Have you Heard of Hayama Gyu Japanese Beef?
Just a few days ago, I had an opportunity to visit one of the best “Wagyu Cattle Ranches” in Japan, which is located in the city of Hayama, less than 2 hours train/ bus ride from Tokyo. The ranch is surrounded by serene nature, it lies among a combination of bamboo, cedar forest, a stream and many …(739 words)
AustinA
Japanese Beef Tokyo Japan City Restaurant Food Hayama Japanese Wagyu Beef
Have you Heard of Water Shield? It's a Vegetable and No, I haven’t Heard of it Either.
In Japan, this vegetable is called “Junsai” and I remember seeing it in my local supermarket, wondering what it was, and then moving on to the more familiar Nori or seaweed area as usual. This is something I do often, and learn to regret when a new menu translation comes down the pipeline to my des…(541 words)
Tokyo
Japan
Restaurant
Food
Summer
Ginza
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Chinese Restaurant Tokyo
Crab
Shinsen near Shibuya
There is an area "Shinsen" which is close to Shibuya on the Keio train line. This area is well known for housing many Japanese celebrities both television and movie. While it may be difficult to actually meet a Japanese celebrity, unless you know exactly who you are looking for, you can see some of…(114 words)
KurtisW
Shibuya Tokyo Train Movie Television
Kinuta Park as one of the best hanami park in Tokyo
My recommendation is Kinuta Park in Setagaya-ku, Tokyo. You can visit there by bus from Futako Tamagawa station of Tokyu Den'en Toshi Line or Yoga Station of Tokyu Den'en Toshi Line, or Seijyo Gakuen Mae station of Odakyu Line. It is very big park with much of greenery atomsphere. The best season …(125 words)
kurukurugurume
Tokyo Park Hanami (Cherry Blossom Viewing) City Bus Cherry blossom Beauty Cherry Tama River
Home 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
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used
Sakura 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 camellia
Chigasaki 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 Chigasaki
Ethiopian Food in Nakameguro
when you would like to try spicy ......try Queen Sheba at Nakameguro.This restaurant was the oldest Ethiopian restaurant in Tokyo.You can try traditional Ethiopian food such as, spicy meat and vegetable in the form of wat (also w'et or wot), a thick stew, served atop injera, a large sourdough f…(91 words)
yukorose
Food Nakameguro Tokyo Restaurant Beer Music style Traditional
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
We do negotiate prices sometimes in appropriate situations!
In most B2C cases, Japanese consumers don't negotiate prices and most shop clerks don't have the power to lower them, but in some situations we do! When we go buy electronic appliances, PC's, tablets, etc. at some mass merchandise stores/outlets such as Yamada Denki (LABI), BIC Camera, Yodobash…(348 words)
maxnino
Tokyo Ueno Camera Bic Camera Yamada Denki Yodobashi Camera
Kamata: The Most Beautiful Knives in Tokyo
Kappabashi, Tokyo's kitchenware wholesaler's district, is a treasure trove of gorgeous ceramics, unusual spices, pots and pans of all sizes and, of course, Japan's world-class knives.No place glitters more than Kamata Hakensha, a bustling shop where every surface is covered with perfect, sharp …(303 words)
Chiara
knives Tokyo Kappabashi Japan English Asakusa Shop
Curry Rice in Japan : Extra Topping Matters.
"Curry rice" （カレーライス） originates in India but it has been loved for decades in Japan as well. Traditional curry rice among Japanese consists of steamed rice with viscous curry sauce covering boiled beef, pork or chicken and can be enjoyed at curry restaurants, ramen restaurants, beef bowl res…(278 words)
Hagi
Curry rice Tokyo Ramen noodles Beef Gyudon (Beef bowl) Tonkatsu (Pork cutlet)
Dolls Day - March 3rd
March 3rd, is Girls' Day in Japan. It's also called Hina Matsuri (Doll Festival).Those who have sets of Hina Dolls display them in their homes on a platform - in tiers- and the tiers are covered with a red cloth. The dolls are called hina-ningyoh. They represent the Emperor, the Empress, and …(515 words)
Joe Peters
Dolls Tokyo Jinjya (Shrine) Chiba Sashimi (Raw fish) Hinamatsuri
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
I was born in Osaka Japan and Here is My View
Let me compare Tokyo and Osaka in terms of culture by using a metaphor of kitchen accessory. Tokyo is "Sponge". It soaks up all kinds of information and people are somehow drawn to this metropolis. The majority of companies hold their headquarters in Tokyo and that's one of the reasons behind i…(450 words)
yumin
Tokyo Osaka Train Etiquette Nature Subway Japanese Culture and Style
Argentine Restaurants in Tokyo
Tokyo features culinary delights from all over the world, but one country that is vastly under-represented is Argentina. Originally colonized by Spain and then having a vast influx of immigrants from Italy, Argentina cuisine is a mix of the two old world styles with a new-world twist. Empanadas (or…(380 words)
Nico
Tokyo Argentina Restaurant
5 Ways to Go Sailing in Shonan
A few years ago, while shopping at our local bakery, my husband and I overheard a conversation between two stranded travelers from Southern France. They had arrived a few days before to Japan and were following the trail of Kelly Slater, one of their surfing heroes, who often competes in our area …(628 words)
Alana
English Enoshima Island Tokyo Japan Shopping Sea Japanese Kamakura Lunch Dinner
Menu Translation in Japan, What a Great Job!
