Japan-based Travel Writer With a Human Touch
My name is Todd Fong, and I am a travel writer and photographer based in the Tokyo area. There’s a glut of content creators on social media and websites claiming to be experts on Japan. Some are writing using AI, creating sensationalist half-truths, or riding the waves of the current fads. But you came here for something different.
I tell stories about Japan, mainly based on my own experiences working in the Japanese tourism industry for nearly a decade. My work has been used by Lonely Planet, BBC StoryWorks, DK Eyewitness, and many other top-tier media. I’ll take you off the beaten path to places unknown, away from the crowds and social media fanatics, to authentic Japanese locations and experiences. I’ll also help you explore the usual places, including Tokyo and Kyoto, discovering them in deeper ways.
For the casual reader, I hope to be a trusted resource to discover a different side of Japan. For those looking for resources to promote various aspects of Japan, let me help you connect your audience to Japan in an authentic way.
FIND MY WORK PUBLISHED AT
FEATURED ARTICLES
Follow the Edo Shogun Roads To Japan’s Samurai Era
Over 400 years ago, the Japanese Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu established his seat of power in a swampy bayside fishing village far removed from the nation’s imperial capital of Kyoto. The sleepy town of Edo seemed an unlikely place to begin a dynasty, but Tokugawa Ieyasu’s...
These Jeans from a Recycled Clothing Shop in Japan are Just Peachy
My wife uncovered a treasure in our neighborhood thrift shop: a perfect fit pair of Momotaro Jeans made in Kurashiki, Okayama Prefecture.
Get Outta Town! 5 Japan Destinations for Cherry Blossoms Better than Kyoto and Tokyo
With cherry blossom season the most popular for tourism to Japan, here are some alternative spots to enjoy hanami outside of crowded Tokyo and Kyoto.
Ginza Sony Park – An Architecture Driven Community and Art Space
While many companies in Japan give lip service to community space and sustainability, Sony delivers it in one of the most expensive real estate areas in the world.
Tokyo Museum and Park Guide – Northern Tokyo
Northern Tokyo, often overlooked by tourists, offers unique attractions like Rikugien and Kyu-Furukawa Gardens. Its charm lies in walkable areas, peaceful surroundings, and hidden cultural gems.
