In Basho's Footsteps
In May 1689 the great Haiku poet Matsuo Basho sold his house and began travelling north through Japan. His written impressions of the journey, over 1200 miles later, became The Narrow Road to the Deep North, a compilation of travel sketches in prose and verse which is a famous reminder of Basho’s o…(379 words)
InBasho'sFootsteps
Basho Tokyo Art Jinjya (Shrine) Nature Camping view Walk Haiku Outdoor recreation
Nezu Museum
The Nezu Museum (which is near Aoyama, not Nezu) art collection is mainly Asian artifacts, displayed in a few small galleries. While certainly pretty, they are no match for the extraordinary gardens. The Japanese gardens are filled with momiji, bright green in the spring and summer, and shoc…(125 words)
Chiara
Museum Tokyo Art Japanese garden
Design Festa
Twice a year, since the early-90s, Design Festa has rocked Japan. Arts, crafts, performance, music, and the entire breadth and depth of design is featured in this extravaganza using most of the west exhibition area of Tokyo Big Sight, the largest convention and exhibition space in Tokyo.With m…(455 words)
mikekato
design Tokyo Music Exhibition Event Art Fashion Entertainment festival
Museums Off the Beaten Track
Japan is rife with museums of all shapes and sizes. There's the National Museum in Ueno, MoMAT in Tokyo, and Yokohama's Museum of Art. There's also the Silk and Doll Museum in Yokohama, and Shibuya's Bunkamura. Japan's food manias are even immortalized, like at Shin-Yokohama's Ramen Museum.But …(445 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
Museum Visit City Tokyo Yokohama Shibuya Art Food History
NOUSAKU: Flexible ware? Great Japanese Craftmanship
My parents' birthdays are coming up this month and I am considering to present them a special Japanese craftman art this year. Have you heard of NOUSAKU brand? I had a chance to do some research on this company at work and I would like to share about their wonderful work. It is becoming a huge hit …(395 words)
EmiOnishi
craftmanship Japanese manufacturing Souvenir Art Ginza Department store Mitsukoshi Tokyo City Hotel
Ginkgo Biloba, Get Ready for a Gold Tokyo!
I live in the city of Shinagawa and on my way to Shinagawa JR train station, I walk along the properly spaced and placed trees along the main road along the JR train tracks. The tree I am describing is titled Ginkgo Biloba or at times it is known by maidenhair tree. According to Wikipedia, “Gin…(541 words)
AustinA
Tokyo Train City Summer Art Tera (Temple) Food Spring Jinjya (Shrine) History
Kyara-ben or chara-ben Culture
It is a shortened form of character bento. As Autumn is season for sports festivals in Japan, it comes up in our conversations between moms. Moms decorate homemade food to look like cute characters in order to make their kids happy and their lunches more appealing.If you’re interested in seeing…(222 words)
EmiOnishi
Food Bento (box meal) Kids Art Sport Autumn Japanese food Apple
Art in the Heart of Roppongi
Roppongi is usually talked about for its high and night life, but it's equally well-known as home to two of the most astounding art museums in Tokyo, if not all of the country. Within walking distance of each other, these must-experience venues should be definitely be included in your itinerary whi…(210 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
Art Roppongi Museum Roppongi Hills Visit
Japanese Chrysanthemums, A Wonderful Sight To See During Your Visit in Japan
"Kiku" is the Japanese word for Chrysanthemum. After residing in Japan for some 28 years, I understand that the Japanese relationship with this beautiful flower is deep, intricate and somewhat mysterious especially when you are a newbie visitor.I happen to live next to Japan’s second larges…(798 words)
