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Parking in Japan images

Parking in Japan

Parking in Japan is actually quite complicated. You don't need to be in Japan very long to notice that there is not much street parking. There are some parking metered areas, but there are way more cars in commercial car parks than there are on the streets.In fact, it is basically illegal to park…(675 words)

StevieB image

StevieB

Tokyo Park Restaurant Yokohama Shopping Ticket Police Department store Coin
Licensed To Drive..Finally!! images

Licensed To Drive..Finally!!

This article was originally published on my blog site on January 2008. Please come and visit http://mirai.hayashi-web.net to see more about my experiences in living and working in Japan.About 6 years ago I attempted to get a Japanese drivers license, since I was still driving with an internati…(4721 words)

MiraiZ image

MiraiZ

Tokyo Train Trip Ticket Japan license driving car Police test
Hokuriku Shinkansen - Gran Class is fabulous even for Japanese! images

Hokuriku 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 image

KIH

Shinkansen Bullet Train Train Kyoto Ticket Eat Traditional Urushi Lacquer Ware
Japan Travel: Train Information Boards and How to Read Them images

Japan Travel: Train Information Boards and How to Read Them

When you visit Japan, did you ever wonder how to get from point A to point B? I did many times and I use information boards all the time. There are many information boards in and around train station/platform but unless you study well, it may be challenging to decipher so in hope of assisting y…(1441 words)

AustinA image

AustinA

Train Japan Travel Park Building Visit Ticket Bus Train station Airport English
Riding on the Retro "Kominato Railway Line" - Enjoy the Beautiful Countryside in Any Season! images

Riding on the Retro "Kominato Railway Line" - Enjoy the Beautiful Countryside in Any Season!

Sit back, relax, and enjoy the quaint scenery while riding on the Kominato Railway Line. Take in the colorful fields of cherry and rapeseed blossoms in spring, idyllic rice paddies in summer, the deep red maple leaves of autumn, and the snowy, pristine landscapes of winter. For a unique experience,…(264 words)

CHIBA-KUN image

CHIBA-KUN

Visit Train Trip Spring Ticket style Autumn Cherry Chiba
Destination Outside Tokyo? How to Use the Ticket Machines images

Destination Outside Tokyo? How to Use the Ticket Machines

For English speakers, the easiest way to purchase Shinkansen tickets will be by using the ticket machines. Lining up to purchase the tickets directly from an attendent will be much more time consuming and a pain since it is likely he or she will not speak English. The ticket machines have English g…(101 words)

GenS image

GenS

Ticket Ticket machine Shinkansen Bullet Train Train
Mt. Fuji access guide; trains and buses for Lake Kawaguchiko area. images

Mt. Fuji access guide; trains and buses for Lake Kawaguchiko area.

If you will visit Mount Fuji (富士山), Kawaguchiko Station (河口湖駅) or Mt. Fuji Station (富士山駅) are major gateways for magical Mount Fuji, designated as a world cultural heritage site in 2013, and the magnificent Fuji Five Lakes area (富士五湖). Deepjapan published "Mt. Fuji Travel Guide" …(2106 words)

Hagi image

Hagi

Train Trip Ticket Mount Fuji Transportation Yamanashi Bus Lake Kawaguchiko Fujikyu Mount Fuji 5th Station
What to do with Garbage While Travellng in Japan? Where are all the Trash Cans?!!! images

What to do with Garbage While Travellng in Japan? Where are all the Trash Cans?!!!

Are you used to having plenty of garbage cans everywhere?When I go home to the US, I am pleasantly surprised with the availability of garbage cans and how we can always find a place to dispose of paper waste, plastic bottles, candy wrappers and lunch leftovers that build up during the day.Hav…(669 words)

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Train Hotel Convenience store Ticket Train station Lunch Vending Machines Snacks Japan Travel
How to Get Tickets for a Japanese Baseball Game images

How to Get Tickets for a Japanese Baseball Game

Being a baseball fanatic, a convenient service I use often at convenience stores is the ticket machines. Using these machines, you can easily purchase any kind of ticket you want. Any of the major combinis (Seven-Eleven, Lawson, Family Mart, and Sankus) will have a ticket machine and they have Engl…(80 words)

GenS image

GenS

Convenience store Ticket machine Ticket Lawson Baseball
Akihabara & Studio Ghibli Animation Movie Museum – "Pilgrimage” to both of them in one day images

Akihabara & Studio Ghibli Animation Movie Museum – "Pilgrimage” to both of them in one day

