What makes Sega’s Yakuza games the kings of the living, breathing open world? A pinch of love, a dash of passion, and the fascinating real-life counterpart Kabukicho. As has been mentioned previously by the greatest showperson in games media, James Stephanie Sterling, open worlds in this generation of video games have gotten bigger and bigger, …
Kamakura is a small, historically-rich, quaint little town that sits an hour south of Tokyo, on the other side of Yokohama. It is one of the most popular day-trip destinations for residents of Tokyo (see our other favourite day trips here) and tourists hoping to see more of the old ‘samurai Japan’ that we often …
Tokyo’s Jimbocho district is renowned for its 300+ bookstores, each offering something unique and exciting. What sets @Wonder apart, however, is its alleyway entrance, bookended (pardon the pun) by near-endless shelves of second hand Japanese texts to peruse and admire, and the store’s attractive upstairs café. @Wonder is one of the newer bookstores in the …
When we picture Kyoto, the first thing that jumps to mind are the shrines, bamboo forests, and geisha. It’s hard to believe that a couple of hours outside of the city proper will take you to landscapes to so vastly different, where people live a traditional lifestyle far away from the modern aspects of Japan …
For any curious lover of history, searching for an enlightening but comprehensive history of Japan, like what’s found here in Japan Story, there are many places to look. Just last year, Jonathan Clements published his excellent A Brief History of Japan, which does exactly as it says on the tin. Another book to capture the …
While most of Japan is world-renowned for Zen gardens and temples, Tokyo is a bustling metropolis city. So whether you’re an avid anime fan and have always dreamed of visiting the capital, or you just want to do some sightseeing – here is your complete guide to 24 hours in Tokyo. The beauty of most …
Wherever you were born and raised, you know that World War II changed everything. You may not have been alive before WWII to know this first hand, but you studied history and you spoke to your grandparents who likely lived through a recession, and possibly a subsequent economic boom depending on where you are from. …