Chrysanthemum
Yokohama
Summer
Convenience store
Art
Jinjya (Shrine)
Tea
Yahiko Niigata
Niigata
Kiku Matsuri
Celestial Geisha: A Perfect Performance
Yes, you may not realize it, but not only is there a history of geisha in Tokyo, but there are quite a few places where there are active geisha communities, including Kagurazaka, Asakusa, Shinbashi/Ginza, and Hachioji. There are, of course, Hatobus and other tours that offer geisha shows, but it se…(1873 words)
mikekato
Tokyo geisha drinking Art dance Train City Drink Food
Japan's Sengakuji Temple and the 47 Famous Samurai (Part 1)
Have you heard of “Chushingura” or the legacy of the Forty-Seven Ronin?The image of elegant Samurai, a picture of honor and integrity; this is the path of the “Bushi” or warrior. “Bushi-do” literally means “Warrior-path” with “do” the Chinese Character for “Path”.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v…(387 words)
Tera (Temple)
Ronin
Tokyo
Art
Samurai
Kids
Sengakuji Temple
47 Ronin
Visit
Hanami at the Tokyo National Museum in Ueno Park
Ueno Park is one of Tokyo's most famous places for hanami during the cherry blossom season. Inside the park, make sure to visit the Tokyo National Museum and its beautiful Japanese garden in the spring. This garden lies hidden from view behind the main building. It is open to the public during …(227 words)
David
Hanami (Cherry Blossom Viewing) Japanese garden Tokyo National Museum Art Cherry blossom Exhibition Spring Ueno Park
Tourist Tip #9: One-stop Super Shopping Stores
In July and August of last year, I wrote about a few excellent places to shop for souvenirs:http://www.deepjapan.org/a/3317http://www.deepjapan.org/a/3432However, this morning I noticed that I'd completely left out one of my personal favourite places to shop at, one I visit at least onc…(291 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
Shopping Tourist Tip Visit Yokohama Art Music Akihabara Camera Toy Stationery
100 steps to heaven in the metropolis
There are some great Japanese gardens in central Tokyo.Imperial Palace, Shinjuku Gyoen, Rikugien, Hamarikyu, Koishikawa....These are located within central Tokyo, surrounded by skyscrapers and highways, so they also serve as 'oasis' in the metropolis, for the business people to breathe fresh a…(310 words)
Zara
Garden architecture Art Beauty Hotel History Visit
How to Spend a Rainy Day, Local Style (Top 5 Recommendations)
In Japan, June is the Monsoon season. Many of the days are very moist and humid. Therefore, it’s good to know ways to have fun in Japan, even on a humid or rainy day. Here are my top 5 recommendations!HANWAY（ハンウェイ）1. Why not purchase a fancy Umbrella?@Roppongi HANWAYThe…(263 words)
Eddie
style Rainy Day Tokyo Trip Art Tera (Temple)
Kamakurabori Museum Encounter the world of Kamakurabori carving, a traditional handcraft
Even if you have never heard the name “Kamakurabori”, I am sure that many people would say “oh, I have seen this before!” when they see the real thing. Some might incorporate Kamakurabori carvings in their daily lives, whether in a tray, incense container or tea canister. It is a traditional handcr…(1148 words)
Kanagawa P.G.T.D.
History Museum Traditional City Building Art Jinjya (Shrine) Walk Tea Cherry blossom
Today I went to Tokushima on Shikoku Island Japan
This place was the Awa Han (Awa Clan), across the mountains from Kochi, where Ryoma Sakamoto began his effort to forge a new future for Japan.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jv3hU-oBTT8I spotted the dancers as soon as the escalator neared the first floor of the newly opened airport terminal…(737 words)
Japan
Shikoku
Tokushima
Art
Event
Tera (Temple)
Walk
Awa Odori Festival
Bon Festival
Making Art and Much More at ArtBar Tokyo
