Odawara Castle
Nobility, castles, vast open farm lands, Shōguns, and warring samurai mounted on horseback are what you would have seen if you were to travel to Edo, or Tokyo, back in the fifteenth century. If you have come to Japan to try and get a little glimpse or feel for that era in time, or if you just have…(336 words)
Alex
Castle Odawara History Tokaido Line donjon tenshu architecture Meiji
Japan's Sengakuji and the 47 Famous Samurai (Part 3)
A quick read-up on the story of the 47 Ronin who avenged their Lord will give the pertinent details on how the plan was executed and how the Ronin successfully found and exacted revenge on Kira Yoshinaka one snowy morning in Tokyo. He desperately begged for mercy from the Ako Clan members and was u…(1225 words)
Ronin
47 Ronin
Japan
Tokyo
Event
Etiquette
Kyoto
Tera (Temple)
Samurai
Sengakuji Temple
Kanda River Show
If you happen to be in the Tokyo area during the evening time, be sure to take a stroll down to the Kanda River for an exquisite show of nature. Bats which inhabit the banks of the river can be seen in the evening hours fleeing from their daybeds in the trees, and fluttering into the unknown night …(154 words)
Alex
River kanda bats Tokyo City Walk Nature Eat Flood Typhoon
Backpack Essentials for Better Sightseeing Throughout Japan
There are countless sights to see when you visit Japan, which means you'll probably want to fit as much as possible into your itinerary while you're here. Packing efficiently will help you cross as many off your list as possible.Based on my own experiences, these are the 10 essentials I would r…(625 words)
Petra
Tourism Transportation Packing health Subway Stay Camera Public Bath
2-Day Trip to Fujigoko (Five Lakes of Mt. Fuji) in winter 3/3
9:50 Departed from the hotel10:00 Visited ITCHIKU KUBOTA Art Museum10:39 Got on a local bus11:00 Arrived at Mt. Fuji Station. Shopping at Q-STA within the station building 11:30 Got on a local bus, Moved to Lake Yamanaka11:53 Arrived at Hotel Mt. FUJI 12:00 Lunch at Restaurant…(807 words)
ZEROIN -INTERNSHIP
Trip Winter day trip
English speaking doctors in Tokyo – Finding quality and bedside manner that meets your needs
Finding good English-speaking doctors in Tokyo is something that most of us require periodically, as we work and play in this vibrant and sometimes hectic city.There are some listings of doctors and hospitals available on the Internet and through embassies and other sources. However, what most …(161 words)
HealthyTokyo.com
Tokyo English Doctor health
A Lesson in Perspective at Yasukuni Shrine
Yasukuni Shrine was built in 1869 to commemorate the Japanese men who have died in war since 1853. To date, there are more than 2.4 million souls enshrined there. The large grounds feature the honden, or main shrine, a perfectly manicured shinchi teien, or sacred pond garden full of koi, and a larg…(246 words)
Petra
Jinjya (Shrine) History Museum Religion Garden lost
Koishikawa Korakuen Japanese Garden in Tokyo
Tokyo is huge, busy, and rebuilding itself nonstop, but some old Japanese gardens remain in the city. Koishikawa Korakuen is one of these spots where time has stopped and a little bit of old Japan has been preserved.This is a beautifully landscaped area with paths around a lake for a leisurely …(244 words)
David
Japanese plum Tokyo Japanese garden Garden Park Hanami (Cherry Blossom Viewing) Spring Walk
Yokohama Treasures: Nigiwaiza
Nigiwaiza opened in April 2002, and is Yokohama’s only vaudeville theater since most of them were destroyed eaither in the fires of the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923 or air raids during World War II in 1945.Conveniently located within walking distance of Sakuragicho Station, Nigiwaiza is argua…(320 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
Yokohama Yokohama Treasures Visit Drink English Museum Music Kanagawa Children Eat
Find your inner zen in Kanazawa
Kanazawa is one of these romantic treasures that have survived time. If you visit the Higashi Chaya district, you will find old tea houses and dream of geishas. Kenrokuen, a Unesco world heritage place, looks great and precisely the typical Japanese garden that you fancy. It is beautiful and it fee…(516 words)
Claire
City Visit Food Building Art Kyoto English History Museum Tea
35 Reasons to Love 100 Yen Shops
100 yen shops aren't just for starving students and single parents anymore. They, especially the bigger chains like Daiso, have become everyday institutions to the average consumer. Who doesn't love a 100 yen store? I certainly can't think of anyone. So, without further ado, here's a list of...…(336 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
100 yen shop Yen love Daiso 100 yen shop Shopping Food Stationery
Mt Fuji Views from Enoshima Island near Kamakura
Enoshima island is a fun destination for a day trip from Tokyo anytime of the year. You can see the island and its lighthouse from Kamakura further along the Shonan coast.The lighthouse is called the Sea Candle and must be one of the best viewpoints to admire iconic Fuji-san from this side. Fro…(213 words)
David
Enoshima Island Day trip from Tokyo Mount Fuji Lighthouse Walk Kamakura illumination Sea Train
Cherry blossoms along the Meguro River are about to bloom!
