Author Profile: Kozue Mitani
Tokyo Direct Diary
I started Tokyo Direct Guide, my website project, in 2013 after I returned from an expat travel. I have been developing the All-in-One & The Quickest Travel Site from the viewpoint of a Tokyo local. On Blog Tokyo Direct Diary, I write seasonal topics and insider’s tips, update beautiful photos, and talk about anything fun in Tokyo with practical travel guides.
Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival - Why You Can't Miss the Pond!
Ueno Park in Tokyo is definitely one of the best cherry blossom (sakura) spots in Japan. Actually, I have a place in Ueno Park that I don't want you to miss; It's Shinobazu... view more
A Trip to Jindaiji - Am I Really Traveling in Tokyo?
Talking of Tokyo, many people imagine silver buildings, but there is a calm, cool, country place in Tokyo, too. I recommend visiting Jindaiji if you are a Ghibli Museum visitor or an adventurer who want to go somewhere different from other... view more
All About Tokyo Character Street in Tokyo Station
If you love Japanese characters, there is a perfect place to go shopping in Tokyo Station. It is Tokyo Character Street. Many character item shops, such as Pokemon, Tamagotchi, Rilakkuma, Hello Kitty, etc, gather in the floor. Importantly, all of them are official... view more
Pokemon Center in Ikebukuro - a Report of "Mega" Opening
Pokemon Center Tokyo moved from Hamamatsucho and Pokemon Center Mega Tokyo newly opened in Ikebukuro Sunshine City alpa on 12th December, 2014. This is a report of the opening day and all about the renewed Pokemon... view more
Imperial Palace / Chidorigafuchi Cherry Blossom Festival
From my point of view, Tokyo's leading cherry blossom spots are two; One is Ueno Park, and the other is Chidorigafuchi. Hundreds of cherry trees are around the moat, so it has been a famous sakura viewing place for a long... view more
The Weeping Cherry Tree in the Japanese Garden of Rikugien
Rikugien Garden, a large and beautiful Japanese garden in Tokyo City, is famous for the big weeping (drooping) cherry tree! I upload as many photos as possible, a practical sightseeing guide to get there and links to other helpful... view more
The Best Things to See at Tokyo National Museum in Ueno
Tokyo National Museum in Ueno has an excellent collection of Japanese and East Asian arts. Cool, unique, important and very old (Some are made thousands of years ago!) arts are waiting for us. On this post, I'll show you must-sees at the museum and some... view more
A List of 8 + 7 Shopping Centers in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan
This is a list of big, cool shopping centers and streets in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan. Sightseeing guides, each shopping centers' descriptions including opening hours, Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu in Shibuya Station, and Google Maps are in this... view more
5+ Cool Shops of Heroes, Heroines and Machines
Tokyo Character Street is a collection of official shops of Japanese and foreign characters – Perhaps you remember Part 1 Cute Items and Part 2 Kabuki Shop.Finally this is Part 3, the last post of All About Tokyo Character Street in Tokyo Station... view more
Travel Tips to Spend Hot Summer in Tokyo, Japan
Don’t underestimate summer in Tokyo and any cities in Japan. It’s boiling hot.Some of you probably say, “That’s all right. Japan is in Temperate Zone. It might be hot for you, Kozue, but it cannot be so... view more
Shibuya's New Food - Pie Face Landed in Tokyo, Japan!
Talking about restaurants in Shibuya, I used to enter my favorite Vietnamese restaurant in Parco building. I can’t forget the elegant tastes of their pho (Vietnamese noodles,) spring rolls and hydrangea... view more
A Guide to Aomori - 8 Things to See in Japan in 3000 B.C.
Japan is a country with long history. The capital is Tokyo today. Going back the history, it was Kamakura (1192 – ), Kyoto (794 – ), Nara (710 – ). I have talked about Ise, which is an even older town. But how about 5000 years... view more
5 Things to Do and See at Jomyoji Temple, Kamakura, Japan
Across from Hokokuji Temple with Bamboo Garden, there is another zen temple that was established in 1188. It is Jomyoji Temple, one of “5 Big Zen Temples in Kamakura” that used to be supported by Ashikaga samurai... view more
All About Hokokuji Temple, Kamakura, Japan
Kamakura is an old town located south from Tokyo, which was once the capital of Japan established by Minamoto samurai clan in... view more
Perfect Guide of Aomori City, Japan
Many of Sannai Mariyama Relics visitors stay in Aomori City. Actually, there are great, unique and very interesting things in the city, too. This time, I’d like to share 5 things to see in Aomori City with you. Amazingly, all of them are in a walking... view more
Mt. Takao Part 1: A Guide to Tokyo's 3-star Sightseeing Spot
Mount Takao (Takao-san/Takao-zan in Japanese) has been a mountain for local hikers and elementary school students in Western... view more
Mt. Takao Part 2: Tengu Legends in Western Tokyo
Mt. Takao is famous for its rich forest with many kinds of trees and it was one of the reasons why Michelin Voyager Pratique gave Mt. Takao 3 Stars as a tourist spot. Here are the great views from Mt.... view more
All About the Giant Panda Family in Ueno Zoo, Tokyo
A giant panda cub was born in Ueno Zoo, which is one of the most popular places in Tokyo, in June, 2017. Want to see photos? Want to meet them on your trip to Tokyo? This article is all about the giant pandas living in Ueno Zoo and travel advice based on my own... view more
The Quickest Guide to Narita
The trip to the town will be short because you have a flight ticket in your hand. So I’m making a fast guide to Narita town so that you’ll never miss the great things... view more