I feel very lucky that part of my job is Japanese to English menu translation. Do you know how many little jewels lie silent on that Japanese menu in front of you every time you enter a soba, tempura or tonkatsu restaurant in Japan? Ahhh! Yes, that is right, most people visiting Japan have heard of…(969 words)
Japan
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Chinese Restaurant Tokyo
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
For English books, Bookoff in Jiyugaoka and Naka Meguro
Since the closure of Bookoff Cafe in Shiroganedai, the Bookoffs in Jiyugaoka and Naka Meguro are probably best equipped with English books. So it seems that these shops picked up most of the used books from Shiroganedai.It should be said that Jiyugaoka recently (February 2014), is offering …(62 words)
Steve
Tokyo
Minshuku, the Best Way to Experience Japan
There are many different kinds of ryokan/minshuku in Japan and you can see definitions of them at http://JapaneseGuestHouses.com/ryokan-styles/Personally I like minshukus best as they small and more personable. The owners run the minshuku and cook the meals. They take great pride preparing meal…(141 words)
Jeff Aasgaard
Minshuku Tokyo Kyoto Osaka Japanese inn Trip
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
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Junkudo Books - Ikebukuro Station East Exit
Junkudo is a very big bookstore (about 10 stories high) with everything from magazines to children's books to best sellers to the classics. There is a whole floor given over to English books only. One nice feature in this very nice store is that there a chairs dotted around the whole building on ev…(113 words)
Andrew Grimes
Ikebukuro Tokyo Building
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
First-Class Cleaning Service on Japan Rails Transforms Into a Science
Recently selected as a required course for all 900 students in the Harvard Business School MBA program, TESSEI makes cleaning and keeping the Japanese Shinkansen in mint condition for every single passenger, the new textbook benchmark for efficiency and teamwork.Check out this video report on …(641 words)
Train
Tokyo
Shinkansen Bullet Train
Business
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Tokyo Station
Japan Travel
JR Train Etiquette and Tips
Japanese Culture
Vegetarian/Vegan in Tokyo: Bento Bonanza!
Unsurprising for an island nation, most of Japan's cuisine is laced with fish... including those incredibly appetizing bento you can see in convenience stores and department store delis.For strict vegetarians and vegans, this can be a bit trying. But no fear! The health food chain Natural House…(134 words)
Chiara
Tokyo Bento (box meal) vegetarian Vegan Macrobiotic
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
Experience Your Own “Japanese Style Wedding” in Tokyo!
What’s the most romantic place in the world? Paris? Hawaii? Rome? Those may be some of the obvious contenders, but there seems to be an increasing number of people who would name Tokyo as the most romantic travel destination.This idea of Tokyo as a modern day romance capital, combined with the …(238 words)
Japanista
Tokyo style Japanese Restaurant English Asakusa Jinjya (Shrine) Ginza wedding hakama
Cremia: the ice cream I can't stop raving about
You can't argue with most of the soft-serve ice cream in Japan, but you can certainly complain about the way cones taste like straw and air, in comparison to the custardy ice cream inside. Which is why I love Cremia. Foodies and dessert lovers will be no stranger to Cremia ice cream, which has bran…(261 words)
Flory
Tokyo Japan Kyoto Shibuya Walk Coffee Shop River Milk love
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
Bed and Breakfast Japanese Style!
The prices of Japanese inns (ryokan) and bed and breakfasts (minshuku or pensions) vary depending on the place. Some of the famous ryokan in the atami or izu area will cost you 1000 dollars per night. These places will definitely have superb service including traditional meals using fresh local ing…(197 words)
GenS
Japanese inn breakfast Tokyo Beaches Minshuku Atami Summer Visit
How do parking lots in Japan work?
I think today’s multi-story car parking lot systems are the fruit of many years' labor to utilize the limited area we have in Japan. Some popular parking lots in Tokyo cost 50,000 yen per month. You think this is outrageous? Yep, I agree it’s very expensive. But, without multi-story car park sy…(127 words)
totowatanabe
Tokyo Park
Absinthe in Japan: Bar Tram & Bar Trench in Ebisu, Tokyo
Ebisu in Tokyo is home to two of the best absinthe bars in Japan."Bar Tram has been open since 2003; Bar Trench, 2009. They are both run by Takuya Itoh and Rogerio Igarashi Vaz, two highly devoted absinthe aficionados whose mission it is to educate and illuminate others about “la fée verte” (th…(137 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
Tokyo Ebisu Drink Absinthe
Rakugo
Rakugo is a form of Japanese traditional entertainment that is humorous, a lightly comedic storytelling. Rakugo is always performed by a single person, who plays all of the parts in a story. There are many notable features distinguishing Rakugo. It is performed with the storyteller sitting in the…(315 words)
mikekato
Rakugo Tokyo Shinjuku Building Entertainment Isetan Comedy
"Gomatamago" - Tokyo sweet souvenir
You may not know it yet but one of the Tokyo "omiyage" you want most is the gomatomago. Goma means sesame seed and tamago means egg. Literally it is a sesame seed egg. It's a Tokyo specialty and previously available only at Tokyo Station. However, as it is getting popular, you can find it some othe…(164 words)
EmiOnishi
Tokyo Souvenir Kansai Cake Tokyo Station Sweets chocolate
Chindon'ya
The Chindon'ya are a type of Japanese marching band that wear elaborate costumes and perform in a variety of festivals, shop openings, and other promotions or special events. Originating in Osaka during the late Edo period, most of the remaining Chindon'ya are based in Tokyo. Chindon'ya usual…(511 words)
mikekato
Tokyo Event Music Osaka Children Play Entertainment