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5 Ways to Go Sailing in Shonan
A few years ago, while shopping at our local bakery, my husband and I overheard a conversation between two stranded travelers from Southern France. They had arrived a few days before to Japan and were following the trail of Kelly Slater, one of their surfing heroes, who often competes in our area …(628 words)
Alana
Funny English (Sexy)
There are many examples of strange English in japan, as well as the rest of Asia. Strange English is found, in fact, on signs throughout the world. But some of the most strange English is found on t-shirts. I wonder who writes the copy? Many of these provide the foreign visitor with a great lau…(200 words)
mikekato
Photography Workshops in English
If you are a foreigner in Tokyo looking to learn some photography techniques in English, then you have some excellent opportunities here. In the almost 15 years that I have been in Japan, it was only about 4 years ago when I took up photography more seriously. I believe learning is a continuous pro…(396 words)
Ani
How to be successful at a japanese-english bilingual fair. Be an explorer.
Career Forum is a bilingual job fair organized by DISCO International worldwide (Boston, Tokyo, Osaka, London,etc). You have to register through the CFN website. Rome wasn't built in one day. Finding a job is a lengthy process. Furthermore, nothing could guarantee you to win the first prize: a …(645 words)
Naoka
Tokyo Union Church is great for English Language Services in Japan
If you are planning to shop at Omotesando Hills or go to the Oriental Bazaar, Tokyo Union Church is situated just along the main Omotesando road on the left when you have Harajuku ahead of you. This is the church where many expats go and it would be a familiar protestant service for visitors from t…(106 words)
Parents Encourage English Learning in Japan After Watching Disney Movie Frozen
Take a look at this video of a sweet little Japanese girl with her Kanji chart visible in the background singing "Let it Go" for all the world to see. At the beginning you hear her mother say "Ikimasu!" which means "Here we go!"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFpGHF-oJKcWell, that is exac…(540 words)
Feasting in Kusatsu
Typical Kusatsu food fare includes onsen manju and onsen tamago ( eggs boiled in the onsens). But it is at the resort hotels and ryokan, that visitors can really be delighted with what Kusatsu has to offer.Hotel Sakurai offers a delicious 9 course kaiseki traditional dinner. A wonderful ma…(290 words)
Alana
Tennis in Tokyo for french, english and japanese speakers
Do you like Tennis ???!!Do you want to learn tennis ??!! To train ??!Jinji Tennis can help you !!!Jinji Tennis will offer you his knowledge, his coaches, many different programs and a fantastic place to play your favorite sport !!So Join Us !!!!!!www.jinjitennisfra.comVous aim…(97 words)
jojosan
English-speaking dentists in Japan
It has been rumored that there are more dental offices in Japan than convenience stores. A quick search reveals this to be true with about 67,000 dental facilities and “just” 54,000 convenience stores throughout the country. Amazing statistics when one considers how ubiquitous Family Mart, 7/11 and…(85 words)
HealthyTokyo.com
English speaking doctors in Tokyo – Finding quality and bedside manner that meets your needs
Finding good English-speaking doctors in Tokyo is something that most of us require periodically, as we work and play in this vibrant and sometimes hectic city.There are some listings of doctors and hospitals available on the Internet and through embassies and other sources. However, what most …(161 words)
HealthyTokyo.com
Staying in Kusatsu
“Irrashaimase!” They were expecting us? We were surprised to see that the two greeters at Hotel Sakurai seemed to be expecting us. At least they didn’t look surprised to see not 1, but 2, foreigners pull up in their car. As they guided us to our parking space and to the main hotel lobby o…(228 words)
Alana
Onsen Tradition in Kusatsu
One of the oldest and most reputed onsens in Japan, Kusatsu was a favourite of the 5th and 8th shoguns ( it’s said that they transported waters to their castle in Edo). The onsen, while being preferred by Japanese for more than 1000 years, is relegated to a paragraph at best in the leading English…(315 words)
Alana
Enjoy bath, Japanese style
Enjoy taking bath with Babu(Bub), a popular Japanese bath tablet to Relax after Exploring Japan on Foot.All travelers know how sight seeing can be exhausting. Especially walking around on foot, taking trains and metro etc with lots of stairs before and after the ride in metropolitan areas in Ja…(394 words)
mimichan
LOOK application makes you to understand Japanese product by your native language
▼ Download “LOOK”https://look-goods.com/en“LOOK” is an application that allows foreign tourists in Japan to understand information about Japanese products in their own native language, and share the information with friends and family back in their home country. It aims to clear up the awkwar…(293 words)
R2C8
Bringing Your Meds To Japan? Study The Laws A Little.
