November 10, 2023

U.S. Airlines Propose New Direct Flight Service to Tokyo

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In the intricate dance of international aviation, securing slots at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport is no simple feat for U.S. airlines. The meticulous control exercised by Japanese authorities over takeoff and landing permissions for long-haul flights at Haneda adds an additional layer of complexity.

Back in 2019, a collaboration between the U.S. Department of Transportation and Japanese authorities resulted in the allocation of extra slots at Haneda to select domestic carriers. These allocations, however, came with a ‘use-it-or-lose-it’ stipulation, temporarily relaxed during the pandemic but now a thing of the past as of last month.

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September 29, 2023

Tap-and-Go Payments Will Be a Revelation for Tokyo Transit

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Any traveler to Tokyo usually relies heavily on rechargeable IC cards like Suica and Pasmo, even though multi-day travel passes and single trip paper tickets are also available.

Refilling and topping up those cards, let alone purchasing physical tickets, can be a bit burdensome if you lack experience operating the ticket terminals, apps or are hesitant to speak with a ticket agent.

The temporary halt in sales of Pasmo and Suica cards last month due to a global shortage of semiconductors added an additional layer of complexity for travelers and daily commuters.

Now, a welcome and significant announcement has surfaced — major Tokyo train companies are getting ready to introduce contactless fare systems that you can pay with credit and debit cards.

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September 26, 2023

Changes of a Seasonal Country

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The New Yorker’s Matt Alt writes a thoughtful piece on the changes Japan is experiencing not only with their weather, but also their seasonal culture. From the effects on its aged society, to the early blooming of cherry blossoms.

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September 12, 2023

Considering Tokyo? Start Here. [2023]

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Japan’s capital city is massive, with over 14 million people, but that doesn’t create an overpowering atmosphere. Instead, Tokyo is one of the world’s friendliest, most welcoming capitals, with a vast array of neighborhoods just waiting for visitors to explore.

For close to three years, pandemic border controls halted foreign travel to Tokyo, leaving its cityscape, sights and scenes exclusively to locals.

Now, with international tourists welcomed back in full, those willing to explore beyond the busier districts of Harajuku, Shibuya and Shinjuku and wander down mazes of side streets in Sangenjaya or Shimokitazawa will find their own version of happiness sipping coffee in a charming kissaten, shopping the racks of a specialty boutique or taking refuge in many of Tokyo’s natural sanctuaries.

We like to think of Tokyo as “the capital of concealed treasures”, where you can imbibe at an intimate bar tucked up in a small office building or enjoy ultra-premium sushi hidden in plain sight.

 

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January 1, 2020

MUSTARD HOTEL — SHIBUYA

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Truly effective design bridges the gap between needs and requirements.

In this case, the needs are neighborhood access, convenience and practicality. The requirements are thoughtful, understated design, fair pricing and cohesiveness in experience.

Simple yet striking, MUSTARD HOTEL delivers a pronounced “secret ingredient” to Shibuya and its newly adorned Shibuya Bridge complex, as well as parallel properties in Asakusa — 1 & 2.

 

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