Cosplay in Harajuku
Head to Harajuku on a weekend to catch the young and trendy Tokyo crowd! Takeshita dori, the place to find the up-and-coming fashion trends of tomorrow, will be crowded, but a walk is well worth you time.I read an interesting story in Japan Today yesterday about how to deal with your partner be…(215 words)
Emelie Fågelstedt
Harajuku Cosplay Tokyo Fashion Manga Anime Play view Pop culture
A Really Close Shave...
I've been shaving my head for the past 15 years. It is a chore, but I've gotten used to it. It sometimes grows a bit, during camps and sometimes during long holidays like Golden Week. But basically, I'm a skinhead. I love the feeling of cold water splashing on top during the summer months. It hooke…(893 words)
mikekato
Beauty Ginza Barber Hair
The Largest Whirlpools in the world – Naruto Whirlpools
The Naruto whirlpools (鳴門の渦潮 Naruto no Uzushio) are tidal whirlpools in the Naruto Strait, which is one of the largest in the world. I have visited the Naruto Strait many times and it’s been always very exciting experience. I would recommend this unique site as a must see for visitors. The spe…(214 words)
OKAKI-sun
City Japan Spring Sea view Osaka Shikoku Kobe Tokushima
Geisha Makeover in Asakusa, Tokyo
You might know about Geisha, who is a female entertainer, trained in the traditional arts, singing and dancing, and serves as a party companion and hostess. Maiko is an apprentice of Geisha. In Asakusa, you can be a Geisha and Maiko and have photos taken.There are some places you can experience …(384 words)
skymaho
Tokyo Asakusa geisha Kimono Kimono experience Samurai
Must-Visit Yokohama Parks
Sankeien GardenCovering over 18,000 square miles, this garden is famous for its plum and cherry blossoms, azaleas, and autumn leaves.http://www.sankeien.or.jp/Honmoku Sancho ParkOne of the most underrated parks in Yokohama, Honmoku Sancho Park is a favourite for joggers and walkers. Some …(128 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
Yokohama Visit Park Garden Honmoku Yamashita Park Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse
Exploring the Geopark at Uradome Coast in Tottori
The Uradome Coast in Tottori Prefecture is one of the Geosites that is part of the UNESCO recognized San'in Kaigan Global Geopark, home to a diversity of geological sites related to when Japan was originally part of the Asian continent and the formation of the Sea of Japan. The geopark includes gra…(943 words)
DeepJapan Editor
Tottori Japan Visit Food History Japanese Sea view
Visit the "Castles" of Past Daimyo, Feudal Lords in Japan
If you are interested in learning about the Edo Period, I recommend visiting one of the many daimyo yashiki (feudal lord mansions) that can still be found in many parts of Tokyo. During the Edo Period, every feudal lord was forced by the Tokugawa Shogunate (the central government) to build and main…(221 words)
GenS
daimyo yashiki Visit Japan Tokyo River Etiquette Trip History architecture
Tokyo Midtown is A Great Place to Hangout in Japan
Since the trains start so early and there is an Oedo line exit for Roppongi station under the Midtown shopping area, this place is buzzing and fun from about 7:30 a.m. If you get there too early, you can rest right outside in the park right next store. There is a lovely little stream there, open ya…(227 words)
Tokyo
Shopping
Park
Roppongi
Tea
Art
Coffee
Yozakura - cherry blossoms at night
Sakura （桜） is Japanese for cherry blossom. Yozakura （夜桜） is written with the characters for night and sakura and means viewing cherry blossoms at night. Sakura looks beautiful in the evening with the right lighting. Try both, a cherry blossom picnic during the day and an evening visit to fully e…(335 words)
David
Cherry blossom Hanami (Cherry Blossom Viewing) Tokyo Imperial Palace Asakusa Nakameguro Sumida river Spring Evening Tokyo Tower
“Renoir” Ginza, The Most Luxurious Coffee Shop in Japan
I remember walking into my first “Ginza Renoir” coffee shop (Kissaten in Japanese) in 1988 and wondering what the heck was going on!First of all, I must admit I am a huge fan of “oshare” which is usually translated as “dressing up” or “dandy-ness”. I have a different view of the word “Oshare”, ho…(846 words)
Ginza
Coffee
Coffee shop
Drink
Etiquette
Shop
Mayonnaise
Business
Shomyoji Temple, A Beautiful Place in Yokohama Japan
