Check out the Ohara School of Ikebana
The Ohara school of Ikebana in Tokyo is one of the more well known schools and is conveniently located in Miniami Aoyama. They offer classes in English at around 4000 yen but they are closed from July 18-September 5 for summer holidays. Address7-15-5 Minami AoyamaMinato-Ku, TokyoPhone N…(51 words)
KurtisW
Tokyo Holidays Summer
Widely Available in Asakusa
If you go to Asakusa, the stores lined up behind Kaminarimon, or Thunder Gate, often carry imitation swords you can buy as souveniers for friends or yourself. If you are more interested in acquiring an actual Katana, you will need to look up Katana makers online and expect to pay a few thousand dol…(66 words)
KurtisW
Tokyo Asakusa
Small Baseball
A key point that differentiates Japanese baseball from baseball in the States is the style called small baseball. In small baseball, teams tend to score points through consecutive hits rather than hitting large home-runs. Although home-runs are a more elaborate, and perhaps more exciting, way to sc…(319 words)
AustinA
Baseball Game
2 bows, 2 claps and 1 bow in a shrine
In a shrine "2 bows, 2 claps and 1 bow" is the traditional procedure. 1. Ring the bell and throw coin(s) in2. 2 bows3. 2 claps4. keep putting your palms together, closing your eyes and pray5. Open eyes and 1 bow(35 words)
juninada
Tera (Temple) Jinjya (Shrine) Coin
Worth a quick visit if you would like to robe yourself in Beauty.
My German friend gives me a great information about Kimono experiences and I would like to share with you.The place where tourists can try to wear a Kimono.It's called "Marunouchi Cafe" ( http://www.marunouchicafe.com/english/ ).She found this place by chance with a japanese friend, without…(289 words)
yukorose
Street performers in Yoyogi Park
I visited Yoyogi Park in Tokyo near Harajuku station recently on a Sunday. As I walked through the park, there were numerous street performers. One of my favorites are the street rockers. They dress in black jeans and 50's style with Elvis style hair and ducktail haircuts. They dance to rockabi…(73 words)
Kevin
Tokyo Park Music Harajuku Hair Yoyogi Park
Kendo spirits
I personally interested Kendo philosophy more that Kendo techniques.All Japanese martial arts such as karate, kendo, and judo have same based philosophy. It is a personal development mentally, physically, and spiritually.There is a famous word "kenshin ichinyo"in Japanese among Kendo p…(74 words)
yukorose
Art
Go fishing in Yokohama area
I recommend to join Fishing Boat departing from the sea side in Yokohama area such as Yamashita area or Kanazawa area, etc. There are several boats from visiting just nearest Jetty, light house etc, Or going out offshore. Even if you are begineer, you are coached by the fishing guide or the captai…(53 words)
kurukurugurume
Tokyo Yokohama Sea
Japanese Professional Baseball
I recommend to visit professional baseball park in Japan. Japanese baseball is different from American's in terms of power or stringency but techniques but it is really interesting anyway. There are 12 professional baseball teams in Japan thtoughout Japan. In Tokyo (Kanto) area, there are five prof…(112 words)
kurukurugurume
Tokyo Park Yokohama Beer Game Chiba Kanto Saitama Baseball
Buddhism experience in Japan
The way of the warrior may not be easy to experience, but Buddhism and traditional Japanese religion is an insight into the power and culture of the warrior spirit.I experienced a few hours of Zazen meditation practice and a traditional Buddhist vegan lunch in the Setoda-cho area of Onomichi, H…(158 words)
jjwalsh
Tera (Temple) Lodging Hiroshima Shikoku
Hiroshima, Peace, Reflection, Remembrance and Hope
Hiroshima is one of the most visited cities in Japan because of its tragic history, but also because of its vibrant rebirth - a testament to the strength of the Japanese spirit to never give up. If you are interested in how Japanese people respect their lost loved ones and ancestors, a visit here i…(233 words)
jjwalsh
Hiroshima Park Museum River History Graveyards Trip
You can bake Osenbei yourself !
Japanese people love “mono-zukuri”. (making things by hand) There are a variety of Shoku-nins (craftsman) as well as craft centers or facilities where you can experience “mono-zukuri” yourself. If you join such an activity, you can sometime enjoy conversations with such craftsman directly and feel …(86 words)
OKAKI-sun
Tokyo Saitama Conversations
Izu Ooshima is good!
Getting on a ship or airplane to the island!(9 words)
animosunsun
Tokyo Airplane
Yoshimoto comedy theater in Shinjyuku
If you ask your Japanese friend "Who is the funniest comedian in Japan?"Lots of people answer comedian from Yoshimoto Talent management company.Yoshimoto is the biggest Japanese comedy company in Japan and Lot's of comedian are from Osaka. Why? Because of Osaka(Kansai) area is well-known for se…(104 words)
yukorose
Kyoto Osaka Kansai Region Hyogo Comedy Nara Shiga Wakayama
bowing is showing your respects at a temple or shrine
I was asked my friend from Europe what are manners at Shrine and Temple. Shrine is Shinto(Japanese original religion) and temple is Buddhist.I was taught from my grandmother when I go to Shinto shrine, crap my hands and call god , bow and you pray your wishes.When I go to Temple, I don't cra…(65 words)
yukorose
Etiquette Tera (Temple) Jinjya (Shrine) Bowing
As far as I know, there isn’t really a place!
