Family-Friendly Houses in Nerima: Parks, Space, and Quiet Streets Near Ekoda
Traveling with kids or a large group? See why Nerima's parks and multi-bedroom furnished houses beat a stack of hotel rooms in central Tokyo.
Tokyo Travel guides
Travel guides
Local guides for families, groups and long stays in Tokyo, from the hosts in Ekoda and Nerima.
The Birthplace of Japanese Anime — A Neighborhood Guide for Fans
Long before Akihabara, Japanese animation began in Nerima. Discover the ward's real anime history, the Toei Animation Museum, and where to stay nearby.
Monthly Apartments Near Ekoda Station: A Practical Housing Guide for International Students
Studying near Ekoda? Compare monthly furnished apartments to traditional Japanese leases and dorms, with real costs, local schools, and neighborhood tips.
Where to Stay Near Harry Potter Studio Tokyo
Whole houses 1–3 train stops from Harry Potter Studio Tokyo: sleep 6–9, full kitchen, from ¥12,000 (about US$80) a night.
Affordable Student Housing Options in Tokyo: Finding Cheap Apartments
Affordable Student Housing Options in Tokyo: Finding Cheap Apartments
Finding the Right Dormitory for International Students in Tokyo
Finding the Right Dormitory for International Students in Tokyo
Understanding Move-In Fees in Japan: What New Renters Should Know
Finding a place to live in Japan can be exciting, whether you're moving for work, study, or a long-term stay. However, many newcomers are surprised by the amount of money required before they can even receive the keys. These upfront costs are commonly known as move-in fees, and understanding them can help you plan your budget and avoid unexpected expenses.
Rent an Apartment in Tokyo Without a Guarantor
How guarantor companies, reikin and shikikin work, why foreigners get rejected, and furnished rentals with no guarantor or key money.
Hydrangea Season in Japan: One of the Most Beautiful Times to Explore Tokyo
When people think of Japan's flowers, cherry blossoms usually come to mind first. Yet there is another season that quietly captivates residents and visitors alike—the hydrangea season. From late May through June, hydrangeas, known as ajisai (あじさい) in Japanese, begin to bloom across parks, temples, gardens, and residential neighborhoods. Their vibrant colors bring life to the rainy season and create some of the most picturesque scenes in Tokyo and throughout Japan.
Can't Decide What to Buy in Japan? Start with These Popular Omiyage
One of the most enjoyable parts of traveling in Japan is choosing omiyage (souvenirs or gifts) to bring back for family, friends, and colleagues. Unlike ordinary souvenirs, omiyage are often beautifully packaged, easy to share, and represent the local flavors and culture of Japan. If you're visiting Tokyo and wondering what to buy before heading home, here are some of the most highly recommended omiyage, including their approximate prices and why travelers love them.
Echoes of the Capital
Finding Home in the Quiet Rhythms of Tokyo at Night. But it is not loud in the way many people expect either. For one of the busiest cities in the world, Tokyo after dark often feels strangely calm — almost soft. The energy changes. The crowds thin out. The bright lights remain, but the atmosphere becomes quieter and more reflective. And if you spend enough time here, you begin noticing something special: Tokyo has its own nighttime soundtrack.
Why Tokyo Feels Surprisingly Peaceful Despite the Crowds
When people imagine Tokyo for the first time, they often picture crowded train stations, giant screens flashing above busy streets, and endless streams of people crossing intersections like Shibuya Crossing. And yes, those scenes are real. Tokyo is one of the largest cities in the world, filled with millions of people moving through the city every day. At first glance, it seems like the kind of place that should feel exhausting all the time. But many people who spend time here notice something unexpected: Tokyo often feels surprisingly peaceful. Not because it is quiet everywhere, but because of the way the city moves.
A Newcomer’s Guide to Tokyo Tap Water: Safety, Taste, and Tips
When people first move to Japan, one of the small surprises they often encounter is how common it is for locals to drink water directly from the tap. For visitors from countries where bottled water is the safer or more familiar option, this can feel unusual at first. But in Tokyo, tap water has built a strong reputation for being both safe and pleasant to drink.
How to Get from Ekoda or Nerima to Mt. Fuji by Train and Bus (2026 Guide)
Step-by-step guide on how to travel from Ekoda or Nerima station to Mt. Fuji in 2026. Best routes by train and bus, travel time, costs, and tips for visiting Fuji as a day trip.
How to Get from Ekoda or Nerima to Nikko by Train (2026 Guide)
How to travel from Ekoda or Nerima station to Nikko in 2026. Step-by-step train routes, travel times, fares, and tips for visiting Nikko's temples, waterfalls, and mountain scenery.
Best Neighborhoods in Tokyo for Monthly Rentals (2026 Guide)
Looking for the best neighborhood in Tokyo for a monthly furnished apartment? Compare Ikebukuro, Shinjuku, Nerima, Ekoda & more. Find your perfect area for short or long stays.
Golden Week 2026
As we are currently in the midst of April 2026, the arrival of Golden Week is just around the corner. For many in Japan, this is the most anticipated stretch of the year—a rare cluster of four national holidays that, when combined with weekends, creates a significant break from the daily grind. In 2026, the calendar is particularly generous, offering a potentially seamless 8-day holiday for those who bridge the gap between the initial holiday and the main cluster.
Seeing Tokyo Differently: The Beauty of Summer Travel
When people think about the best time to visit Tokyo, spring and autumn often come to mind. Summer, on the other hand, is usually described with one word: hot. And while that’s true—Tokyo summers can be intense—there’s another side to the season that many travelers come to love.
The Power of Word of Mouth in Choosing Where to Stay in Tokyo
When it comes to finding a place to stay, people often scroll through photos, compare prices, and read countless reviews. But more often than not, one thing stands out above the rest — a recommendation from someone you trust. That’s the quiet power of word of mouth.
Our homes
Stay in Ekoda
Whole homes 3 minutes from Ekoda station, one stop from Harry Potter Studio Tokyo.
