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 CultureToday I am in Sakuragicho, Yokohama
I often write about Yokohama. It's difficult for me not to. I live here. I work here. And during my time as Creative Director for the Yokohama Seasider Magazine, it was my job (and passion) to learn and discover - and then write about - as much as I could about Yokohama.I love this city and am …(364 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
Yokohama Visit City Japan Park Shopping Museum Walk Ramen noodlesBringing Japanese Tabi to the World
Japanese people typically wear tabi when they dress up in Japanese clothes, such as kimono.These resemble socks apart from the fact that the big toe is separated out from the other toes. These days most people wear western clothes and few Japanese wear tabi on a daily basis.Musashino Uniform Co…(346 words)
HiraganaTimes
Japanese Japan City English Business style Kimono Japanese Culture Saitama designDances 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 CityHell of gatekeeper, "Enma the Great" Legend of Japan.
There is a big baseball stadium in Tokyo.It is called the "BIG EGG", it has been popular.Because very visible to a large egg.The town side of the big egg,Hell of gatekeeper, "Enma the Great" There are in the shrine."Enma the Great" is God.It is God, dead people meet for the first…(157 words)
asteka
Japan Tokyo Jinjya (Shrine) City Etiquette Japanese Shop Guide BaseballJapan's Hidden Onsen
Japan’s Hidden Hot SpringsYokoso! Welcome!Japan is a country consisting of 4 main islands; Honshu (main Island), to the North is Hokkaido (Northern Sea Island), Shikoku (Fourth Country) and Kyushu (Nine Provinces). There are hundreds of smaller islands that lie in Japan’s territories. T…(542 words)
scramjetmach9
Japan Onsen Tokyo Visit Train City Summer English Spring BeerAn English Guide to Sanuki Udon
Kagawa Prefecture on the island of Shikoku might be Japan's smallest prefecture, but it's the home to one of Japan's best kept culinary secrets: Sanuki Udon. You may have heard of udon before, but Sanuki Udon isn't just regular udon. It's the best udon in the world, and some might argue it's even t…(498 words)
Sanuki Jeremy
Sanuki Udon The Sanuki Udon Song Kagwa Prefecture Guide Japan Shop Ramen noodles Eat Soba noodlesThe 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 TrainEnjoy 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 TokyoEnjoy a pleasant and relaxing lunch time at “Furusato”!
Chiba Prefecture offers tourists all sorts of sightseeing experiences, and if you're looking for a spot to avoid the crowds and enjoy the charms of the countryside, I recommend a visit to the “Furusato” restaurant in Kimitsu. I recently took a trip there to enjoy a delicious meal in a lovely rural …(509 words)
CHIBA-KUN
Lunch Restaurant Building Japan Visit Food Trip Souvenir EatThe World's Largest Uniqlo Store in Japan
The world's largest Uniqlo (Japan's largest and most popular clothing brand) store opened recently in Ginza on the main shopping street. I happened to pass by the other day and could not stop myself from stepping in, stupefied by the sheer size. The store has 12 floors and sells pretty much every p…(196 words)
GenS
Uniqlo Shopping Japan Tokyo Ginza Winter Department storeWeird Japanese Devices: Vegetabrella
I found this site Japan Ichiban that is an online shop for cool things from Japan. I particularly like this vegetable umbrella and will probably by this for my mom to take back to her for Christmas this year. It is fun to browse through the different items since they have sourced them from around t…(102 words)
Umbrella Japan Tokyo Souvenir Christmas ShopTenkara Fishing – From Ancient Japan to A Popular Sport With 80 Outlets in the United States
On a summer hike with a family friend in Winter Park, Colorado, we meandered into a conversation about Japan, my home for 29 years. Wow, Japan! That is so great! Tenkara is one of my favorite fishing styles! I love it!” My Cousin’s best friend’s husband from Boulder Colorado lit up with excitement …(953 words)
Japan City Park Food Trip Winter Nature Fishing and anglingJapan: A World-class Destination for Global Business Conventions (…and MICE)
