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 TravelThe Food of Kusatsu Onsen
One the best ways to experience a town is through its food. When I travel, I love finding the diners, pubs, restaurants and cafés the locals choose to frequent, because that’s where I know I’ll get to experience the most authentic cuisine. But there is an interesting factor to be considered when lo…(545 words)
Petra
Food Onsen Kusatsu Onsen Travel DiningLet’s get it Straight. Kelp “Kombucha” is a Must-Try During Your Time in Japan.
Walking around Denver and Colorado Springs on my recent trip, I was flabbergasted to see little cafes and shops listing “Kombucha” as one of their special offerings. Well, after a bit of research, I have come to understand that the “Kombucha” enjoying great popularity in the US is actually a bl…(690 words)
Japan Train Restaurant Sea Tea Japanese cuisine Japanese inn VisitMinshuku, 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 Trip10 Helpful Tips For When You Go Into a Japanese Onsen
Are you getting ready to take a trip to an Onsen Hot Spring in Japan?As an onsen-loving Senpai, allow me to provide you a few tips on how to be absolutely prepared before braving the nakedness and initial awkwardness of your first Onsen adventure. Trust me, all of this knowledge has been gained…(1064 words)
Onsen Convenience store Spring Walk Kimono Business Japanese inn Yukata (Light kimono) Visit FoodYour 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 TokyoBed 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 VisitWhy 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 are hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from approximately 70° to 90° Fahrenheit.…(320 words)
Andres Zuleta, Boutique Japan
Summer Visit Japan Travel Japanese festivals Tokyo Kyoto Japan Travel Summer Outdoor recreation Fireworks Shows Iya ValleyKusatsu Onsen – one of Japan’s best hot spring resorts
Visiting an onsen (hot spring) is an authentic Japanese experience“Going to hot springs in Japan is high on the list of great things to do and is a fantastic way to calm the nerves and get refreshed. Few things are as an authentic Japanese experience as going to a Japanese hot spring and enjoyi…(480 words)
DeepJapan
Onsen Kusatsu Onsen Japanese style travel Japanese inn spa Nature Relax Gunma MatomeOnly 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
kinosaki Onsen Snow City English Kyoto Spring Summer Ticket VisitYubara Onsen (Valentine Special)
If you're looking for a special way to spend Valentine's Day in the Chugoku region, how about a trip up to Yubara Onsen? Located in Maniwa City, Yubara is Okayama Prefecture's most well-known hot spring town, and is situated along the Asahi River and next to the Yubara Dam.Yubara is a hot sprin…(271 words)
Andrea Miyata
Onsen Region Okayama City Trip Spring River Outdoor recreation Beef Grilled meat barbequeKusatsu Onsen: Rated No.1 of Japan’s 100 Best Hot Springs for 12 consecutive years !
Kusatsu Onsen in Gumma Prefecture is known as one of Japan's three best hot springs. By the way, Arima in Hyogo Prefecture and Gero in Gifu Prefecture are the other two locations. These three were originally described by a priest in the classical poetry anthologies of Shokoku-ji Temple in Murom…(530 words)
ZEROIN -INTERNSHIP
Onsen Kusatsu Onsen Park Tera (Temple) Visit Spring Winter AutumnHands-on Tour of Yamanashi's Grape Heritage
One of the greatest things about Yamanashi is the production of a wide range of different fruits. The type of fruit in a certain area depends on the altitude. Hokuto city, near the Yatsugatake mountain range in the North of the prefecture, produces apples pears and cherries. Going down into the low…(1428 words)
DeepJapan Editor
Yamanashi GrapeJapanese Traditional Bed and Breakfasts: Minshuku
A minshuku is a traditional Japanese bed and breakfast. Minshuku can be found all over Japan but are common especially in tourist spots. Unlike larger ryokan, which are more like traditional Japanese hotels with hot springs and other facilities, minshuku are usually run by the family and are small.…(197 words)
GenS
Minshuku Building Japanese inn Lodging TripOmotenashi - a tradition made famous by Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic 2020
Since Tokyo has been nominated to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2020, « omotenashi » has become the buzz word to epitomize Japan’s art of welcoming guests and attract tourists. But what does it exactly means, and how can we experience it truly ?Omotenashi meaning cannot be encapsulat…(745 words)
Claire
Onsen Hot Spring Japan short trip Kusatsu OnsenLearn 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 JapanKusatsu Onsen: Rated No.1 of Japan’s 100 Best Hot Springs for 12 consecutive years ! (2/3)
There are three bathing styles unique to Kusatsu. They are jikan-yu , Agari-yu and Awase-yu. Guests are encouraged to enjoy these about 3 times per day and try to remain in the onsen for an extended to take a full advantage of the special curing properties.Jikan-yu: These are timed baths where…(466 words)
ZEROIN -INTERNSHIP
style Traditional Hotel Spring Onsen Japanese inn Kusatsu Onsen Foot bath Public Bath VisitA trip to hot springs?
