1920's Japanese life style house
I visited a museum near where I live....retaining the old lifestyle from 1920s. http://www.showanokurashi.com/Even for me who was born and grew up in Japan, it was quite interesting....when I visited there, a volunteer interpreter who knows the people lived there, was willing to share his …(307 words)
Zara
style Japanese Tokyo Building Japan Summer Museum Dinner Traditional DiningThe interesting relationship between Japanese culture and sweet, delicious strawberries
Strawberries are one of the many fruits produced all over the world. Strawberries are also produced in Japan, and Japanese strawberries tend to be very sweet and it is possible to eat them raw. One small bite of these strawberries will lead to an expansion of sweetness in your mouth.Generally s…(324 words)
DeepJapan Editor
Japanese Japanese Culture Culture Japan Spring Nature Eat Christmas FruitsYakimono: Japanese Pottery and Porcelain
Japanese pottery and porcelain, often referred to as 'Yakimono', is as beautiful as it is useful. It's also one of the world's oldest art forms dating back to the Neolithic period."Yakimono means fired thing. It's an important term that encompasses the entire ceramic culture of Japan," states t…(254 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
Gallery Pottery Yakimono Kyoto Art Japanese pottery and porcelain PorcelainLove Stones at Jishu Shrine in Kyoto
Jishu Shrine is located near (or I would say within) Kyoto's Kiyomizu Temple. Dedicated to the deity of love and matchmaking, the love shrine is always crowded with many couples and especially young girls praying for luck in love. There are two love stones in front of the shrine, placed 18m apa…(223 words)
EmiOnishi
Kyoto Jinjya (Shrine) Tera (Temple) Park Visit Amusement parkAzalea: Tsutsuji - Spring Flowers in Japan
Sakura is famous in the spring, but after the cherry blossom time in Japan another flower takes over. In April azaleas colour Tokyo with their bright flowers.When I read Chiara's post "Local Secret: YaNeSen" here I realised that she was describing places that I had just visited. "The stroll fro…(195 words)
David
Spring Flower Park Garden Jinjya (Shrine) April Tokyo Nezu Walk MayHanami at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo
The Japanese garden at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo is one of the best places to see all kinds of Japanese flowers throughout the year. Of course, it is also an excellent place to see sakura - cherry blossoms.The first picture is from the Ninomaru Japanese garden. You can always visit this beau…(308 words)
David
Hanami (Cherry Blossom Viewing) Imperial Palace Cherry blossom Walk Japan SpringBeautiful Kyoto
Beautiful Kyoto“Kyoto is a beautiful city where you discover small temples and shrines around the corner. One step inside and you are in another world, free from the noise of the city, stressless, peaceful. All it takes is a walk along Kamo River, and some curiosity to look around the corners…”…(358 words)
DeepJapan
Kyoto Japan Travel Market Tera (Temple) Japanese garden MatomeHadaka Matsuri, a.k.a "The Naked Man Festival"
On the third Saturday night in February, the annual Hadaka Matsuri is held at the Saidaiji Kannon-in temple in Okayama Prefecture. This year's festival will be held on February 21st, 2015.Originating in 1510, this historic festival is also one of Japan's largest Naked Man festivals. In fact, na…(349 words)
Andrea Miyata
Tera (Temple) Okayama Event festival Japanese festivals Train City Walk Lucky runningDockyard Garden A stone-built dock constructed at the same time as the Port of Yokohama
Yokohama Landmark Tower came into existence as the new symbol of Yokohama. At the foot of the tower is the Dockyard Garden. This is a reconstruction of the “No. 2 Dock of the Former Yokohama Dock Company”, the oldest stone-built commercial dock in Japan, and has been recognized as a nationally desi…(768 words)
Kanagawa P.G.T.D.
Yokohama Japan Garden Visit City Park Building History Music SeaHokuriku Shinkansen - Gran Class is fabulous even for Japanese!
