TOKYO IROHA

Don Quijote (Donki) Guide: 50 Must-Buy Japanese Souvenirs Popular with Foreign Visitors

2025年8月22日 / 2025年8月22日 by IROHA | Leave a Comment

Japan’s largest discount store, Don Quijote (aka Donki), often operates 24 hours, offers Tax-Free shopping for visitors, and boasts a massive selection—making it a traveler’s best friend. In this article, we’ve handpicked a fail-safe list of 50 items across categories—snacks, instant foods, seasonings, Japanese tea, cosmetics, health & hygiene, bath & fragrance, household goods, stationery, […]

The Complete Guide to Suica/PASMO for First-Time Users: Buying, Using, Charging, and Mobile Setup

2025年8月22日 by IROHA | Leave a Comment

As soon as you arrive in Japan, Suica/PASMO lets you get around and pay for purchases with a simple tap. Whether you should choose the traveler-focused Welcome Suica or a standard card better suited to refunds and long-term use depends on your length of stay and plans to return. This article explains, step by step […]

Beyond Mister Donut: Japan’s Popular Sweets Chains

2025年8月21日 / 2025年8月21日 by IROHA | Leave a Comment

If you’re traveling in Japan and want an easy way to enjoy delicious sweets, nationwide chains are your best ally. From shortcake and seasonal fruit cakes to freshly baked, filled-to-order cream puffs and Japan-only ice cream flavors, you can sample uniquely Japanese tastes at affordable prices. This guide spotlights popular sweets chains from a traveler-friendly […]

Ultimate Guide to Character Shops & Cafes in Tokyo You Can Enjoy All Year Round [2025 Edition]

2025年8月20日 / 2025年8月21日 by IROHA | Leave a Comment

Tokyo is home to countless character-themed shops and cafés where you can step straight into the worlds of anime, games, and comics. Limited-time pop-up events are always popular, but for travelers, permanent spots you can visit anytime—without worrying about timing—are especially appealing. In this guide, we’ve handpicked shops and cafés themed around beloved characters such […]

What’s the Difference Between “Kitsune Udon” and “Tanuki Udon”? A Complete Guide for Foreign Visitors – From Kansai and Kanto Naming to Ordering Tips

2025年8月11日 / 2025年8月11日 by IROHA | Leave a Comment

Japan’s udon culture features many menu names that are quirky and easy to remember. Among them,kitsune udon and tanuki udon are very familiar to Japanese people, but their meanings actually differ by region. In Kansai and Kanto, both the ingredients and the naming vary, which can easily confuse foreign travelers. This article explains the characteristics […]

Must-Try for First-Time Visitors! A Guide to Nationwide Ramen Chains – Reliable Flavors You Can’t Miss on Your Japan Trip

2025年8月10日 / 2025年8月10日 by IROHA | Leave a Comment

For travelers visiting Japan, ramen—an icon of the country’s food culture—is a must-try experience. However, independent shops vary widely in flavor and style, which can feel intimidating for first-timers. That’s when nationwide ramen chains come in handy. They offer consistent taste and service wherever you go, straightforward ordering systems, and easy, hassle-free dining during your […]

Don’t Get Lost in a Ramen Shop! The Complete Guide to Japanese Ramen Terms & Etiquette for Foreign Travelers

2025年8月10日 by IROHA | Leave a Comment

Ramen is the one Japanese dish you’re almost guaranteed to encounter while traveling in Japan. Across the country, countless ramen shops serve bowls with distinct flavors and styles that vary by region. For first-time visitors, though, things like ticket vending machines and unique ordering phrases can be confusing. This article explains Japan’s ramen culture, regional […]

Complete Guide to Sushi Terminology: Japanese–English Glossary for Foreigners

2025年8月10日 / 2025年8月10日 by IROHA | Leave a Comment

Japanese sushi is loved around the world, but sushi restaurants use many unique terms that can feel like a hurdle for first-time visitors. This guide explains the terminology used by sushi chefs and regulars in clear Japanese–English pairs. It covers everything from ingredient names and ordering phrases to sushi-specific tools and etiquette. By the end, […]

Complete Guide to Japanese Café Culture: Discover the Charm of Chain Stores and Recommended Brands!

2025年8月8日 / 2025年8月8日 by IROHA | Leave a Comment

Japanese café culture captivates travelers from around the world with its comfort, diverse menus, and attentive service. In particular, nationwide chain cafés offer consistent quality and service wherever you go, while also providing plenty of local delights such as regional limited-time menus and unique store designs. This article offers a thorough guide—from the characteristics of […]

A Complete Guide to the Most Popular Japanese Cosmetics You Can Buy at Drugstores

2025年7月31日 / 2025年8月1日 by IROHA | Leave a Comment

Among international travelers visiting Japan, affordable yet high-quality cosmetics available at Japanese drugstores are gaining huge popularity. These stores are beauty paradises unique to Japan, filled with buzz-worthy products that offer excellent performance at reasonable prices—and you can drop by anytime without a reservation. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into why Japanese […]