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Karuta ! images

Karuta !

Karuta is Japanese traditional playing cards and people enjoy Karuta during New Year’s holidays. The game uses two types of cards – Yomifuda and Efuda. When the reader reads out a poem on the yomifuda, players quickly search for matching efuda. Usually there is one reader and Karuta is played by mo…(79 words)

OKAKI-sun image

OKAKI-sun

There are many places where you can surf in Japan. images

There are many places where you can surf in Japan.

If you live in Tokyo and have interest in surfing or the surfing culture in Japan.Chiba, Shonan area is popular and has a unique culture with shops and cafes along the cost. When big swells come in Shonan area can get crowed by surfers coming from distant places.During the winter season the…(169 words)

Yuuki I image

Yuuki I

Music in Japan is not just about AKB images

Music in Japan is not just about AKB

Are you looking for some good music tracks to put in your IPOD?Well my mistake was relying on watching top ranking music shows on TV.Turn off your TV set and get out to some live music.There are many popular music festivals in Japan.Fuji Rock in Julyhttp://www.fujirockfestival.com/…(156 words)

Yuuki I image

Yuuki I

Spring for HANAMI (cherry blossom viewing) has come !! images

Spring for HANAMI (cherry blossom viewing) has come !!

In Japan, we have a custom of enjoying changes in nature which occurred as the seasons progresses such as hanami (cherry blossom viewing), Tsukimi (moon viewing) and Yukimi (snow viewing). Hanami is a kind of party to celebrate the upcoming spring and it will be seen throughout the country from aro…(621 words)

fujimorison image

fujimorison

Tennis in Tokyo for french, english and japanese speakers images

Tennis in Tokyo for french, english and japanese speakers

Do you like Tennis ???!!Do you want to learn tennis ??!! To train ??!Jinji Tennis can help you !!!Jinji Tennis will offer you his knowledge, his coaches, many different programs and a fantastic place to play your favorite sport !!So Join Us !!!!!!www.jinjitennisfra.comVous aim…(97 words)

jojosan image

jojosan

The power of onsen is truly amazing! images

The power of onsen is truly amazing!

We have recently come to understand the effects of hydrogen sulfide, or "sulfur". Just by sniffing it, the swelling associated with rheumatism can be lessened. Also, we know the effects it can have on the brain, and it is possible that it has a preventative effect in regard to dementia.It a…(117 words)

Eddie image

Eddie

Want to Disco Down in Tokyo? images

Want to Disco Down in Tokyo?

I try to keep everyone up to date with new events and various concerts going on around Tokyo. You can learn more about various activities by tuning into my weekly podcast here. http://www.japantoday.com/category/podcast/view/kamasami-kong-interviews-lionel-richieIn this edition of the Kong Sh…(173 words)

Kong image

Kong

Chiaki Kohara images

Chiaki Kohara

Chiaki Kohara is an artist from Osaka. Born in 1986, she is still young enough to have the vibrant quality of a J-Pop idol. And her art has the lively quality of anime.But look underneath the surface of her colorful characters and one gets the sense that there is much more to her art than at …(358 words)

mikekato image

mikekato

InterFM: "Funk 'n' Stuff" with DJ Marvin live from Tokyo & Nagoya images

InterFM: "Funk 'n' Stuff" with DJ Marvin live from Tokyo & Nagoya

A message to all the funk-a-teers of the world. From Motown to To-Town now to yo town via Interfm; I wanna say “hello” and “how do ya do” to all the folks out there • keeping it real • living ya life day by day • trying to stay above ground • keeping ya noses above the water • making and creating p…(259 words)

DjMarvin image

DjMarvin

For next year Mother's Day or GW or Whatever.... images

For next year Mother's Day or GW or Whatever....