Gran Class is only on Tohoku Shinkansen and Hokuriku Shinkansen. Each train has only 18 seats of Gran Class.Let me put it this way.Normal Reserved Seat - Coach ClassGreen Car - Business ClassGran Class - First ClassAs mentioned, there are only limited number of seats of this class on…(239 words)
KIH
Shinkansen Bullet Train Train Kyoto Ticket Eat Traditional Urushi Lacquer WareThe secret behind the deliciousness of Sano Ramen is in the water
Ramen is one of the most popular dishes in Japan. There are various types of ramen. Some have soy sauce as the main ingredient of the broth. Others have miso as the main ingredient. The thickness and thinness of the noodles are different with each ramen. Ramen is loved all of the Japan. Recently, r…(265 words)
DeepJapan Editor
Ramen noodles Tokyo Japan Nature Eat Soy sauce MisoSpectacles of Saitama: 4 Spots to Feel Saitama's Culture and Nature
Located directly northwest of Tokyo, Saitama is often confused with simply being a part of Tokyo, but it’s a city of its own, offering all sorts of exciting locations, attractions and activities. Today we’d love to share a few of those places with you! First, we’ll take you downtown to the largest …(936 words)
DeepJapan Editor
Nature Saitama Culture Tokyo Japan Visit City Food English HistoryKameido Tenjin's birds for good fortune
Kameido Tenjin Shrine (亀戸天神社) is known as a shrine for people who wish for success in their studies, like passing exams. On January 24 and 25, the shrine has a special event, the usokae-shinji (鷽替神事). Similar festivals are held at a few shrines in Japan, in Tokyo also at Yushima Tenjin, Ja…(241 words)
David
Kameido Jinjya (Shrine) good luck Event Japanese festivals January Omamori TokyoJR Kyoto Station - Futuristic architecture masterpiece
If you only pass through the platforms of Kyoto Station, you miss out to explore this impressive building, the third largest train station in Japan (Ref: 1st: Tokyo, 2nd: Umeda). The whole building was constructed on the 1200th anniversary of the capital's foundation in Kyoto.If you come by tra…(267 words)
EmiOnishi
Kyoto architecture Train station Train Building Department store view InternetFierce Protectors of Temples - Nio Statues 仁王
When I come to a temple in Japan, I always stop to take a look at the Nio statues standing guard at the gates. Nio 仁王 means Benevolent Kings. These are fierce-looking protectors, looking like demons or warrior-gods. Sometimes they are life-size and sometimes they are impossibly tall and stron…(193 words)
David
Tera (Temple) Senso-ji Temple Art Asakusa StatueHorseback riding on the beach
Summer is around the corner and the temperature is rising day by day.Time for us to plan our summer vacation. (maybe already done?)Japan is a mountain country surrounded by sea...so we can reach both mountains and beaches easily. Either way is good to escape the summer heat.This time I ch…(298 words)
Zara
horseback riding Beaches Chiba Outdoor recreation Tokyo Sea Train Summer KidsWhere History Meets Art in One Tokyo Landmark
There's no shortage of art galleries in Japan, but in upscale old-school Ginza, there's one that goes back, waaaaaaaaay back.The Okuno Building, built in 1932, was originally constructed to serve as a luxury apartment complex. It has miraculously survived the bombings of World War II, as well a…(449 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
Tokyo Building Ginza Gallery Visit City Shopping Art Beer JapanHarmony with Nature at Yokohama's Acclaimed Zoo
Zoorasia is one of Japan's newest, largest and best maintained zoos. Zoorasia was established in 1999, and has since been operating under the themes of "Symbiosis of Life" and "Harmony with Nature". The animals, which number some 400 animals and 68 different species, are generally kept in spacious …(261 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
Yokohama Zoo Visit Tokyo Japan City Restaurant Park Summer MuseumOmikuji - Take Only Good Luck With You
Omikuji - おみくじ - are fortune papers from temples and shrines that offer advice for your health, career, and good luck in general. There are positive ones - marked kichi 吉 - and negative ones - marked kyou 凶. The most positive one is the daikichi 大吉, the big fortune.You can find omikuji …(310 words)
David
good luck Jinjya (Shrine) Tera (Temple) Omikuji Senso-ji Temple Kameido AsakusaMitarai - Hiroshima's Best Kept Secret
Connected by a set of scenic bridges to the mainland, the historic island town of Mitarai sits on the eastern outcrop of Osaki Shimojima Island in the Seto Inland Sea. The island is home to the much-coveted Ocho Mikan - a popular brand of orange only produced on this island. The island's loudsp…(340 words)
Tom Miyagawa
Hiroshima Japan Autumn Edo Period Travel Tourism West Japan travel SetouchiHidden gems in Hiroshima and Okayama Prefectures
Ushimado seaside town, Setouchi City, Okayama“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 call…(513 words)
DeepJapan
Hiroshima Okayama West Japan travel History Sea day trip Nature MatomeMt. Fuji shows its superb view around Lake Kawaguchiko.