For a long time, the ubiquitous sinus medicine Vicks Inhaler was the butt of jokes among resident foreigners in Japan. Signs used to grace airport terminals with the familiar cream-and-green device with a big red "X" imposed over it. The reason, though was rational. Over-the-counter Inhalers so…(1300 words)
jdlawrence
Enjoying Indian Masala Tea aka `Chai` in Japan
Since my teen years I am a big fan of Indian tea aka 'Masala Tea' aka 'Chai'. Chai comes in several variants such as 1) Masala Tea (milk tea with flavored spices, these are different spices than the ones used in Indian curry), or 2) Ginger Tea (raw or minced ginger paste added in small quantity whi…(466 words)
Samir Bodhe
Maizuru - The Dancing Crane
Along with Kure, Sasebo and Yokosuka, Maizuru is one of the four most important port towns in Japan, located in the northern part of Kyoto prefecture, which is about an hour and a half train ride from JR Kyoto station. Its name consists of two kanji 舞鶴, which literally translated mean “Dancing Cr…(1000 words)
DeepJapan Editor
Kamata: The Most Beautiful Knives in Tokyo
Kappabashi, Tokyo's kitchenware wholesaler's district, is a treasure trove of gorgeous ceramics, unusual spices, pots and pans of all sizes and, of course, Japan's world-class knives.No place glitters more than Kamata Hakensha, a bustling shop where every surface is covered with perfect, sharp …(303 words)
Chiara
Quick and easy things to do in Yokohama #2
In 1858, Yokohama became the first Japanese port to open its doors to international trade. In time, it became the industrial bosom of Japan. Then, in the 1960s, the city decided to transform itself - yet again - from an industrial center to an international hub to rival Tokyo. The Yokohama Landmark…(287 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
Traveling 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
Camping at Lake Motosuko near Mt. Fuji
Ask five campers what they want out of a camping experience and you're likely to get at least three different ideas. This review is for those who like to drive to a camp area, set up a tent and have amenities such as a place to wash your dishes, shower, buy fire wood and other useful supplies on on…(251 words)
Aron
Japan Travel: Train Information Boards and How to Read Them
When you visit Japan, did you ever wonder how to get from point A to point B? I did many times and I use information boards all the time. There are many information boards in and around train station/platform but unless you study well, it may be challenging to decipher so in hope of assisting y…(1441 words)
AustinA
Izakaya: An Insider's Perspective
It can be a little difficult to explain the concept of an “izakaya” in English. They are likened to pubs or bars, essentially being establishments focused on serving alcoholic drinks. However, that’s not all there is to an izakaya. As a former izakaya waitress, I'd like to debunk a few common misco…(591 words)
Sakura
6 Interesting Japanese Manners & Customs
Have a comprehensive look at what you MUST know before traveling to a new place.Learning the manners and customs of the country you are traveling to is imperative to impress and socialize with the locals. Plus, it is part of your travel manners. Doesn’t it sound more educated and literate when a …(580 words)
Lara
A 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
What Japan is proud of - Craftsmanship! : Japanese Watches III
Founded in 1881 (2011 was its 130th Anniversary) by Kintaro Hattori - first, as clock repair shop, then start making its own clocks. Set up its manufacturing factory (Seikosha). Went on to the watches by establishing Daini (second) Seikosha.... "Seiko" means, again, "precision" or "precision man…(656 words)
KIH
KOUMEN - Best Egg Tarts in Yokohama Chinatown
Egg tarts are my absolute favorite dim sum items, but it's very hard to find them in bakeries in Japan unless I make a trip to Yokohama Chinatown.The egg custard tart (commonly romanized as daan taat) is a kind of custard tart pastry found in Portugal, England, Hong Kong, and various Asian countrie…(209 words)
Suetsumuhana
Your 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
Japan'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
The Saga of the 50cc license (2007)
I've been struggling to get a 50cc motorbike license since May. You would think it would be easy but the thing is that I was determined to take the test in Japanese like all the other Japanese people in this country. After I went to day school for the certificate showing that I had taken a 50cc dri…(512 words)
Kenji
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
Yoga Studio in the middle of Sakae
With a hard day of work and constantly checking our phones. It's easy to lower our priority in having time for ourself.When these short times maybe the important ones.One of the limited moments that I'm making time for my self is when I am sitting on my surfboard waiting for a wave.The …(361 words)
Yuuki I
Shomyoji Temple, A Beautiful Place in Yokohama Japan
I am going to introduce you to a temple call Shomyoji Temple, which is located in Kanazawa Bunko, Yokohama. Kanazawa Bunko is located approximately 20 minutes south of Yokohama JR station. To get to Kanazawa Bunko, you must get on a red train call Keikyu line from Yokohama or Tokyo cities and get o…(594 words)
AustinA
HoneyBaked Ham - Now a new store in Tokyo
Just an FYI that you can now get HoneyBaked Ham in Japan. We used to always have this growing up so happy to share it with Japanese friends. They are always amazed to try what we call 'real' ham.www.honeybaked.co.jp. Website is in English or Japanese.This kind of ham is not available…(102 words)
JiyugaokaPaul
Experience Your Own “Japanese Style Wedding” in Tokyo!
What’s the most romantic place in the world? Paris? Hawaii? Rome? Those may be some of the obvious contenders, but there seems to be an increasing number of people who would name Tokyo as the most romantic travel destination.This idea of Tokyo as a modern day romance capital, combined with the …(238 words)
Japanista
The trip has completely changed my impression of Nara.
When thinking about Japan's "Nara", just about everyone thinks about the famous deer and the great Buddha. It's too bad, because most visitors come to Nara only occasionally. If you stay in Nara for 1 or 2 days, you are sure to find there are several beautiful locations that are worth sightseeing…(1174 words)
DeepJapan Editor
Cute Japanese Cheerleaders part of Japan's semi-professional league, X League
I actually used to cheer for the semi-pro X league back in the day. This was when it was kind of a group of companies that sponsored teams. Now, the sponsors are still there but the whole thing is much better organized (called the X League) and the games and competition are really exciting. From wh…(145 words)
Railway rules - “Mutual Cooperation Culture” in Japanese commuter trains
Rush hours are extreme in Tokyo as well as Japan's other major cities. In order to make this brutal moment of every day less stressful, both commuters and train companies are making invisible efforts.During the morning rush hours, people will get in line and stand in a queue. They will get on train…(449 words)
yumin
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
Maid Cafe experience
Take a sneak peek at Maid Cafe --- yes, I've been curious but not motivated enough much so far.But as a professional Tokyo tour guide, I needed to have the experience before I take guests there. So I went with seven other guide friends.There are tons of maid cafes in Akihabara, different co…(363 words)
Zara