As far as I know, there isn’t really a place where beginners can go just to experience Kendo for an afternoon of fun. The All Japan Kendo Federation puts on a group event where you can go and experience holding the Kendo swords and trying on the armor. The event is once a month between 6 and 7pm, a…(141 words)
SEIJAN
Tokyo Event
There are some sumo stables.
There are some sumo stables that are off limits to normal citizens. Also, at some places, the sumo may be on patrol around town, or the stable may be in quite a remote area. These stables here are apparently open for viewing, but you may need help inquiring with the site:http://www.kokonoe-beya.c…(68 words)
SEIJAN
Tokyo Sumo
There is a clothing rental shop in Ebisu.
There is a clothing rental shop in Ebisu, next to Shibuya, called ARK that does Kimono rentals, and they will also take pictures of you. The shop is close to the station, and they also have an English page for you to check out:http://ark-rent.co.jp/e_page/epage.html(52 words)
SEIJAN
Tokyo Shibuya Kimono Ebisu
Saying "No"
Refusing an offer isn't always easy, especially if the offer is for a fun night out at an izakaya. However, if you can't make it, here are some techniques I use to bow out gracefully. Usually, I go for the easy let-down. I feel a too-direct, "Thanks, but I'm not interested," may be too straight-…(165 words)
jdlawrence
Izakaya Zone
OH! Japan-derful (spell, not sure)
Fuji TV, Mezamashi-Doyobi, 「OH!ジャパンダフル」 is a good program to know the very surprising and really Japan-like stuffs which are not well-known even for Japanese. Every Saturday, from about 7:10 a.m. on Fuji TV. Never shows up in any guide books, for sure.I really enjoy the show, a…(50 words)
Moo Moo
Television
Go to Hotel New Otani for a quick session
Seisei-an Tea room in Hotel New Otani offers a quick an casual tea ceremony experience program. It is nothing too strict or stiff. The tea master is very frank and talkative. Since it is organized per request, usually very small group, maybe just for yourselves. It costs only 1000 yen plus tax and …(69 words)
taro
Tokyo Hotel Tea New Otani
Great Tip to Avoid the Rush Hour in Japan
On a longer (30 minute plus) train ride, I will often splurge on a Green car ticket. These temperate cars have a nice train attendant who comes by to sell snacks and drinks and when it is not rush hour you can get a window seat with a table to tap on your computer while enjoying the sites. During r…(279 words)
Japan
Rush hour
Train
Etiquette
Ticket
Shoes
Computer
Business
Eating at a Japanese restaurant
Before entering, understand if non-smoking seats are available and credit cards can be used. When eating, do not pour soy sauce on white rice! When paying, no tip is required; just say "Gochiso Sama!"(34 words)
Shoken
Restaurant Etiquette Soy sauce
ABC Cooking Studio
ABC Cooking Studio is a place where people come to cook a variety of foods in a casual manner. There are 124 studios currently operating in Japan, and as a member, you will be allowed to take classes at any studio of your choice. The classes are done in a small group, ensuring you maximum suppo…(121 words)
EmiOnishi
Tokyo Etiquette Computer
No Tipping
There is no tipping practice in Japan, which is rooted in the concept of full dedication to the work assigned. The waiter at your table is expected and inspired to anyway do his/her best. Secondly there is a strong sense of collective responsibility towards the whole establishment with very little …(60 words)
Sanjeev Sinha
Here's a tip
Actually, here's not a tip. Japan is not a tipping society so you don't need to tip in restaurants, taxis, etc. In fact, my daughter actually had the waitress chasing them down the street once when she left a tip on the table. The waitress thought she had forgotten to take her money. Some highe…(219 words)
Joe Peters
Hotel Japanese inn
Tipping versus Service Charge
Tipping - not normally done, don't think you have to, although if you want to, it's fine. Service Charge - Often restaurants will include this in the bill (by way of tip). Now, if for example, the restaurant's service was sub-standard, you are within your rights to ask for this to removed.(52 words)
Steve
Restaurant
You really need an invite from the Stable.