Imagine sitting with a paint brush in hand, palette full of colours in the other, sitting in front of a blank canvass. Sounds a bit intimidating, perhaps? Well, at ArtBar Tokyo, this is exactly what groups of people regularly do and have a blast doing it. I participated in my first ArtBar experienc…(397 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
Tokyo Art painting Sounds Shibuya Wine Exhibition Daikanyama Entertainment Bar
Old Tokyo Alive and Well in Taito Town
Old Tokyo is alive and well in a few pockets of the city. History lovers and nostalgia junkies alike would be intrigued by Taito ward’s Asakusa, Yanaka, and Ueno neighborhoods. Each neighborhood has its own distinct character and feel, but they all capture the spirit of old Tokyo. The Sensoji t…(860 words)
Taito-kun
Tokyo Taito Japan Visit City Restaurant Food Shopping Art History
Slip Inside the Cracks: Samurai Spirit Tourism in Fukushima Prefecture
Through the years, I’ve had many people “back home” ask me about Samurai Spirit and ninjas. Is there any place in Japan left where one can find these things?This is a kind of question very difficult to answer. Of course, it is possible to find museums that feature many of the tools and stories …(1064 words)
DeepJapan Editor
Samurai Tourism Fukushima Japan Visit Park History Art Japanese
Kyoto travel tips - spend a day exploring Japan’s old capital
Kiyomizu-dera & Jishu Shrine“Kiyomizu-dera is a beautiful temple in Kyoto up on the hills, with a view over the city. The temple grounds are a nice place to walk around and look at the many halls, gates, and pagodas from different angles... Make sure to walk around the different buildings and g…(399 words)
DeepJapan
day trip Japan Travel Kyoto architecture Art Jinjya (Shrine) local secret Matome Tera (Temple) Walk
1.UENO 2.TAMA
I recommend both ueno zoo and tama zoo.http://www.tokyo-zoo.net/english/index.htmlFor travelers you maybe like to see zoo and something(e.g. Japanese museum)Ueno zoo is very close to other spot like TOKYO METROPOLITAN ART MUSEUMhttp://www.tobikan.jp/access/english.html yanesenht…(98 words)
karnavi
Tokyo Shinjuku Museum Art Ueno Ueno Zoo
Beautiful View from the Roppongi Hills Observatory, Tokyo Japan
Obviously, the views from Tokyo sky tree and Tokyo tower are wonderful. Sky tree is the world’s largest tower being 634m tall. Visiting these two towers, or at least one, is a must. Personally, though, I enjoy the view from Roppongi Hills. Although it’s not the tallest building in Tokyo, it is si…(128 words)
GenS
Roppongi Roppongi Hills Tokyo Ticket Building Museum Art Tokyo Tower Art museum City
Amazing Shopping Stores in Tokyo, Japan
Since Shibuya's newest shopping Oasis, Hikarie, is located immediately above the Shibuya Station on the Ginza, Hanzomon and other lines, I happened to walk up into the amazing structure the other day. I was taken immediately by the high ceilinged/airy feel of the building and I could tell there was…(146 words)
Fashion
Tokyo
Shopping
Building
Shibuya
Ginza
Department store
Art
Streamers Coffee
Streamers Coffee has two locations in the Tokyo area: Harajuku and Shibuya. Streamers has a really friendly staff, trendy atmosphere, and delicious coffee served in large mugs. Bonus: They rock at latte art. http://streamercoffee.com/(36 words)
HillaryB
Tokyo Shibuya Art Coffee Harajuku
Oedo Antique Market
I love going to the outdoor Oedo Antique Market at the Tokyo International Forum. It's open on the first and third Sunday of every month. You can find many different items like traditional Japanese clothing and shoes, antique Japanese armor, art, toys, collectibles, jewelry, and other treasures. Th…(65 words)
HillaryB
Tokyo Art Souvenir Shoes Outdoor recreation Jewelry
Teppanyaki at Seryna!
