About AWESOME TOKYO INSIDER

AWESOME TOKYO INSIDER is an independent English-language magazine written from Japan. We cover the culture, sacred places, destinations and crafts of the country, for travelers planning a trip and for readers who simply want to understand Japan better.

What we publish

• Culture — history, traditions, festivals, tea and the customs of everyday life.
• Shrines & Temples — what a place is, how to visit it respectfully, and the beliefs behind it.
• Travel & Destinations — places worth your time and how to get there.
• Traditional Crafts — pottery, lacquer, paper, textiles and the regions that make them.
• Japanese Lifestyle — food, stationery, design and everyday objects.

How we work

• We prefer primary sources: official sites of shrines, temples, museums and local governments, and reference works. Where a date or a story is a tradition rather than a documented fact, we say so.
• Practical details such as opening hours, fees and access change. Articles note when the information was last checked, and we welcome corrections.
• We write in English for an international audience. Japanese names are given in romanized form, with the original Japanese where it helps.

Where the site started

The site began in 2024 with guides to Tokyo landmarks and to Japan’s regional pottery traditions. In 2026 it was rebuilt as a static website so that we can maintain and expand it more easily.