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Sunrise on the New Year's Morning
You will only get one chance a year at this, but if you happen to be in Japan during the new year, you can see literally the first sunrise on earth. Many people will either stay up all night or wake up especially early to see the first sun in "the land of the rising sun" no less.However, even i…(148 words)
KurtisW
Shinjuku South Exit
If you exit Shinjuku station out the south exit, or better yet the "new" south exit, you arrive in a promenade with Krispy Kreme donuts, Starbucks, Tokyu Hands, and other shops.This whole area is lit up with spectacular lights, and being right outside the station, is a great place for a stroll.…(114 words)
KurtisW
Shinjuku - Southern Terrace
Across from Takashimaya, Southern Terrace - some pretty good illuminations.(10 words)
Steve
First Visit for the New Year - Hatsumode
Many Japanese people visit shrines and temples during the first days of the year. It is a way to start into the new year. The new year starts at midnight, so people line up already in the evening of December 31. At the big popular places like Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa or Meijijingu in Harajuku it …(161 words)
David
The Magical DisneySea Perfect for Families
It seems a no-brainer that Disney Sea would be one of the places you dont want to miss during your visit to Japan. Disneyland is in a few places around the world, but Japan is the only country to have a Disney Sea (the fourth most visited theme park in the world) that focuses on the nautical, explo…(375 words)
Robert Yellin is the person to talk to about Japanese Pottery
I have never met anyone who knows more about Japanese pottery than Robert Yellin. I visited his Kyoto gallery a few years ago as was deeply impressed with his selection of pottery and his love of Japan. He is also a super nice guy and very easy to talk to. You can learn more about Robert athttp:/…(73 words)
Jeff Aasgaard
Itami in Hyogo Prefecture
Itami city is located in Hyogo Prefecture – known as a town for Itami Airport. Itami is also known as a is the birthplace of Seishu (refined sake). They have the oldest Sake storehouse in existence that is clear when it was build. They are important cultural property that pass on the history of t…(91 words)
OKAKI-sun
Asakusa's Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise Street in the Evening
Many tourists visit Asakusa and the Senso-ji temple during the day and it gets quiet in the evening. As one of the major tourist attractions in Tokyo, it is usually quite crowded here, but by the time the shops close in Nakamise-dori between 18:00 and 19:00 most visitors leave. At night, the temple…(194 words)
David
The Waka Poetry Garden - Rikugien
Rikugien is a very nice garden for walking the park paths, up the gentle hills, and around the pond while taking in the sights and sounds of this park within the confines of a busy city. The garden was created based on the theme of Waka poetry. It's a typical example of the gardens of the Edo perio…(175 words)
Joe Peters
Day Trekking at Mt. Takao
At 599 meters, or just under 2,000 feet, Mount Takao - Takaozan in Japanese - isn't an especially high mountain. However, with over half a dozen trails leading to the top, in addition to a cable car and chair lift that goes about halfway to the summit, Takaozan offers a great place for a day outing…(822 words)
Joe Peters
When visiting Kyoto... do not forget the Gold Pagoda
I love Kyoto. It is a city with a soul. A city where people actually live. (weird to so but when living in Tokyo, Kyoto feels like a real city with people!) I often go there for my job (tough life, yes, I know!) and usually, I visit a new place, of some of my favorites: Adashino, a bit far in t…(341 words)
Claire
Free WiFi in Osaka for Travelers
Osaka has started to offer free WiFi to travelers to help them connect with the city. All you have to do is check WiFi connections on your device, registrar and then connect. Usage time is limited but should be enough to check maps, find restaurants and check email. For more information please see…(59 words)
Jeff Aasgaard
Dark Souls Cafe in Roppongi Until April
Oz cafe in Roppongi has collaborated with the game Dark Souls to bring you the Dark Souls Cafe! Open until April they have set up an entertaining theme restaurant with statues, decorations, swords, costumes, and a crazy themed menu. They will also hold special events such as the release of Dark Sou…(101 words)
Alex Kobayashi /Subtokyo
Mineral-rich Hot Spring in Japan Great for Skin
It is a rare onsen (hot spring) where visitors can bathe in their bathing suits. When I first came to Japan way back when, I dreaded entering a hot spring area where naked bodies eased in and out of steaming mineral scented water. As I grew accustomed to the custom...I learned to practice the same …(431 words)
Kyoto lovely spot to stay
Kyoto is THE place to visit, and visit again, and again. It does not matter how many time you go, there is always a new wonder to discover. Flee markets such as the one of Toji (every 21st of the month) where you will find nice Japanese objet from kimono to ceramics..., or such as public bath s…(243 words)
Claire
Look at this watermelon
Look at this watermelon water tank in Chiba!!It is 33.8 meters in diameter and 37 meters tall. I wish it was filled with watermelon juice! Such a cute way to decorate. It makes you feel cool just to look at it!This city is in the North of Chiba and is called Tomisato. It is Japan's seco…(73 words)
Eddie
The Plum Blossoms are the tough guys...
