Advice about City
Advanced SearchEarthquake Advice
Firstly, don't panic! Stay calm. If there is violent shaking you need to get under a table or bed, or something. If there is nothing, door frames are a strong part of any house, so stay under them, or otherwise slip into your toilet. Stay away from windows, cabinets, etc., as things will fly and fa…(307 words)
StevieB
Setagaya Ward has about 12 courts for you to use
Setagaya Ward (nearest station would be Sangenjaya and then take the Setagaya line) is a good place to play tennis. Since these are community courts, you need to register in advance at the Setagaya Ward office. If you are going to be in Japan for a little longer than a short visit, it would be rea…(149 words)
slapshot
Top 10 Things to DO in NIKKO Japan | WATCH BEFORE YOU GO | Onsen Paradise
Japan Travel Guide - A Tour of Nikko onsen & area including Kinugawa Onsen. This Away from Tokyo Guide series ventures into the Top 10 things to do in Nikko Japan. This Nikko Tour visits Nikko Onsen, Nikko Edo Wonderland aka Edomura, Toshugu Shrine a Unesco World Heritage location and Nikko food,…(140 words)
DeepJapan Editor
Japan Festivals for December and January.
There would be opportunities to join a community Mochi-zuki making event at the annual year-end/year-beginning season (in Japanese it is called Nen-matsu, Nen-sho). Please ask the hotel concierge or someone who speaks English where your City office is. Then, you can go over to the City office and i…(130 words)
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
Shinagawa-jinja Shrine Grand Festival
There are various festivals held in different areas of Shinagawa City throughout the year. When there is a festival, there are rows of vendors selling delicious local foods. There is also an omikoshi (portable shrine) procession, which is something you do not get to see everyday. The most spec…(97 words)
EmiOnishi
Showa Kinen Park in Tachikawa City Just outside Tokyo is a lovely place to Play in Japan!
Try the Showa Kinen Park in Tachikawa City, it takes approximately 40mins by the JR Chuo Line from Shinjuku station to Tachikawa station. The 163 hectares park has seasonal flowering plants all year round, it also has great cycling and jogging track as well as BBQ facilities. Be sure to visit its C…(88 words)
cwljwc
Mitake Valley in Ome City, Okutama
The Mitake Valley (Mitake Kekoku) in Ome City, Okutama is one of the best areas for autumn leaves near Tokyo. It takes approximately 1.5 hours from Shinjuku by the JR Chuo Line & JR Ome Line (Change at Ome station). You can casually trek along the 4km river bank or hike the Mount Mitake, either way…(62 words)
cwljwc
Diver City Tokyo, Odaiba
Diver City Tokyo in Odaiba is one of the newest shopping mall in Tokyo, its full of fashion shops and amusements, and there you got to see the 18m tall gigantic Gundam too!http://www.divercity-tokyo.com/en/(38 words)
cwljwc
Red Brick Warehouse (Akarenga Souko Shopping Plaza) in Yokohama Japan
Be sure the visit the Red Brick Warehouse just appox. 10-15mins walk from Minatomirai Stn. Its a historical building that now is being used as a shopping mall and event hall. There you can enjoy some nice shopping, good restaurants and beautiful night scene by the the harbour.http://www.welcome…(71 words)
cwljwc
Are Taking Taxis Affordable in Japan?
In the Tokyo city area, taxis are everywhere. If you are on a main road it would be rare if you couldn't catch one in 5 minutes. Taxis are easy to find and a quick way to get around. The metro and bus system will also take you pretty much anywhere but will usually be more time consuming since buses…(162 words)
GenS
Go to Kamakura in Japan
If you are interested in learning about the Kamakura period, there is nothing more you can do than to actually go to Kamakura. From Tokyo, Kamakura is less than an hour away towards Yokohama on the Yokosuka line. Just one train ride to the former capital of Japan. When you arrive, you will definite…(268 words)
GenS
One of the best sword museums and sword artisans communities can be found in Okayama Prefecture
Bizen Osafune Sword Museum and Craft Center is located in Setouchi city, Okayama Prefecture. Just a short train ride from Okayama station to Osafune station and a 10 minute taxi ride for 500yen to the museum. You can walk to the museum (it takes about 25 minutes) but if you are unfamiliar with gett…(218 words)
JudithMikami
Fuchu, west Tokyo
The horse racing track in Tokyo is located west, in a slightly more suburban area called Fuchu city. It takes about 30 minutes from Shinjuku in downtown, and can be accessed on the Keio line.The cool thing about this stadium I have noticed is that it has its own small train line running from Fu…(130 words)
KurtisW
Lively Drinking Spots in Japan: Beer Gardens and Izakaya Japanese Pubs
You can find Beer Gardens atop department stores around Japan and Izakayas along any busy restaurant area in any city in the country.Although also popular with groups of friends or coworkers, you will find Japanese style pubs "Izakaya" popular with men- they serve many small dishes that go well…(220 words)
jjwalsh
Oakwood Residences-Great for senior executives staying in Japan for 1-6mons!
