Arigato Travel Weblog
All About Soba: Japan’s Legendary Staple Food
Soba is a traditional and popular Japanese staple food, loved across the land of the rising sun for its soft and chewy texture, as well as for the positive connotations and favorable symbolism it holds, being associated with longevity due to the length of its noodles. […]
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Cheers: How to Enjoy Beer Like a Local
Picture this: you’re a salaryman, a corporate worker in Japan who’s just finished a 12-hour workday with overtime. You enter an izakaya with your colleagues, order jugs of beer, cheer, and chug the whole thing. You let out a sigh of relief. This is what it […]
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The Magic of the National Stage: A Match Day Experience at Japan National Stadium
It’s another bright and sunny day in Tokyo, and there is a special feeling in the air: it’s match day at the Japan National Stadium! Before the stadium is even in sight, the atmosphere begins to build. Fans move through nearby stations in team colors, while […]
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THEN VS. NOW: HOW TRAVELING IN JAPAN HAS CHANGED IN THE PAST 10 YEARS
This year marks something truly special for us: 10 years since Arigato Travel began. Over the past decade, we’ve had the joy of exploring Japan alongside so many of you, sharing meals, stories, cultural experiences, and unforgettable moments. And wow… a lot has changed since 2016. […]
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The Showa Aesthetic: Why “Old Japan” Is Trending Again
Step into a quiet shopping street at dusk. A flickering neon sign hums above a coffee shop window. The air smells faintly of tobacco, soy sauce, and rain on concrete. This is the Showa aesthetic, a visual and emotional time capsule that has quietly captured global […]
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Toba’s Coastal Heritage: Kayaking Adventures and 3,000-Year-Old Free-Diving
While many travelers focus on the inland shrines of Ise, the true character of this region is found along the ria coastline of Toba. The purpose of this article is to introduce you to a side of Japan that remains largely untouched by mainstream tourism by […]
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TASTE OF YUTENJI : UNIQUE TEMPLE, ORIGINAL RESTAURANTS AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES
Yutenji is a quiet residential area located in Meguro-ku, with easy access to popular main areas such as Shibuya and Nakameguro, being only one train stop away from the latter. The district itself actually once belonged to the Kamimeguro and Nakameguro villages during the Edo period […]
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ASIAN GAMES IN NAGOYA 2026
If you’ve been waiting for the perfect moment to visit Japan, this is it. In September 2026, the Asian Games will arrive in Nagoya, transforming this dynamic yet often overlooked city into one of Asia’s most exciting destinations. With world-class sporting events, a lively international atmosphere, […]
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JAPANESE SUMMER FESTIVAL GAMES THAT EVERYONE CAN ENJOY
Summer is one of the most anticipated times of the year in Japan, filled with sweet treats like ice cream, refreshing seasonal foods, and, above all, vibrant and traditional festivals that bring communities together. Many of these celebrations end with stunning fireworks lighting up the night […]
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Hiking and Climbing Japan’s Iconic Peaks
It’s finally that time of year when the weather has brightened up, and the ground is a little drier, which can only mean one thing – it’s hiking season. With Mount Fuji being one of the most recognizable landmarks of Japan, it should be no surprise […]
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