Yurei, Yokai and Obake: Japan's Very Busy Ghost Scene
Ghosts and spirits hold a place in the folklore of many cultures around the world. In the western world, Halloween, observed on October 31st, is a time for scary, spooky tales, while Latin America will celebrate the deceased on the following day, November 1st, in a holiday called “Dia de Muertos”,…(1369 words)
jdlawrence
Japan Bon Festival History Yurei Yokai Obake Kabuki
Why Do Japanese People Call Mt. Fuji, Mr. Fuji?
If you wondered why Japanese people refer to Mt. Fuji as Mr. Fuji, you are not alone.When I first came to Japan, and actually until about two years ago, well okay, actually it still happens a lot, I was confused and continue to get confused by place names.In Japanese, Mt. Fuji is called Fuj…(604 words)
Mount Fuji
Tokyo
History
Nature
Play
Flower
Mountain
view
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Lake
Difference of IKEBANA and Western floral arrangement?
When I traveled foreign countries, I found some different customs, cultures, and ideas. It is all new to me and leads me more eager to know its deep culture. I will be frequently asked the difference between IKEBANA and western floral arrangement. Here is my works above the pictures.(Lef…(275 words)
Ami
IKEBANA History Flower Nature Japanese Culture Art
A Pepper By Any Other Name Would Taste As Sweet
Someone asked me a question recently; one, that if you’ve lived in Japan long enough, have surely asked yourself: “Why do the Japanese call green bell peppers ‘piman’ and the red and yellow and orange ones ‘papurika’？”For me, answer the question was confusing on a few levels, seeing as how I, h…(381 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
Japan Food History Cuisine Dinner Children Kids Entertainment Meiji
Tokyo's Yamanote Line: More Than You Ever Wanted To Know
Cruise through the pages of Deep Japan, and you'll find tons of advice on how to ride the trains and get to where you're going. But, did you ever stop to think about *how* and *why* the train system in Japan became like it is? There are way too many train lines to count, and each line has its o…(968 words)
jdlawrence
Tokyo Train Japan History Shibuya Shinjuku Ueno
Top 5 Awesome Things About Akihabara
Ah Akihabara, a very unique spot of Tokyo, Japan. Many people flock to this flashy decorated part of the metropolis each for their own special reasons. An uninformed one may be intimidated by the strange sight of Akihabara, or Akiba as it's known to familiars. What makes this area of Tokyo so speci…(1402 words)
Alex Kobayashi /Subtokyo
Akihabara Game Anime Tokyo Shopping Visit History Maid Cafe Arcade
Jidaigeki Period Dramas Teaching Japanese Morals
Jidaigeki （時代劇）. Let me tell you the book definition of Jidaigeki first for many of you may not know this term at all. It is Literally "period dramas", they are most often set during the Edo period of Japanese history, from 1603 to 1868. Some, however, are set much earlier, such as Heian period—…(494 words)
AustinA
Jidaigeki Ronin Edo Period Mito Koomon Shogun Drama Japanese TV shows Japanese Traditions Music History Samurai Television
Dockyard 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 Sea
Popular Anime Locations in Japan
One of the most popular anime ever. In an apocolyptic future, after the destruction of Tokyo by giant monster, the capitol of Japan is moved to Hakone`s Sengokuhara area.The main characters go to school in the Hakone area as they train to become Mech drivers in an effort to thwart another alien…(324 words)
Kintaro-man
Japan Anime Tokyo Train History Japanese Sea Kanagawa Manga Hakone
Spectacles 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 History
Hidden 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 Matome
Kumamon, the Japanese Bear Character of the Kumamoto Prefecture
Kumamon from Kumamoto Prefecture might be a benchmark for how to bring the genki back to regional areas battling the power drain that comes with ultra-ageing and decreasing populations.I visited the Kumamoto Prefecture Tokyo Representative Office in Nagatacho the other day and “upbeat” is the best …(722 words)
Yuru Kyara
Tokyo
Event
History
Osaka
Japanese inn
Kumamoto
Kyushu
Japan Travel
One 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
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Samurai 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 Matome