Meguro riverside is one of the famous places to enjoy cherry blossoms in Tokyo. Recommended for couples and families... well, all people all over the world! There are about 800 cherry trees along the river, and you can go there from Ikejiriohashi station, Nakameguro station, and Meguro station. …(172 words)
skymaho
Cherry blossom River Tokyo Walk Kimono Outdoor recreation Nakameguro
Artistic heaven under the rail tracks
Tokyo's tunnels-under-rail-tracks are worth exploration. Land is quite rare and expensive in Tokyo so it is put into good use. Any plot of land, how small it may be, is productive. This is also the case for the roads under rail tracks. You have km of land under JR rails but they are not alw…(502 words)
Claire
Tokyo Shopping Walk
Bathe in Paradise at Luxury Hotel Kaze no Kaori
Izu, in Shizuoka Prefecture, is a favourite go-to locale for both Japanese and tourists. Its seaside hotels, hot springs, and some of the freshest seafood in the country are well-known to many who come to treat themselves to a small piece of heaven.My favourite hotel to stay at when I visit is …(289 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
Hotel Luxury Izu Pennisula Visit Food Drink English Onsen Lunch Dinner
How to enjoy Matsuri in Shitamachi
May is the most comfortable month in Japan. Sun shines, flowers bloom and wind blows softly. However, in Shitamachi, May is the season of Matsuri, the summer festivals of Shrines.Usually, the main events including Miya-Mikoshi is on Sunday. In the early morning Mikoshi is started from a shrine …(241 words)
Keiko, OTT
Japanese festivals Tokyo Summer Food Asakusa Jinjya (Shrine) Ueno Yakitori yatai kanda
Town of Shibamata a blast from the past
Shibamata, Tokyo is a throwback to the Showa Era, enjoy the architecture and taste the rare traditional treats. Shibamata gained fame as the main setting for the movie series "Otoko wa Tsurai Yo" (It's Tough Being a Man). The lead character, Tora-san, embodies many traditional values, such as frien…(110 words)
Aron
Tokyo Traditional Showa Era Movie architecture Visit Tera (Temple) River
Fish market for lazy birds - part1
Early bird catches the worm.... and maybe fish, too...Since I'm not an early bird in the mornings, I always give up going to Tsukiji fish market and where the famous tuna auction is held ......super early in the morning.Also the tourist cannot just show up and see them anymore. You need …(308 words)
Zara
Fish Market Sashimi (Raw fish) Sushi Train Lunch Kawagoe Tokyo
Three things to complete your Kawagoe day trip
Visiting the religious place is sometimes hard.... especially that religion is not of yours and not easy to understand. And also for children.I visited too many temples and shrines in my life. So even I feel get confused of them unless I mean to visit there on purpose. However....these place…(337 words)
Zara
day trip Kawagoe Trip Tokyo Visit Food Shopping Tera (Temple) Jinjya (Shrine) Edo Period
Cool off on the Ice in Nagoya
Nagoya is great! It’s not too crowded, people are well connected, and has a good foreign community network. A volunteer group called the Walkathon, a group of foreigners started here in Nagoya with now holding events in Osaka and Tokyo area. Nagoya is famous for the Nagoya Castle, and the Nagoy…(406 words)
Yuuki I
Nagoya Tourist Tip Sumo Food
On Top of the World at Tokyo Skytree
There's really not a lot I can say about the Tokyo Skytree that hasn't already been said or written about. But as a long-term resident of Japan, I will admit that I was completely blown away by seeing this technical marvel first hand.Zipping up hundreds of meters in seconds is an incredible fee…(256 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
Tokyo Shopping Trip Ticket Japan view Camera Tokyo Skytree Coin Yen
Under the Sea at Tokyo Skytree
