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Enjoy Yokohama on Discount Tickets
The only thing better than visiting Yokohama is visiting Yokohama at discount prices! Thanks to several -often unknown about- special discount tickets - you can!Here's a list of the best values (all tickets are good for one day only):Yokohama-Minatomirai Pass (JR East)The Yokohama-Minat…(547 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
Kokonotuido Home-Fired Suenosato Hand-blown Glassworks Make your own original glass creation
“Kokonotuido Home-Fired Suenosato Hand-blown Glassworks”, where you can try your hand at glassblowing, is a 10-minute bus ride from JR Ofuna Station. After walking through a peaceful rural area for around five minutes, Haruka Sato and Kaname Onoguchi came to meet me from the glassworks (photo 1).…(777 words)
Kanagawa P.G.T.D.
Fun Children Activities in Japan, Learn Martial Arts
Bushido refers to the samurai way of life, the "yamato damashii" or the samurai spirit. It is a general attitude towards life including things like respecting hierarchal relationships, putting great emphasis on loyalty, and dying with honor. Since samurai don't exist anymore, its difficult to see o…(575 words)
GenS
Learn how to arrange a beautiful, traditional Japanese bouquet
Well, one of my favorite things about traveling around Tokyo is the Ekibana (Station flower arrangements) you can find at many of the local stations. I wrote about this in my book because it is such an amazing way to welcome people back after a long day at work as well as to send them off in the mo…(153 words)
Asakusa's Secret Kabuki Gallery - Shotengai Streets
Asakusa has many small shopping streets with old-fashioned cafes and restaurants. Okuyama Omairimachi Shotengai is one of these streets, but it is special. The shutters of the shops here are painted with famous scenes from Kabuki plays. This gallery only reveals itself when shops are closed.Asa…(168 words)
David
Traditional TV Dramas Jidaigeki - Mito Koomon (Mito Mitsukuniko)
Jidaigeki and Traditional Japan Mito Koomon (AKA - Tokugawa Mitsukuni)This past weekend, I decided to take a trip to a place call Mito city located in Ibaraki prefecture, north – north - east of Tokyo and with a train, it takes a little over an hour with rapid express or bit more than 2 hours w…(469 words)
AustinA
In Basho's Footsteps
In May 1689 the great Haiku poet Matsuo Basho sold his house and began travelling north through Japan. His written impressions of the journey, over 1200 miles later, became The Narrow Road to the Deep North, a compilation of travel sketches in prose and verse which is a famous reminder of Basho’s o…(379 words)
InBasho'sFootsteps
Nezu Museum
The Nezu Museum (which is near Aoyama, not Nezu) art collection is mainly Asian artifacts, displayed in a few small galleries. While certainly pretty, they are no match for the extraordinary gardens. The Japanese gardens are filled with momiji, bright green in the spring and summer, and shoc…(125 words)
Chiara
Design Festa
Twice a year, since the early-90s, Design Festa has rocked Japan. Arts, crafts, performance, music, and the entire breadth and depth of design is featured in this extravaganza using most of the west exhibition area of Tokyo Big Sight, the largest convention and exhibition space in Tokyo.With m…(455 words)
mikekato
Museums Off the Beaten Track
Japan is rife with museums of all shapes and sizes. There's the National Museum in Ueno, MoMAT in Tokyo, and Yokohama's Museum of Art. There's also the Silk and Doll Museum in Yokohama, and Shibuya's Bunkamura. Japan's food manias are even immortalized, like at Shin-Yokohama's Ramen Museum.But …(445 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
NOUSAKU: Flexible ware? Great Japanese Craftmanship
My parents' birthdays are coming up this month and I am considering to present them a special Japanese craftman art this year. Have you heard of NOUSAKU brand? I had a chance to do some research on this company at work and I would like to share about their wonderful work. It is becoming a huge hit …(395 words)
EmiOnishi
Ginkgo Biloba, Get Ready for a Gold Tokyo!
