Midnight Among the Foxes: New Year's Eve at Ōji Inari
A cold night, a fox mask and a lantern-lit walk through Tokyo. Here’s what it was like to join the Ōji Fox Parade, plus tips for planning your own visit.
Read storyStories / by Steven Pineda
Journal.
Places I’ve been. Things I’ve noticed.
Stories and guides from along the way.
08 stories
Beef, Sake, and Slow Streets: A Day in Takayama.
Mountain views, Hida beef and sake tastings. Here’s how I spent a relaxed day in Takayama, with a simple itinerary you can follow.
Read storyStepping Back into the Edo Period at Inuyama Castle
Climb one of Japan’s original castles, explore the old shopping street and stop for grilled eel. A guide to an easy day trip from Nagoya.
Read storyTwo Kyotos in One Weekend: Lanterns, Kabuki, and Matcha Beer
A weekend of kabuki, lantern-lit streets, riverside sushi and late-night karaoke. Here’s where I went, what I ate and how to plan a similar trip.
Read storyHow Asakusa Changed the Way I Experience the World
A visit to Asakusa helped me slow down and pay attention. Between temple crowds and quiet local moments, I found a different way to enjoy Tokyo.
Read storyThe City Everyone Rides Through
A quiet castle, thrift shops and a bar with seven seats. How I spent 24 hours in Nagoya, a city that deserves more than a train connection.
Read storyA Day at the Yokohama Gundam Factory
A life-size Gundam, a lost lunch ticket and a walk by the bay. Looking back on a memorable day at Yokohama’s Gundam Factory.
Read storyA Day in Kyoto
A small breakfast spot, quiet shrines and a little whiskey. My favorite moments from a day in Kyoto, with tips for avoiding the busiest crowds.
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