LShannon's Advice List

LShannon image LShannon United States 16 years in Japan

Blue Cave Nakameguro the newest spot for winter Illuminations images

Blue Cave Nakameguro the newest spot for winter Illuminations

Winter means many things to many people and this vibrant holiday season is full of different traditions from all parts of the globe. In modern Japan- the winter holidays leading up to Christmas time involve the sparkling and over-the-top tradition of Illuminations. From across Japan cities add …(393 words)

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LShannon

Winter Nakameguro Iluminations Holidays cave Tokyo City Shopping Event
Kinsai in Nakameguro is a great Izakaya images

Kinsai in Nakameguro is a great Izakaya

If you are looking for tasty small plates of great japanese food that goes well with sake, beer and wine- but you don't want a low end chain or a disney-fake experience- check out KINSAI in nakameguro. The food is always great, and there is a good seasonal variety I especially recommended gri…(88 words)

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LShannon

Izakaya Beer Sake (Rice wine) English Cuisine Drink
Air bnb taking Tokyo by storm images

Air bnb taking Tokyo by storm

Did you know you can find thousands of places to stay in Tokyo that are NOT hotels, guest houses, or commercial properties. Hosts all over the city are now posting up rooms, studios, and apartments to reserve for your visit to Japan. Check out You can search by neighborhood and many hosts will also…(143 words)

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LShannon

Tokyo City Visit Apartment for rent places to stay
Popular Pocky! images

Popular Pocky!

Long sweet cookie sticks dipped in chocolate or other flavors - Pocky is an institution in Japan. The most famous are just straight up cookie and milk chocolate- but there are lots of other flavors, and regional specialties. There are even some versions that are only seasonal. they come and go once…(98 words)

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LShannon

Milk Bento (box meal) Anime
Graze the department stores images

Graze the department stores

In the B1 of most department stores there are amazing prepared foods, breads, snacks, bento boxes, great to eat in a hurry OR to take home for a high quality already cooked meat. The Isetan in Shinjuku has one of the best b1 food areas in Tokyo, Also LOVE the one in the new Daimaru building in …(77 words)

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LShannon

Tokyo Train Shinjuku Building Department store Bento (box meal) Isetan Daimaru
Local Trucks and shops near stations images

Local Trucks and shops near stations

Keep your eyes peeled. especially for seasonal items- the little trucks that park around back alleys and side streets usually offer good deals. Also near most train stations you can find fruit and veggie stands- later in the day they often run specials of things that they need to move that are gett…(103 words)

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LShannon

Train Park Train station Fruits
Hotels are pretty fair for exchange rates AND there are more ATM Options images

Hotels are pretty fair for exchange rates AND there are more ATM Options

Unlike in many countries, I feel that the hotel exchange rates in Tokyo are pretty fair and accurate. The best is to change money at the airport but if you need to change more later- then most of the large hotels can take care of your request (depending on currency) Also if you are using an interna…(108 words)

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LShannon

Tokyo Hotel Airport Bank
T-site & Ivy Place for gorgeous and fun english books images

T-site & Ivy Place for gorgeous and fun english books

Spend an afternoon browsing the amazing selection of books, have a coffee under the trees, lunch at Ivy Place and just relax. Especially great for cooking books, travel, art and design. There is also an amazing stationary shop AND a starbucks inside! http://tsite.jp/daikanyama/store-service/tsit…(49 words)

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LShannon

Tokyo Art Coffee
Oakwood Residences-Great for senior executives staying in Japan for 1-6mons! images

Oakwood Residences-Great for senior executives staying in Japan for 1-6mons!

Oakwood are luxury serviced apartments for senior executives. great locations around the city. Amazing service. Lots of support staff. http://www.oakwood.com/serviced-apartments/international/JP/212/Tokyo.html(28 words)

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LShannon

Tokyo City
Turkey Day Tokyo Style! images

Turkey Day Tokyo Style!

Many restaurants do Thanksgiving specials now- a big change from just 10 years ago! I must admit that I am biased. I own a small restaurant called "Kimono wine and grill" which is a euro american bistro. We do an Awesome Thanksgiving! truly one of the best and most affordable here in Tokyo. We do o…(128 words)

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LShannon

Kimono Restaurant Roppongi Thanksgiving Tokyo Wine
Nakameguro is very Female Friendly! images

Nakameguro is very Female Friendly!

The neighborhood of Nakameguro (nickname Nakame) is packed with great little boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. The beautiful tree lined canal (cherry blossoms in hanami season) is perfect for a day out with friends, or a lovely afternoon on your own. The range in this small neighborhood is amazing…(124 words)

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LShannon

Tokyo Shopping Building River Cherry blossom Cherry Hanami (Cherry Blossom Viewing)