People think of Japan and many think of Cherry Blossoms first. Actually Apricot and Plum Blossoms are the tough guys, they push past the snow, they stand firm in rainstorms and endure the rainstorms... Posting this photo was inspired by a kind Facebook Friend who had spotted the early plum blos…(317 words)
Andrew Grimes
Do you need a taxi?
There are plenty of taxi in Japan. They are cheap, easy, they won't try to cheat on you, they have white lace cover seats and they are safe. You even feel like a VIP when the driver has white gloves. But their driver might not understand other language than Japanese, and worse, he might not kno…(388 words)
Claire
Enjoy Japanese department stores basements !
You might associate a Japanese word “department store” with expensive stores, but every Japanese department store has its own depachika and all of which are crammed with attractive shelves containing a wide range of foods from a delicious bento box to gorgeous sweets yet for reasonable prices. Aisl…(308 words)
fujimorison
Hara Museum of Contemporary Art in Gunma
You can find nature in Japan! And you may find it about 1hour and a half away from Tokyo: in Gunma prefecture.There is that contemporary art museum in the middle of the mountain that is fabulous. It is managed by the Hara Museum, and hosts collections that do not fit in the mother museum based …(193 words)
Claire
Cherry blossoms: Sakura Time & Timing in Japan
Sakura 桜 are all things cherry, everything cherry blossoms and cherry trees. Think of sakura as a season in Japan, the height of spring. When will the cherry blossom start to open and how long will they last? This question is essential for hanami planning and discussed in detail in the media e…(345 words)
David
Nostalgia in Yokohama
Yokohama is still something of a grand dame. Perhaps no longer the celebrated talk of the town, but with sparkle showing that, in her heyday, she was a beauty to be reckoned with.The long wandering walk from Kannai to Nihon Oodori gives a glimpse into the exciting Meiji and Showa days, when thi…(206 words)
Chiara
Museum of Industry and Technology
Nagoya is usually not on touristic tour in Japan. But if you are on business there, and you have some time to spend, or, if you are with your children and you want to attract their interest to science, or, they do love science, there is one place you want to visit: the Toyota Commemorative …(264 words)
Claire
If you are an ancient car freak!
This museum is located in Nagakute. It is a bit far from Nagoya city center, in a place where there is not much of anything else, really. But you can go there easily with the metro and then the "linimo". Linimo is this line that was build for the Nagoya Expo in 2005. It is a magnetic levitation tra…(174 words)
Claire
How to visit shrines in Tokyo Metropolis!
Japanese shrines generally are based in Shintoism and temples are based on Buddhism. Buildings have different names depending on religions just as we have churches for Christianity and mosques for Muslims. An easier way to tell which one is which is that you’ll find tori archways at shrines and gr…(349 words)
Eddie
Koyo in Inokashira Koen
Inokashira Koen, a brief walk away from Kichijouji station on the Inokashira line, is mainly famous for its beautiful cherry blossoms, which reflect on the lake, and for the 'cursed' swan boats. Supposedly, if you ride in a swan boat with your significant other, you will break up!However, the p…(181 words)
Chiara
Smell the spring in the air!
