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6 days ago | 
tokyocheapo.com | Patrick Balfe
Meeting Luis Mendo in his new town of Karuizawa, Nagano Prefecture, it would be easy to mistake him for a long-term local. As he effortlessly pulled people in for a chat, a photo, or an impromptu Spanish lesson, it was hard to believe the extroverted artist and former Tokyoite had only moved there one week earlier. In his career as an illustrator and creative director of the Tokyo-based artist residence, Almost Perfect, his community-centric nature has played a big role in his success.
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2 weeks ago | 
timeout.com | Patrick Balfe
NewsServices from Europe and North America continue to soarWritten by Patrick BalfeContributorThursday 1 May 2025FacebookTwitterPinterestEmailWhatsAppPhoto: British AirwaysAdvertisingIt’s safe to say that Japan is a pretty hot destination right now.
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2 months ago | 
tokyocheapo.com | Patrick Balfe
Paper tickets are becoming a thing of the past as more companies offer touch-to-ride credit-card payments on public transport in Japan. This is a new alternative to IC cards like Suica and Pasmo. Japan has generally been slow on the uptake with touch-to-pay systems. Retail and hospitality outlets have only widely adopted the option in recent years. But while you may be able to use your credit card to tap into many trains and buses in Japan currently, the system is not yet ubiquitous.
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Feb 17, 2025 | 
tokyocheapo.com | Patrick Balfe
You’ve probably seen headlines about “overtourism” in Japan doing the rounds online. It’s a sentiment that’s been gaining traction in the media, with some outlets drawing comparisons to famously crowded travel hotspots like Barcelona, Venice, and Bali. What is overtourism exactly, though, and is overtourism really a thing in Japan? Is the situation as dire as some reports might have you believe? Let’s take a look at the facts.
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Feb 14, 2025 | 
tokyocheapo.com | Patrick Balfe
eSIMs have become about as synonymous with international travel as your passport. But unlike your passport, the variety of travel eSIMs available is almost endless — and that’s no different if you’re exploring Asia. So, what should you look for when choosing an eSIM for a multi-stop Asia trip? Perhaps you’re starting off with a twirl around China, before jetting across Japan, and then chilling in Bali.
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Feb 13, 2025 | 
metropolisjapan.com | Patrick Balfe |Takahiro Kanazawa
It’s February, and while winter still lingers, the first hints of spring are in the air. Fuji stands tall in its icy crown, and the season’s chill is met with fresh sounds from across Japan. Some Metropolis favorites like HOME and Sakoto Shibata make an appearance this month and new favorites PAS TASTA to keep the energy high as we edge closer to warmer days. Check out our new playlist and read up on some of our top picks below.
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Feb 13, 2025 | 
japan.stripes.com | Patrick Balfe |Takahiro Kanazawa
It’s February, and while winter still lingers, the first hints of spring are in the air. Fuji stands tall in its icy crown, and the season’s chill is met with fresh sounds from across Japan. Some Metropolis favorites like HOME and Sakoto Shibata make an appearance this month and new favorites PAS TASTA to keep the energy high as we edge closer to warmer days. Check out our new playlist and read up on some of our top picks below.
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Dec 2, 2024 | 
tokyocheapo.com | Patrick Balfe
You did it. You’ve booked your flights, you’ve sorted the hotels, you’ve shared the spreadsheet with the group chat, you’re going to Japan. Just one more thing — you’re going to need an eSIM while you’re there. You’ve got 7 days and a lot to pack in. “How much data do I need for 7 days in Japan?” you ask yourself. Let’s find out. Note: We’ve made estimates based on the average itinerary of a first-time visitor. We’ve assumed Shibuya as the base, though it doesn’t really matter where you stay in Tokyo.
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Aug 29, 2024 | 
tokyocheapo.com | Patrick Balfe
We recently asked readers what their biggest fears were about visiting Japan, and the results are in. Japan welcomed a record-breaking 3 million international visitors in July 2024, in what is turning out to be a massive year for tourism. Despite what seems like universal interest in the country, visitors or potential visitors aren’t without their reservations. These fears were split into five distinct categories; let’s see what you had to say. 1.
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Aug 15, 2024 | 
tokyocheapo.com | Patrick Balfe
Despite summer events like Fuji Rock and Summer Sonic getting most of the spotlight, dripping in sweat and torrential rain isn’t a prerequisite to attending a music festival in Japan. If milder weather is more your speed, fall brings with it a ton of outdoor music events showcasing some of the best artists from Japan and around the world.
