Hello! My name is Gen Shiraishi and I was born and raised in Yokohama. I’m very passionate about helping internationals discover Japan’s true beauties and hidden gems–I have even helped my international friends and family members as an unofficial “tour guide” on several occasions! Very excited to share my knowledge of this beautiful country with you!
“What I love most about Japan is its depth–the more you explore and dive in, the more gems you discover. Japanese people have worked hard to build their culture over several centuries, and it has added depth everywhere. Even something so simple like a bowl of rice or a catchy tune you hear at the train station often has a meticulously beautiful story behind it. Japan’s incredible depth makes it a unique and exciting world full of endless discoveries.”
Japan
Gen’s stories
- Dip like a pro: How to maintain the perfect noodle-to-sauce ratio
- Beyond convenience: Japan’s konbini as a community lifeline
- Are taxis affordable in Japan?
- Discover Yokohama: The perfect day trip from Tokyo
- Showa Kinen Park: A family-friendly getaway from Tokyo’s hustle and bustle
- How to handle rush hour on Japanese trains like a pro
- Come see Tokyo’s cityscape from a different perspective at Mori Tower
- How to beat the heat in Japan
- Are you allowed to use your phone on trains in Japan?
- BOOKOFF: A second-hand paradise, not just for book-lovers
- Do you need to tip in Japan?
- Have time for one run in Tokyo? The Imperial Palace route is a must
- The energy of a Japanese baseball game is unmatched
- Lost in Tokyo Station? It’s OKAY, help is everywhere!
- The closest natural beach from Tokyo
- The Yokosuka Line will always be my favorite train (very biased opinion)
- Just 2,000 yen: One night, unlimited manga
- Yokohama Archives of History: Learn all about one of Japan’s most transformative eras
- Tokyo to Haneda: The Monorail is an excellent option
- Last-minute souvenirs in Japan? You can’t go wrong with konbini snacks
- Mochi: A national favorite…and for good reason!
- Sudomari: The cheapest way to stay at minshuku
- Nokogiriyama: A hidden gem of natural beauty and ancient history near Tokyo
- Step inside the world’s largest Uniqlo store
- How bushido–the way of the samurai warrior–still exists in Japanese culture today
- Seishun 18 Kippu: One of the best nationwide train tickets in Japan
- Tips for staying at a family-run minshuku
- Undoukai: Japan’s unique and lively sports day tradition
- Skip the flight and discover Okinawa-like beaches near Tokyo
- Score tickets for a Japanese baseball game…with ease!
- Discover the beauty of tsuyu, Japan’s rainy season
- Mastering the art of Japan’s unspoken rules
- Escalator etiquette in Japan–it’s the little things that make a big difference!
- Niijima: A tropical paradise near Tokyo
- What’s your favorite ramen style? Here’s a guide to help you find out
- Boarding a local train at rush hour? Recline and relax on Japan’s Green Car Service
- How to buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets
- Japan’s refreshing trio: Iced coffee, beer and shaved ice
- Irohazaka Slope: One of the best autumn driving spots in Japan
- Tsukiji Outer Market delights: Beyond the fish!
- Step into centuries-old feudal lord mansions in Tokyo
- Train travel extravaganza! Yokohama to Tokyo
- Bayside baseball bliss: An evening at Yokohama Stadium
- Beach day in Japan? Here’s an insider tip
- Takahashi: The best soba shop you’ve never heard of
