Elliot Hale

From being introduced to the works of Rumiko Takahashi as a teenager in the UK, Elliot found himself falling ever deeper into the clutches of Japanese popular culture. It was not until he first arrived in Japan that he struggled free from its grasp and branched out into the wider aspects of its culture. From classical literature to baring it all in hot springs, he has become enamored with Japan as a whole. After working as a teacher in various schools, he has now decided to do his part for society and has thus stepped forth onto the path of sharing Japanese culture with the masses. He spends his time traveling through mountains and valleys, attempting photography, or cosying up at home with his books and board games.

Posted by Elliot Hale

Soaking in glimmering water and the essence of prehistoric plants at a Hokkaido hot spring

A botanical bath at an affordable price.

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Japan’s popular bead bonsai kit is as beautiful as it is gruelling to make

Gorgeous and tiny, yet contains the potential to break spirits and thumbs.

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Mr. Sato discovers his inner beaver with a 16-inch chocolate “twig” at Tokyo Station

Why settle for a tiny snack when you can gnaw on one that doubles as a legendary sword?

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Mt. Fuji decorated with a 500,000-flower pink carpet is Japan’s ultimate spring view

With mirrors, art installations, and a Peter Rabbit garden, this festival is the perfect day trip from Tokyo.

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Can a downtown Tokyo super sento bathhouse beat a hotel for a one-night stay?

Does the morning sauna make up for a night of communal snoring?

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A Kyoto factory vending machine sells gourmet mystery meals at bargain prices

Frozen home-style cooking with unbelievable tastes.

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Picturesque Tokyo park plays host to millions of flowers and soap bubbles this spring

Rapeseed, tulips, nemophila, and over a million poppies line up for a floral relay.

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This upcycled Kyoto train cafe is the ultimate kawaii spring experience

Produced by Kawaii Monster Cafe creator, the Future Train diner serves up pink teriyaki burgers and wobbly pancakes aboard the Sakura Express.

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A secluded British mansion in Chiba is a hidden holy land for afternoon tea lovers

You might get lost on your way there, but you’ll be rewarded by a stunning escape filled with scones, antiques, and cow-shaped jugs.

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Stunning central Japan wisteria festival is like a purple fantasy straight out of a Ghibli movie

Move over, sakura. Purple is the new pink.

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Japan’s budget chain restaurant Saizeriya might just be the perfect first date location

Why not feast like royalty while keeping your wallet, and your date, happy?

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Is this Japan’s most extreme cherry blossom viewing? Leap, cycle and climb through 2,500 sakura

Why sit on a tarp when you can zoom through flowers on a 100-meter slide or risk falling into the trees from 370 meters in the air?

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Spring pollen may be damaging your skin, so what’s Japan’s best moisturizing anti-hay fever spray?

Tell the plants “No, thank you!” to stinging skin with these five popular sprays.

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Which of Japan’s main coffee shop chains is best for a caffeine-free life?

Hunting for Japan’s best caffeine-free drinks in these temples to caffeine.
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Eevee returns to Japan’s famous Tokyo Banana, bundled with a cute tote bag

The beloved Tokyo souvenir re-introduces chocolate sponge Eevee cakes, along with a collectible keepsake for fans.

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The fish in rural Fukui that rivals Japan’s most auspicious sea bream

This Obama delicacy impresses with its sashimi-like flavor, which is almost unthinkable for a preserved food.

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Tokyo Skytree turns pink for the cherry blossom season

Japan’s tallest tower transforms into a cherry blossom-viewing spot, complete with pink projections and themed drinks.

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Burning through cash just to throw things away tops list of headaches when moving house in Japan

Spring relocations in Japan can drain your budget faster than expected, and garbage disposal fees are the biggest surprise.

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Japan’s bathhouse-themed bar replaces hot water with unlimited alcohol

Styled like a traditional sento, this izakaya chain lines its walls with 13 working faucets that let you pour your own drink.

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Asakusa’s Yoi no Yoi bar crawl is one of Tokyo’s best local nights out

Just 1,000 yen per stop lets you drink, eat, and mingle with friendly strangers through this historic neighborhood.

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