I am going to introduce you to a temple call Shomyoji Temple, which is located in Kanazawa Bunko, Yokohama. Kanazawa Bunko is located approximately 20 minutes south of Yokohama JR station. To get to Kanazawa Bunko, you must get on a red train call Keikyu line from Yokohama or Tokyo cities and get o…(594 words)
AustinA
Yokohama Tera (Temple) Tokyo Train Park Visit History Train station English Kamakura
Analogue Photography Darkroom and Photo Gallery in Yokohama
The Dark Room International was created in 1999 to be Japan's first public rental darkroom. It is located in Yokohama's famous Noge district, an old-school area near JR's Sakuragicho Station.The brainchild of Hisao Saito, a professional commercial photographer who is well-known in Yokohama for …(197 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
Yokohama Gallery Photography Visit Japan City Art Event Flower Exhibition
Miroku-no-sato: Hiroshima's Futuristic Budda Village Amusement Park
If you are living or visiting the Hiroshima area with your family, or have an interest in old-style Japanese amusement parks, head over to Fukuyama city and Hiroshima's only amusement park, Miroku-no-sato. The name can be translated as "Futuristic Buddha’s Village" which seems like a rather unusual…(968 words)
jjwalsh
Family-fun Amusement park Hiroshima Train Visit Japan City Food Summer English
Quick and easy things to do in Yokohama #13
Honmoku Sancho Park is a massive oasis of flora and quiet located in western Naka-ku. Comprised of several connecting hilltops with a plethora of trees and grassy lawns, the park explodes with colour in the spring. It's a perfect place, if not one of the best, to enjoy the sights and sounds of Hana…(407 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
Yokohama Quick and easy things to do Hanami (Cherry Blossom Viewing) Park Spring Cherry blossom Cherry Party Sounds Honmoku
Your next trip in Japan: Shimane prefecture, authentic, unknown and unforgettable
Tired of seeing the Japan of Google images? Feeling like you're not witnessing the core unfiltered culture of the country? Here's your next stop: Shimane prefecture. No app filters needed.That's what I kept on thinking during this whole trip organised by TCVB (Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bu…(803 words)
Sam
Shimane Trip Traditional Travel Japanese Culture Japanese Japan Visit English Tokyo
What is the samurai spirit? :Samurai Spirit Tourism in Fukushima Prefecture
My quest was simple, escape the incessant noise and constant attention grabbing craziness that is life in the modern world and especially Tokyo. Don’t get me wrong I love living in Tokyo. It has been my home for 17 years but every once in awhile I need to retreat and gain a fresh perspective. When …(1118 words)
DeepJapan Editor
Japan Tokyo Samurai love Fukushima
Cherry blossom viewing in Tokyo
Where does the cherry-viewing buzz come from?“Cherry blossom period is starting in Japan. It is the time when Japanese people are enjoying watching flowers blooming everywhere... But where does this habit come from exactly? Why do the Japanese enjoy watching sakura so much? I think that the see…(528 words)
DeepJapan
Tokyo Cherry blossom Hanami (Cherry Blossom Viewing) Park Spring Flower Matome
Senso-ji Temple's Secret Japanese Garden in Asakusa
Senso-ji in Asakusa Tokyo is famous for its tall pagoda, red gates, and huge lanterns, but the temple also has a fantastic Japanese garden. It lies hidden, closed to the public together with Dembou-in, the residency of the temple's head priest. In the spring, the garden is open to visitors. M…(291 words)
David
Japanese garden Asakusa Senso-ji Temple Garden Cherry blossom Spring Hanami (Cherry Blossom Viewing)
Top 10 things to do in Okayama Prefecture: Summer
If you're visiting western Japan in the summer, you should try some of these specialties of Okayama prefecture. Here are my top 10 things to do / try in Okayama (Summer version), in no particular order:1. Enjoy a lazy afternoon on a golden sand beach. There are loads of beaches in the sout…(885 words)
Andrea Miyata
Summer Okayama Visit Park City Trip Art
2-Day Trip to Fujigoko (Five Lakes of Mt. Fuji) in winter 1/3
What do you think about visiting Mt. Fuji in winter and enjoy snow and Japanese high quality Omotenashi? Most people climb or visit Mt. Fuji during either spring or summer time. Unless you really love mountain climbing, many of you might want to have something extra besides Mt. Fuji viewing. For th…(1090 words)
ZEROIN -INTERNSHIP