Looks like we are up for some cold weather next week.Today was nice and warm in Hamamatsu.A cup of coffee in the morning and decided to take a walk in the nice weather.It's one of the things I like to do in the summer time but today seemed like a great day to start.I live on a small isl…(309 words)
Yuuki I
1-hour small yet great trip from Kyoto Station – Toji Temple
My favorite spot in Kyoto is Toji Temple, a world heritage site which has history of 1,200 years!Located within 15-minute walking distance from Kyoto station (1 Kujo-cho, Minami-ku, Kyoto City), it is easy to access. As everybody knows the famous temple, you can ask anyone for the direction on the …(126 words)
Eddie
Kamakura: there is a reason why!
If you like both, Kamakura is a sure spot. There are many beautiful places in Kamakura and it is tough to sort them out and make choices. But if you like to take your time, try to go on a week day, and visit the Great Buddha, Hase tera and Gorakuji.Well, this is the ABC of basics but there …(391 words)
Claire
Walk & Play at Sumida Park in Asakusa
When you visit Asakusa, don't only go to Senso-ji temple. Also go to Sumida River and take a walk in Sumida Park. The park has great views of Tokyo Skytree and a big playground for children. There are also two small cafes here overlooking the river. To reach Sumida Park go towards the river from As…(143 words)
David
Morning sumo practice in the Kitanoumi-beya
I got up early one morning to go visit the morning sumo practice, keiko, at the Kitanoumi-beya in Kotu-ku, Tokyo. We were instructed not to talk, move, or show the back of our feet out of respect to the training sumo wrestlers and trainees. One hour watching these men train for the upcoming tournam…(223 words)
Emelie Fågelstedt
Parks in Japan: Kairakuen
“Kairakuen”On Sunday, March 16, 2014 I visited a place call “Mito, Ibaragi” Prefecture. The thought I had was to do some investigative work on a person by the name of Mito Mitsukuni kou (commonly known as Mito Koomon) who appears on a very well-known Jidaigeki TV series.However, I found a treas…(607 words)
AustinA
Ohanami in Tokyo
If you have time now you should go to Yasukuni shrine and Chidorigafuchi beside of Kitanomaru park. A lot of Cherry blossom trees blooming now. Tomorrow will be rain so you should go now! You have casual Japanese good with sake for dinner at Yasukuni shrine. If you have time now just go!(53 words)
noby
Tourist information desk inside of Shibuya Station
Deep in the catacombs of Shibuya Station, somewhere between JR and the Hikarie Building is one of the most pleasant tourist information desks that I've seen in Tokyo. It is jointly operated by Tokyu Railways and Tokyo Metro, providing maps and information in English, Japanese, Chinese, and Spanish…(275 words)
mikekato
Free downloadable walking maps and guides for Japan
There are maps you can download on your iPhone or iPad for several cities in Japan.To find them do a search in the app store for "gpsmycity japan" (quotes are not necessary).The screen shots attached here show you what the apps look like. There are free versions and paid versions (.99).…(207 words)
Joe Peters
Kitchens Galore and More
Last Sunday was a rainy day in Tokyo. We had friends visiting from the states and they are getting ready to remodel their kitchen and bathroom at their home.On Saturday we had gone to Shiodome to see the Panasonic Living Center. You can wander through their four floors to see the latest in Japa…(291 words)
Joe Peters
Tokyo bay cruise
If you are Tokyo tour proficient, you must know the name "Hato Bus". Well, Hato Bus is not only a tour bus company but also owns cruise company. You can enjoy nice lunch or dinner on the Tokyo bay cruise together with buy tour to other places. I went with family for Christmas lunch and it wa…(123 words)
KIH
Happy Nogeyama Zoo in Yokohama
We visited Nogeyama zoo today.It is just about a right size zoo for little kids and my little boy was running all over. I admire Yokohama city to run this place as a free zoo beside Kanazawa zoo (also a free zoo) and Zoorasia (Admisson fee 600 yen/person). We would love to visit the other two i…(235 words)
EmiOnishi
Children's Day
If you see giant carp streamers flying over homes or in the fields at this time of the year it isn't because the home owner is bragging about the size of the fish he or she just caught.It's the celebration of Children's Day, which officially falls on May 5, during Golden Week.The village of…(118 words)
Joe Peters
La Folle Journee au Japon
If you happen to be in Tokyo during the "Golden Week" as you should prefer to, you can spend time walking the streets of Marunouchi and discover street performances and concerto.What is Golden Week: it is a week blessed with so many national holiday that you do not work at all during that week.…(224 words)
Claire