[Kyoto] How to Travel Between Tokyo and Kyoto by Shinkansen, Bus and Flight

Tokyo and Kyoto are two of Japan’s most iconic cities, each offering a unique experience—one buzzing with futuristic urban energy, the other steeped in centuries of cultural tradition. For many international visitors, both cities are essential stops on a single itinerary, making efficient and reliable transportation a key part of the journey. If you're planning to travel between Tokyo and Kyoto by public transport, this guide breaks down the most popular options—such as the Shinkansen and highway buses—with travel times, costs and tips tailored for first-time visitors.

Kyoto

2025.06.14

[Asakusa] The Ultimate Guide to Asakusa’s Attractions: What to See, Do, and Eat in Tokyo

Asakusa is one of Tokyo’s most beloved sightseeing spots. From the historic charm of Senso-ji Temple to the vibrant atmosphere of Nakamise-dori shopping street, there’s always something for everyone. Looking for what to see, do and eat in Asakusa? We’ve sorted the area’s highlights into easy themes: What to See, What to Do, and What to Eat, plus three sample itineraries depending on how much time you have. Ready to build your own unforgettable Asakusa itinerary just like a local? Let’s dive in!

Asakusa

2025.06.08

[Asakusa] Ninja Experience Café in Asakusa: Immerse Yourself in a Ninja Training Adventure

If you’re in Tokyo and looking for something off the beaten path, the Ninja Experience Café in Asakusa may be the perfect spot. Just a short 3-minute walk from HOTEL TAVINOS Asakusa, this unique venue lets you dive into Japan’s ninja culture with activities like shuriken (ninja stars) throwing, fukiya (blowguns), and sword training. Plus, there’s ninja-themed food and drinks to enjoy after your training session. Here’s a look at what makes this café a must-visit experience.

Asakusa

2025.06.05

[Hamamatsucho] Create Your Own Japanese Hanko Stamp at Hanko Land Tokyo

Looking for a truly unique souvenir from Japan? Instead of grabbing a keychain or T-shirt, why not create your very own hanko stamp—a traditional Japanese name seal that’s still used for everything from signing documents to adding a personal touch to letters and art. Just a 10-minute train ride from HOTEL TAVINOS Hamamatsucho, you’ll find Hanko Land Tokyo, a tourist-friendly hanko specialty shop where you can customize your stamp with your name in kanji and the alphabet. It’s a small item packed with cultural meaning—and one of the most memorable keepsakes you can take home!

Hamamatsucho

2025.06.01

[Hamamatsucho] Exploring Tokyo’s Top Capsule Toy Spots in Ikebukuro and Shibuya

Tokyo is renowned for its vibrant pop culture, and one of the city’s most iconic attractions is its capsule toy scene. Also known as “gashapon” or “gacha gacha,” these small toys or collectibles have become a must-try experience for visitors. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned collector, two of the best chains to explore Tokyo’s capsule toy culture are Gacha Gacha no Mori and #C-Pla. These locations are home to some of the most diverse and exciting selections in the city.

Hamamatsucho

2025.05.26

[Hamamatsucho] Inside the Suginami Animation Museum: Explore the Heart of Anime in Tokyo

Ever wondered how Japanese anime is brought to life? Whether you’re a lifelong anime fan or just anime-curious, the Tokyo Polytechnic University Suginami Animation Museum in Tokyo’s Suginami ward, is the perfect place to directly experience the process of anime production. Located in an area that’s home to the headquarters of more than 50 animation studios, the museum also offers a unique opportunity to understand why Suginami is known as one of the creative epicenters of the anime world.

As the first facility in Japan dedicated to showcasing and exhibiting Japanese animation, Suginami Animation Museum pulls back the curtain on everything from hand-drawn cells to voice acting and editing. Plus, it’s completely free to enter and just a short ride from central Tokyo.

Hamamatsucho

2025.05.23

[Kyoto] Gion Festival: Experience the Largest Summer Festival in Kyoto

Gion Festival (Gion Matsuri, 祇園祭り) is one of Japan most famous and historic festivals. Held every July in Kyoto, its long history dates more than 1100 years back, when it was first performed as a religious ceremony to calm and appease gods during an epidemic outbreak, and since then has evolved into a vibrant, month-long celebration deeply rooted in life of locals.