Trip Winter day trip Visit Summer Spring view Mountain Stay Snow
Yokohama Hanami Hotspots
It's that time of year again, when we look forward to warmer weather and the rebirth of spring. In Japan, that also means the brief return of "sakura" (cherry blossoms) and "hanami" (flower viewing). All across the country, cherry trees will explode in whites and light-and-dark pinks, inviting peop…(227 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
Yokohama Hanami (Cherry Blossom Viewing) City Visit Park Spring Cherry blossom Sport Flower Beauty
Tokyo walks: Kuramae
Come to Kuramae if you like craftsmanship and things that are made well, things made by hand. And come if you like quality coffee, tea, and chocolate. This is a small neighborhood. It is residential, but sprinkled with small stores, ateliers, and a surprising number of good cafes. Kuramae i…(264 words)
David
Kuramae local secret Shopping Taito craftmanship Coffee chocolate handmade Tokyo
Saitama, Short Trip to North of Tokyo
Kawagoe City, SaitamaLittle Kawagoe, a short one-hour train ride away from Shinjuku Station on the Seibu Line, is a wonderful spot to get away from the big city and feast your eyes on buildings from the Edo and Meiji era. The main street is lined on both sides by gorgeous old wooden merchant ho…(475 words)
DeepJapan
Saitama Kawagoe Matome Museum Train craftmanship Airplane Jinjya (Shrine) Tera (Temple)
Kumamoto Castle
Kumamoto Castle is located in Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture. The castle was built originally in 1467.I have visited many castles in Japan and this is my favorite. The curved stone walls are known as musha-gaeshi, which were built with wooden overhangs. These were purpose built to fortif…(109 words)
Kevin
Castle Kumamoto Kumamoto Castle City Children Himeji Castle Matsumoto Castle
Temomin will Ease Tense Muscles
The Japanese term “temomi” comes from “te means hand” and “momi (or momu) means Massage”, thus it means hand massage. I found such a place right next to JR Kanda Station (one station north of Tokyo station). Their office is about 30 seconds from the JR Kanda South Exit and when you exit the stati…(424 words)
AustinA
Massage Japan massage Japan Travel Kanda station massage Inexpensive massage Relaxation Japan Massage Tokyo
How To Make the Strongest Wish: Shimanrokusennichi and Hozuki Flower Market at Senso-ji
Shimanrokusennichi at Senso-ji temple in Tokyo Asakusa is your chance to make the strongest wish possible.It might be Friday the 13th and a full moon as I am writing this, but an extremely auspicious day is coming up in a few weeks. July 10 is Shimanrokusennichi 四万六千日 at Senso-ji temple in…(236 words)
David
Asakusa Senso-ji Temple Japanese festivals Flower Market Tera (Temple) good luck July
Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto and Local Inari Shrines
The famous Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine in Kyoto really is a fantastic place to visit. There are the colorful main buildings to see and even more impressive is the walk through the shrine's land. In the case of Fushimi Inari, this means taking a long walk up and around the hill that belongs to the s…(316 words)
David
Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine Kyoto Jinjya (Shrine) Asakusa Walk
Be a princess during the feudal era in Authentic Japanese Kimono
The kimono is famous worldwide as a national costume in Japan and many tourists who visit Japan would like to try on a kimono or purchase one. However, a genuine kimono is very expensive. Besides, the maintenance is difficult and the dressing skill is needed. Kimono Photo Studio WA offers a por…(187 words)
skymaho
Kimono Tokyo Kimono experience Visit Japan Photography Tea Visit style
Tokyo Tower Monkeys (Sarumawashi)
With it being the 55th anniversary of the Tokyo Tower, I thought it would be suiting to write about the free monkey show that takes place in front. These shows are not put on directly by Tokyo Tower, but permitted to entertain there. I have myself gone back multiple times now to check out this ente…(405 words)
Alex
Sarumawashi Tokyo Tower Monkey Tokyo Park Children Movie Entertainment Live festival
An Eye-con of Shinjuku
Subaru is a fairly well known brand globally, particularly for those who are familiar with off-road racing. It's definitely not as much a household brand name as Toyota or Honda, or even companies known for their motorcycles like Kawasaki and Suzuki. But Subaru is indeed a hugely popular automobile…(225 words)