I know I have posted about "Cruise lunch" before, but I just took my mother and sister on Mother's day to one and once again (this time the ship is bigger than the last one) it was a blast. My mother loved it and I am sure you will love it, too.These cruise lunch or dinner can be used for many…(135 words)

KIH image

KIH

An Exciting Evening of Baseball at Yokohama Stadium in Japan images

An Exciting Evening of Baseball at Yokohama Stadium in Japan

With the commencement of the interleague baseball season, I got to go and watch the Softbank Hawks from the Pacific league challenge the Yokohama DeNA Baystars at their home stadium in Yokohama last week. While I’ve seen baseball games at many of the stadiums in Japan, I find a unique friendly char…(354 words)

GenS image

GenS

Many concerts and events happening all the time in Japan images

Many concerts and events happening all the time in Japan

I have had a long and happy relationship with Japan as I cover so many artists visiting for amazing events here in the Land of the Rising Sun.I interview various people on my podcast at Japan Today and invite you to tune in to find out about special events and interesting opportunities to explo…(195 words)

Kong image

Kong

Best Way to Enjoy the FIFA World Cup in Japan images

Best Way to Enjoy the FIFA World Cup in Japan

Are you a soccer fanatic, bummed out that you won't be in Brazil to witness the excitement of the 2014 FIFA World Cup? Don't worry, even if you're here in Japan, on the opposite side of the globe, there are ways to thoroughly enjoy the world cup. You must go to one of the multiple Public Viewing ev…(290 words)

GenS image

GenS

Yoshidamachi-ju Beer Garden Block Party images

Yoshidamachi-ju Beer Garden Block Party

I mentioned one of Yokohama's summer highlights in my last post: Yokohama Fireworks Show: Sparkling Twilight 2014http://www.deepjapan.org/a/3287Here's another - BEER GARDEN BLOCK PARTY!What started off as an attempt to bring Yoshidamachi's old-school neighborhood businesses together h…(153 words)

Former Deep Japan Writer image

Former Deep Japan Writer

Summer in Shinjuku Chuo Park images

Summer in Shinjuku Chuo Park

Want a place to entertain your kids in the midsummer in Tokyo for free?Well, look no further than Shinjuku Chuo Park The paddling pool じゃぶじゃぶ池 is fantastic. It is fairly big.It seems that the water of these paddling pools are drained on a daily basis, so in theory, the water should…(116 words)

Steve image

Steve

Yakatabune Harbor in Tokyo - One of the most convenient and comprehensive "harbors" in Tokyo images

Yakatabune Harbor in Tokyo - One of the most convenient and comprehensive "harbors" in Tokyo

Firework, Cherry Blossom, just Lunch or Dinner, etc.... Yakatabune is very attractive play spot (?) nowadays.Tokyo is, more than you may imagine, harbor city and water front city as well (like Manhattan) and Yakatabune harbor is conveniently located near Shinagawa (the first stop - 5 min. - of…(213 words)

KIH image

KIH

PLAY BALL! Baseball in Japan images

PLAY BALL! Baseball in Japan

Certain things go with Japan in summer: fireworks, matsuri (festivals), cold beer on a rooftop and, of course, baseball. Between the months of April through October, you can flip through TV channels and, somewhere, odds are better than even that a game will be shown somewhere. Known as Yakyu (野…(586 words)

jdlawrence image

jdlawrence

Drop-in Yoga Workshop at Temples in Tokyo images

Drop-in Yoga Workshop at Temples in Tokyo

The following links (I believe their sites are all in Japanese....)are temples in Tokyo area, where they do provide a yoga workshop:@"Kongoin," Toshima-ku every Mon.(10am-) and Wed.(7:30pm-) starting from Aug 4 and 6豊島区 金剛院(8月4日~、6日~開講)※毎週月曜日、水曜日開催詳しくは:h…(249 words)

Hatha Yoga Lover image

Hatha Yoga Lover

How to Enjoy Japanese Summer : Yukata images

How to Enjoy Japanese Summer : Yukata

One of the joy in summer is to wear Japanese summer version of Kimono “Yukata” and go out. People enjoy taking walks in the city in their favorite Yukata or shopping at food stalls on the day of Hanabi festivals. Please enjoy fabulous fireworks in the summer night sky! *Staff*Kimono dresser…(108 words)

OKAKI-sun image

OKAKI-sun

First time we've seen free entrance for all internationals at a Huge Tokyo Anime Event images

First time we've seen free entrance for all internationals at a Huge Tokyo Anime Event

Last weekend there was another brick laid in to the proverbial wall of internationalization in Japan.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLtlwT_UT3QAfter many years in Japan, I have never seen a huge anime event mostly in Japanese that was so well attended by internationals. Yes, everyone turns…(309 words)

