Odaiba is a reclaimed land situated uniquely in Tokyo. It is an artificial island created as a result of land reclamation, bearing a resemblance to Yeouido in Seoul, South Korea. “Originally a Coastal Defense Fort, Odaiba” The term “Daiba” refers to coastal defense forts. In response to the Kurofune Incident, where a U.S. fleet was dispatched to force Japan to ...
Akihabara resembles Yongsan in South Korea. Yongsan, too, was once renowned as an electronics market. However, while Yongsan ceased growing as a bustling district, Japan’s Akihabara evolved into the epicenter of “otaku culture” by integrating diverse subculture elements. In the Edo period, Akihabara was a town for lower-class samurais. In the 1930s, it housed a fruit market, transforming into a ...
Descending to the first floor of Akihaba Square in Tokyo’s Akihabara, you can discover a cafe. After exploring various places in Akihabara and feeling a bit fatigued, I stumbled upon this place, catching my eye with its appealing exterior and vibrant sign. The interior was equally neat. “Tokyo Akihabara, Belgian Beer Pub, Cafe, Oerbierman” The establishment goes by the name ...
Akihabara, another vibrant district in Tokyo, has become the epicenter of Otaku culture, defining itself as a hub for subcultures. While it once boasted an electronic shopping district, the influx of shops selling Otaku products like figures has transformed it into a focal point for “subculture.” “Akihabara: Hub of Tokyo’s Subculture” Akihabara bears a resemblance to Yongsan in Seoul, both ...
The area around Asakusa in Tokyo is one of the prominent places in Tokyo’s 23 wards. It exudes a traditional atmosphere, reminiscent of Japan, where you can often see people strolling around in traditional clothing like kimonos. It gives a feeling somewhat similar to Seoul’s Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace. “Senso-ji Temple in Tokyo Asakusa” At the heart of Asakusa ...
When it comes to Japanese food, one of the most commonly thought of is “ramen.” Indeed, in Japan, you can find various ramen shops scattered all over. Among them, a franchise ramen shop, “Ichiran Ramen,” is particularly well-known to people in Korea. “Ichiran Ramen in Asakusa, Japan” Ichiran Ramen is a franchise, making it accessible throughout Japan. This time, I ...
During this Tokyo trip, I stayed in a hotel near Shinagawa Station, making it my starting and ending point for various explorations. On the first day, after arriving at Narita Airport and having dinner in Shinagawa, I roamed around Shibuya and Harajuku before returning to Shinagawa. Despite the late hour, since it was the first day of the journey, I ...
While many Japanese foods are available in South Korea, there are still unique dishes exclusive to Japan. In Tokyo’s Harajuku, another iconic area, you can discover distinctive ramen with a refreshing twist—Yuzu Ramen. “Tokyo Harajuku, Yuzu Ramen at Afuri” Harajuku, known for its resemblance to Seoul’s Hongdae district, is a popular spot with diverse and unique shops, attracting many young ...
There is a Japanese drama called “Midnight Diner.” Initially starting as a manga, it gained popularity and was later adapted into a drama. It even has a remake in South Korea. The backdrop of Midnight Diner is a small restaurant near Shinjuku Golden Gai in Tokyo. “Discovering Many Small Shops in Japan” In Tokyo, even in bustling areas, you can ...
Shibuya, situated in the heart of Tokyo, stands out as one of Tokyo’s major attractions. Particularly famous for its crosswalks, Shibuya has turned its pedestrian crossings into a unique tourist destination. “Shibuya, Well-Known for its Crosswalks” Shibuya is a place I’ve heard about even before visiting Japan. It has been extensively featured in the media, making it a location familiar ...
As I entered Tokyo from Narita Airport through Shinagawa Station, my Tokyo journey officially began. Traveling by subway, I encountered the scenery of downtown Tokyo for the first time at Shinagawa Station. Shinagawa Station’s landscape was quite complex. Initially, I thought it might be a small station due to its status as a transfer hub with multiple lines, but all ...
When entering Japan through Tokyo Narita Airport, it takes a considerable amount of time to reach the city center. Unlike Haneda Airport, which is closer to downtown, Narita Airport is relatively situated on the outskirts. Thanks to this, there are various transportation options available for traveling from Narita Airport to downtown Tokyo. As I’ve explored these options before, you can ...