Yosakoi Festival

Tokyo Yosakoi (dance festival) is the second half of the Fukuro Festival, which has been an annual tradition in west Ikebukuro since 1968. The festival begins with a mikoshi (portable shrine) procession in September, and then Tokyo Yosakoi in October. Yosakoi is a dynamic Japanese dance competition uniting more than 100 teams from throughout Japan, who come together to show off their best moves using wooden clappers called naruko. Performers often combine the standard yosakoi melody with folk songs or modern rock music. The colorfully costumed dancers put on one high-powered performance after another, complete with fervent shouting.

Travel to Las Vegas

Travel to Anaheim and Chicago

Anaheim

Anaheim is home to the iconic Disneyland Resort and two of Southern California’s professional sports teams. Fans of the NHL’s Anaheim Ducks can watch the hockey team on ice at the Honda Center, the city’s award-winning concert venue that will host indoor volleyball during the 2028 Summer Olympics. The other team, the Los Angeles Angels, play baseball in Angel Stadium of Anaheim, known as “The Big A.” It is the fourth-oldest active MLB stadium in the U.S. The Southern California city has a lot to offer — whether you are eating in the trendy Packing District or visiting the Anaheim Convention Center for a large-scale event such as VidCon, Anime Expo, WonderCon or the NAMM Show. Here is Tokyo Journal’s top pick for places to stay in Anaheim:

Travel to Seattle

Seattle is home to the Space Needle, the first-ever Starbucks, Pike Place Market, the Market Theater Gum Wall and other iconic attractions. It’s also got a thriving food scene, making the city a destination for all foodies. The best way to explore Seattle is on foot. Sports fans can catch a game at CenturyLink Field and Safeco Field, or indulge in Pacific Northwest culture at the Seattle Art Museum, the Museum of Pop Culture and the Pacific Science Center. These are Tokyo Journal ’s picks for some good centrally located, modern and historic places to stay in Seattle:

Travel to Central Coast, California

Paso Robles, San Louis Obispo County

The Central Coast of California and its four regions — Monterey Bay, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura — make up what is known as “The Original Road Trip,” a classic drive along the Pacific Coast Highway. It’s a seemingly never-ending stretch of beautiful views, beach towns, extravagant resorts, wineries and historical attractions. There is something for everyone on what has become known as the ultimate Californian experience for tourists and locals. Tokyo Journal recommends Paso Robles, an approximately three-hour drive north of Los Angeles or south of San Francisco, for its proximity to fine wineries, Hearst Castle, the Paso Robles Events Center, the Ravine Water Park, downtown Paso Robles and more. Wine enthusiasts can explore Paso Robles Wine Country, where an abundance of wineries produces more than 40 diverse wine grape varieties.

Travel to Yosemite

Yosemite National Park is the most revisited park in the United States, and it’s no wonder with the grandeur of Half Dome, Glacier Point, El Capitan, Tuolumne Meadows, Yosemite Falls, the Mist Trail to Vernal Fall, and its vineyards. Action seekers will enjoy rock climbing, horseback riding, archery, swimming and biking. Winter activities include sledding, tubing, snowshoe hiking, skiing and snowboarding. Here is Tokyo Journal’s recommendation for a luxurious stay while visiting Yosemite. This luxury, boutique hotel is a short drive to astonishing waterfalls, soaring granite icons, giant sequoia trees and stunning natural monuments.

Travel to San Francisco & Scottsdale

TJ’s hotel reviewers headed to San Francisco and Scottsdale to experience the best places to stay. Here are our favorites.