Kyoto

2025.05.18

[Kyoto] Explore Souvenirs at the Kyoto Handicraft Center, from Traditional to Modern Crafts

If you’re searching for the perfect souvenir to commemorate your trip to Kyoto, look no further than the Kyoto Handicraft Center! This comprehensive shopping and cultural experience spot has a wide selection of souvenirs, ranging from traditional crafts to modern artworks. In this article, we’ll delve into some of the many fascinating items you can find and purchase here, including popular souvenirs such as traditional furoshiki wrapping cloths, kokeshi dolls and other best-selling goods.

Kyoto

2025.05.13

[Kyoto] Say ‘Cheers’ in Kyoto! Sake Breweries in the City that Offer a Craft Beer Tasting Experience

[Asakusa] Easy Access from Asakusa to Akihabara and Ueno with the Tsukuba Express! Fares and Travel Time Explained

Asakusa is a must-visit destination in Tokyo, known for its rich history and vibrant atmosphere. But beyond its charm, Asakusa also serves as a convenient gateway to nearby hotspots like Akihabara, Tokyo’s electric town famous for anime and manga, and Ueno, a lively area filled with museums, parks, and street markets.

If you’re wondering how to easily get between these popular areas, the Tsukuba Express line offers a quick and stress-free solution. Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in the city’s anime culture or cultural treasures, here’s everything you need to know to ride the Tsukuba Express like a local.

Asakusa

2025.04.26

[Asakusa] Cuddle Up with Micro Pigs at mipig cafe Asakusa

mipig cafe, a chain of Japan’s first-ever cafes where you can interact with adorable micro pigs, opened a new location in Asakusa in March 2025! Conveniently located just a 10-minute walk from HOTEL TAVINOS Asakusa, this unique spot is a must-visit for anyone looking to meet its “staff” of super cute (and super friendly!) pigs. Keep reading to learn more about what makes a visit to the mipig cafe in Asakusa so special!

Asakusa

2025.04.23

[Hamamatsucho] Dive into RED° TOKYO TOWER: the Digital Amusement Park featuring Virtual Reality and More!

Tokyo Tower is one of the city’s must-see landmarks, but did you know that its 3rd, 4th and 5th floors are home to one of the Japan’s largest VR and AR digital theme parks? When planning your visit to this beloved attraction, be sure to set aside a few hours to experience the thrilling world of RED° TOKYO TOWER.

Hamamatsucho

2025.04.04

[Asakusa] Discover the Best Unaju in Asakusa: A Guide to Unagi Delights

Asakusa, a district renowned for its rich history and culture, is also home to some of the finest unagi (eel) dishes in Tokyo. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, you’ll want to indulge in the local unagi delicacies that have been a beloved part of Japanese cuisine for generations. In this article, we’ll introduce three must-visit unagi restaurants in Asakusa: Asakusa Unana, Unatoto and Asakusa Unatetsu. Each of these spots offer a variety of unaju or unadon (eel rice bowls) alongside other delicious unagi-based dishes, all easily accessible from Asakusa Station and within walking distance of HOTEL TAVINOS Asakusa. If you’re planning a trip to Asakusa and craving the rich, smoky flavor of unagi, these are the top spots to check out.

Asakusa

2025.03.31

[Asakusa] Savor the Best Sake Tastings in Tokyo: Unlimited Pours & Unique Experiences

If you’re in Tokyo and want to immerse yourself in Japan’s sake culture, there’s no better way than a proper sake tasting experience. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or a complete beginner, tasting multiple varieties in one sitting offers a fascinating insight into how subtle differences in rice polishing, brewing techniques, and temperature can transform flavors.

Tokyo is home to two fantastic sake tasting venues that cater to international visitors: whether you're searching for 'sake tasting near me' or planning a dedicated 'Tokyo sake tasting' experience, SAKE MARKET in Akihabara and WASAKE Sake Experience in Asakusa. Each offers a distinct approach—one focusing on unlimited, self-serve exploration, the other providing a curated, interactive tasting. Both venues have multilingual menus and knowledgeable staff, making it easier for visitors to appreciate sake beyond just drinking it.

Asakusa

2025.03.25

[Kyoto] Experience cherry blossom season in Kyoto with these top 3 must-visit spots