I remember one business meeting I attended and the quizzical look of my Belgian business partner when our Japanese host suggested a trip to hot springs together. We knew him very well, but…, a trip to hot springs, … together? However, from the Japanese perspective, the invitation to enjoy hot s…(594 words)
Claire
Trip Hot Spring Japan Relaxation Japan Kusatsu OnsenVisit Niigata Japan: Rice Paddies, Toki Birds and Noh Experience
"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…(611 words)
sarajean
Japan Niigata Visit Japanese Noh Rice cracker Sake (Rice wine) Shinkansen Bullet Train Travel Local Japan VietnamOita Prefecture in Japan is a Haven of Onsen and Beautiful Scenery
"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…(637 words)
Phil
Japan Onsen Scenery Mountain Japanese inn Kyushu Oita Vietnam Beppu Onsen Japan TravelOnomichi - Hiroshima's gateway to the Seto Inland Sea
Japan has 47 prefectures all of which have their own attractions making it hard for the foreign visitor to choose where to go. Hiroshima is undoubtedly high on the list of must visit places because of the Peace Museum and the beautiful floating shrine gate of Miyajima. However, most visitors would…(744 words)
Phil
Hiroshima Setouchi Onomichi Japan Visit City Museum Prefectures Miyajima Hiroshima cityHoeiso ryokan in Hakone
Hoeiso is a ryokan, a Japanese traditional style inn, situated in the beautiful green mountains of Hakone, right by a river. Hoesio is a family owned Ryokan, opened in 1956, with around 20 rooms that are big enough to fit a family. Enjoy indoor and outdoor onsen, and feast on traditional Japanese d…(170 words)
Emelie Fågelstedt
Hakone Japanese inn Bus English Mount Fuji Onsen Outdoor recreation Park RiverKimono Experience in Asakusa
Kimono is usually made of silk or hemp, beautifully dyed or embroidered. Yukata is made of cotton, the Kimono for summer. Most of Ryokan (Japanese hotels) prepare Yukata in each room as a sleepwear, but you can got out with Yukata in Summer.There are many shops you can rent Kimono for few hours. T…(162 words)
Keiko, OTT
Asakusa Kimono Yukata (Light kimono) Kimono experience Summer Walk Shop rental Cherry blossomCelestial 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 FoodMy Peaceful Enlightenment at the Yokohama Archives of History:)
On March 21, 2015, I had the opportunity of exploring the Yokohama Archives of History (Yokohama Kaikō Shiryōkan) located in Kannai, Yokohama. This museum focused primarily on the years between Commodore Mathew C. Perry’s arrival in 1853 and the Great Kantō Earthquake in 1923. Generally, when I vis…(810 words)
hanavictoria
Yokohama History MuseumJapanese style travel
Minshuku - Japanese bed and breakfast"There are different kinds of ryokan and minshuku inns in Japan... 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 meals and making sure you are comfortable."…(339 words)
DeepJapan
Onsen Japan Travel Japanese inn Minshuku Foot bath Public Bath MatomeSamurai Spirit
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…(871 words)
DeepJapan Editor
SamuraiTraditional Japanese lodging
The two most common traditional Japanese lodging facilities are ryokan and minshuku. The biggest differences between the two is usually the price and type of services offered. A ryokan is a full service facility, usually accompanied by a fairly high price. Many ryokan are located in popular tour…(98 words)
mikekato
Japanese inn Onsen Lodging MinshukuIt is priced per person
Japanese ryokan fare is provided per person, not per room. I sounds unreasonable and sometimes too expensive, but the fare includes gastronomic dinner served in a guest room and breakfast as well. At the end, considering all the services and meals rendered they are not necessarily that expensive.(48 words)
taro
Japanese innExperience the Unique Joy of a Traditional Japanese Hotel
If you stay at a ryokan (traditional japanese-style hotel), you will come across many unique services. The two I enjoy the most are the baths and the yukata. Any ryokan will have a large bath for all of the customers to share. The bigger ryokan will have an actual hotspring while others may just ha…(138 words)