Mount Fuji was designated as an UNESCO's World Cultural Heritage Site in 2013.Mt. Fuji has been popular destination among overseas tourists. But many of Mt. Fuji tours offered to them are actually Hakone tours to view Mt. Fuji from Lake Ashi which is located at 30km south west of the mountain. …(841 words)
Hagi
Mount Fuji Lake Kawaguchiko Lake Nature Park Yamanashi Japan Onsen ropeway VisitAmazing Kyoto- Sanjusangendo Hall
Sanjusengendo hall is the MUST visit spot in Kyoto among many sightseeing destinations.A large, wooden statue of a 1000-armed Kannon (Senju Kannon) sits in the center of the main hall and there are 500 statues of human sized 1000-armed Kannon standing in ten rows on each side. To walk through t…(166 words)
EmiOnishi
Kyoto Visit Tera (Temple) Bus Walk Statue GuideExplore a back street of Shibuya, and you’ll find secret restaurants.
If you want to visit Shibuya and find a secret place where few tourists are seen and only locals are around, I'd like to recommend the Hyakkendana area in Shibuya’s Dogenzaka town. Hyakkendana means “100 stores” and this used to be the busiest area in Shibuya more than a half century ago. Actually …(512 words)
Hagi
Shibuya Mount Fuji Yamanashi Tokyo Restaurant Drink Sushi Food WineCraze for Friendly and Cute Rabbits
T he rabbit is a popular animal in Japan. Many rabbits show up in Japanese fairy tales and children’s stories. Wild rabbits can’t be seen in the center of large cities, but most pet shops have rabbits. In order to get closer to them, some people go to rabbit cafes or visit an island that is home to…(497 words)
HiraganaTimes
rabbit Cafe Kawaii Tokyo Restaurant Asakusa ShibuyaLet a Lion Bite Your Head (for Good Luck)
If you could use a little more good luck, let a lion help you. Lions protect many shrines and temples in Japan. The dance of the lion dispels evil and calls in good luck. For an extra dose of good luck put your head in the lion's mouth and let it bite you.This is the lion dance, shishi-mai, at Kame…(250 words)
David
good luck Lion Jinjya (Shrine) Japanese festivals yushima dance Kameido TokyoSakura in Asakusa
Denbouin Garden will be opened to public from mid-March through early May. This Japanese garden is usually closed. The best time will be late March or early April when Sakura blooms. (The photos in this page are taken in late March or early April last year).entrance fee: 300 yentime: 10:00 - …(123 words)
Keiko, OTT
Asakusa Cherry blossom Hanami (Cherry Blossom Viewing) Garden Japanese garden Mochi (Rice cake) Park River Shop WalkQuick and easy things to do in Yokohama #2
In 1858, Yokohama became the first Japanese port to open its doors to international trade. In time, it became the industrial bosom of Japan. Then, in the 1960s, the city decided to transform itself - yet again - from an industrial center to an international hub to rival Tokyo. The Yokohama Landmark…(287 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
Yokohama Treasures Yokohama Quick and easy things to do Landmark Tower City Japan Park Hotel EnglishHatsune Miku Wing Shop in Haneda Airport
Open til end of March, the virtual diva Hatsune Miku has not one, but two shops dedicated to her merchandise at the Haneda International Airport! There is one Wing Shop in the domestic flights terminal as well as one in the international terminal. So Hatsune Miku fans traveling from/to Japan as…(137 words)
Alex Kobayashi /Subtokyo
Airport Haneda Airport Tokyo Music Visit Subtokyo Hatsune Miku VocaloidOne of the Most Ancient and Interesting Bridges in Japan
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IeL_cyyKVeMThis is a place steeped in history, pulsing with riveting stories of banished Samurai, castles and the Iwakuni Han. Home to Japan’s naval air force and the US Marines, Iwakuni is where the US and Japan work together to try and keep this part of the wor…(599 words)
River Yamaguchi Japan Building Art History view Beauty Mountain SamuraiEnjoy the Yokohama Market, heaven for fish lovers, in a more delicious way
When we think of the Marine Products Division of the Yokohama Market, we imagine the intermediate wholesalers, true professionals in the world of fish, all lined up, with other professionals in the world of fish—the fish mongers and the sushi shop owners—coming to purchase their wares. Normally we …(1809 words)
Kanagawa P.G.T.D.
