Savvy Tokyo

Summer in Tokyo can be a little temperamental, but when the sky is clear and the days are long, there’s no time to waste. Although the city offers endless attractions, one of the greatest things about being in Tokyo is its proximity to stunning natural hideaways. No matter your fitness level or trekking style, there’s a hiking route for you, a train ride from the bustling streets of Shinjuku. If you’re looking to beat the crowds, here are some off-the-beaten-track hikes near Tokyo. Mou

It’s finally summer in Japan. Do you have your social calendar filled out yet? Between rooftop barbecue parties and night yoga, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate. Check out our top recommended Tokyo area events for August 2026! August 10 – 16 © Photo by iStock/ Liudmila ChernetskaBon AppétitSAVVY Tokyo Exclusive – 10% Off À La Carte Dinner at TWO ROOMS NihombashiEnjoy an exclusive 10% discount on your à la carte dinner at TWO ROOMS Nihombashi, exclusively for SAVVY

In my first year in Japan, one of the things that surprised me was the abundance of beaches, even near Tokyo. In retrospect, I realized how naive I was. Of course, Japan is an archipelago island nation with kilometers of clean, swimmable coastline. When I became a mother, once summer hit, the beach with the kids in Japan became non-negotiable. Although my twin boys were born during the pandemic, as soon as the social distancing rules relaxed, we planned their first day out at a local beach. Here

Sometimes the best laid plans go awry thanks to Japan’s climate. The rainy season brings wind and rain; the summer keeps getting hotter; typhoons plague August and September; and the winter breeze can be biting. But if you know the city well enough, you don’t have to let bad weather force you to reschedule your date in Tokyo. There are many great indoor date spots that will keep you comfortable and dry if you know where to look, from museums to shopping to panoramic views. Our list below has you

After experiencing heatstroke in Tokyo while commuting to work, I realized just how quickly Japan’s intense summer heat and humidity can become dangerous- even for someone who has lived here before. One moment, I thought I was simply exhausted; the next, I realized something was seriously wrong. Although I recovered, the experience completely changed the way I approach Japan’s summers. Here’s what I learned: the warning signs I wish I had recognized sooner and the practical ste

People like me, who love the gym, call everything related to health a “lifestyle” for a reason. In the West, your gym fashion usually reflects your style and personality. It makes you feel great before, during and even after a sweaty sesh. Back home, I love rocking fitted outfits in the gym to show off my “gainz.” However, this isn’t the regular style for commercial gyms in Japan. Different countries, different rules, different levels of appropriateness. Follow this guide on gym fashion for wome

If you’re new to Japan or have called Tokyo home for years, volunteering is a direct way to connect with the city while supporting local causes. Nonprofits across Tokyo rely on volunteers to help tackle food insecurity, protect local environments, support children’s well-being and strengthen communities throughout the capital. The good news is that you don’t need fluent Japanese to get involved. While some organizations may require Japanese for certain roles, all of the grou

Gear up for the start of warmer days ahead as the rainy season comes to a close in mid-July (hopefully). If you’re looking for things to do this month to beat the heat, here are all our recommended Tokyo events for July 2026. Don’t forget to stock up on sunscreen, stay hydrated and stay cool out there! July 27 – August 2, 2026 © Photo by https://www.active-icon.com/The Ultimate After-Work Stress ReliefJingu Stadium Night Yoga 2026If you're looking to take advantage o

Whether you prefer your seafood as sashimi or straight off the grill, summer in Japan is a veritable treasure trove of fish. Maybe these seasonal catches just hit differently in the heat, or maybe I’m still chasing that first bite of sushi I had all those years ago—but for me, the summer fish in Japan are some of the best of the year. If you’re living here or just visiting, it’s the perfect season to indulge. 1. Suzuki: Sea Bass2. Ayu: Sweetfish3. Unagi: Eel4. Kuruma Ebi: Japanese Tiger Prawn

After teaching English in China, I moved to Japan in 2014. I initially lived in the Kanto area, then spent two years in Kumamoto before returning to the UK. Fast forward to 2026, and my family and I have finally moved back. Although we considered waiting until our daughter was older, sending her to a Japanese kindergarten has been a wonderful experience. Truly, returning after more than a decade has made me realize that the Japan I arrived in doesn’t exist anymore. Foreigners Aren’t “Ex

