Former Deep Japan Writer's Advice List

Former Deep Japan Writer image Former Deep Japan Writer United Kingdom 15 years in Japan

Eating at Daihanten in Yokohama's Chinatown images

Eating at Daihanten in Yokohama's Chinatown

Daihanten, in Yokohama's Chinatown, is one of the most famous shops the area. There are actually two, I'll be speaking about their "honten" (main shop).I recently went for lunch with a large party of thirteen. Once we managed to get through the large crowd of waiting customers in the downstairs…(275 words)

Former Deep Japan Writer image

Former Deep Japan Writer

Yokohama Chinatown Restaurant Food Shop Kanagawa Lunch Dinner Eat
A Summer Day Tour in Misaki Port and Jogashima images

A Summer Day Tour in Misaki Port and Jogashima

If you have a day to get out and adventure, I suggest you make your way to Miura's Misaki Port and neighbouring island, Jogashima. Only one hour away from Yokohama, it makes for a perfect day trip.Misakiko, now a thriving tuna port (the locals call it the "City of Tuna), it boasts a fish market…(424 words)

Former Deep Japan Writer image

Former Deep Japan Writer

Visit Yokohama Trip Summer port Tokyo City Shopping Jinjya (Shrine) Bus
100 Yen Shop Shopping Sense images

100 Yen Shop Shopping Sense

I've yet to meet anyone who doesn't think that 100 yen shops aren't great. There's just so much of everything that you can find for a mere few coins. If you can find it at a convenience store or local market, you can bet your nearby 100 yen store probably will, too.It used to be one might hide …(252 words)

Former Deep Japan Writer image

Former Deep Japan Writer

Shopping Shop 100 yen shop Yen Cheap Art Convenience store Children Kids Stationery
Where History Meets Art in One Tokyo Landmark images

Where History Meets Art in One Tokyo Landmark

There's no shortage of art galleries in Japan, but in upscale old-school Ginza, there's one that goes back, waaaaaaaaay back.The Okuno Building, built in 1932, was originally constructed to serve as a luxury apartment complex. It has miraculously survived the bombings of World War II, as well a…(449 words)

Former Deep Japan Writer image

Former Deep Japan Writer

Tokyo Building Ginza Gallery Visit City Shopping Art Beer Japan
Under the Sea at Tokyo Skytree images

Under the Sea at Tokyo Skytree

I wrote about my incredible time at the Tokyo Skytree in my last article:http://www.deepjapan.org/a/4072There are many other things you can do there besides going up. Going down underwater, in a matter of speaking, is one of them! The Sumida Aquarium, which is located just around the entr…(206 words)

Former Deep Japan Writer image

Former Deep Japan Writer

Tokyo Tokyo Skytree Aquarium Sea Visit Japan Children Fish Okinawa Churaumi
On Top of the World at Tokyo Skytree images

On Top of the World at Tokyo Skytree

There's really not a lot I can say about the Tokyo Skytree that hasn't already been said or written about. But as a long-term resident of Japan, I will admit that I was completely blown away by seeing this technical marvel first hand.Zipping up hundreds of meters in seconds is an incredible fee…(256 words)

Former Deep Japan Writer image

Former Deep Japan Writer

Tokyo Shopping Trip Ticket Japan view Camera Tokyo Skytree Coin Yen
Magical Cat Bus Ride to the Airport (3 of 3) images

Magical Cat Bus Ride to the Airport (3 of 3)

So now you know what YCAT is and why you should use them. http://www.deepjapan.org/a/4007You even know how to! http://www.deepjapan.org/a/4008Now we’ll look at a few things you can do while you’re waiting for your bus to leave the YCAT station.YCAT has three separate lobbies. Number…(434 words)

Former Deep Japan Writer image

Former Deep Japan Writer

Bus Airport Yokohama City Air Terminal YCAT Yokohama Tourist Tip Food Restaurant Coffee Souvenir
We All Scream For Ice Cream! images

We All Scream For Ice Cream!