Sumo stables are certainly an experience. One stable, which has now closed down, used to have chanko events around the time of the tournaments, where the wrestlers in the evening after fighting would serve chanko to the guests. In addition, it is permissible for men to view the training area. Women…(54 words)
Steve
Tokyo Sumo
Keep to the left when standing on the escalators
You're expected to keep to the left when you are standing on the escalators. And to the right when you are climbing.I say this because I am not good at it when I am in Osaka, where people do the opposite: to the right when standing, to the left when climbing. I end up finding myself standing on…(70 words)
ToshiA
Tokyo Etiquette Osaka
Japanese People Love Hand-Made Gifts in Japan
I have always appreciated the simple gift-giving culture in Japan. Some of my friends describe it as cumbersome since upon receiving something there is always some pressure to reciprocate. Yes, I agree, but at the same time, the reciprocal gift can take various forms and hand-made items that serve …(358 words)
Japan
love
Iwate
Japanese gift giving
Gifts in Japan
coffee gift
beer gift Japan
Holiday gifts Japan
Food
Beer
Suteki Jyoshi Kai, Tokyo's Women's Leaders Special Membership Club!
You are warmly invited to join our 2nd Regular Meeting of Suteki Jyoshi Kai, Tokyo's Women's Leaders Special Membership Club!Saturday, February 22th, 201, from 13:00 pm~17:00pm at Yotsuya Club 東京ガス 四谷クラブ(6-1, Aizumi-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo)Fee 3,000yen(member)/ 4,000yen (non-m…(193 words)
Eriko
Tokyo Visit Women leaders Suteki-jyoshi Shinjuku
The "hot spring resort" has its roots in ancient Japan.
The "hot spring resort" has its roots in ancient Japan.In areas with bountiful hot springs, people would come and stay up to 3 weeks to relieve pent up stress and pain from agricultural work and such.The flow of information was limited back then, so people who gathered from afar, as well as the…(88 words)
Eddie
Onsen Spring Tourism
Spring is Coming in Japan, Where to Find the Prettiest Cherry Blossoms
As I snuggle under my comforter, wallow in the warm rush of O-furo and deftly avoid cold rain drops as I walk to the station, it is hard to believe Japan will soon be alight with warmth and a blanket of pink. If you are a nature love like me, you will notice a difference in the hard brown of the Wi…(313 words)
Cherry blossom
Cherry Blossom Viewing Japan
Sping Travel Japan
Japan Travel Spring
How to Enjoy Hanami
Spring in Japan
March and April in Japan
Travel Japan Sakura
Enjoying Japanese Parks
Year Round Travel Japan
E-tegami (picture postcard)
Japan is a nation obsessed with seasonal activities of all sorts. After all, there are few other nations that I know that have national holidays for the Vernal (Spring) and Autumnal Equinox. This year (2014), the Vernal Equinox will fall on March 21, one day after the traditional date.But whi…(459 words)
mikekato
Spring Winter Holidays Flower Sumo Greeting painting Haiku Tulip
Don’t be fooled by appearances!
Fashion and appearances are of vital importance in Japan. So why do Japanese businessmen all look similar?To start with the conclusion, if I may, unfashion is a kind of fashion. Let me explain it with the Japanese angle. Like anywhere else, fashion in Japan is a statement of belonging to a com…(359 words)
Claire
Fashion Visit Business
The Musical Toilets of Japan
I have a friend who always used the euphemism, “going to the Toto,” whenever he was headed for the men’s room. He called it that because Toto is one of the most famous toilet and urinal makers in Japan. (Toto is the abbreviation of Tōyō Tōki which means oriental ceramics.)First time visitors to…(631 words)
Joe Peters
Toilet Washlet Toto
How long does it take to be accepted in a Japanese community?
Have you had the experience where you felt like you where not completely connected with a Japanese friend.I live near a port and every July the locals take their fishing boats out to Kanzanji park to watch fireworks from the sea.It's an experience that normally you wouldn't have.Lots of l…(293 words)
Yuuki I
Park Sea Live
I did it! I have found the proof of the existance of incivility in Japan!
Have you ever wondered how they do it to keep their cities and public space so spic and span clean? I do. Every day I walk the streets of the city, and I am amazed by its welcoming cleanliness. - There is no paper, not gums littering the streets. No nothing. They even do not have rubbish bins! …(387 words)
Claire
City Bicycle Train Etiquette
A Gentleman's Kimono Completes the Outfit in Japan
Simple and clean, small Kobachi dishes contain lightly grilled fish, healthy Hijiki seaweed and a few other bites to complement an ochoko cup of dry rice wine. In the photo, the gentleman is taking his first sip of Sake after what may have been a long, stressful day. He may have come home around 8 …(281 words)
men in kimono
Sake (Rice wine)
Yukata (Light kimono)
Sake Japan
Kimono Japan
Japanese inn yukata
banshaku evening drink
denim kimono Japan
Japanese futon
Japan Travel food
~ Picasso and Henry Moore ~ Inside and Out ~ Outside In ~
Turn left when you get off the train and with a little walking you'll see the Ticket Office. Different priced tickets for the members of your family, depending on how many days and years you have been wandering around this planet where sometimes you can get a sense of normality. You're not going to…(561 words)
Andrew Grimes
Train Park Shinjuku Building Ticket Museum Art Souvenir Nature English