Oakwood are luxury serviced apartments for senior executives. great locations around the city. Amazing service. Lots of support staff. http://www.oakwood.com/serviced-apartments/international/JP/212/Tokyo.html(28 words)
LShannon
Need Medical Help in Japan
This website is a Tokyo city website dedicated entirely for foreign patients seeking medical help in Tokyo. Perfect for you! It is in English and you can search for any hospital in Tokyo. There is also a phone number you can call incase you cannot find a hospital and another number you can call to …(79 words)
GenS
Hospitals in Japan
You will be lucky to find a hospital with good English support in Tokyo. Good hospitals are everywhere in Tokyo but only the larger ones will have English support. However, there is no problem if you access this page:http://www.himawari.metro.tokyo.jp/qq/qq13enmnlt.aspThis site is made to p…(126 words)
GenS
Edo-Tokyo museum
If you are interested in Edo culture I recommend the Edo-Tokyo Museum next to Ryogoku Kokugikan (Sumo Arena). You can see the lifestyle of people who were living in the big city in Edo period. When I visited there I could enjoy a Japanese traditional music show like Syamisen and Koto performanc…(70 words)
misa
Local Shops Have Great Prices Too
Daiso is actually a Hiroshima company that is now in Australia and other countries around Asia as well. However, none of the products are actually made in Japan. Of course it is fun to walk around and see all the cheap Chinese made products, but you can actually find most of the good things they ha…(387 words)
jjwalsh
The city center and near train stations
The further you get from the city center or a train station, the cheaper the land is likely to be. People want to live near a station and enjoy the convenience of the city center so land prices will be high in these areas. This would be the case for any city but major cities would be more expensive…(65 words)
Kenji
A Serious Tour
If you are like many, you have at least a mild fantasy about seeing the sights of a country while on a vehicle, whether it be a car, motorcycle, or bicycle. Japan is a country that makes it slightly difficult to be motorized, particularly in Tokyo, so the best option is the healthiest, and in my op…(190 words)
KurtisW
Lockers of Convenience
Have you ever wonder why the locals do not carry their heavy bags of shopping and belonging when they are in the city? Solution ? Lockers @ the stations ! Most big stations have these lockers tucked at the corner. One simply put the stuff in the locker, insert some money ( JY300 or JY400 depending …(72 words)
imkate
Walking a Historical Path
Tokyo, as well as Japanese commerce in general, was structured largely along walking routes in the 16th to 18th centuries. Tokyo has done a good job of preserving its classic street structures, so when you walk down a road in downtown Tokyo, of course the shops have grown from small, one-merchant s…(171 words)
KurtisW
Spread-out sights
Tokyo's best examples of modern architecture tend to be fairly spread out over the city, so you're better off checking out a building here and there instead of trying to take them all in in a single day (or even a week). Here are a three of my favorites.Tokyo International Forum, Yurakucho Stat…(212 words)
lrnelson
The Cutest Cartoon Character in Japan, Funasshii
My daughter and I love the character representing Funabashi City in Chiba Prefecture named "Funasshii". Recently the characters or mascots from different areas of Japan are on TV a lot and there is actually a Sumo contest on TV between these adorable and playful characters. Each of them has a perso…(225 words)
I concur about Roppongi Hills Observatory but don't forget the Big Picture too
Indeed, I second the advice that the Roppongi Hills Observatory - the night view in particular - is to be recommended. But in fact I think you can get a nice view from many other locations in the Roppongi Hills area, whether in the Roppongi Hills Mori Tower (Academy Hills) facilities on 49th floor,…(143 words)
Mike's
Water, water everywhere
Due to rainy seasons akin to visits by monsoons, typhoons and a goodly amount of snow, which remains in place until spring and then replenishes the water supply both above and under the ground, water for the most part is abunda. Unfortunately clear, potable water has been used for many other purpos…(115 words)
Mike's
Itami in Hyogo Prefecture
Itami city is located in Hyogo Prefecture – known as a town for Itami Airport. Itami is also known as a is the birthplace of Seishu (refined sake). They have the oldest Sake storehouse in existence that is clear when it was build. They are important cultural property that pass on the history of t…(91 words)
OKAKI-sun
the emergence of small market!