With Japan soon entering the rainy season and summer, there's neither a quicker nor easier way to keep cool and feel refreshed than with - scream it with me - ICE CREAM!Should you be lucky enough to be in the right area, I'd like to recommend you have a lick at Paletas Frozen Fruit Bar. Their f…(336 words)

Former Deep Japan Writer image

Former Deep Japan Writer

Japan Kamakura Dessert Summer Food
Tourist Tip #10: Three Links to Life in Japan images

Tourist Tip #10: Three Links to Life in Japan

Planning a trip to Japan can seem a daunting task, but it really doesn't have to be. Deep Japan is full of useful articles that can help you decide where to go and see, what and what not to do, as well as how to do it.In addition, Japan is a country and culture that in many ways is built on tra…(153 words)

Former Deep Japan Writer image

Former Deep Japan Writer

Tourist Tip Tourism Travel Tokyo Yokohama Trip Japan
Magical Cat Bus Ride to the Airport (2 of 3) images

Magical Cat Bus Ride to the Airport (2 of 3)

In a previous article, I wrote about how wonderful it was using the Yokohama City Air Terminal (YCAT) to get to Narita airport for the first time. In this article, I’ll continue to share my joy by showing you just how easy it is to purchase tickets to or from the airport via YCAT.I’m telling yo…(651 words)

Former Deep Japan Writer image

Former Deep Japan Writer

Bus Airport Yokohama City Visit Trip Ticket Haneda Airport Narita International Airport Yokohama City Air Terminal YCAT
Home Sweet Home Revisted: Hotel Style images

Home Sweet Home Revisted: Hotel Style

Are you looking for a quaint yet classy place to stay in the middle of downtown, Tokyo? Do you want a touch of Japanese traditional with hints of Western modern? Look no further, Hotel & Residence Roppongi is the place for you.This was my second time to stay at H&R Roppongi. I wrote about my fi…(624 words)

Former Deep Japan Writer image

Former Deep Japan Writer

Hotel style Visit Tokyo Building English Roppongi Wine Dinner Shopping
Vietnamese Dining in the Heart of Roppongi images

Vietnamese Dining in the Heart of Roppongi

Cyclo is a trendy, semi-casual Vietnamese restaurant located in Roppongi Green Hills. They have a lovely spacious interior with, comfortably dimly lit, with clean tables and interesting decor. The staff are courteous and treat customers well.Their menu has quite a lot to choose from, all the st…(262 words)

Former Deep Japan Writer image

Former Deep Japan Writer

Tokyo Restaurant Food Roppongi Dinner Dining Decorated Ethnic Train
Magical Cat Bus Ride to the Airport (1 of 3) images

Magical Cat Bus Ride to the Airport (1 of 3)

In the thirteen plus years that I’ve lived in Japan, I’ve never once taken the bus to the airport. That seemed to me an incredibly peculiar thing to admit, so I took it upon myself to do something about it. Living in Yokohama and very near Yokohama Station, it was a no brainer to finally give the Y…(433 words)

Former Deep Japan Writer image

Former Deep Japan Writer

Bus Airport Yokohama Travel Transportation Narita International Airport Haneda Airport Trip Tourist Tip Yokohama City Air Terminal YCAT
Looking for Outdoor Adventure? Look No Further! images

Looking for Outdoor Adventure? Look No Further!

Japan is a country rife with mountains, forests, and unusual curious terrain. Who hasn't wanted to get out and explore it all? Whether your're experienced in hiking trails and combing the wilderness or completely with a yen to try, I highly recommend you let Kanto Adventures show you how.Kanto …(378 words)

Former Deep Japan Writer image

Former Deep Japan Writer

Climbing Outdoor recreation Hiking Adventure Trip Mountain Bank Kanto Yen
Discovering Yokohama by Bike images

Discovering Yokohama by Bike

I make no secret about my love and pride for Yokohama. It is beautiful and unique on numerous levels; the city and its people are in a category unto themselves. With a plethora of things to do for every kind of person – from the old-school neighborhoods of Noge and Yoshidamachi to the state-of-the-…(248 words)

Former Deep Japan Writer image

Former Deep Japan Writer

Yokohama Transportation Bicycle Train City Hotel Art Train station Kamakura Yoshidamachi
Bathe in Paradise at Luxury Hotel Kaze no Kaori images