Kong image

Kong

Join the Tokyo Harvest Festival in Roppongi images

Join the Tokyo Harvest Festival in Roppongi

We have traditional customs to thank for a successful harvest on the autumn. As harvest of each year becomes important stock for the country to survive, it is said the customs started about 1,500 year ago. November 23 is designated as a national holiday called “Labor Thanksgiving Day". Autumn is th…(295 words)

Eddie image

Eddie

Be A Princess at the ACCJ Annual Charity Ball images

Be A Princess at the ACCJ Annual Charity Ball

Stately men in tuxedos escort elegant ladies into a brightly lit ballroom. Each holds a tall glass of tasty champagne and as they seek out their place at the decorative reception tables, they greet friends and colleagues with a smile. The Ball has a theme like “New York, New York” or “Saturday Nigh…(303 words)

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5 Offbeat Tips for Travelers images

5 Offbeat Tips for Travelers

Looking to get beneath the surface of Japan, instead of just seeing the main tourist spots? Well, here are a few tips:1- Read UpBesides Deep Japan, check out English language publications (like Time Out) and see what is going on. Join in food festivals (for instance Tokyo Harvest in Novembe…(312 words)

Chiara image

Chiara

I'm Punched images

I'm Punched

At a recent bonenkai (year-end party), one of the entertainers was Neko Punch. Neko Punch is a band, led by singer/songwriter Leanne and producer/bass player Macc. Later, the duo was joined by dancer, Pinky. The group formed, apparently, in London in the summer of 2012, but has recently caught sto…(291 words)

mikekato image

mikekato

Party in the 2.5th Dimension! images

Party in the 2.5th Dimension!

Somewhere between the real and virtual is a strange and exciting dimension that is absurdly geeky and gorgeous. On the one hand, there is an abundance of beautiful women, powerful cars and motorcycles, and tasty food. On the other, there are a panoply of geeky and nerdy otaku, as well as fun-seek…(761 words)

mikekato image

mikekato

Dinner Cruises in Tokyo: Awesome Yakatabune images

Dinner Cruises in Tokyo: Awesome Yakatabune

Want to celebrate a special occasion, or experience an only-in-Japan cruise? Then look no further than the 'yakatabune'.These are the descendants of the 'pleasure boats' owned by the ancient nobility of Japan, where they held parties and other raucous events. The interior of most of these boats…(184 words)

Chiara image

Chiara

Looking for Outdoor Adventure? Look No Further! images

Looking for Outdoor Adventure? Look No Further!

Japan is a country rife with mountains, forests, and unusual curious terrain. Who hasn't wanted to get out and explore it all? Whether your're experienced in hiking trails and combing the wilderness or completely with a yen to try, I highly recommend you let Kanto Adventures show you how.Kanto …(378 words)

Former Deep Japan Writer image

Former Deep Japan Writer

SKY HOP BUS images

SKY HOP BUS

SKY HOP BUS is a sightseeing bus you can freely hop on and hop off as much as you want within the validity period of your ticket. The ticket is available in 1 Day or 2 Day Pass. There are three tour routes; Asakusa-TOKYO SKYTREE course, Odaiba course, and Roppongi-Tokyo Tower course. You can hop on…(202 words)

OH image

OH

What to do on a rainy day in Tokyo images

What to do on a rainy day in Tokyo

Many who long for the summer to arrive here in Tokyo scorn the rainy days they must endure during June and into the beginning of July here in Japan. After thirty years in this country and more than my share of sweaty sleepless and humid summer nights, I actually have come to like the rainy days in…(328 words)

HealthyTokyo.com image

HealthyTokyo.com

Sumida River Fireworks Festival images

Sumida River Fireworks Festival

Sumida River Fireworks Festival is one of the major annual events of summer in Tokyo. The evening sky of Tokyo turns into dazzling colors with spectacular fireworks.Good spots for viewing the fireworks display are along the Sumida River from downstream of Sakurabashi Bridge to upstream of Kotot…(177 words)

OH image

OH

Wear Yukata (summer Kimono) and stroll around Tokyo! images

Wear Yukata (summer Kimono) and stroll around Tokyo!

