Koh’s Tokyo Dialogue

Tokyo has one of the world’s most extensive train networks, and most travel guides recommend, “get around by train.” However, when you actually visit, you may notice that some places feel too close for a train but a little too far to walk. This is when bicycle sharing becomes very handy. You may find rental bikes near stations, and there are also shops that rent out road bikes. However, the most convenient option for tourists is the share-cycle, with many ports available and the freedom to return bikes at different locations. In recent years, electric-assist bicycles (e-bikes) have become the mainstream, and the number of bike ports has rapidly increased. Many apps now support English, so visitors can easily rent a bike for just a few hours and explore Tokyo freely. In this guide, we will focus on services that cover wide areas of Tokyo and allow you to return bikes at multiple locations. 1. Docomo Bike Share Highlights : Operated by Japan’s largest mobile carrier. Bright red ...

Tokyo is full of must-see spots—Asakusa, Shibuya, the Sky Tree, Ginza. But beyond the famous sights, there are places where you can experience something far more personal: unexpected encounters, forgotten treasures, and stories waiting to be found. Welcome to Tokyo’s flea markets. From retro teapots and one-of-a-kind crafts to quirky antiques and friendly vendor chats, these markets are filled with moments you won’t find in department stores. Each item, each interaction is a once-in-a-lifetime discovery—a true ichigo ichie (one time, one meeting). Whether you're on the hunt for vintage fashion, handmade goods, or just want to wander and see what catches your eye, flea markets offer a slower, more surprising side of Tokyo. It’s not just shopping—it’s a treasure hunt, a conversation, and a chance to connect. Here’s a guide to some of Tokyo’s best flea markets held throughout the year: 1. Ohi Racecourse Flea Market Location: Oi Keibajo, Shinagawa Schedule: Most Saturdays, S...

If you’re a Nintendo fan visiting Japan, you might be surprised to learn that long before Mario and Zelda, Nintendo was known for something very different: beautiful traditional playing cards called hanafuda (花札). Even today, these elegant cards remain a fascinating glimpse into Japanese history—and a great souvenir to bring home. So, What Exactly is Hanafuda? Hanafuda literally means “flower cards.” It’s a set of 48 cards , divided into 12 suits , each representing a month of the year, with 4 cards per month . These cards are decorated with seasonal motifs like flowers, birds, animals, and poetic imagery. For example: January: Pine and crane March: Cherry blossoms and curtains August: Pampas grass and full moon If that structure feels vaguely familiar, there’s a reason. Western playing cards (poker cards) are made of 13 cards × 4 suits = 52 cards . In comparison, hanafuda has 12 months × 4 cards = 48 cards . While hanafuda doesn't have suits like hearts or spa...

If you’ve just arrived in Tokyo and go for a walk, you might do a double-take. No, your eyes aren’t deceiving you—that bike really is coming at you on the sidewalk. And yes, that other one just zoomed past against traffic in the street. Welcome to Tokyo’s unique cycling culture. For many visitors, this can feel disorienting. Pedestrians are constantly weaving around bikes, and the usual rules of the road seem oddly optional. You might wonder: is this normal? And, surprisingly, the answer is yes—in a way that only Tokyo can make sense of. What the Law Actually Says: Bicycles Are Vehicles What surprises many visitors is that Japan’s traffic laws are actually quite strict about bicycles. Legally speaking, bikes are classified as vehicles. That means cyclists are supposed to ride on the road, with traffic, just like cars. Sidewalk riding is only permitted in specific cases—such as for children under 13, seniors, or when signs allow it. And yet, in practice, bicycles are everywhere: on...

  Tokyo’s Summer Heat Is Reaching Alarming Levels In recent years, Tokyo’s summer heat has become more than just uncomfortable — it has reached alarming levels. This isn’t mere anecdote; data clearly show that Tokyo is often hotter than Okinawa, Japan’s southernmost tropical islands, famous for their beaches, coral reefs, and warm climate. 2025: Another Scorching Summer Ahead Japan’s Meteorological Agency has already warned that  summer 2025 will be yet another brutal season . Temperatures in Tokyo are expected to exceed the seasonal average, with more frequent days over 35°C (95°F), and humidity levels staying dangerously high. Experts even suggest that this summer could rival or surpass the record-breaking heat of 2023 and 2024. If you’re planning to visit or live in Tokyo during the summer months,  be prepared — the heat is real, and it’s here to stay. Isn’t Okinawa Supposed to Be Hotter? Many people unfamiliar with Japan assume Okinawa should be the hottest place in t...

On June 10th, Japan’s Meteorological Agency announced that the rainy season — known as tsuyu ( 梅雨 ) — has officially begun in Tokyo and the surrounding Kanto-Koshin region. If the pattern follows the historical average, the rainy season will likely end around July 19. If you're planning a trip to Tokyo or living in Japan, you may have heard of tsuyu . But what exactly is it? Should you be worried about constant rain? Let’s take a closer look at what this season really means and how to enjoy your time, even if the skies are gray. What Is Tsuyu? Tsuyu — often translated as "the plum rain" — is Japan’s rainy season. It typically lasts from early June to mid-July, depending on the region. It's caused by a seasonal weather front that brings moist air and frequent rainfall. But here’s the good news: Tsuyu does not mean non-stop rain. Many days are cloudy with only light rain, and there are often breaks of sunshine between showers. How Often Does ...

This is Kabuki-za , the iconic theater located in Tokyo’s Ginza district. With its traditional Japanese façade and modern interior, Kabuki-za is the heart of kabuki theater — the place where Japan’s most famous kabuki actors perform, and where fans from around the world gather. If you’ve ever thought, “I want to see kabuki while I’m in Japan,” this is the perfect place to start. And don’t worry — even if you don’t speak Japanese or know anything about the storylines, you’re not alone. This guide will help you enjoy kabuki like a pro, even on your first visit. What Is Kabuki? Kabuki is a traditional Japanese form of theater known for: All-male casts (even the female roles are played by men), Bold costumes and striking makeup, Stylized acting and movement, Epic stories full of love, revenge, loyalty, and drama. Though the language used is often classical Japanese, the performances are highly visual and emotional — so even without understanding every word, you can f...