5 Food Streets in Japan - The Paradise for Foodies !
1. Dontobori Food StreetAs the landmark of Osaka, Dontobori is not only the shooting location of many Japanese films and plays, but also the famous paradise for foodies in Japan, which is praised as “the No.1 food of Japan.”The most delicious gourmet here is Tokayoki, Okonomiyaki, sushi, frie…(482 words)
Alexlovetravel
Japan Food Japanese Tokyo History Sushi Tera (Temple) Kyoto Shinjuku Ramen noodles
Wear 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 Samurai
Maizuru - 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
Hamamatsuya : Observe Hakone’s Traditional “Yosegi Zaiku” Wood Mosaic Technique
osegi Zaiku marquetry, or wood mosaic, originated in Hatajuku in Hakone. The wood mosaic technique is said to have been created here by a man named Nihei Ishikawa in the late Edo period (1800s), and the craft has since been passed down from generation to generation. Hamamatsuya’s president Mr. Ichi…(700 words)
Kanagawa P.G.T.D.
Hakone Traditional Art History Bus Beauty Cherry Region Trip Japan
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
Create the most unforgettable memories: Try aromatic unagi and experience wearing kimono in Narita!
Wearing "kimono" (Japanese traditional dress) or "yukata" (casual summer kimono) is definitely a must-do in Japan! Recently, I had a chance to have a half-day kimono experience in Narita City, so I’d like to share my experience with you.Get off from JR or Keisei Line Narita Station and walk for…(508 words)
CHIBA-KUN
Kimono Eel Japan City Park Summer Trip History Japanese Chiba
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
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
Visit the amazing Kururi-jo Castle and explore the history at Kururi-Joshi Museum!
Personally, I love the way visiting different castles in Japan brings centuries-old history to life. Recently I visited “Kururi-jo Castle”, located in Kimitsu City of Chiba Prefecture. If you're a fan of Japanese castles too, I'd certainly recommend taking a visit there, especially if you enjoy tri…(563 words)
CHIBA-KUN
Visit History Museum Japan City Walk view Chiba Mountain Samurai
Elaborate Daimyo Mansions in Japan
Although technically not a museum, there are many daimyo yashiki (feudal lord mansions) in tokyo, open to the public, where you can learn a lot about the luxurious lifestyles daimyo and their families had during the Edo Period. The Shogun Tokugawa wanted to limit the powers of the daimyo to maintai…(199 words)
GenS
History Japan Tokyo Museum River Visit
What Japan is proud of - Craftsmanship! : Japanese Watches II
Part 1 - Evolution of the "Timepieces"1st Floor mainly focuses on the evolution of the timepieces.(1) The Start of Time MeasurementEquatorial Sundial made in Qing Dynasty, China (see photo)Chomon points the Polaris, and it casts the shadow on the dial parallel to the equator. Hour ma…(527 words)
KIH
Watches Spring Museum Sport History Camera Edo Period SEIKO
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
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
Enjoy Breathtaking Mountain Scenery and Buddhist Holy Sites on Mt. Nokogiri!
Mt. Nokogiri, literally “Saw Mountain”, is located on the Boso Peninsula in Chiba Prefecture. It's only about a 1.5-hour drive, or a 2-hour train ride from Tokyo, so it's perfect if you're looking for a relaxing and worthwhile day trip. The best way to start your visit is to take the ropeway cable …(242 words)
CHIBA-KUN
Mountain Scenery holy site Japan Visit Train Trip History Chiba Tokyo
Suginami Animation Museum
This past week I visited the Suginami Animation Museum, located in Kamiogi, Suginami-ku near Nishiogikubo station. It was a wonderful 3 floored museum that all ages can go and enjoy.The museum often features an exhibition of different artists works periodically. I attended this time to check ou…(616 words)
Alex Kobayashi /Subtokyo
Museum Suginami Anime Tokyo Visit Art History activities
Sumida Park Cherry Blossom Festival
A serendipitous location that is often overlooked, Sumida Park is located in the heart of the old shitamachi (downtown) tourist area of Tokyo. Most visitors miss this historic landmark. It is a perfect place for a break from the city, and only a short walk from the famous Sensoji temple complex.…(837 words)
Taito-kun
Cherry blossom Asakusa Spring Park festival Tokyo City Food History Japanese
From a Hawaii-grown Japan Fan: The Mind-Whopping Truth Behind Japan’s Kikaida Super Hero
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x89val_人造人間キカイダー-op-ed_shortfilmsMy elementary-school friends and I in Hawaii in the late 70s would rush home on Wednesday afternoons to watch this show. It started at 3 p.m. and my sister Joy and I would go directly to the waiting school bus at Pearl R…(1199 words)
Japanese TV shows
History
Airport
Flower
Playing
Garden
Stay
Japanese Pop Culture
Japanese Culture and Style
Tera (Temple)
Koiwai, the Disneyland of Dairy Farms in Japan
Running across the open and perfectly manicured grass field, I was delighted that Koiwai Farms is not just about cows. We were there on a business trip trying to help the town of Shizukuishi uncover jewels of interest for visiting international guests. Let me tell you, there were plenty.My …(1121 words)
Japan
Food
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Spring
Koiwai Farm
Mount Iwate
Japanese inn
Sake (Rice wine)
Sake Japan
Iwate
The Silk Museum A specialized silk museum that is out of the ordinary
The port of Yokohama has developed dramatically together with raw silk, and at the same time the silk thread industry has supported the Japanese economy. The Silk Museum was established in 1959 as part of the events commemorating the 100th anniversary of the opening of the port of Yokohama. Current…(734 words)
Kanagawa P.G.T.D.