GenS
Yukata (Light kimono) Japanese inn Traditional Hotel Lodging Table tennis JapanExpect a knock
My experiences at Japanese inns have all been very pleasant. However, to a certain extent, you have to remember the close quarters you are in. You will be getting somewhat familiar with the owners and employees of the inn as you will pass them by on the way to the bath, dinner, restroom, etc.Al…(134 words)
KurtisW
Etiquette Japanese innNew Year's like a true local
If you want to have a relaxing winter, I recommend staying at a ryokan with a “kotatsu.” Kotatsu are tables with a futon and a heater that keep your feet (and therefore your body) warm during the cold winter months. Families often stay under this and eat mikan (a type of tangerine sold during the w…(108 words)
RieS
New year Music Japanese inn Rice cracker Futon Mandarin orange WinterStay in a Japanese Hotel Without the Extra Costs
If you are interested in saving some money on accommodation but you still want to stay at a minshuku (Japanese bed and breakfast), consider doing "sudomari". Typically, a stay at a minshuku will include at least one meal. Although this meal will probably be very delicious, made using the best local…(96 words)
GenS
Hotel Minshuku activities breakfast Japanese innFuton, Onsen, and Dinner in Japan
Futon, onsen, and dinner are the three reasons I choose to stay at ryokan over other lodging facilities. Usually at ryokan, you get to sleep in a tatami room in futon. Since I usually sleep on a bed at home, it is a great feeling to kind of return to my Japanese roots and sleep in a futon. Futon at…(238 words)
GenS
Futon Onsen Japan Japanese inn Kimono Lodging Milk Sashimi (Raw fish) Yukata (Light kimono) VisitKamogawa, Chiba
I recommend visiting Kamogawa, Chiba. The station name is Awa-Kamogawa and it's about 2 hours from Tokyo on JR. Nice family safe beaches a short walk from the hotels or traditional Japanese ryokans. If you're interested in surfing, the surfers are there from daybreak to sunset. Surfing rentals …(67 words)
Kevin
Tokyo Event Sea Beaches ChibaOnsen town in Japan - Oita Prefecture, Beppu-shi
Although it may have seen better days, to me the onsen capital of Japan still has to be Oita. I lived there as a JET in the mid-90's, so I might be a little biased. But most Japanese people will still associate Oita with onsens. Beppu was like the Las Vegas of Japan for years, and with the eco…(156 words)
William Nealy
Onsen Oita City Japanese inn Outdoor recreationEdo Tokyo Tatemono-en(architecture museum)
Edo Tokyo Tatemono-en is an outdoor museum to restore an old building of Japan, and to be able to see them freely. You can bring yourself to old time of Japan.Some of builfings are used in "Spirited away", a movie by Gibli, for reference. When you pass the museum to the direction of Mitaka, the …(156 words)
Kim-san
Tokyo Building Museum Hotel Police Japanese inn Movie Outdoor recreation Playing MiyazakiBe flexible and plan ahead!
Rule number one: plan ahead. It's possible to do Tokyo affordably, but cheap accommodation gets booked up fast. If you want a super-cheap place, be prepared for tiny spaces and locations that are less than ideal.If you're REALLY strapped for cash, you'll either need to stay overnight in a manga…(325 words)
lrnelson
Tokyo Hotel Kyoto Manga Cherry blossom Japanese inn Camping Capsule hotel WinterHere's a tip
Actually, here's not a tip. Japan is not a tipping society so you don't need to tip in restaurants, taxis, etc. In fact, my daughter actually had the waitress chasing them down the street once when she left a tip on the table. The waitress thought she had forgotten to take her money. Some highe…(219 words)
Joe Peters
Hotel Japanese innWhy Japanese people have been able to live close with nature.
If you go to a Ryokan a traditional Japanese hotel.I'm always amazed how Japanese people use small ponds, trees, plants to make space so as it feels more open then it really is.The Japanese believe so called gods live in many things.They put their hands together and bow to long living trees…(244 words)
Yuuki I
Nature Hotel Music Soba noodles History Kimono Japanese inn Samurai Anime Summer