Japan, Explained a Little Deeper.
Language, culture, travel — and the little things Japan doesn’t always explain.
Stories, Lessons & Tips from Japan
Learn the Japanese you actually hear, understand the culture behind everyday life, and discover Tokyo through the places I know.
Japanese Language • Culture • Tokyo • Travel
Yappari Meaning in Japanese: What Does やっぱり Mean?
Yappari is a common Japanese word with no single English translation. Learn how やっぱり is actually used to mean “as expected,” “I knew it,” “after all,” and more.
Gundam Base | Odaiba
Gundam Base is a fun place to just look at many figures but also in the outside courtyard you can see the big Gundam statue. Definitely worth seeing it!!
Iku vs Kuru: How to Say “Go” and “Come” in Japanese
Iku means “go” and kuru means “come” — but Japanese doesn’t always use them the way English does. The key is understanding where the speaker is and which direction the movement is going.
Sensoji Temple (浅草寺) | Asakusa
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.
Using も in Japanese: “Also” and “Too”
What does も mean in Japanese? Learn how to use も for “also” and “too,” where it goes in a sentence, and how to say わたしも — “Me too!”
Yoshi Sushi (よし寿司）| Ueno
Good sushi doesn’t always need to be expensive or intimidating. Yoshi Sushi is an easygoing Ueno spot I like for quality sushi with family and friends.
Using の in Japanese: Connecting Nouns
What does の mean in Japanese? Learn how の connects two nouns with simple examples like わたしのバッグ, 日本の食べ物, and 東京のホテル.
Yabusoba Ueno | Authentic Tokyo-Style Soba
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.