Museum Yokohama History Winter Kimono Traditional Building Event English
The Tama Sushi Experience: Learning how to make sushi the right way!
Deep Japan Senpai Jason, Katharina and myself were invited by Tama Sushi to receive the Tama Sushi Experience, so we could give them our opinions and convey our experiences to you via Deep Japan. Lucky us -- not only did we have a great time, we learned a lot and enjoyed a sushi lunch too!The l…(432 words)
Aron
Sushi History Tsukiji Japan English Ginza Eat Sashimi (Raw fish) Fish Japanese
Odawara, a castle town
Odawara Castle is probably the best example of a castle to visit in the immediate Tokyo area. The museum in the main keep has a nice collection of artifacts, armor, and weapons. They have also done a great job reconstructing some gates and maintaining the castle groundsThe history of Odawara Castle…(340 words)
Kintaro-man
Castle Odawara Tokyo Visit City History Museum Tea Kanagawa festival
My favorite trips to the old towns in JAPAN
SugitoTtown（杉戸町）, which located in Saitama Prefecture is one of the post-station towns developed along the Nikko Highway（日光街道） in Edo period.The Highway starts from Nihombashi（日本橋） in Tokyo and reach Nikko in Tochigi Prefecture.This town is one of the 21 post towns along the Hig…(566 words)
Erika1228
Japan Tokyo Visit Train City English Trip Asakusa Event History
Japan destinations steeped in history
The Nisshinkan Samurai School“I always wanted to explore Fukushima so I headed north from Tokyo station for a short ride on the Tohoku Shinkansen Toward Koriyama station… I boarded our chartered bus on the way to Nisshinkan Samurai school located in Aizu. It was the most prestigious institution…(572 words)
DeepJapan
History architecture Samurai Japanese Culture Castle Matome
Learn the Rich History of Yokohama, Japan at Family-Friendly Museum
The Yokohama Kaiko Shiryokan (Yokohama Archives of History) is a museum in Yokohama, dedicated entirely to the opening of the port city of Yokohama to Western trade in 1859. This was an important event which led to the collapse of the Tokugawa Shogunate in 1868, marking the end of the Edo Period an…(91 words)
GenS
Museum History Yokohama Japan
Best View in Japan: Angled Cliffs, Mount Fuji, Buddhist Temples
Cable cars are often available to provide tourists with quick and scenic access to mountain summits in Japan. One that I recently used was the cable car which takes you to the summit of Nokogiri-yama mountain in Chiba prefecture. The ride was very scenic and is highly recommended. The mountain also…(164 words)
GenS
Mountain Japan Tera (Temple) History Chiba Kanto Region Mount Fuji
Yoshinoya is your beef bowl heaven in Japan..try the real thing during your Japan Travel-
There are a wide range of fast foods to choose from in Japan. I would like to introduce a beef bowl this time!Beef bowl is a Japanese dish consisting of a bowl of rice topped with beef and onion simmered in a mildly sweet sauce.It has a history of about 100 years and there are several beef bo…(214 words)
fujimorison
Beef Gyudon (Beef bowl) Fast food History Hot pot dish