mikekato
Shinjuku Tokyo Subaru Building Beauty Toyota Kawasaki
Today I am in Tomakomai, Hokkaido Japan
I flew into Chitose Airport in Hokkaido and was awed by the expanse of Fall color I witnessed below. Tomakomai city (population about 170,000) is a coastal town featuring beautiful golf courses, ice hockey rinks, no-nonsense buildings and lots of great food!Being here reminds me a bit of w…(297 words)
Japan
Hokkaido
Visit
Tomakomai City
Ainu Culture
Dances with Demons
One doesn't have to look far to see how pervasive dance is in Japan. Nearly every pop group has an intricate dance routine to accompany their performances. There are studios which teach everything from belly dance to hula to salsa, and festivals, particularly in summer, feature popular folk dances …(525 words)
GoodPeople
Japan History Kyoto Music dance tradition Iwate Tokyo City
Experience the Edo Period at the Edo-Tokyo Museum
The Edo-Tokyo Museum was established in 1993, and remains one of Tokyo's most interesting musems, featuring the history of Tokyo during the Edo periodAmong its main permanent exhibition features are a life-size replica of the Nihonbashi, which was the bridge leading into Edo; the Nakamuraza the…(178 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
Tokyo Edo Period Museum Sumo
Japan travel destinations outside the big cities
Okayama - Kurashiki"This area is well known throughout Japan for having refurbished original 'kura' warehouses in the old merchant district of the city. The district was not destroyed by bombing during World War II, and is one of the few places in Western Japan where you can enjoy Japanese cult…(421 words)
DeepJapan
Japan Travel Hiroshima Shimane Kagoshima Hakone Matsuyama Castle (Iyo) Kurashiki Onomichi Matome
The legacy of the Samurai is alive and well in Fukushima
One of the most renowned samurai regions, Fukushima has captivating history and culture to share with visitors. With full days of castles, training grounds, arts, lodging, food and drinks, the fun and educational trip to Shirakawa, Aizu, and Nihonmatsu gave us all a clear picture of what it meant…(1012 words)
DeepJapan Editor
History Fukushima Culture Japan Food Park Trip Tokyo Train
Kusatsu Onsen – one of Japan’s best hot spring resorts
Visiting an onsen (hot spring) is an authentic Japanese experience“Going to hot springs in Japan is high on the list of great things to do and is a fantastic way to calm the nerves and get refreshed. Few things are as an authentic Japanese experience as going to a Japanese hot spring and enjoyi…(480 words)
DeepJapan
Onsen Kusatsu Onsen Japanese style travel Japanese inn spa Nature Relax Gunma Matome
Narita and other Chiba destinations for a day trip
Take Narita's Omotesando street to Naritasan Shinshoji Temple"On the way to the temple from the train station, you will never feel bored, as the main street to the temple, called "Omotesando", is the main attraction of visiting the temple. Traditional style wooden buildings stand along the stre…(561 words)
DeepJapan
Chiba day trip Day trip from Tokyo Tera (Temple) Sake (Rice wine) Hiking view Train Matome
Himeji Castle in Hyogo Prefecture
Often said to be Japan's best example of a complete fortress castle, Himeji Castle is a picturesque beauty, sitting atop a hill in Hyogo Prefecture. It is often referred to as either a white egret or heron, referring to its white exterior and elegant shape, much like a great bird in flight.Som…(280 words)
mikekato
Castle Hyogo Himeji Castle Building Bus Beauty World Heritage Site Mie
UNKAI Sea of Clouds in Hokkaido
Unkai Terrace is located in the resort town of Tomamu in Hokkaido Japan, about a 2.5 hour drive from Sapporo. The word "Unkai" in Japanese means "sea of clouds" and the natural phenomena only occurs occasionally, typically on summer mornings. Resort Tomamu located in Shimukappu village has the unka…(313 words)
EmiOnishi
Sea Hokkaido Hotel Summer Visit Event Coffee Nature Mountain view
Japanese Perfection in Flower Gift Design
Japanese Perfection in Flower Gift DesignPutting the “Wow” into flower design.Every time I wonder what to send someone for a birthday, office move or wedding, I think FLOWERs!! Okay, no one would say “No” to a flower gift right? How about a super cool, Japanese-style flower arrangement?…(432 words)
K-FLORIST design
Flower design Hotel Etiquette Beauty Japanese inn May Communication Businessman style