My family and I enjoy going to Seryna, a teppanyaki (cooking with an iron griddle) Kobe beef restaurant in Kannai, Yokohama. You will get high quality beef with excellent flavoring and service. The chefs have to train for a decade before being able to cook in front of the customers. In this restaur…(118 words)
RieS
Tokyo Train Restaurant Yokohama Shinjuku Ginza Roppongi Art Beef Kobe
Make Mochi! A Fun New Years Family Event in Japan
In my opinion, there is nothing better to do in Japan during winter than participate in "mochi-tsuki" and eat fresh and delicious mochi. Mochi-tsuki is a Japanese New Year's tradition and events will be held around the first of January. Usually "Mochi-tsuki" is hosted by the neighbourhood communit…(123 words)
GenS
Mochi (Rice cake) Japan Event Jinjya (Shrine) Japanese New Year New year Winter Art
Use a sword to know the soul of Old Japan
Kendo is cool, you'll learn how to use a sword without getting hurt.You'll get a feel of the Samurai!But that's not all, and knowing how to use the sword is not the point.Kendo is Budo, you meditate before a session and also after a session.You bow before a match, and you bow after a matc…(169 words)
Yuuki I
Sport Art Samurai Grape
Once a year
There is an "open market" (late October?) for those interested in purchasing a Japanese sword at a building right near the Atago Police Station {across from Japanese Red Cross headquarters}; I don't recall the exact building name [Nihon Token Club Building? Token means "sword & stuff" in Japanese, …(117 words)
Mike's
Tokyo Building Police Art
Check out Shunkaen Bonsai Museum
There is the Shunkaen Bonsai Museum in Edogawa, Tokyo if you're looking for something other than the Bonsai Art Museum in Omiya. They're open from 10am-5pm everyday except Monday. Address:1-29-16 NihoriEdogawa-Ku, TokyoPhone Number:+81 03-3670-8622(40 words)
KurtisW
Tokyo Museum Art Art museum
T-site & Ivy Place for gorgeous and fun english books
Spend an afternoon browsing the amazing selection of books, have a coffee under the trees, lunch at Ivy Place and just relax. Especially great for cooking books, travel, art and design. There is also an amazing stationary shop AND a starbucks inside! http://tsite.jp/daikanyama/store-service/tsit…(49 words)
LShannon
Tokyo Art Coffee
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
Fun for Kids & Families to enjoy all over Japan
Of course there are amusement parks, including Disneyland and Universal Studios in Japan; fun playgrounds and adventure parks too. But I think even the day to day can offer fun experiences for kids. Kaiten-sushi (sushi train) shops are lots of fun, soba and udon noodle shops, buffet dining and …(292 words)
jjwalsh
Tokyo Train Convenience store Sushi Soba noodles Art Beaches History Udon noodles Manga Onigiri (Rice ball)
Many are made of wax
Many of the food displays are made of wax using an artistic technique and coloring to create the appearance of real food. They dip the hot wax in water to produce a variety of shapes.Some of the food on display is made of plastic but from what I've seen, wax food-making is a real art.(63 words)
Kenji
Art Food
Take a risk and emerge yourself in the fine Japanese Art of Ikebana
Okay, well, I have never studied Ikebana (Japanese style flower arrangement) but I love the style and I admire all the work of art I see all around (even in local train stations done by loyal and dedicated Ikebana artists each week). I believe Japan is confident enough in the art and the style it o…(152 words)
Flower
IKEBANA
Train
Train station
Art
Hair
style
Japan's the Best Place for Cute Tiny Gifts
Look closely at the little knick knacks in the various shops along a street or shopping arcade in Japan and you will be amazed by the ingenuity that goes in to one little item and how it can grace the home with a bit of sweetness and be useful at the same time. I believe Japan has kind of mastered …(166 words)
Shopping
Japan
Art
Coffee
Souvenir
Milk
Arcade
"Gakuensai" or the fair is usually held on autumn season.
Each university fair has its own unique feature and the event generally lasts three to four days. "Gaigosai" is hosted by Tokyo University of Foreign Studies Fair Committee. There will be theater performances conducted in various languages. Students from each language department will take part in…(126 words)
Hatha Yoga Lover
Tokyo Event Art Region Cuisine Autumn
From Luxurious Shops to Majestic Gardens: Tokyo Midtown
There is almost too much to see at Tokyo Midtown to write it all down here. One of the best things about the area are the floor guides who wear beautiful uniforms that change with the season and can help you in several different languages. There are many different shops that feature excellent Japan…(182 words)
Tokyo
Tokyo Midtown
Park
Building
Tea
Art
Uniqlo
Yokohama Sankeien Garden
Sankeien Garden was opened by Senkei Hara, a businessman who made a fortune with the Japanese silk trade. The Garden is featuring many historical buildings from all over Japan such as Kamakura and Kyoto. It is located at Honmoku, Yokohama covering over 18,000 square miles. Many art masterpiece were…(80 words)
Sao
Tokyo Yokohama Kyoto Art Kamakura Businessman