My keen interest in social and business networking focused on ‘Business in Japan’, keeps me updated on the numerous International Conferences, expositions and trade fairs that happen year-around.https://www.linkedin.com/grps/Business-in-Japan-54168/about?Tokyo, already recognized as a global …(606 words)
GoodPeople
Japan Business Tokyo Osaka Nagoya Tourism Fukuoka Exhibition EnglishManhole Covers Highlight Local Features
This is because they are emblazoned with cartoon characters or buildings that have a connection to the local area. There has even been an increase in the number of so called “manhole-joshi,” that is women who like to take pictures of unique “design manhole” covers. A panel discussion event called “…(264 words)
HiraganaTimes
Japan Event Trip Souvenir Japanese Television design new cartoonHakone's Hidden Wonder: My Favourite Temple in Japan
Daiyuzan Saijo-ji is a breathtaking Buddhist temple that was built more than 615 years ago. Although it is still frequented by devout worshipers from all across Japan, it remains one of the less talked about magnificent places in Kanagawa Prefecture. This is probably due to the fact that Daiyuzan S…(247 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
Japan Tera (Temple) Visit Odawara Mountain Trip Beer Kanagawa Hiking HakoneOnce Only Space and Survival Foods Now Convenience Store Snacks
According to a well-written article on the subject, "freeze-drying technology was originally developed for the production of medicine and is probably best-known among consumers for its use in instant coffee. But the concept of selling individual, freeze-dried blocks of food, from which a full meal …(316 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
Convenience store Snacks Survival Japan Food Coffee Shop Miso Miso soup Freeze-dryQuick and easy things to do in Yokohama #14
Summer time means trips to the beaches and swims in the ocean, but the Yokohama International Swimming Pool is open all year long. It's also one of the the biggest and most beautiful pool facilities in Japan, and is an internationally approved 50-meter swimming and diving pool. The Yokohama Int…(152 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
Yokohama Quick and easy things to do Swimming Japan City Beaches Subway International Summer Winter"My Neighbor Totoro". There is a scene of the movie.
30 minutes away by train from Shinjuku,There is a scene of the movie "My Neighbor Totoro".Stage of "My Neighbor Totoro" was made. This town in the hint.Are you in this movie fan?"My Neighbor Totoro" is loved all over the world.The success of the movie, was spent to protect nature Toto…(102 words)
asteka
Movie Tokyo Nature Japan Train City Shinjuku Japanese GuideThere is a legend of “Enma the Great”. Japanese fear so much...
Japanese fear,“Enma the Great”.There is a legend of “Enma the Great”.The person who lied is pulled out his tongue by “Enma the Great”.It is such a legend.So the Japanese are all, They don't speak little lie.“Enma the Great” also appeared on the Japanese music.In Japan, there…(136 words)
asteka
Tokyo Music idol City Japan Japanese Shop GuideIf you get the “大吉=very good luck” in Asakusa, you are the hero!
100 years ago, Asakusa was the biggest amusement park in Japan.In Japan, the temple was the center of entertainment.Now I do not believe it,100 years ago, Shinjuku and Shibuya and Harajuku, was a village rather than a town.Roppongi was a town that raccoon dog walk.From 300 years ago, …(175 words)
asteka
Asakusa Japan Tera (Temple) good luck Food Park Walk Shibuya Shinjuku JapaneseSummer in Japan
Why visit Japan in summer“Japan is a true "year-round" destination, but if you like the heat - and lively festivals - then summer is the perfect time for you to visit! Summer in Japan lasts from about June to mid-September. Summers isare hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from approximate…(431 words)
DeepJapan
Japan Summer Japan Travel Japanese food Japanese festivals Dining MatomeThousands of lanterns being launched into the winter night sky is a fantastic spectacle
Various festivals and processions are held periodically in Japan to ask various deities to keep people free from disease and bodily harm. Sky lanterns are featured prominently in one of these festivals. Participants write their wishes on lanterns resembling small hot air balloons. These lanterns ar…(283 words)
DeepJapan Editor
Winter Japan Event festival Snow SceneryNeed Contacts in Japan? Find an Opthamologist!