Animation is now recognized as one of the representative cultures of Japan globally. We have many animation pilgrimage spots throughout the country and many people visit them from all over the world. Here I would like to share the efficient route to visit such holy animation spots in one day! J…(415 words)

Eddie image

Eddie

Akihabara Anime Bus Museum Ticket Visit
Japanese Vending Machines: Food Tickets images

Japanese Vending Machines: Food Tickets

Many shops and restaurants have ticket vending machines at the entrance or outside. Ramen, soba, or udon noodle stores often have them. Some gyudon restaurants like Matsuya also use the ticket machines.To pay and order put in money and then select what you want to eat or drink. If you want to o…(156 words)

David image

David

Vending Machines Ticket machine Restaurant Ramen noodles Soba noodles Udon noodles Gyudon (Beef bowl) Ticket
Only 2 hours from Kyoto. Enjoy snow and eating crabs in the Onsen resort founded 1,300 years ago images

Only 2 hours from Kyoto. Enjoy snow and eating crabs in the Onsen resort founded 1,300 years ago

Kinosaki Onsen has a beautiful and nostalgic view with rows of willow trees along a little river. There are at most 7 public baths in the area and you can casually visit and enjoy them even without staying over at the local ryokan Inns. They are called "sotoyu"(open air bath) which is opposite of "…(424 words)

Eddie image

Eddie

kinosaki Onsen Snow City English Kyoto Spring Summer Ticket Visit
Fast and Convenient Food in Japan images

Fast and Convenient Food in Japan

The "stand and eat" style tachigui soba restaurants are designed for the thousands of Japanese businessmen who do not even have time to sit and eat their meals. Everything is fast at a tachigui soba place. In my opinion, the speed of a meal at a tachigui soba restaurant dwarfs the "fastness" of a f…(344 words)

GenS image

GenS

Soba noodles Food Japan Restaurant Ticket Ramen noodles Udon noodles Ticket machine
Japan Train Station “Tachigui Sobaya” (Soba Restaurant) images

Japan Train Station “Tachigui Sobaya” (Soba Restaurant)

As you may know, one of the most used modes of transportation in japan is the train. In the midst of your travel, I am fairly confident that you’ve come across a small “Soba” (noodle) shop within the train station. The first thought I had in my mind was how traditional this establishment is for…(552 words)

AustinA image

AustinA

Train Restaurant Train station Tokyo Summer Drink Ticket Kyoto Winter Food
Assistance/Help button: Subway ticket machine images

Assistance/Help button: Subway ticket machine

Tokyo is covered by a dense network of train, subway and bus lines. They are operated by about a dozen different companies. The train lines operated by JR East and the subway lines are most convenient for moving around central Tokyo. Although smartphones and mobile phones can provide great navigati…(129 words)

EmiOnishi image

EmiOnishi

Ticket Subway Ticket machine Tokyo Train Bus Movie Mobile network
The "Kuji" for prizes images

The "Kuji" for prizes

Takarakuji basically means a lottery, with random chances at getting a prize. The most common and commercial one is the national money lottery, and tickets are usually sold at small booths near train stations, or out in front of large grocery stores.However, often called "Kuji" for short, many …(153 words)

KurtisW image

KurtisW

Train Ticket Ramen noodles Train station
Railway rules - “Mutual Cooperation Culture” in Japanese commuter trains images

Railway rules - “Mutual Cooperation Culture” in Japanese commuter trains

Rush hours are extreme in Tokyo as well as Japan's other major cities. In order to make this brutal moment of every day less stressful, both commuters and train companies are making invisible efforts.During the morning rush hours, people will get in line and stand in a queue. They will get on train…(449 words)

yumin image

yumin

Train Subway Rush hour Tokyo Ticket Winter English Japanese Culture Railway platform Vending Machines
Japan's Sengakuji and the 47 Famous Samurai (Part 2) images

Japan's Sengakuji and the 47 Famous Samurai (Part 2)

December 14 marks the day 46 Samurai (not 47 and I will explain why later) brought the head of Kira and submitted themselves to justice at Sengakuji Temple.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBngXIDIiWEThis is a video showing a re-enactment of the Samurai leaving Ako (performed in Ako City in Hy…(538 words)

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47 Ronin City Yokohama Food Event Tera (Temple) Ticket Museum History Sengakuji Temple
The Haruka Express: Reaching Osaka & Kyoto from Kansai International Airport (KIX) images

The Haruka Express: Reaching Osaka & Kyoto from Kansai International Airport (KIX)

The Kansai International Airport (KIX) serves the Japanese cities of Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe and Nara. All Japan Rail Pass holders can take advantage of their pass to the fullest, by using it to reach the downtown areas of Kyoto or Osaka, using the Haruka Express, which is the direct connection between …(789 words)

Carlos P. image

Carlos P.

