Japan, Explained a Little Deeper.

Language, culture, travel — and the little things Japan doesn’t always explain.

Japanese Language • Culture • Tokyo • Travel

Motokyo 1/23/26 Motokyo 1/23/26

A traditional unagi restaurant near Sensoji Temple that I grew up eating at. Come for the eel, stay for the old-school Asakusa atmosphere.

Motokyo 8/25/22 Motokyo 8/25/22

Yes, Sensoji is famous—but Asakusa is much more than a tourist stop. Here’s how I enjoy one of Tokyo’s most historic neighborhoods.

Motokyo 5/18/22 Motokyo 5/18/22

This is the soba I grew up with. Handmade Tokyo-style soba in Ueno, owned by my grade-school friend and still one of my favorites.

Motokyo 4/7/21 Motokyo 4/7/21

Ueno has a long connection with American casual style. Hinoya is one of my favorite places to see that history through Japanese denim.

Motokyo 3/17/21 Motokyo 3/17/21

One of the first sushi restaurants I felt comfortable visiting on my own. Sit at the counter, talk to the chef and definitely try the negitoro.

Motokyo 3/17/21 Motokyo 3/17/21

Great chicken, yakitori, sake and oyakodon to finish. This is one of my favorite ways to spend an evening around Ueno.

Motokyo 4/28/20 Motokyo 4/28/20

Small space, tons of stuff, locals and tourists all mixed together—Yamashiroya is wonderfully chaotic and, to me, very Ueno.