If you want to get local vegetables and products, you can get them at the "cooperatives" if you are not in any large city center and if you have a car. You can also shop at small markets: the posh (and expensive) one is located in Aoyama, close to the UN University. There is another one in Yurakuch…(137 words)
Claire
Music in Japan is not just about AKB
Are you looking for some good music tracks to put in your IPOD?Well my mistake was relying on watching top ranking music shows on TV.Turn off your TV set and get out to some live music.There are many popular music festivals in Japan.Fuji Rock in Julyhttp://www.fujirockfestival.com/…(156 words)
Yuuki I
The Waka Poetry Garden - Rikugien
Rikugien is a very nice garden for walking the park paths, up the gentle hills, and around the pond while taking in the sights and sounds of this park within the confines of a busy city. The garden was created based on the theme of Waka poetry. It's a typical example of the gardens of the Edo perio…(175 words)
Joe Peters
Free WiFi in Osaka for Travelers
Osaka has started to offer free WiFi to travelers to help them connect with the city. All you have to do is check WiFi connections on your device, registrar and then connect. Usage time is limited but should be enough to check maps, find restaurants and check email. For more information please see…(59 words)
Jeff Aasgaard
Guest house Shinagawa shuku - Best access from Haneda Airport!
It is near Shinagawa Station (10-minutes walk distance), easy access from the airport and perfect connection to the city of Tokyo. Reasonable for backpackers : 3,000 yen per night for dormitory and 3,500 yen for private single. I've heard the staff members are very friendly! You can visit many trad…(83 words)
EmiOnishi
Air bnb taking Tokyo by storm
Did you know you can find thousands of places to stay in Tokyo that are NOT hotels, guest houses, or commercial properties. Hosts all over the city are now posting up rooms, studios, and apartments to reserve for your visit to Japan. Check out You can search by neighborhood and many hosts will also…(143 words)
LShannon
Look at this watermelon
Look at this watermelon water tank in Chiba!!It is 33.8 meters in diameter and 37 meters tall. I wish it was filled with watermelon juice! Such a cute way to decorate. It makes you feel cool just to look at it!This city is in the North of Chiba and is called Tomisato. It is Japan's seco…(73 words)
Eddie
Do you need a taxi?
There are plenty of taxi in Japan. They are cheap, easy, they won't try to cheat on you, they have white lace cover seats and they are safe. You even feel like a VIP when the driver has white gloves. But their driver might not understand other language than Japanese, and worse, he might not kno…(388 words)
Claire
1-hour small yet great trip from Kyoto Station – Toji Temple
My favorite spot in Kyoto is Toji Temple, a world heritage site which has history of 1,200 years!Located within 15-minute walking distance from Kyoto station (1 Kujo-cho, Minami-ku, Kyoto City), it is easy to access. As everybody knows the famous temple, you can ask anyone for the direction on the …(126 words)
Eddie
Spring for HANAMI (cherry blossom viewing) has come !!
In Japan, we have a custom of enjoying changes in nature which occurred as the seasons progresses such as hanami (cherry blossom viewing), Tsukimi (moon viewing) and Yukimi (snow viewing). Hanami is a kind of party to celebrate the upcoming spring and it will be seen throughout the country from aro…(621 words)
fujimorison
I did it! I have found the proof of the existance of incivility in Japan!
Have you ever wondered how they do it to keep their cities and public space so spic and span clean? I do. Every day I walk the streets of the city, and I am amazed by its welcoming cleanliness. - There is no paper, not gums littering the streets. No nothing. They even do not have rubbish bins! …(387 words)
Claire