I wrote about my incredible time at the Tokyo Skytree in my last article:http://www.deepjapan.org/a/4072There are many other things you can do there besides going up. Going down underwater, in a matter of speaking, is one of them! The Sumida Aquarium, which is located just around the entr…(206 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
Tokyo Tokyo Skytree Aquarium Sea Visit Japan Children Fish Okinawa Churaumi
Basic Etiquette for Visiting Temples and Shrines
One of the best ways to experience the rich culture of Japan is to visit some of its countless temples (tera) and shrines (jinjya). Whether Buddhist or Shinto, these holy sites each have their own unique story and architectural details and are fascinating places to spend some time.Like any plac…(496 words)
Petra
Etiquette Tera (Temple) Jinjya (Shrine) Tokyo Visit History Japan Shoes Camera comfort
Quiet Retreat at the Seaside in Setouchi
Setonaikai is the Japanese Inland Sea and Setouchi City in Okayama Prefecture faces this beautiful part of the coast in West Japan. When you visit Hiroshima or Himeji Castle, extend your trip and spend some quiet time here.The part of Setouchi called Ushimado is an old seaside town that is the …(381 words)
David
Okayama Setouchi West Japan travel Sea Seafood old Japan
July Events in Asakusa and Ueno
Asagao means Morning Glory. Iriya Asagao Ichi is held at and around Iriya Kishimojin Temple. This event is held on 6, 7 and 8 July every year. This year, the street (Kototoi Dori) will be closed from 17:00 to 21:30 on these days. Time and Place:6, 7 and 8 July at Iriya Kishimojinone minut…(222 words)
Keiko, OTT
Asakusa Event Tera (Temple) Music Flower Ueno Traditional Market Summer
Beautiful Japanese Lighting at Meguro Gajoen
I went to Meguro Gajoen in Tokyo to see ”和のあかり x 百段階段展," Japanese Lighting x 100 step stairway exhibition in English, and it was really worthwhile! Meguro Gajoen was first built as first-class Japanese style restaurant and became first banquet and wedding ceremony hall in Japan, and now i…(234 words)
skymaho
Meguro Kimono Summer Tokyo
Shinjuku Gyoen a great place to relax
If your in the Shinjuku area and you need a break from the hustle and bustle of the big city then Shinjuku Gyoen might just be what the doctor ordered. This tranquil national garden has a mix of wide open spaces and traditional Japanese gardens. It's pretty big too, 144 acres according to the Minis…(165 words)
Aron
Shinjuku Garden Japanese garden Visit City Park English Walk Yen Doctor
Natsu Matsuri
I miss Japanese summer except for that humidity :) Song of crickets and cicadas, sound of wind-bell and baseball games on TV. Sit on tatami floor and have cold beer with edamame... I love them! You can't miss Omatsuri in summer, too! It is like a farmer's market with more activities. Please enj…(54 words)
Asiantiger
Summer Japanese festivals Japanese Summer Beer activities Baseball Market love Edamame (Green soybeans) Tatami
Quick and easy things to do in Yokohama #1
I've decided to do a series of posts of "quick and easy" things to do in the Yokohama area and will start with one of my favourites - Rinko Park （臨港パーク） in the Minato Mirai area.First, it's absolutely free. Second, despite being the largest park in the Minato Mirai district, it's hardly ev…(160 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
Yokohama Visit Quick and easy things to do Park Summer Sea view Autumn night view Scenery
September Events around Asakusa
Donburi Grand Prix will be held during this event. Eat and vote your favorite Donburi. In Japan, we have various Donburi, such as Gyudon (Beef rice bowl), Kaisendon (Seafood rice bowl) or Tendon (Tempura rice bowl). This year, 78 restaurants joined this event and compete to win the prize for best D…(131 words)
Keiko, OTT
Asakusa Ueno Japan Food Event Eat festival Autumn
Ready to Take a Three-Day Trip From Tokyo, Japan?
