Search results for

Since 1993, Philadelphians Wendy Born and James Barrett have shown a deft hand in the kitchens of their multi-location Metropolitan Bakery. Artisanal breads – able to rival any venerated loaf from Europe– are their claim to fame but their cookies, cakes, croissants and locally-sourced jams and spreads are equally as divine. They have several locations in Philadelphia, including my favorite in Chestnut Hill a bit further afield, but consistency is assured in each outpost. You can also expect to see the duo’s vision (and baked goods) played out at FARMiCiA, the organic/local restaurant they co-own in Old City. If you have a hankering for something sweet, don’t leave without picking up one of their toothsome chocolate chip cookies (or a few).

Husband and wife Isamu and Tazuye Fujita opened up Tokyo Fish Market in 1963. Since 1971 it’s been an extended family affair and the fish market, grocery store and gift shop (two different buildings on San Pablo Avenue) are fabulous places to head for lunch or dinner options. You’ll truly feel like you’re stepping into Japan and you’ll be amazed at how affordable the food is. Head to Tokyo Fish Market and know that you and your stomach, will be impressed.

Japan has some of the fastest, most reliable trains in the world. One measure of how much locals appreciate them is the glee in kids’ faces when a Shinkansen glides past their commuter train. Or they line up in front of the sloped nose of a parked bullet train for a photo before taking off on a trip. That excitement has naturally created a market for train souvenirs. You can find socks, shoes, even chopsticks shaped like any number of specific Shinkansen trains. Local train lines also sell their own branded train gear across Japan. The Shinkansen souvenirs are all over Tokyo Station, but a big cluster of them can be found near the underground Yaesu central exit. Leave the turnstiles, and the omiyage shop is immediately on the left.

Located in Ueno Park, the Tokyo National Museum is Japan‘s oldest museum, featuring an impressive collection of national treasures and important cultural properties. Aside from the permanent collection, there are special exhibitions with themes such as the tea ceremony, Japanese swords, and overseas treasures. Allow time to enjoy the expansive park, which blossoms in the spring and has gorgeous fall colors.

Constructed in 1867 as the meeting place for the Danish Colonial Council, Government House is used today as the office for the governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Several works by Impressionist master Camille Pissarro, a native of St. Thomas, is one highlight of a visit. The building, open to the public on weekdays, is a five-minute walk from the center of historic Charlotte Amalie.

After a 19-month renovation of hotel, a former Park Hyatt Tokyo sommelier returns to find that, more than 30 years after its debut, it retains its spacious rooms, disciplined design, and citywide following.

The San’in region, comprising the Tottori and Shimane prefectures, is a natural haven for those seeking a side of Japan without the crowds.

With its hushed atmosphere and cultural experiences, Hoshinoya Tokyo is a true urban resort.

Don’t let the city overwhelm you—use this local-created guide to find the best neighborhoods, shops, and food.

The Department of Interior has announced that it plans to restrict public access to the majority of the country’s national park sites if Congress doesn’t reach a deal by the September 30 deadline.

Renewing your U.S. passport online takes less than 15 minutes. Here’s how to do it.

The city hopes to successfully host the games in July after they were postponed for a year due to the pandemic.

The Odaiba Retro Museum brings Japan’s Shōwa era back to life, tapping into Tokyo’s growing love of analogue nostalgia.

The initiative represents the biggest expansion of California’s state parks system in decades.

Several new design-forward hotels offer a less-expensive, more-immersive way to visit Japan’s capital city.