In Japan, you need a doctor's prescription in order to purchase contact lenses at a store. The easiest way to buy them is to go to your nearby ophthalmologist. There, you will be able to get a prescription and also buy purchase contact lenses. There is also the option of purchasing online but that …(66 words)
GenS
Ophthalmologist Japan Contact lens Doctor buyFamily-Friendly Zushi Beach in Japan
I recommend Zushi beach in Kanagawa prefecture. It only takes about 1 hour from Tokyo on the Yokosuka line and I was actually there yesterday! Although the transparency of the water can't really be compared to beaches you would find in Okinawa or Hawaii, the water is swimmable. Also, unlike most of…(144 words)
GenS
Japan family-friendly Beaches Kanagawa Summer Yokohama day trip Swimming TokyoFast 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
Soba noodles Food Japan Restaurant Ticket Ramen noodles Udon noodles Ticket machineA Nearby Combini in Japan
If you are in desperate need of a map or guidebook, look for a nearby convenience store (they are everywhere). You will definitely find one. However, selection is limited and finding an English guidebook or map would be rare. If you want an English guidebook or map, you will have a better chanc…(121 words)
GenS
Convenience store Japan Tokyo Hotel Airport Visit EnglishJapanese Summer Beach House Culture
Before I lived in Yokohama, I lived in Zushi. One of things I looked forward to each year was summer, when Zushi Beach, one of the finest beaches in the country, would instantly become alive with people from all over Japan arriving to soak up the sun. To provide services for all these people, beach…(405 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
Summer Japanese Summer Japanese Tokyo Restaurant Yokohama Japan Shopping Music ZushiWhat emus have to do with Japanese Technology
Think Japan, you'll sooner than later think technology. It's an association made around the world. It's why Akihabara remains one of the first (and last) places foreign tourists visit when they come - to take in and take advantage of the latest technology for sale.Part of the research I do for …(248 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
Technology Japanese Visit City Japan English Akihabara Work Computer CarsKoiwai, 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 History Spring Koiwai Farm Mount Iwate Japanese inn Sake (Rice wine) Sake Japan IwateEscape to Hotel Moon Beach in Okinawa
Beach resorts aren't usually the first thing tourists associate with Japan, but this country has many beautiful beaches with resorts to match. One such resort is Hotel Moon Beach, located on the west coast of Okinawa.This expansive resort seems to go on forever, with multiple shops, a swimming …(398 words)
Petra
Hotel Okinawa view Restaurant Japan Food Sport Dinner Transportation styleHow to spend Halloween in Japan
When I first arrived in Japan in 2001, Halloween was practically unheard of. The only Halloween events to speak of were bacchanalian parties held by foreigners, many inebriated past the point of public decency. The noise, the mess, and the unruly revelry became so bad, in fact, that it eventually b…(495 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
Japan Holidays Halloween Business Children Amusement park Entertainment Japanese Cosplay CultureQuick and easy things to do in Yokohama #5
The backstreets of Koganecho are steeped in history. Once infamous for being a neighborhood that catered to drugs, prostitution, and other illegal trades, has, since 2008, experienced a revitalization of extreme proportions.By bringing in and promoting artists, merchants, and other creators, th…(327 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
Yokohama Art Quick and easy things to do Entertainment Japan Food English Walk Children CultureToday, in Japan, I Fell in Love With Kyogen
My friend invited me to watch him perform “Kyogen” in Shibuya Today. It was my first experience, seated in a perfectly constructed Nogakudo deep in Cerulean Tower’s basement (B-2, five minutes walk from Shibuya Station), to spend an extended time in awe of the art form known as Noh.Here is the …(802 words)
Japan Kyogen Art Kyoto Shibuya Walk view Noh Japanese TheatreThe 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 JapaneseQuick and easy things to do in Yokohama #8
The tallest lighthouse in the world? That really depends on one's definition of what lighthouses are, but Yokohama's 50+ year old landmark is often billed as such.Inaugurated in 1961, when it certainly was the world's tallest lighthouse, Yokohama Marine Tower is a 106 meter high lattice tower w…(371 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
Yokohama Quick and easy things to do Yokohama Marine Tower Tokyo Visit Japan Summer English Event Yokohama TreasuresTraveling Around the World in Japan at Tobu World Square
Tobu World Square is an amazing one-of-a-kind theme park located in Tochigi Prefecture. It's famous for exhibiting 1/25th scale replicas of famous buildings from around the world, including ancient monuments, cultural treasures and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Every model is reproduced and displaye…(405 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
Japan Park Tobu World Square Tokyo City Food English Trip BuildingThe Vague Expression “Bimyou” is “Yabai”
The Agency for Cultural Affairs announced the results of an opinion poll on the Japanese language carried out between January and February, 2015.It became apparent that the meaning of some words had changed over these last ten years.The word “yabai,” originally used to denote impending danger…(246 words)
HiraganaTimes
Japan English Japanese used newWalking Alone at Age 7: Japan’s Independent Kids
Opening with the Japanese proverb kawaii ko ni wa tabi saseyo, which translates to “send the beloved child on a journey” and means something like ‘leave them be, let them try,’ this new mini-documentary from Australian TV channel SBS 2 depicts one of the significant cultural differences between Jap…(462 words)
Japanista
Japan KidsHirosaki, Aomori For Beautiful Cherry Blossoms in Japan
"Get the latest updates here on Deep Japan as we collaborate with Tokyo Broadcasting System(TBS) Television, JNN(Japan News Network/TBS nation wide affiliates)'s seven-station network across Japan and Vietnam's VTV station to bring the people in Vietnam informative and fun reports from the fantasti…(823 words)
Dave
Cherry Cherry blossom Japan Aomori Castle Hanami (Cherry Blossom Viewing) Hirosaki Castle Vietnam