Are you going somewhere in Japan?Planning to adventure anywhere outside of Tokyo? If so, you need the low-down on how to master Shinkansen Bullet Train Travel!Well, here I would like to use my recent trip to Shizukuishi in Iwate, Prefecture as a perfect example of the process on how to fi…(1015 words)
Tokyo
Japan
Trip
English
Ticket
Sake (Rice wine)
Iwate
Shinkansen Bullet Train
Green Car JR Trains
Train
The world famous tuna auction that they're talking about
Every morning (except for Sundays/Holidays and some Wednesdays) the tuna auction is held throughout the year at Tsukiji, the largest fish market in the world. Tuna is a big red meat fish, the biggest can weight 400kg, almost as same as horses, probably the most popular sushi menu in the world, …(570 words)
Zara
Visit Sushi Fish Market Tsukiji
Quick and easy things to do in Yokohama #3
The Yokohama Foreign General Cemetery is one of the few "quiet famous" spots of the city. Located in the Yamate/Motomachi area, it is a place filled with history and beauty.In 1854, when Commodore Perry returned to Japan with a squadron of seven warships to negotiate opening up the country to i…(284 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
Yokohama Yokohama Treasures Quick and easy things to do Visit City Japan Summer History Spring Museum
Quick and easy things to do in Yokohama #4
The original Osanbashi Pier was constructed in 1894. It's name means "big pier". Reconstruction begain in 1989 to accommodate the changing operational needs of the cruise trade, and the renamed "Osanbashi Yokohama International Passenger Terminal" was completed in 2002.In addition to being a po…(198 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
Yokohama Yokohama Treasures Quick and easy things to do Visit Restaurant Beer Walk Cafe festival Tohoku
Only 35 minutes from Tokyo and 15 minutes from Hakone! - Experience historical Japan!
Odawara is easy to access from the heart of hakone-town (15 minutes from Hakoneyumoto station) and even from Tokyo station, you can get there in 35 minutes by taking Shinkansen Kodama. I highly recommend to stop by at Odawara and check out the castle when you visit Hakone- you will learn the rich h…(982 words)
ZEROIN -INTERNSHIP
Tokyo Japan Hakone Kanagawa
I visited Suwa Taisha
One of the pleasures of living in Japan is being able to enjoy the ancient and endless variety of cultural traditions of the local people. Where I live in central Nagano, near Lake Suwa, is no exception. It is the location of one of Japan’s oldest and most important Shinto shrines, Suwa Taisha (Gr…(324 words)
Phil
Jinjya (Shrine) Nagano festival Visit Lake holy site ancient traditions
Quick and easy things to do in Yokohama #7
Located just a few minutes' walk from JR Kannai Station lies a stretch of street 1.2 kilometers long bettter known to locals as Isezakicho Mall. It is a car-free zone loaded with various shops and stores.Before Motomachi and Yokohama Station became popular, Isezakicho was the only large shoppin…(277 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
Yokohama Isezakicho Quick and easy things to do Restaurant Shopping Walk Shop Bashamichi Kannai 100 yen shop
Quick and easy things to do in Yokohama #9
There's a lot to love about Yokohama. It's this diversity and variety that make Yokohama the great city that it is. One visit is never enough, for you can always find something new and different each time you walk its streets.In Hanasaki-cho, one of the few "old school" smaller districts that s…(393 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
Yokohama Quick and easy things to do Antiques Shopping Sundries
« The train came out of the long border tunnel ...
A short trip at Kusatsu Onsen.You may be on a business trip in Tokyo, with jet lag and many meetings weighting heavily on your shoulders and mind. You do have one day and a half though to discover something about Japan. Something you don’t know. This is not your first trip to Tokyo, you’ve been…(616 words)
Claire
Hot Spring Japan Relaxation Japan short trip
Awe-inspiring Views on the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route
When people think of Japan they often think of the cities, temples and maybe hot springs, but 70% of Japan is mountainous. And like anything else in Japan that is worth a visit, the mountains can be remarkably accessible. A short trip from Tokyo into the mountains and you can find skiing in the win…(723 words)
AndrewShuttleworth
Tokyo Japan Trip Autumn Color Mountain Nature Hiking Visit