Yokohama Fish Market Visit Restaurant Food Summer Japan Shopping EventSamurai Spirit in Fukushima
I always wanted to explore Fukushima so I headed north from Tokyo station for a short ride on the Tohoku Shinkansen Toward Koriyama station. It's only about an hour and half. and is a great way to enjoy a half day trip for a little history and an overnight stay at a nice onsen without exhausting yo…(608 words)
DeepJapan
Samurai Fukushima Japan Visit City Food Trip History Japanese MatomeHome of the Emperor of Japan, Ornate Edo Castle
I think the best way to access this area is from Yurakucho station. It is an open area that used to be the Edo Castle. It is now home to the Emperor but you can see the remains of the buildings, the moat is huge and if you are really lucky you might actually witness a dignitary visiting the Emperor…(90 words)
Castle Japan Emperor Tokyo Lucky Horse usedSakura in Jijyugaoka and Tokyo Institute of Technology
The “hanami” experience is highly recommended for those visiting Japan around this time. My family visits Jiyugaoka every year for Hanami. We went there last weekend and it was pretty as always! I would recommend to get off at Midorigaoka Station (Oimachi line) and walk along the sidewalk to Jiyuga…(257 words)
EmiOnishi
Tokyo Cherry blossom Cherry Hanami (Cherry Blossom Viewing) Sweets To-ji Temple Japanese camelliaThe 33rd Asakusa Samba Carnival
Asakusa Samba Carnival was started in 1981 to remind that Asakusa is an entertainment district. Today was the 33rd event. Usually the last Saturday of August is the day. The parade starts from Umamichi Street near Nitenmon Gate and ends at the intersection of Kaminarimon Street and Kokusai Street. …(202 words)
Keiko, OTT
dance Asakusa festival SummerChigasaki Beach for your Japan Travel
Have you ever been to a city call “Chigasaki”? It is located central Kanagawa Prefecture between Fujisawa and Hiratsuka city with population of little over 236,000 people and a population density of 6,610 person per square kilometer.I had an opportunity to visit the Chigasaki city taking JR Tok…(301 words)
AustinA
Japan Travel Travel Tokyo City Yokohama Visit Drink Kamakura Kanagawa ChigasakiChrysanthemum Exhibitions - Enjoy Japanese Flowers in Autumn
Chrysanthemums are an important flower in Japan. They are at their best in the autumn and are celebrated with an exhibition in Tokyo's Shinjuku Park every year in the beginning of November.You can see the flowers also displayed at some shrines and temples. I have seen them in Tokyo at Senso-ji …(267 words)
David
Autumn Chrysanthemum Flower Tera (Temple) Senso-ji Temple Garden Meiji Shrine Shinjuku ParkWear a kimono and transform into a person from Japan’s Edo period
The Edo period is a familiar historical time period for those who are interested in Japanese history. The Edo period began in the year 1603 and came to an end in the year 1868. The samurai and ninja were prevalent and flourished in Japan during this time period. Tokugawa Ieyasu formed the shogu…(318 words)
DeepJapan Editor
Japan Kimono Edo Period Tokyo History Japanese Walk style Traditional SamuraiUkiyo-e (woodblock print) in Asakusa
Sakai Kokodo is one of the oldest stores specialized in UKIYOE established in 1870. You can buy a replica of Katushika Hokusai or Utagawa Hiroshige. Located on the Nakamise Street.Mokuhankan is a newly opened shop, where you can buy beautiful woodblock prints and can experience how to make these.…(147 words)
Keiko, OTT
Asakusa Ukiyoe Museum Shop workshop Art Art museumMaizuru - The Dancing Crane
Along with Kure, Sasebo and Yokosuka, Maizuru is one of the four most important port towns in Japan, located in the northern part of Kyoto prefecture, which is about an hour and a half train ride from JR Kyoto station. Its name consists of two kanji 舞鶴, which literally translated mean “Dancing Cr…(1000 words)
DeepJapan Editor
History Japan Visit Train City Park English Japanese Kyoto