inspo & info

Matcha has exploded onto the global scene. From classic usucha  (thin tea) served in quiet tea rooms to neon-green lattes and matcha-swirl ice cream, this vibrant powder is everywhere. Tourists are snapping up tin after tin of matcha faster than shelves can be restocked, and news stories abound of shortages in the traditional tea houses of Kyoto, as producers struggle to keep up with demand. But what exactly is matcha, and why does it command such a high price and deep fascin

Step into another world without leaving Tokyo. Shin-Okubo Korea Town is a whirlwind of K-pop, sizzling street food, and mega-trendy...

Tax-free shopping in Japan lets tourists save 10% on fashion, electronics, souvenirs, and more—here’s how it works now, and what’s changing in 2026

A konbini (Japanese convenience store) is a 24/7 shop in Japan offering affordable food, snacks, drinks, ATMs, and everyday services.

Ah, Japan! It's a land that captivates all your senses, and trust me, it also captivates your wallet with an endless array of tempting...

An architectural incongruity amongst the modern skyscrapers of the Marunouchi district, Tokyo Station is the transportation heart of the...

Fresh fish for sale at the Tsukiji fish market Tsukiji Outer Market  (築地場外市場, Tsukiji Jōgai Shijō) is a vibrant district adjacent to the...

Find the perfect souvenir for everyone back home at Niki no Kashi. Image courtesy of Jorge from Brazil, via Wikimedia Commons ...

The Rainbow Stairs at DiverCity in Odaiba, Tokyo, are infinitely instagrammable Get ready for an exciting and futuristic experience at...

The 12-floor Ginza Uniqlo flagship store is the first port of call in Tokyo for many international shoppers. Prepare to step into a world...

Rainbow stairs at Odaiba's DiverCity: just one of the evening time attractions of this modern complex Get ready for a super-fun,...

Kappabashi Kitchen Street in Asakusa for everything you never knew you needed for your kitchen. Get ready to sharpen your appetite and...

Sensoji Buddhist temple is on everybody's Tokyo itinerary. Go extra early to beat the crowds. Step into a bustling portal to old Tokyo...

Ameyoko market is a bustling, colourful experience day or night. ...

Yanaka Ginza is known for its laid-back, retro vibes: a world away from Tokyo's other Ginza! Step back in time at Yanaka Ginza Shopping...

Right across the street from Tokyo Plaza Omotesando, this younger complex shares the same style and vibe Tokyu Plaza Harajuku, aka...

The mirrored entrance to Tokyu Plaza Omotesando is a popular photo spot Get ready to discover a true architectural and retail delight at...

Harajuku Takeshita Street Tokyo is not for the faint-hearted Get ready for a dazzling explosion of fashion, pop culture, and sheer...

Cat Street is a fashion-lovers paradise with a bit more elbow room than Takeshita Street. Image Rs1421 , CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia...

Omotesando is a broad boulevard in Tokyo reminiscent of the Champs-Élysées Omotesando   (表参道)  is Tokyo's premier boulevard of high...