Bathe in Paradise at Luxury Hotel Kaze no Kaori

Izu, in Shizuoka Prefecture, is a favourite go-to locale for both Japanese and tourists. Its seaside hotels, hot springs, and some of the freshest seafood in the country are well-known to many who come to treat themselves to a small piece of heaven.My favourite hotel to stay at when I visit is …(289 words)

Former Deep Japan Writer image

Former Deep Japan Writer

Hotel Luxury Izu Pennisula Visit Food Drink English Onsen Lunch Dinner
Japanese Stationery that Frees Your Creativity images

Japanese Stationery that Frees Your Creativity

Japan is a country and culture that takes its stationery and stationery shops super seriously - arguably to the point of insanity. For those people who don't care about what pen or pencil they use, the Japanese obsession with office and home supplies probably seems a waste. But for those who do car…(402 words)

Former Deep Japan Writer image

Former Deep Japan Writer

Stationery Fashion design Music Shop Movie Market Shopping 100 yen shop Tokyo
Tourist Tip #9: One-stop Super Shopping Stores images

Tourist Tip #9: One-stop Super Shopping Stores

In July and August of last year, I wrote about a few excellent places to shop for souvenirs:http://www.deepjapan.org/a/3317http://www.deepjapan.org/a/3432However, this morning I noticed that I'd completely left out one of my personal favourite places to shop at, one I visit at least onc…(291 words)

Former Deep Japan Writer image

Former Deep Japan Writer

Shopping Tourist Tip Visit Yokohama Art Music Akihabara Camera Toy Stationery
35 Reasons to Love 100 Yen Shops images

35 Reasons to Love 100 Yen Shops

100 yen shops aren't just for starving students and single parents anymore. They, especially the bigger chains like Daiso, have become everyday institutions to the average consumer. Who doesn't love a 100 yen store? I certainly can't think of anyone. So, without further ado, here's a list of...…(336 words)

Former Deep Japan Writer image

Former Deep Japan Writer

100 yen shop Yen love Daiso 100 yen shop Shopping Food Stationery
Yokohama Treasures: Nigiwaiza images

Yokohama Treasures: Nigiwaiza

Nigiwaiza opened in April 2002, and is Yokohama’s only vaudeville theater since most of them were destroyed eaither in the fires of the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923 or air raids during World War II in 1945.Conveniently located within walking distance of Sakuragicho Station, Nigiwaiza is argua…(320 words)

Former Deep Japan Writer image

Former Deep Japan Writer

Yokohama Yokohama Treasures Visit Drink English Museum Music Kanagawa Children Eat
Yokohama Treasures: Nippon Maru and the Maritime Museum images

Yokohama Treasures: Nippon Maru and the Maritime Museum

Walk out of Sakuragicho Station towards either Queen's Square or the ocean and you can't miss it. The Nippon Maru, in all its magnificence, a Yokohama landmark since 1984. It was built in 1930 in Kobe as a training ship for cadets, and has for 54 years until her retirement trained some 11,500 cadet…(474 words)

Former Deep Japan Writer image

Former Deep Japan Writer

Yokohama Museum Yokohama Treasures Nippon Maru History
Yokohama Treasures: Yokohama Museum of Art images

Yokohama Treasures: Yokohama Museum of Art

Yokohama is rife with things to do and see, boasting countless places to eat and enjoy oneself. There is old and new, local and international, every shade of interesting to delight in. Soon, visitors from all over the country and world will flock here to marvel at blossoming "sakura" (cherry trees)…(309 words)

Former Deep Japan Writer image

Former Deep Japan Writer

Yokohama Art Museum City Restaurant Visit Building History Landmark Tower Yokohama Treasures
Yokohama Hanami Hotspots images

Yokohama Hanami Hotspots

It's that time of year again, when we look forward to warmer weather and the rebirth of spring. In Japan, that also means the brief return of "sakura" (cherry blossoms) and "hanami" (flower viewing). All across the country, cherry trees will explode in whites and light-and-dark pinks, inviting peop…(227 words)

Former Deep Japan Writer image

Former Deep Japan Writer

Yokohama Hanami (Cherry Blossom Viewing) City Visit Park Spring Cherry blossom Sport Flower Beauty
Running Around in Yokohama images

Running Around in Yokohama

I often write reviews and articles about restaurants in Yokohama, but what do I with the all the calories that come with the job? Well, like many of the 3.7 million people who live here, I run. And there really is no better city in Japan to do just that.Yokohama is chock-full of running routes,…(230 words)

