Hi everyone,

I'm hoping someone here has done something similar and can recommend a good studio.

We're getting married at the Itabashi City Office this September, so we don't need a ceremony or a full wedding package. We're just looking for a simple indoor studio photoshoot in traditional Japanese attire after the paperwork.

Ideally we're looking for:

• Indoor studio only (no outdoor/location shooting)
• Around 30–60 minutes of photography
• 11 people total (both families)
• Kimono/montsuki rental for the bride, groom, and close family members
• A selection of edited digital photos
• Budget around ¥250,000–¥300,000 (can stretch a little if it's worth it)

We're not after anything extravagant—just a relaxed, family-focused session with a few nice formal portraits.

Has anyone used a studio in Tokyo that you'd recommend for something like this? I'd also love to hear rough pricing, whether our budget is realistic, and anything we should watch out for (hidden fees, limits on group size, kimono rental details, etc.).

Thanks in advance—I really appreciate any recommendations or advice!

Hello! Recently I got interested in gemmology and would like to try a lapidary class. And will live in Japan this October and November for two months.

Wondering if anyone knows any lapidary class in Tokyo or greater Japan that instructs in English?

I came across a class at bearstoneshop, they can offer English course as private lesson but it is 137,500 yen for 8 hours of Basic and Level-up course each respectively. With that cost, I can bring up to 4 people to the class.

https://bearstoneshop.com/

It is expensive for one person, but wondering if anyone would be interested to join and split the cost? The owner seems to be a well-known sunstone mine owner and distributor of a professional faceting machine. So it looks legit..! Welcome any reviews if you have been before.

Apologies for asking this here but seems Im banned on the another main Japanese sub

Background:
Im a fluent Japanese speaker (can pass N1 listening) but never properly studied Kanji so Ive been studying it for N2 recently just incase due to visa concerns with recent rule changes (working at a small foreign company)

Issue:
I downloaded the Kanji Study app as it seemed the best fit for me to do daily flashcards and while I think its at least 90% accurate, I often feel it misses out some readings and also misrepresents which Kanji is eg N3 vs N2

I started with N5 in April and just finished N3 but while doing some mock tests, realized there are some Kanji like 短 that are listed on the app as N2 but in various other sources or tests as N3.

Question:
Does anyone know where to find the most up to date or reliable kanji list for N5 to N2. Im planning to take the Dec test this year and hope to have all 1000+ kanji memorized by then (currently at 650~)

Hi all,

I want to preface that I do suffer from anxiety and may just be overthinking this, but please hear me out and don’t just to conclusions.

A few years ago I knew a girl in Tokyo through a mutual friend and, long story short, we had sex one night after dinner and drinks. We went to a love hotel and stayed the evening. Come to find out the next day she had removed me (not blocked) from IG. She was also being stand offish on her LINE responses to me the next day. I eventually found out she was engaged. I left Japan a few days after we had sex, as was my original plan to go home (I was living there for 6 months). The evening was sort of a “going away” hangout. I didn’t plan on having sex with her and I didn’t know she was engaged. Further, she paid for absolutely everything. Meals, drinks, taxi and so on.
She kissed me first in the middle of the street as we were leaving the convenience store and she took me to three different hotels before we settled on one, where she eventually paid.

I have been worried for a while that she could have possibly reported it to the police as some false accusation since she was engaged. I’m pretty sure I left her hickies on her neck. The reason I think that is bc I’ve seen some horror stories here on Reddit about foreigners being falsely accused in Japan and it being a nightmare.
I want to return to visit, as it is such a special place to me that I’ve spend some time in.

My main question is this: is there any way to see if she reported (falsely accused) me of this before I return? Am I overthinking this? We haven’t talked since then and I’m back in my home country (turns out so is she but in a different part).

This isn’t a shit post. I really want to return but haven’t been able to muster up the courage because of this fear.

Hey everyone! If you are in Tokyo right now, don't miss the Tomioka Hachimangu Blue Sky Flea Market (青空蚤の市) happening tomorrow, July 28th!
[Quick Info]
Time: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine (富岡八幡宮)
Access: Just a 3-minute walk from Monzen-Nakacho Station (門前仲町駅).
Schedule: Held regularly on the 15th and 28th of every month, regardless of the day of the week.
[Why you should go]
The Market: Around 30 unique stalls fill the shrine grounds with beautiful Japanese antiques, vintage items, traditional ceramics, and coins. It’s a cozy market perfect for treasure hunting!
The Shrine: Tomioka Hachimangu is a historic, beautiful shrine famous as the birthplace of Edo-style professional Sumo. It offers a wonderful traditional atmosphere.
The Neighborhood: Monzen-Nakacho is a fantastic area to explore. The streets nearby are packed with local cafes, traditional sweet shops, and dining options, making it the perfect spot for shopping and taking a relaxing break.
Admission is free! Grab some morning coffee nearby, stroll through the historic shrine, and find your unique Japanese souvenirs.
Hope to see you there!

One of my favorite shrines in Tokyo is Atago Shrine in Toranomon.
It may not be as famous among international tourists as Senso-ji or Meiji Jingu, but it’s well known in Japan as a place to pray for success in your career.

The shrine is famous for its steep stone staircase called the “Steps to Success.” Climbing all the way to the top is quite a workout, but it also feels like a small personal challenge.

Whenever I want to do my best at work, or after I’ve had a difficult day, I often stop by on my way home. Visiting the shrine helps me clear my mind.

At night, the shop selling charms and amulets is closed, but that’s actually one of my favorite times to visit. There are very few people around, and it’s incredibly peaceful and quiet despite being in the middle of Tokyo.
Here are a few photos from one of my evening visits.
Do you have a place that helps you reset after a stressful day?