TJ
Tokyo Journal's Product Reviews
Product Reviews for the Busy Traveler
Move Across Campus with the Swagger E-Scooter
The Swagtron Swagger is an e-scooter that can be used as a fun and easy way to get around. The carbon fiber chassis is strong and durable, without being heavy: it weighs just 17 pounds. The Swagger easily folds down with the touch of a button and stows in tight areas. The 250-watt motor has three speeds, allowing it to zip around at up to 15 miles per hour. The motor is powered by a 24v 3800mAh lithium-ion battery (UL certified), enough for a 15-mile ride on a full charge. The LED backlit display provides useful information such as speed, battery levels and an odometer. Operating the Swagger is simple: there’s one lever to accelerate, another to decelerate.
Model Jessica Minh Anh Visits Japan
Supermodel Jessica Minh Anh Visits Japan
Supermodel Jessica Minh Anh visited Tokyo, Kyoto and Fukushima to explore potential catwalk venues. The Vietnamese model has made history by producing fashion shows atop famous architectural wonders, including the Eiffel Tower, One World Trade Center, London’s Tower Bridge, PETRONAS Twin Towers’ Skybridge and the Grand Canyon Skywalk.
Yosakoi Festival
Yosakoi Festival
Tokyo Yosakoi (dance festival) is the second half of the Fukuro Festival, which has been an annual tradition in west Ikebukuro since 1968. The festival begins with a mikoshi (portable shrine) procession in September, and then Tokyo Yosakoi in October. Yosakoi is a dynamic Japanese dance competition uniting more than 100 teams from throughout Japan, who come together to show off their best moves using wooden clappers called naruko. Performers often combine the standard yosakoi melody with folk songs or modern rock music. The colorfully costumed dancers put on one high-powered performance after another, complete with fervent shouting.
Tokyo Hotels
Tokyo Hotels
Hotel New Otani
Excellent Service in a Serene Location
Established in 1964, this superbly designed luxury hotel is known for its exemplary hospitality, elegant style and array of hotel services. Hotel New Otani has an on-site travel agency, business center, cultural museum and pool, as well as 33 banquet rooms and an elaborate rooftop rose garden — a perfect location for wedding ceremonies. Better yet, the hotel has a pristine, 400-year-old Japanese garden spreading over 10 acres. Enjoy the waterfall and koi pond, or head inside to try the “Yukata (summer traditional garment) dressing-service”.
Serviced Apartments in Tokyo
Serviced Apartments in Tokyo
If you plan to stay in Tokyo for more than a week or two, you may want to consider a fully furnished and serviced apartment. This type of accommodation offers hotel services, such as front-desk and cleaning services by a bilingual staff, but usually has more spacious rooms and you can avoid long walks through large lobbies. There’s no hassle of trying to rent and furnish an apartment on your own; you can move right in with nothing but your suitcase. Applications are processed within 24 hours and there are no security deposit, agent fee, key money or move-out cleaning and utility charges. Serviced apartments are also more affordable than hotels for families and groups requiring more than one bedroom, and provide the option of cooking in your room. The locations of serviced apartments usually provide easier access to convenience stores, supermarkets, inexpensive dry cleaners, etc. than large hotels do. Their closest train or subway stations are often local stations as opposed to major transportation hubs, which can be easy to get lost in and take more time to navigate. Tokyo Journal has come up with a list of the go-to serviced apartments in Tokyo based on locations with easy access to public transportation. These companies, with their helpful and bilingual staff, offer multiple locations throughout the city, each made complete with kitchenettes and in-room washers and dryers, unless otherwise noted.
Travel to Las Vegas
Travel to Las Vegas
Travel to Anaheim and Chicago
Travel to Anaheim and Chicago
Anaheim
Anaheim is home to the iconic Disneyland Resort and two of Southern California’s professional sports teams. Fans of the NHL’s Anaheim Ducks can watch the hockey team on ice at the Honda Center, the city’s award-winning concert venue that will host indoor volleyball during the 2028 Summer Olympics. The other team, the Los Angeles Angels, play baseball in Angel Stadium of Anaheim, known as “The Big A.” It is the fourth-oldest active MLB stadium in the U.S. The Southern California city has a lot to offer — whether you are eating in the trendy Packing District or visiting the Anaheim Convention Center for a large-scale event such as VidCon, Anime Expo, WonderCon or the NAMM Show. Here is Tokyo Journal’s top pick for places to stay in Anaheim:
Travel to Seattle
Travel to Seattle
Seattle is home to the Space Needle, the first-ever Starbucks, Pike Place Market, the Market Theater Gum Wall and other iconic attractions. It’s also got a thriving food scene, making the city a destination for all foodies. The best way to explore Seattle is on foot. Sports fans can catch a game at CenturyLink Field and Safeco Field, or indulge in Pacific Northwest culture at the Seattle Art Museum, the Museum of Pop Culture and the Pacific Science Center. These are Tokyo Journal ’s picks for some good centrally located, modern and historic places to stay in Seattle:
Travel to Central Coast, California
Travel to Central Coast, California
Paso Robles, San Louis Obispo County
The Central Coast of California and its four regions — Monterey Bay, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura — make up what is known as “The Original Road Trip,” a classic drive along the Pacific Coast Highway. It’s a seemingly never-ending stretch of beautiful views, beach towns, extravagant resorts, wineries and historical attractions. There is something for everyone on what has become known as the ultimate Californian experience for tourists and locals. Tokyo Journal recommends Paso Robles, an approximately three-hour drive north of Los Angeles or south of San Francisco, for its proximity to fine wineries, Hearst Castle, the Paso Robles Events Center, the Ravine Water Park, downtown Paso Robles and more. Wine enthusiasts can explore Paso Robles Wine Country, where an abundance of wineries produces more than 40 diverse wine grape varieties.
Travel to Yosemite
Travel to Yosemite
Yosemite National Park is the most revisited park in the United States, and it’s no wonder with the grandeur of Half Dome, Glacier Point, El Capitan, Tuolumne Meadows, Yosemite Falls, the Mist Trail to Vernal Fall, and its vineyards. Action seekers will enjoy rock climbing, horseback riding, archery, swimming and biking. Winter activities include sledding, tubing, snowshoe hiking, skiing and snowboarding. Here is Tokyo Journal’s recommendation for a luxurious stay while visiting Yosemite. This luxury, boutique hotel is a short drive to astonishing waterfalls, soaring granite icons, giant sequoia trees and stunning natural monuments.
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