It all started with a gift. After a routine infant health checkup at home, the nurse from the city health center presented two shiny red board books with a yellow tap on the front. Books for babies? What a brilliant gesture! This literary mama rejoiced! I immediately started reading じゃあじゃあびりびり/Jaa Jaa Biri Biri to my twin boys. At first, they chewed the pages. But as time passed, they grew quiet and began to listen. From that point on, I knew I had to start collecting bilingual children’s

While there’s no shortage of sandy shores within easy reach of the city, the most popular beaches near Tokyo can get overwhelmingly crowded, especially in summer. When you’re craving a quieter seaside escape, try one of these less crowded beaches. They’re locally loved but not widely advertised, meaning you’ll likely be sharing the view with neighborhood families rather than hordes of fun-starved office workers (ahem, not us at all…). Check out our Savvy Tips for each spot, but he

In 2019, when Typhoon Hagibis stormed across Japan, claiming lives and causing unprecedented damage, many watched as rivers overflowed and land collapsed across the country. On the same night, Japan also experienced an earthquake and a tornado. The news warned of blackouts, water outages and limited access to daily supplies. If you have a little one, you need to prepare for emergencies like these by stocking up on essential Japanese baby products. During a disaster, if your home runs out of e

From baby-friendly cafes and restaurants to navigating Japan’s largest city with little ones in tow, we’ve covered a lot of topics about raising children in Tokyo. But what about actually bringing your baby from point A to point B? While baby-carrying comes with plenty of benefits, don’t underestimate the advantages of a stroller in the Japanese capital. If you’re looking for your first stroller or an upgrade, our handy guide will walk you through the pros and cons of using a stroller, how

Talk about traveling solo, and Japan almost always comes up. It’s ranked one of the safest countries in the world, with Tokyo at the top of nearly every safety index. It isn’t perfect—women-only train cars exist for a reason—but traveling alone in Japan still feels easy and safe. When you’re prepared, anyway. On my first trip to Japan, I missed my last train and found myself stranded on a Tokyo street after midnight. My pocket wifi was dead and without maps or translation apps, I didn’t even

Summer in Japan means school holidays, vibrant festival seasons and the ultimate quest to escape the sticky midday heat. Fortunately, cinemas across the country are rolling out a blockbuster lineup for families. From beloved homegrown icons like Anpanman to Hollywood films like Toy Story 5, here are our picks for top children’s movies in Japan this summer 2026. Go! Anpanman: Pantan and the Promised StarSgt. Frog: The New Movie – Revival and Immediately In Danger of Earth’s D

Tanabata is one of Japan’s most beloved summer festivals. Celebrated annually on and around July 7th, the word Tanabata literally means “the seventh night.” Also known as the Star Festival, this event traces its origins to a Chinese folktale and has been observed in Japan since the Heian period (794–1185). Though there are a few variations about the origins of Tanabata, they all revolve around two lovers who have to cross the Milky Way to be with each other only for one single night each year.

Summer in Japan comes with its own set of fashion challenges. When temperatures climb above 35°C and the air feels heavy from the moment you step outside, putting together an outfit that feels both stylish and comfortable can seem nearly impossible. Practicality often becomes just as important as aesthetics. If you’ve ever wondered how Japanese women effortlessly look put-together in the middle of July and August, here are five Japanese summer fashion trends for 2026 worth adding to your w

There’s always something new to learn about caring for a baby in Japan or raising bilingual little ones. Today, we’re talking about baby stuff. Whether a newborn is on the way or you’re gifting uniquely Japanese baby products to someone overseas, our list below has you covered. All the products are available at baby stores, such as Akachan Honpo, Nishi-Matsuya and at department stores. Many Japanese brands are also on e-commerce sites like Rakuten or Amazon.  1. Baby Futon Set Cha

As Japan’s birth rate continues to decline to record lows, officials are quick to point the finger at women climbing the career ladder. It’s a misogynistic narrative that treats women’s personal advancement as a societal hurdle, but is it supported by hard evidence? A new study in Demography by researchers from Waseda University, the National University of Singapore and the Kanagawa University of Human Services takes a clever approach to find out. By digging into an unusual moment in Japan