Former Deep Japan Writer image

Former Deep Japan Writer

Yokohama running City Event English Kanagawa
Make a Break for Coffee images

Make a Break for Coffee

The cold and wet of these last few weeks has certainly put me in the mood for coffee. And I can think of no better place for a better cup of it than Café Elliott Avenue in Yokohama.Café Elliott Avenue has been a local favourite for years, run by Seattle-trained baristas Junko and Kengo, who mak…(216 words)

Former Deep Japan Writer image

Former Deep Japan Writer

Coffee Yokohama Cafe Yamashita Park Food Lunch
Valentine's Day in Japan images

Valentine's Day in Japan

Japan is well-known for putting its unique spin on western holidays. Christmas, Halloween, even St. Patrick's Day - so why not Valentine's Day?The chocolatier Morozoff Ltd. introduced Japan to Valentine's Day back in 1936. By the mid 1950s, after it had marketed a hugely successful campaign of …(288 words)

Former Deep Japan Writer image

Former Deep Japan Writer

Yokohama Event Holidays City Department store Christmas chocolate tradition custom Sogo
Yokohama's "Akarenga Soko" Red Brick Warehouse images

Yokohama's "Akarenga Soko" Red Brick Warehouse

The "Akarenga Soko" Red Brick Warehouse is one of Yokohama's most popular destinations for both tourists and locals alike. It's a great place to enjoy a walk or small picnic, or just sit around and stare at the sea. Because of its large open spaces, Akarenga is often the site for events - so there'…(202 words)

Former Deep Japan Writer image

Former Deep Japan Writer

Yokohama Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse Park Summer Food Beer Souvenir Sea Winter Walk
Yokohama's Best BBQ and Beer images

Yokohama's Best BBQ and Beer

Bashamichi Taproom is now celebrating their 4th year of serving locals and guests some of the most amazing authentic American-style barbecue and first rate craft beer. The restaurant, located in an area filled with jazz bars, coffee shops, and an exciting night life, has three floors, and is actual…(215 words)

Former Deep Japan Writer image

Former Deep Japan Writer

Yokohama Beer BBQ Food Cuisine Restaurant style Drink
Stay at Your Home Sweet Away From Home images

Stay at Your Home Sweet Away From Home

I recently required a place to stay at to finish up some work-related projects, but I dreaded the distractions from working at home. I needed somewhere that was enough like home but far enough away from it where I could seriously knuckle down, concentrate, and get things done. I thought about becom…(506 words)

Former Deep Japan Writer image

Former Deep Japan Writer

Stay Roppongi Hotel Luxury Tokyo Dining Visit Convenience store
Make Friends with Great Food at AMI in Ishikawacho images

Make Friends with Great Food at AMI in Ishikawacho

Ami is a wonderful Japanese-Euro fusion bistro that's located just around the corner from Ishikawacho Station. It’s a tiny, comfortably cozy place run by well-known local chef, Yasu. Bossa nova jazz-infused music fills the atmosphere; the interior is left intentionally sparse, so as not to distract…(151 words)

Former Deep Japan Writer image

Former Deep Japan Writer

Restaurant Yokohama Food Ishikawacho Cuisine Wine Drink
Italian Deliciousness in Delightful Izu images

Italian Deliciousness in Delightful Izu

Izu is a favourite go-to locale for Japanese and tourists alike; its seaside hotels, hot springs, and some of the freshest seafood in the country are only a few of the reasons why. I recently spent a few nights there (in the Ito region) partaking in so much that the peninsula has to offer.So im…(225 words)

Former Deep Japan Writer image

Former Deep Japan Writer

Izu Pennisula Restaurant Italian cuisine Hotel Seafood Food Pizza Drink
Start Your Deeper Sushi Education images

Start Your Deeper Sushi Education

Sushi. One of life’s little delicious pleasures. Say the word and images of towers of empty plates at kaiten (“conveyer belt”) sushi shops spring to mind. The food is so popular that the once only-in-Japan item can now be found around the world in nearly every supermarket’s take-away section.If…(346 words)