Kyoto Osaka Airport Japan Train City Trip Japanese Ticket Train station
If you would like to see traditional Sumo, then try to go Kokugikan! images

If you would like to see traditional Sumo, then try to go Kokugikan!

Sumo is really fun to watch. I never interested watching sumo before but when I went to the sumo match for the first time, I really enjoy it! You can see powerful sumo match at the Kokugikan. Kokugikan is a sumo hall (indoor sporting arena located in Ryogoku. The…(230 words)

yukorose image

yukorose

Sumo Tokyo Shopping Ticket Beer Museum Hot pot dish
Try "Seishun 18 kippu" !!! images

Try "Seishun 18 kippu" !!!

If you've heard of the tickets before, I guess you are quite knowledgeable about the rail way system in Japan.Even if you have not, this ticket is really worthwhile trying, and is going to be a great choice especially for those who you have plenty of time but have to get away with tight budgets, …(612 words)

Masa image

Masa

Ticket Tokyo Train Transportation Kanto Region Nagoya Tohoku Express train Miyagi
Fuji Soba images

Fuji Soba

Fuji Soba, found all over downtown Tokyo, is a soba shop like many that have a relatively simple menu of either soba or udon, cold or in hot broth, with the option of a small rice bowl. This place has got to have some of the absolute fastest service I have ever seen, provided it isn't too busy.…(122 words)

KurtisW image

KurtisW

Soba noodles Tokyo Ticket Udon noodles Ticket machine
The Delicious Combo of Japanese Crackers and Tasty Beer images

The Delicious Combo of Japanese Crackers and Tasty Beer

If you are going somewhere in the suburbs late at night you will notice a lot of people choose to take a breather on the Green Sha (green car first class seats) on the way home. A nice Green Car attendant comes through the car to offer drinks and snacks and I always choose Asahi Super Dry beer and …(216 words)

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Persimmon Train Drink Ticket Soy sauce Beer Etiquette Wine Rice cracker Railway platform
Japan Travel Advice: Transportation from Haneda Airport to Tokyo images

Japan Travel Advice: Transportation from Haneda Airport to Tokyo

Once you arrive in Tokyo Haneda airport, you have several transportation options to get to Tokyo area. They are by train, bus, hired limousine or taxi. I guess you can hitchhike and walk but we will not discuss those options here:) I travel from time to time with my work so I come into Nari…(767 words)

AustinA image

AustinA

Tokyo Airport Transportation Train Yokohama Hotel Building Ticket Limousine Bus
The many different ways to get to Kusatsu images

The many different ways to get to Kusatsu

Kusatsu is less frequented by foreign visitors given that it doesn’t have a train station, never mind a bullet train stop. That isolation is one of the reasons Kusatsu has managed to maintain its special atmosphere, but for those that want to go there it’s actually not difficult to get to.On my…(535 words)

AndrewShuttleworth image

AndrewShuttleworth

Tokyo Japan Train Trip Spring Ticket Bus Onsen Transport
Food, Drinks, Utilities- Restrooms - convenience stores is a small world in itself.. images

Food, Drinks, Utilities- Restrooms - convenience stores is a small world in itself..

Convenience stores will store the following - 1. Food - salad boxes, ready to eat bento box (pasta/curry etc) (mostly non-vegetarian), fruits (banana, apple, oranges), Curd, Diet biscuits, nuts, chips, chocolates, chewing gum, cup ramen noodles, soups, french fries or chicken nuggets (ready to ea…(287 words)

suku image

suku

Convenience store Drink Ticket Tea Ramen noodles Sea Coffee Fruits Bank Milk
Taking the bus in Tokyo images

Taking the bus in Tokyo

With so many buses and bus stations, how can anyone get around Tokyo by bus? Although you can get fairly near anywhere by trains, sometimes the bus is the best way to get around. Sometimes a bus takes a much more direct route between two spots. One clue is if you think two places are pretty clos…(142 words)

mikekato image

mikekato

Tokyo Train Ticket Bus Subway
There's something special about the Disney stores in Japan images

There's something special about the Disney stores in Japan

There is something about the Disney stores in Japan that make you think as though you’re really in Disneyland. The workers are so ebullient and the atmosphere is magical. What makes the experience at the Disney stores better are the products that they have, which you cannot find anywhere else in th…(106 words)

RieS image

RieS

Ticket Souvenir Jewelry
Beautiful View from the Roppongi Hills Observatory, Tokyo Japan images

