The Oki Islands: Diving into the Sea of Japan

Enter the underwater realm of the Sea of Japan and you are sure to notice certain things. First, there is the environment that surrounds you,...

By Bonnie Waycott
January 8, 2015 | Adventures, Lifestyle

Toast The New Year in Style High Above The City

Ring in 2015 with with a fancy dinner and amazing view from the Andaz hotel. Andaz Tavern, the hotel’s main dining venue, is located on...

By The Savvy Team
December 22, 2014 | Lifestyle

Taking It Slow in Hakone

Life in any big city tends to bring with it a whirlwind of business meetings, deadlines, social functions, and other commitments. Tokyo often seems to...

By Kelly Wetherille
December 18, 2014 | Lifestyle, Out & About

Starting Your Own Business in Japan

Are you a so-called "plus one“ who came with your partner to Japan, but is itching to be something other than a homemaker? Are you...

By Katharina von Tschurtschenthaler
December 17, 2014 | Careers, Lifestyle

Japanese New Year’s Postcards

If you have been watching Japanese TV or have been to a post office in the last week you will notice a lot of advertisements...

By Mia Moranza
December 11, 2014 | Families, Lifestyle

Top Winter Illumination Spots Just Outside of Tokyo

It has become a tradition in my family to head someplace special each year to enjoy some holiday lights. While there are some beautiful illuminations...

By Teresa Ann Koide
December 3, 2014 | Lifestyle

Minakami Onsen Weekend Getaway

Minakami Onsen, a region in Gunma Prefecture, about 150 kilometers northwest of Tokyo is the perfect place to do some great and challenging hikes during...

By Katharina von Tschurtschenthaler
November 23, 2014 | Lifestyle, Out & About

Through the Mosaic Looking Glass

Not only Roman remains or medieval castles. There is a place in Italy where time does not exist and where a magical and mystical atmosphere...

By Chiara Pace
November 14, 2014 | Lifestyle

Swedish Christmas Bazaar 2014

The Japan contingent of SWEA, the worldwide non-profit organization for Swedish and Swedish-speaking women, is again gearing up to hold its annual Christmas bazaar. At...

By The Savvy Team
November 5, 2014 | Lifestyle

Tokyo Sewing Lessons with the Sewing Circle

When she first started the Sewing Circle, Melanie Uematsu held classes in her own kitchen. But at a certain point her husband intervened: the kitchen...

By Katharina von Tschurtschenthaler
October 29, 2014 | Lifestyle

Autumn at the Noboribetsu Spa, Hokkaido

It’s autumn in Japan and all over the country the colors of fall are beginning to show. One of the more beautiful displays can be...

By Cheryl White
October 23, 2014 | Lifestyle