Eating in Japan can actually be really cheap if you know where to look. This is my honest guide to my 13 favorite Japanese food chains, with a little history on each and exactly what to order when you walk through the door.

Ever dreamed of stepping inside a Studio Ghibli film? Ghibli Park in Japan makes it possible. Spread across five themed areas in Aichi Prefecture near Nagoya, the park brings the worlds of Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki’s Delivery Service, Princess Mononoke, and Howl’s Moving Castle to life in extraordinary detail. But tickets sell out fast, the logistics take planning, and knowing what to expect before you go makes all the difference. Here’s everything you need to know before your visit.

Have you ever thought about watching baseball in Japan? In our opinion, this is one of the best ways to see the Japanese at play, especially if you are from a baseball-loving country. Learn about how to buy tickets, stadium etiquette, and our favorite teams!

Gotokuji Temple in Setagaya is the cat temple in Tokyo that gave the world the maneki-neko lucky cat. Thousands of white ceramic cats fill the grounds of this free, beautiful Zen Buddhist temple on the Odakyu Line, each one left by a visitor whose wish came true. I lived four train stops away for two and a half years and visited more times than I can count. For cat lovers, this is the best place you can visit in Japan. This guide covers the full history of Gotokuji, the meaning behind the figurines, everything to see on the grounds including the three-storied pagoda and the Ii family cemetery, how to ride the Lucky Cat Tram, and exactly how to get there from Shinjuku.

Step into Omoide Yokocho, Shinjuku’s smoky alley where yakitori sizzles and strangers become fast friends. This guide covers what to eat, where to drink, and how it compares to Golden Gai plus why this scrappy postwar strip, affectionately called Piss Alley, delivers one of Tokyo’s most unforgettable nights.