Do you know a Japanese summer garment called, Yukata? Yukata is often worn at festivals and fireworks displays, which has been summer feature of Japan.Yukata is a kind of Kimono which is more casual and easer to wear, comparing with traditional Kimono.Would you like to visit a festival or strol…(63 words)

OH image

OH

Jazz Music Sounds Abound in Yokohama images

Jazz Music Sounds Abound in Yokohama

Yokohama is no stranger to jazz. In fact, Yokohama is regarded as the jazz capital of Japan. The Kannai area is especially known for its abundance of live jazz clubs and jazz events. Perhaps the biggest and most popular of them is Kamome - in the Bashamichi area.Owner Sasaki Motoyoshi opened Ka…(333 words)

Former Deep Japan Writer image

Former Deep Japan Writer

Onsens and Outdoors in Kusatsu images

Onsens and Outdoors in Kusatsu

Ranked for last 12 years straight as one of the Top 100 onsens in Japan, it really is for the onsens that visitors come to Kusatsu. There are public onsens and of course ryokan and resort hotels with their private onsens. A few of the the famous public onsens are Sainokawahara (西の河原露天風呂)…(307 words)

Alana image

Alana

Who would ever think up a festival like this and then keep it going for 1,200 years images

Who would ever think up a festival like this and then keep it going for 1,200 years

Who would ever think up a festival like this and then keep it going for 1,200 yearsIt was our second day of pulling a ten-ton log down a mountain with 50 hefty men clad in fancy gear riding on top of it that my friend Andrew visiting from Australia turned to me and said, "who would ever dream up …(971 words)

Phil image

Phil

Sailing at Beautiful Zushi Beach with Tiwal Japan images

Sailing at Beautiful Zushi Beach with Tiwal Japan

Do you like the ocean? Do you like sailing? Or perhaps you've always wanted to but didn't know how? Well, I'm here to tell you about an exciting opportunity that will give you just that chance. Allow me to introduce you to the world of Tiwal.Tiwal 3.2 is the first high-performance inflatable mu…(736 words)

Former Deep Japan Writer image

Former Deep Japan Writer

A large lake loved by European ambassadors directly in front of the temple images

A large lake loved by European ambassadors directly in front of the temple

Nikko is a famous tourist destination located about two hours away from Tokyo by train. Nikko Toshogu Shrine is a popular sightseeing spot that attracts a multitude of visitors daily. Sometimes lost is the fact that Nikko is also home to many other famous places.One of these places is the area ar…(308 words)

DeepJapan Editor image

DeepJapan Editor

The trip has completely changed my impression of Nara. images

The trip has completely changed my impression of Nara.

When thinking about Japan's "Nara", just about everyone thinks about the famous deer and the great Buddha. It's too bad, because most visitors come to Nara only occasionally. If you stay in Nara for 1 or 2 days, you are sure to find there are several beautiful locations that are worth sightseeing…(1174 words)

DeepJapan Editor image

DeepJapan Editor

Yosakoi Dance Festival in Kochi City is one of the most exciting events you can experence! images

Yosakoi Dance Festival in Kochi City is one of the most exciting events you can experence!

If you ever get the opportunity to visit Kochi Prefecture you must try to coincide with the Yosakoi Summer Dance Festival which is held on the second weekend in August. This dance festival first started in 1954 and has spread to over 200 places in Japan, as well as in 33 countries and regions aroun…(407 words)

JudithMikami image

JudithMikami

Down Town Tokyo (aka Shitamachi) images

Down Town Tokyo (aka Shitamachi)

If you're new to Japan. You'll probably have this location mark on your travel agenda, as it is not only #true shitamachi it is also one the most popular tourists areas of Tokyo.I'm an American with over 30 years of living in Japan and my first 15 years where spent in Shitamachi. So, I recommen…(134 words)

DjMarvin image

DjMarvin

How to enjoy New Years in Japan. images

How to enjoy New Years in Japan.

This is an interesting subject, which is actually difficult to answer as there are many ways to enjoy New Year's in Japan. I'll try to tackle this one and give you a few options.Option one: New Years Eve Party!! During this time of the year, there are parties and events everywhere (Roppongi, Gi…(328 words)

DjMarvin image

DjMarvin