Located in Saitama prefecture, just a half hour north of Tokyo via Tobu Tojo Railway, the city of Kawagoe (pop. 351,000) is a former merchant town whose old quarter's architecture includes a number of centuries-old wooden buildings such as its iconic Toki no Kane belltower (top), once used by locals to tell time (though the current version dates from…

Take a Break from the Hustle Bustle of Tokyo … Enjoy Nature, Water Activities and the Adventurous Side of Japan on the Kinugawa River, Just a Two-Hour Tobu Railway Ride North From Tokyo

While Nikko is most well known for its UNESCO World Heritage sites, the Nikko and Kinugawa Onsen areas in Tochigi Prefecture are…

A fascinating day trip from Japan's capital, Tochigi City is often called "Little Edo" (meaning "Little Old Tokyo"), a place to immerse and unwind in the ambiance of simpler, bye-gone days, reminiscent of Japan's Edo period (1603-1868). The Tochigi One-Day Citizen Passport provides perks and discounts that make it easy and affordable to…

The new Sombra "Palenque" in Santiago Matatlán, Oaxaca

Most of us are familiar with tequila, but fewer realize that tequila is just a subset (made only in the Mexican state of Jalisco) of…

With April as the start of the new fiscal year in Japan, a number of new art exhibitions and “art experiences” are opening in April and May. Here are a few  of the most notable: 





Roppongi Art…

Kaiseki ryori with irori-yaki

The historic town of Nikko, in Tochigi Prefecture, Japan, is just two hours north of Tokyo, via Tobu Railways, from Tobu Asakusa Station to Tobu Nikko Station. While, Nikko is famous for its UNESCO World Heritage sites, "…

Travel just two hours northwest of Tokyo to reach Takaragawa Onsen, one of the world's top 10 hot spring resorts, as well as the gorgeous and therapeutic natural mineral spas of Nikko and Kinugawa Onsen. Each is is surrounded by breathtaking natural scenery, with a plethora of opportunities for…

The City of Tokyo, which already had more Michelin Stars than any other city in the world, was awarded top honors in 2017, not just for its food, but for overall livability and once-in-a-lifetime experiences!

Tokyo at night, featuring Tokyo…

Shōgatsu (New Year's) in Tokyo used to be a time just for quiet reflection, but now celebrants have many more choices – from visiting a temple or shrine for the Hatsumode spiritual pilgrimage to partying…

A warm welcome at the Celestine Tokyo Shiba

As Tokyo starts gearing up for the Summer 2020 Olympics and Paralympics, new hotels are opening across the city.  Here's what's just opened and what's ahead into the new year.…

While most people think of visiting the historic cities of Europe during the holiday season, for some lovely and lively Christmas cheer you may also want to consider a trip to Tokyo, Japan! 



Brilliant LED displays, projection mapping, and digital choreography light up Tokyo's trees, buildings, and landmarks light up the nights from mid-November to December to February in a winter wonderland orchestrated with millions of LED displays,…

The Nikko Concierge Service assists foreign travelers in Nikko with English sightseeing information, guides, accommodations and tour reservations, and restaurant recommendations.

On November 10, 2017, a new travel concierge service, Nikko Concierge, opened at Tobu Nikko Station, in historic Nikko,…

About three hours north of Tokyo, via Japan Rail's Yamagata Shinkansen, is Zao Onsen in Yamagata prefecture, one of Japan's largest ski resorts. Here winter sports are king, thanks to the area's excellent powder conditions and wide range of courses covering a large area. However, what sets this ski resort apart from others in the…

In the historic, culturally rich, and breathtakingly scenic region of Nikko/Kinugawa Onsen, about two hours north of Tokyo via the TOBU railway, nature-oriented travelers should make time to experience spectacular Lake Chuzenji in the mountains just above the main Nikko UNESCO…

Nature’s Amber, Golden, and Crimson Leaves of Splendor Beckon Travelers on Tobu Railway – Traveling North from Tokyo’s Asakusa Station – to Nikko and Kinugawa in Tochigi Prefecture

While American domestic travelers marvel…

Following the Japanese Government’s New Initiatives, Japan's Capital and Largest City Also Hopes to Attract International Visitors by Promoting Sake (aka Nihonshu, Literally "Japanese Rice Wine")

As a new and official central government initiative in the 2017 fiscal year (April 1,…

In time for Mother’s Day but available through October 1^st, Fort Lauderdale, Florida’s cultural and relaxation package is perfect for a couple of women or a few more. I took my mother, who lives in the area to just the NSU museum and on the water taxi, and we had a lovely afternoon. 

Mom (Rhea Goldberg) and me on the Water…

We arrived before 10 am, and our VIP group was hastily ushered to seats arranged right in front of one of the main yatai – a festival float on wheels, presented before Sakurayama Hachiman shrine, the main protector of the city since it’s enlargement in 1683.



The elaborately decorated float was removed from the Yatai Kaikan (Festival…

Tokyo to Hakone to Kyoto is the most popular itinerary for first-time travelers to Japan.  As such, it is often called the “Golden Route”  It covers the modern vibrancy of Tokyo, the historic serenity of Kyoto, and the relaxing hot-spring resorts (onsen) with views of Mt.…

Travelers can now have In-depth Encounters with Mexico's Flavors and Landscapes in Yucatan, Baja California, and Oaxaca on a culinary journey with Tia Stephanie Tours.

Mexico’s cuisine is far more than tacos and burritos. It’s full of flavor from indigenous plants and grains, and regionally distinctive. Tia Stephanie Tours, a premier operator of cultural and culinary tours to Mexico, has now created three geographically-targeted…