I live in the city of Shinagawa and on my way to Shinagawa JR train station, I walk along the properly spaced and placed trees along the main road along the JR train tracks. The tree I am describing is titled Ginkgo Biloba or at times it is known by maidenhair tree. According to Wikipedia, “Gin…(541 words)
AustinA
Kyara-ben or chara-ben Culture
It is a shortened form of character bento. As Autumn is season for sports festivals in Japan, it comes up in our conversations between moms. Moms decorate homemade food to look like cute characters in order to make their kids happy and their lunches more appealing.If you’re interested in seeing…(222 words)
EmiOnishi
Japanese Chrysanthemums, A Wonderful Sight To See During Your Visit in Japan
"Kiku" is the Japanese word for Chrysanthemum. After residing in Japan for some 28 years, I understand that the Japanese relationship with this beautiful flower is deep, intricate and somewhat mysterious especially when you are a newbie visitor.I happen to live next to Japan’s second larges…(798 words)
Celestial 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
Japan's Sengakuji Temple and the 47 Famous Samurai (Part 1)
Have you heard of “Chushingura” or the legacy of the Forty-Seven Ronin?The image of elegant Samurai, a picture of honor and integrity; this is the path of the “Bushi” or warrior. “Bushi-do” literally means “Warrior-path” with “do” the Chinese Character for “Path”.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v…(387 words)
Hanami at the Tokyo National Museum in Ueno Park
Ueno Park is one of Tokyo's most famous places for hanami during the cherry blossom season. Inside the park, make sure to visit the Tokyo National Museum and its beautiful Japanese garden in the spring. This garden lies hidden from view behind the main building. It is open to the public during …(227 words)
David
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
How to Spend a Rainy Day, Local Style (Top 5 Recommendations)
In Japan, June is the Monsoon season. Many of the days are very moist and humid. Therefore, it’s good to know ways to have fun in Japan, even on a humid or rainy day. Here are my top 5 recommendations!HANWAY（ハンウェイ）1. Why not purchase a fancy Umbrella?@Roppongi HANWAYThe…(263 words)
Eddie
Kamakurabori Museum Encounter the world of Kamakurabori carving, a traditional handcraft
Even if you have never heard the name “Kamakurabori”, I am sure that many people would say “oh, I have seen this before!” when they see the real thing. Some might incorporate Kamakurabori carvings in their daily lives, whether in a tray, incense container or tea canister. It is a traditional handcr…(1148 words)
Kanagawa P.G.T.D.
Today I went to Tokushima on Shikoku Island Japan
This place was the Awa Han (Awa Clan), across the mountains from Kochi, where Ryoma Sakamoto began his effort to forge a new future for Japan.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jv3hU-oBTT8I spotted the dancers as soon as the escalator neared the first floor of the newly opened airport terminal…(737 words)
Old Tokyo Alive and Well in Taito Town
Old Tokyo is alive and well in a few pockets of the city. History lovers and nostalgia junkies alike would be intrigued by Taito ward’s Asakusa, Yanaka, and Ueno neighborhoods. Each neighborhood has its own distinct character and feel, but they all capture the spirit of old Tokyo. The Sensoji t…(860 words)
Taito-kun
Slip Inside the Cracks: Samurai Spirit Tourism in Fukushima Prefecture
Through the years, I’ve had many people “back home” ask me about Samurai Spirit and ninjas. Is there any place in Japan left where one can find these things?This is a kind of question very difficult to answer. Of course, it is possible to find museums that feature many of the tools and stories …(1064 words)
DeepJapan Editor
Kyoto travel tips - spend a day exploring Japan’s old capital
Kiyomizu-dera & Jishu Shrine“Kiyomizu-dera is a beautiful temple in Kyoto up on the hills, with a view over the city. The temple grounds are a nice place to walk around and look at the many halls, gates, and pagodas from different angles... Make sure to walk around the different buildings and g…(399 words)
DeepJapan
Tempura
My favourite Japanese fried food is called "Tempura" and it is a dish of seafood or vegetables that have been battered and deep fried in around 180 degrees (Celsius) oil. When you see the chef preparing the meal, it looks very easy but it is an art and to make this meal is not so simple. When it co…(172 words)
AustinA
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
Amazing Shopping Stores in Tokyo, Japan
Since Shibuya's newest shopping Oasis, Hikarie, is located immediately above the Shibuya Station on the Ginza, Hanzomon and other lines, I happened to walk up into the amazing structure the other day. I was taken immediately by the high ceilinged/airy feel of the building and I could tell there was…(146 words)
Teppanyaki at Seryna!