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 image

GenS

Roppongi Roppongi Hills Tokyo Ticket Building Museum Art Tokyo Tower Art museum City
The best way to buys bullet train tickets images

The best way to buys bullet train tickets

Although it's possible to purchase bullet train tickets at the automated ticket machines, I prefer to stand in line at the train ticket office (usually located near the shinkansen entrance in stations). Even though this sometimes entails standing in line for a few extra minutes, I prefer being abl…(180 words)

Andrea Miyata image

Andrea Miyata

Train Ticket Shinkansen Bullet Train Ticket machine Railway platform Trip
Have your point card ready images

Have your point card ready

If you happen to have a point card, rebate ticket or coupon for the particular shop, get it out in advance because you won't have time to look for it when you reach the cashier.(35 words)

Kenji image

Kenji

Etiquette Ticket
How to Ride Trains in Japan images

How to Ride Trains in Japan

The idea of riding a train in Japan can be intimidating. There really are so many different lines that almost for a web over Tokyo. However, you shouldn't be intimidated. Most signs are also in English and buying a ticket is easy. From personal experience, I think buying a ticket in Japan is easier…(132 words)

GenS image

GenS

Train Japan Tokyo Ticket Ticket machine English
Can't make the scene if you don't have the green. images

Can't make the scene if you don't have the green.

The green car is like business class for the bullet train.Personally any seat on the bullet train is fancy enough for me.If you like the feel of VIP I recommend the green car seats.To ride the green for free.If you can collect points if you have a JR credit card every time you buy a Shink…(77 words)

Yuuki I image

Yuuki I

Train Ticket Shinkansen Bullet Train
Kabukiza - don't worry about the language barrier! images

Kabukiza - don't worry about the language barrier!

Watching a Kabuki performance is an excellent experience. At Kabukiza (a Kabuki theater in Ginza), you will be able to enjoy old-Japanese theater in a newly renovated and modern building! As Kabuki performances can be very popular, I recommend you to purchase a ticket online, so that you can secure…(223 words)

RieS image

RieS

Ticket Building Ginza Music Souvenir Kabuki
Where to Buy Tickets in Japan? images

Where to Buy Tickets in Japan?

Purchasing a ticket for a sporting event is easy in Japan. Unlike in the states, you cannot print out your ticket at home. Everything is usually done at a convenience store. You can either buy a ticket online and then visit a convenience store to print your ticket and make the payment or you can ju…(148 words)

GenS image

GenS

Convenience store Japan Ticket Event Ticket machine Lawson Visit English
The two processes you should know images

The two processes you should know

In general, ramen stores have two distinct ways of ordering. Some stores have ticket machines at the entrance or outside the store. By looking at the menu, you should pick a ramen that you like, insert the money and press the botton with the ramen that corresponds to the one want to try. Then, brin…(138 words)

RieS image

RieS

Restaurant Ticket Ramen noodles Ticket machine
Japanese Rock and Roll, Buy Tickets at a Convenience Store images

Japanese Rock and Roll, Buy Tickets at a Convenience Store

The easiest way to purchase concert tickets, or pretty much any ticket, is at your nearest convenient store. Any of the major "combinis" (seven-eleven, lawson, sankus, and family mart) will have a ticket machine with English guidance. The key is to find the machine (usually next to the printer and …(102 words)

GenS image

GenS

Lawson Convenience store Ticket Ticket machine Concert Japan
Finish in 5 minutes images

Finish in 5 minutes

You choose what you’re gonna eat by pictures or plastic samples and buy a ticket at vending machine. Hand the ticket to a counter and wait for minutes and receive the soba and bring wherever you find your space. Put some “shichimi”, blend of seven hot spices, get your chopsticks and eat! Don’t …(68 words)

Moo Moo image

Moo Moo

Ticket Soba noodles Tempura
Easy as pie! images

Easy as pie!

The process of checking-in is similar to that of hotels in other countries. You should go to the front desk and tell them your name and other information to do with your reservation. From that point onwards, the employees will guide you on the use of the room ticket, meals, how to get around, when …(94 words)

RieS image

RieS

Ticket
Enjoy Scenery in Japan Without Having to Walk images

Enjoy Scenery in Japan Without Having to Walk

The seishun 18 ticket is a very cheap way to travel long distance on trains in Japan. The ticket is sold in sets of five and one set costs 11,300yen. The amazing thing is that one ticket will allow you to travel on any JR local train in Japan as many times as you want with in 24 hours. This is amaz…(172 words)

GenS image

GenS

Ticket Japan Tokyo Train Shinkansen Bullet Train Cheap