Anna Carne, Author at Tokyo Weekender

Japan Travel Made Easy: A Comprehensive Guide to Shinkansen and Subway Trains

Anna Carne — Wed, 21 Aug 2024 07:54:39 +0000

The Japanese train system is considered one of the best in the world. In cities like Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, it’s a more convenient option than a car or taxi, running smoothly and usually on time. The Shinkansen is a treat to ride, and one of the most comfortable ways to get from one city […]

The post Japan Travel Made Easy: A Comprehensive Guide to Shinkansen and Subway Trains appeared first on Tokyo Weekender.

Escape Tokyo’s Heat: 8 of the Best Rivers for Swimming & Cooling Off (within 3 hours!)

Anna Carne — Fri, 16 Aug 2024 14:07:25 +0000

With the heat continuing to rise and the humidity like a sticky, unwanted blanket upon us, there’s only one thing to do: escape. Away from the blistering concrete of the city, the rivers and gorges near Tokyo offer a brief respite. The temperature of the water heats up in the summer months, making it perfect […]

The post Escape Tokyo’s Heat: 8 of the Best Rivers for Swimming & Cooling Off (within 3 hours!) appeared first on Tokyo Weekender.

A Complete Guide to Japanese Chopstick Etiquette

Anna Carne — Thu, 01 Aug 2024 09:29:36 +0000

Before you visit Japan, it’s helpful to have a working knowledge of chopsticks, and be aware of the language surrounding them. The placement of your eating implements can convey many hidden meanings. And looking like you know how to use them can get you a long way too. This guide will ensure that you come […]

The post A Complete Guide to Japanese Chopstick Etiquette appeared first on Tokyo Weekender.

A Guide to Awa Odori: Japan’s Hypnotic Festival Dance

Anna Carne — Fri, 12 Jul 2024 08:52:13 +0000

The slow-moving, rhythmic dance of Awa Odori (a.k.a. Awa dance) is one of the defining features of many local Japanese festivals — groups of men and women in conical hats and tabi shoes, advancing slowly down the street to the sound of taiko drums and Japanese music. But what is the dance? Here’s our 101 […]

The post A Guide to Awa Odori: Japan’s Hypnotic Festival Dance appeared first on Tokyo Weekender.

Street Drinking in Shibuya May Soon Be Banned

Anna Carne — Mon, 10 Jun 2024 03:45:26 +0000

Come nightfall, and especially Friday and Saturday evenings, the area around Shibuya’s Center Gai becomes a hot spot for rowdiness as well as overflowing trash cans. Local shopkeepers and businesses, it seems, have had enough. As a result, Shibuya ward has proposed a year-round no-drinking measure, aiming for October this year. Street Drinking Becomes a […]

The post Street Drinking in Shibuya May Soon Be Banned appeared first on Tokyo Weekender.

13 Rules and Manners to Follow When Visiting Japan

Anna Carne — Fri, 07 Jun 2024 07:10:59 +0000

In the past few years, tourists in Japan have been hitting the headlines for bad behavior. YouTubers like Johnny Somali have even been arrested for nuisance actions, like trespassing and shouting offensive things at local people. Others have attempted to travel up and down the country without buying a ticket. So, what makes a good […]

The post 13 Rules and Manners to Follow When Visiting Japan appeared first on Tokyo Weekender.

The World’s First AI Mayor is Here: Introducing Yokosuka’s Virtual Katsuaki Kamiji

Anna Carne — Wed, 08 May 2024 05:43:46 +0000

The digital management department in the city of Yokosuka in Kanagawa Prefecture has created a remarkably lifelike AI avatar of its mayor to relay announcements and important information in English. Easier Accessibility Through AI For many people living in Japan who don’t speak Japanese as a first language, bureaucracy can be a daunting barrier when […]

The post The World’s First AI Mayor is Here: Introducing Yokosuka’s Virtual Katsuaki Kamiji appeared first on Tokyo Weekender.

Orange Juice is Disappearing from Japan

Anna Carne — Wed, 01 May 2024 02:25:38 +0000

If you’ve been out shopping in a Japanese store in the past few months, you may have noticed that your favorite juice isn’t there anymore. It isn’t your eyes deceiving you. Several Japanese orange juice brands have been suspending production, citing the weak yen and a worldwide shortage of oranges. Gone like Clockwork In December […]

The post Orange Juice is Disappearing from Japan appeared first on Tokyo Weekender.

Mount Fuji Lawson Puts Up Blockade To Keep Out Disrespectful Tourists

Anna Carne — Tue, 30 Apr 2024 03:28:25 +0000

The local government of most famous Lawson convenience store in Japan has been forced to take drastic measures to stop hordes of disrespectful tourists destroying the peace of its town. After numerous alternative measures, the people of Fujikawaguchiko have been left with what they feel is no choice: they will erect a large sheet to […]

The post Mount Fuji Lawson Puts Up Blockade To Keep Out Disrespectful Tourists appeared first on Tokyo Weekender.

Togo Mayor Resigns After Calling Employee Dumber Than a Pigeon

Anna Carne — Thu, 25 Apr 2024 05:44:03 +0000

The mayor of the town of Togo in Aichi Prefecture has resigned after he was accused of intense power harassment by several workers. Instances include telling an employee “you have a brain smaller than a pigeon.” An End to Years of Harassment Kenji Imata, 57, was first elected mayor nearly 20 years ago and served […]

The post Togo Mayor Resigns After Calling Employee Dumber Than a Pigeon appeared first on Tokyo Weekender.