My family and I enjoy going to Seryna, a teppanyaki (cooking with an iron griddle) Kobe beef restaurant in Kannai, Yokohama. You will get high quality beef with excellent flavoring and service. The chefs have to train for a decade before being able to cook in front of the customers. In this restaur…(118 words)
RieS
Make Mochi! A Fun New Years Family Event in Japan
In my opinion, there is nothing better to do in Japan during winter than participate in "mochi-tsuki" and eat fresh and delicious mochi. Mochi-tsuki is a Japanese New Year's tradition and events will be held around the first of January. Usually "Mochi-tsuki" is hosted by the neighbourhood communit…(123 words)
GenS
Check out Shunkaen Bonsai Museum
There is the Shunkaen Bonsai Museum in Edogawa, Tokyo if you're looking for something other than the Bonsai Art Museum in Omiya. They're open from 10am-5pm everyday except Monday. Address:1-29-16 NihoriEdogawa-Ku, TokyoPhone Number:+81 03-3670-8622(40 words)
KurtisW
T-site & Ivy Place for gorgeous and fun english books
Spend an afternoon browsing the amazing selection of books, have a coffee under the trees, lunch at Ivy Place and just relax. Especially great for cooking books, travel, art and design. There is also an amazing stationary shop AND a starbucks inside! http://tsite.jp/daikanyama/store-service/tsit…(49 words)
LShannon
Kendo spirits
I personally interested Kendo philosophy more that Kendo techniques.All Japanese martial arts such as karate, kendo, and judo have same based philosophy. It is a personal development mentally, physically, and spiritually.There is a famous word "kenshin ichinyo"in Japanese among Kendo p…(74 words)
yukorose
Fun for Kids & Families to enjoy all over Japan
Of course there are amusement parks, including Disneyland and Universal Studios in Japan; fun playgrounds and adventure parks too. But I think even the day to day can offer fun experiences for kids. Kaiten-sushi (sushi train) shops are lots of fun, soba and udon noodle shops, buffet dining and …(292 words)
jjwalsh
Many are made of wax
Many of the food displays are made of wax using an artistic technique and coloring to create the appearance of real food. They dip the hot wax in water to produce a variety of shapes.Some of the food on display is made of plastic but from what I've seen, wax food-making is a real art.(63 words)
Kenji
Take a risk and emerge yourself in the fine Japanese Art of Ikebana
Okay, well, I have never studied Ikebana (Japanese style flower arrangement) but I love the style and I admire all the work of art I see all around (even in local train stations done by loyal and dedicated Ikebana artists each week). I believe Japan is confident enough in the art and the style it o…(152 words)
Japan's the Best Place for Cute Tiny Gifts
Look closely at the little knick knacks in the various shops along a street or shopping arcade in Japan and you will be amazed by the ingenuity that goes in to one little item and how it can grace the home with a bit of sweetness and be useful at the same time. I believe Japan has kind of mastered …(166 words)
From Luxurious Shops to Majestic Gardens: Tokyo Midtown
There is almost too much to see at Tokyo Midtown to write it all down here. One of the best things about the area are the floor guides who wear beautiful uniforms that change with the season and can help you in several different languages. There are many different shops that feature excellent Japan…(182 words)
How to Add a Touch of Cuteness with Your Gift in Japan
During the Holidays or during your visit in Japan, you might want to give your host, hotel concierge, or new friend a little gift of appreciation. You might also be planning to take things back home from Japan to your Japanese friends overseas. Guess what? You want a hint on how to up your polite l…(235 words)
Asakusa's Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise Street in the Evening
Many tourists visit Asakusa and the Senso-ji temple during the day and it gets quiet in the evening. As one of the major tourist attractions in Tokyo, it is usually quite crowded here, but by the time the shops close in Nakamise-dori between 18:00 and 19:00 most visitors leave. At night, the temple…(194 words)
David
Why Japanese seafood so good
Seaweed art learned by NPO who try to teach ecology through seaweed; underwater forest. Japan is the islands country in temperate zone and it's rich sea hold much seaweed brings up many fish and creatures. That is one of the reason of rich Japanese seafood. You can also taste many kinds of seaweed …(102 words)
noby