March 08, 2014
Tokyo in March: Snow, Ramen & Cherry Blossoms
A 48-hour Tokyo trip visiting a friend in Roppongi. Snow, ramen dinners, Tokyo Tower views, and early cherry blossoms in Daikanyama.
Read →
November 10, 2010
House of Prime Rib vs. Lawry's: Which Wins?
After 50+ visits to House of Prime Rib and trying Lawry's in Tokyo, a firsthand comparison of two legendary prime rib restaurants claiming to invent the concept.
Read →
July 08, 2010
Kyoto in Two Days: Temples, Trains, and Golden Pavilions
A two-day Kyoto itinerary covering Kiyomizu-dera, the Golden Temple, and Ryoan-ji zen garden. Travel tips for the Shinkansen and getting around Japan's ancient capital.
Read →
May 11, 2010
Three Days in Tokyo: Park Hyatt, Shinjuku & Tsukiji
A week in Tokyo with stops in Kyoto and Nikko. Hotels, transit tips, and photos from April 2010.
Read →
June 13, 2007
Tokyo to Kyoto by Shinkansen: Temples and High-Speed Rail
Rode Japan's shinkansen bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto at 300 km/hour. Toured ancient temples, shrines, and castles in Japan's former imperial capital.
Read →
June 11, 2007
Tokyo Food: Ramen, Shabu Shabu, and American Breakfast
A traveler's guide to eating in Tokyo: ramen, tofu, shabu shabu, and why McDonald's teriyaki might be a backup plan.
Read →
June 10, 2007
Getting Around Tokyo: Navigation, Kindness, and the Shinkansen
Tokyo's subway system is intuitive and affordable. Despite language barriers, Japanese hospitality makes navigation surprisingly easy for travelers.
Read →