Xiu Ting Wong, Author at TheSmartLocal Japan - Travel, Lifestyle, Culture & Language Guide

Takashima: Lottery Island With An Auspicious Shrine & Island Cats To Up Your Odds Of Winning

With an auspicious shrine and a lucky cat that's said to bless you with financial luck, Takashima ups your odds of striking the lottery.

Good news, Potterheads! There's yet another place to immerse yourself in the wizarding world, as a new Harry Potter attraction is opening in Tokyo.

The Japan football team surprised the world with a dramatic comeback against Germany - here's what you need to know about them.

Adorned with extravagant calligraphy and eye-catching motifs, goshuin are weirdly addictive traditional stamps you can collect as keepsakes.

Have a thing for sh*tty men? You might want to try out this poop otome game, which bases its male characters on different types of poop.

Just a 20-minute bus ride from Okayama Station and you'll be in the presence of blazing foliage and the other-worldly temple of Sogenji.

Transferring from local lines to the shinkansen? Rotatable train seats? Read on for some unspoken how-tos about trains in Japan.

A pair of chopsticks may look simple to use, but you can unwittingly commit these taboos if you are not careful.

Is that Miyazaki Hayao gracing us with his presence on Ghibli Park's opening day? Nope, just an impersonator who nailed the cosplay.

Tick 2 things off your travel bucket list by soaking in an onsen in Japan while taking in stunning autumn foliage views.