MATOKA

Shibuya is a must see for anyone visiting Japan for the first time and yet it still pulls me back everytime I'm in the area. It's hard not too with great shopping and entertainment. My favorite karaoke place, my favorite sushi restaurant, my favorite Don Quijote, Shibuya has it all!

If Asakusa isn't on your bucket list, you better put it on there. Home to Tokyo's oldest temple and featuring an outdoor market that leads to the temple grounds, this is an amazing place to immerse yourself in Japanese culture and try different Japanese confectionaries and foods, such as monjayaki! It's a popular area and gets even more crowded during festival season during the spring and summer, so plan accordingly! And visit Kitchen town while you're in the area!

Shinjuku has a special place in my heart and is probably one of the most exciting areas in Tokyo. It has it all; from entertainment like movie theaters and arcades to great restaurants and bars as well as a great nightlife, there is so much to do. And travel east of the station to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy some quiet time in the neighborhood bordering Shinjuku Gyoen Park.

Known as the central hub of fashion and shopping, Harajuku and Omotesando appeal to the budget shopper and the high-end connoisseur alike. From thrifting to name-brand clothing, this area has it all. And when you're not shopping, you can visit one of the many aesthetic cafes to fill up on coffee and continue that shopping spree. Don't forget to take in the sites like Meiji Jingue Shrine and Yoyogi Park as well!

While I wouldn't necessarily recommend making Odaiba “home base” during your trip, it is a great place to find the best attractions and theme parks and is also very family friendly, having the most attractions for your kids as well! If Shinjuku wasn't deemed the “entertainment district” then that is what I would call Odaiba! Spend the day going to the fish market and museums before heading back to the west side of Tokyo or Roppongi for more of the nightlife!

Yokohama is the place local Japanese escape to in order to get a bit of western vibes and culture…without having to leave Japan. The architecture, shops and food all embody western culture, while also being very Japanese, so you get the best of both worlds. While staying here for the weekend during my latest trip, I really felt like I was back in America - even though everyone was still speaking Japanese. But with tourist attractions like the ramen museum and cup noodle museum, it's a great getaway from Tokyo!

Some might think of Ginza as “rich people land”, but Ginza is accessible to everyone. With both high end and budget shops nearby as well as great food options, you can easily spend a day (or multiple days) exploring the restaurants, museums, and high rise malls with new exhibits popping up monthly! So whether you're trying to live your best bougiest or budget life, put this spot on your itinerary!

These are places that I have to visit time and time again when traveling in Tokyo. As someone who lived there and frequently visits, I know my way around the city and have a list of spots that I need to go to, or at least bring people so that their Tokyo trip is fulfilling!

Most people associate shrines and temples with Kyoto, but Tokyo has just as many, if not more to offer. Plus, there are many interesting Tokyo shrines to pray your evils away. Whether you want luck in the lottery or gambling, safe birth, traveling and driving, studying and academics, or even need to pray for love and marriage, there are many different shrines to choose from. Plus, all of these shrines have very interesting and unique omamori, or charms, that can't be found anywhere else!

Japan in the spring is more than just cherry blossoms. While people flock to see these trees, you can be having more niche experiences. Whether you’re seeking unique cultural experiences or outdoor adventure, these springtime festivals might just be exactly what you’re looking for.

TeamLab has a special place in my heart after visiting the original Borderless back in 2018. Most people think of teamLab as only being in Tokyo, but if you are one of the few who travel outside the confines of the big 3 (Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto), you will find that there are many exhibits to visit and will become unforgettable experiences, and picturesque opportunities.

There is so much to do in Tokyo, but it can get overwhelming. A change of scenery can make your trip that much better. Why not visit Yokohama, an hour south of Tokyo, where the architecture is more western but the Japanese culture is still thriving. Or check out Kamakura to see the Daibutsu and have some authentic street food. There's many other places to go so check out the list below!

Out of the big 3 (Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka), most people disregard Osaka as a “boring place” or a “last stop” on their trip. But if it's not your first time to Japan and you love traveling to live like a local, you're really going to enjoy your time in Osaka. Osaka has a vibrant food and drink culture and has some real hidden gems that most tourists don't always catch. And, the shopping is much cheaper than Tokyo, so if you have the room in your luggage, this is where you want to pack your bags with some of the cute collectables in the shopping streets.

If you're overwhelmed with the hustle and bustle of Tokyo and need a chance to catch your breath, head a bit south of Shibuya to the (dare I say) hipster area of Daikanyama and Nakameguro. With amazing restaurant, cafe and shopping culture, this area is a great place to relax without missing the beauty of Tokyo. Spend some time at the Starbucks Roastery trying out new and innovative drinks, take a stroll down the river during cherry blossom season to see a unique view, or hang out at one of the many cafes or dessert spots, which all display unique and minimalistic architecture.

These places might be off the beaten path, but they're classified as hidden gems for a reason!

If you're visiting Hiroshima, then one of the places you CANNOT miss is Miyajima island. Located south of Hiroshima and accessible by train and ferry, Miyajima is a hidden gem featuring a Torii gate and Shrine that becomes engulfed in water during high tide, wild deer roaming the streets, a ropeway leading to a beautiful hike to mountain top temples, and great food options featuring fresh water eel and oysters. It's one of my favorite places in Japan, so I say you cannot miss it either!

If you're getting into Japanese foods and Japanese cooking, here are some essentials that you need in your kitchen.

While some American skincare is harsh and not ideal for sensitive skin, Japanese skincare is great for dry, sensitive skin types! These are my favorite products that I would live and thrive off of when I was living in Japan! And yes, they're pretty affordable too cause I wasn't living life as an お金持ち!

The worst thing that could happen is getting sick in a foreign country and not know which medicines will help you recover. While Japan's medicine may not be as strong unless prescribed by a doctor, their over the counter remedies still work wonders! So if you're looking for medication or herbal remedies for your ailments but can't read all the Japanese, here's a quick list to make sure you're taking what you need!

Lighting is the key to good video, and while natural light is key, sometimes you need extra background lighting for the best shots.

Good audio is key for video retention, and I've found the best success with these mics for every and any occassion.