Former Deep Japan Writer image

Former Deep Japan Writer

Sushi Food Cuisine Education Tokyo Shibuya Spring Walk Shop Sake (Rice wine)
SinKaya: Shibuya's Heavenly Secret images

SinKaya: Shibuya's Heavenly Secret

Shibuya's Dogenzaka has a reputation for its seedier side, albeit safe for those adventurous enough to wander its streets. One of its oldest areas, called Hyakkendana ("100 Shops"), is usually shunned by tourists and only ever used as a short-cut for locals.And it's exactly that reason why SinK…(336 words)

Former Deep Japan Writer image

Former Deep Japan Writer

Shibuya Restaurant Izakaya Tokyo Drink Food Beef Shochu Beer Cuisine
The Absolute Best Burritos in Japan: Cactus Burrito images

The Absolute Best Burritos in Japan: Cactus Burrito

Cactus Burrito offers California "San Diego-style" burritos like no one else in Japan. They’re located just a few minutes’ walk from Musashi-Shinjō Station on the JR Nanbu Line in Takatsu-ku, Kawasaki.Their shop is tiny, but their menu is impressive. In addition to the regular assortment of Mex…(269 words)

Former Deep Japan Writer image

Former Deep Japan Writer

Kawasaki Food Buritto Mexican Cuisine Beer Restaurant Drink
Coconoma Season Dining images

Coconoma Season Dining

I recently visited Roppongi for a day of museum hopping:http://www.deepjapan.org/a/3738Before I got started, however, I stopped by Coconoma Season Dining for lunch. They're located in the chic Roppongi Hotel and Residence building in 1-chome, just a few minutes walk from Tokyo Metro's Roppong…(270 words)

Former Deep Japan Writer image

Former Deep Japan Writer

Roppongi Italian cuisine Dining Roppongi Hills Cuisine
Art in the Heart of Roppongi images

Art in the Heart of Roppongi

Roppongi is usually talked about for its high and night life, but it's equally well-known as home to two of the most astounding art museums in Tokyo, if not all of the country. Within walking distance of each other, these must-experience venues should be definitely be included in your itinerary whi…(210 words)

Former Deep Japan Writer image

Former Deep Japan Writer

Art Roppongi Museum Roppongi Hills Visit
History in Iron and Steel at Saitama's Railway Museum images

History in Iron and Steel at Saitama's Railway Museum

If your kids love trains or if you're a railway buff at heart, look no further. Have I got the museum for you! Located in Saitama, Saitaima, Japan, the Railway Museum (鉄道博物館) is a treasure trove of all things related to Japanese trains - past, present, and future.The museum opened in 2007 …(220 words)

Former Deep Japan Writer image

Former Deep Japan Writer

Museum History Railway Museum Railways Saitama Train
Tourist Tip #8: How to Pray at Temples and Shrines images

Tourist Tip #8: How to Pray at Temples and Shrines

Whether a tourist or native, visits to temples and shrines are par for the course while in Japan. While there are – usually – no strict rules aside from using common sense and exercising common courtesy (be considerate to others, mindful of property, no smoking, respect no photographing signs, …(352 words)

Former Deep Japan Writer image

Former Deep Japan Writer

Tourist Tip Tera (Temple) Jinjya (Shrine) Praying Drink Coin Bowing
Kyoto - City of...Falafel? images

Kyoto - City of...Falafel?

Falafel Garden has been a staple hangout for Kyoto locals since 2004. I was first taken there (by a Kyoto local) two years ago, only to be - like everyone else who's been there - completely astounded by one of the best falafels I have ever eaten. The food at Falafel Garden is made with "organic…(280 words)

Former Deep Japan Writer image

Former Deep Japan Writer

Food City Kyoto Restaurant Cuisine Lunch vegetarian Vegan
A Temple Less Crowded yet Equally Divine images

A Temple Less Crowded yet Equally Divine

Say the word Kyoto and immediately images of temples and shrines and all things traditionally Japanese spring to mind. It's Kyoto's inseparable association with the most beautiful and noble that Japan has to offer that makes it a choice destination for over 50,000,000 tourists that visit "The City …(399 words)

Former Deep Japan Writer image

Former Deep Japan Writer

Kyoto Tera (Temple) Jinjya (Shrine) City Visit Travel Park