Savvy Tokyo

It’s the start of a new month! Here’s to hoping that it’ll only get cooler from here on out. If you’re looking for free night yoga classes, quirky exhibits and great eats, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s our list of Tokyo area events for September 2026. Happy explorings! August 31 – September 6 Up and Coming ArtistsKomogomo Art MarketKomogomo is an art exhibition organized by young graduates from Tokyo University of the Arts. The event provi

In Japan, solo commuting from a very early age is the norm and the education children receive at school here is a key factor in achieving this. In this post, go over child safety tips from Japanese schools to learn about what contributes to the country’s reputation as being one of the safest in the world. Off To SchoolPlaying OutdoorsGoing Out With FriendsMobile Phone Usage Off To School Try to spot as many as you can on your walk to school. Although some elementary schools use

Daikanyama is the kind of neighborhood that encourages you to slow down. Although it’s just one stop from Shibuya, it couldn’t feel more different. Tree-lined streets, independent boutiques, inviting cafés and striking architecture create a quieter side of Tokyo that’s hard to find in the city center. Whether you’re browsing local shops, stopping for coffee or wandering its peaceful backstreets, Daikanyama is best explored on foot and at your own pace. The History of D

You can find foods made from the Japanese konjac yam in the cool section of the supermarket, usually near the tofu and natto. They come in a variety of forms, most notably in a block or as stringy white noodles known as shirataki (しらたき). © Photo by iStock: jreika It is believed that konjac was introduced into Japan in the sixth century as a medicinal food, but it is now a regular ingredient in Japanese home cooking, appearing often in dishes such as sukiyaki and oden. Shirataki Noodles

Tokyo is a city full of iconic neighborhoods: Harajuku for its influence on fashion and pop culture and Akihabara for its wealth of electronics and anime. When it comes to all things literary, however, no district is greater than Jimbocho, Tokyo’s book town. Jimbocho is home to more than 130 bookstores. While there are many new and chain stores, most booksellers in the area specialize in pre-loved and antique books. The neighborhood is, too, home to the Literature Preservation Society and the

Several stores offer services that allow you to customize their products in Tokyo! By choosing the color, design and material, you can be part of the whole creative process. These products not only make unique gifts but also excellent souvenirs. Brands That Let You Engrave Their Products Brands That Let You Customize Their Products Brands That Offer Unique Customization Options Brands That Let You Engrave Their Products © Photo by iStock: ShutterWorx Have your name, birth dat

Today, over 90 percent of funeral services in Japan are Buddhist. A traditional Buddhist funeral is a chance for loved ones and friends to come together, mourn, and seek closure. At times, it’s a solemn affair, so the idea of unintentionally causing offense is stressful—to say the least. When the time comes, it’s a good idea to prepare beforehand so you can focus on saying your goodbyes, not your apologies. The Dress Code While shades of blue and grey are acceptable during the wake, fu

It’s that time of year again, the sweltering heat of August! With the temperatures soaring, it may be tempting to try and survive on ice creams, blended iced coffee drinks and icy cold beers. Of course, this is not an ideal diet from a nutritional standpoint, so to help with this predicament, here are three no-cook recipes for summer in Japan. 1. Cool Mint Green Smoothie © Photo by iStock/ PeopleImages There are so many variations of green smoothies, but this one minimizes the fruit int

Shortly before my daughter’s first birthday, I was set to return to part-time work. Most people with young children in Japan would be well aware of the challenges associated with finding childcare services.  Facilities are in great demand and low supply, private ones are expensive (and in some cases unregulated) and public services have a strict entrance process.  It’s hard enough for family members working full-time jobs on a regular schedule, but as a part-time worker

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