heart of Tokyo? Then head straight to Ueno Zoo...

japansophy
Aug 15, 20255 min read


Shinjuku's 3-D Cat Billboard: Tokyo's Cutest Urban Spectacle!
Possibly the cutest landmark in Tokyo! Get ready to be captivated by the 3D cat billboard in Shinjuku. Get ready for an adorable dose of unexpected joy right in the heart of Tokyo's Shinjuku district! The Shinjuku 3D Cat (新宿東口の猫) isn't a temple or a garden; it's a giant, incredibly lifelike calico cat that appears on a massive, curved LED billboard. This charming feline meows, stretches, naps, and bats playfully at passersby, creating a captivating 3D illusion that makes it f

japansophy
Aug 15, 20254 min read


Miyashita Park: Tokyo's Urban Oasis with a View
Miyashita Park rooftop garden is an oasis in the heart of Shibuya Welcome to Miyashita Park (宮下公園) , Shibuya's incredibly cool and unique...

japansophy
Aug 15, 20255 min read
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