Hello, my friend. Welcome to the blog.
My name is Taka.
I was born and raised here, and I know the hidden alleyways of Tokyo like the back of my hand. But I’ve also been a foreigner in other countries, completely lost in a train station, unable to read a single sign.
I know what it feels like to be an outsider.
My Own “Lost in Translation” Moments
For years, I’ve traveled the world whenever I had the chance.
I’ve stood in awe of massive skyscrapers in new cities, felt the frustration of trying to order food with only a dictionary and hand gestures, and experienced the profound kindness of strangers who helped me when I was hopelessly lost.
Those travels taught me one important thing: the best experiences always happen when you have a local friend to guide you beyond the tourist traps.
It’s those small tips and shared secrets that turn a simple trip into a lifelong memory.
Seeing My Own Country Through New Eyes
When I returned to Japan, I saw my own country through the eyes of my foreign wife, and it was a revelation.
I realized that for someone new, Japan could be just as confusing and intimidating as the places I had struggled in.
The unspoken rules, the complex train maps, the customs that everyone seems to know but no one explains.
I remembered the feeling of wanting a local friend to just ask, “Hey, how does this work?”
That’s when I decided to become that friend for you.
My Promise to You
This blog is not another generic travel site.
This is my personal promise to share the real, practical, and sometimes funny side of Japan that I love.
I focus on creating “Ultimate Guides” – incredibly detailed, comprehensive articles designed to be the only resource you’ll ever need on a topic.
I want you to feel so prepared that you can walk the streets of Tokyo with the confidence of a local.
So, thank you for being here.
I’m truly excited to share my Japan with you.
Ready to Start?
Let’s begin with one of the biggest challenges for any visitor: mastering public transport. My first Ultimate Guide will have you riding the rails like a pro.
【The Ultimate Guide to Tokyo’s Public Transport】How to Ride Like a Local