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Summer Festival in your neighborhood
This useful tip is for short term visitors and for long term residents, both. If you wish to immerse in local japanese culture, make new friends, know your neighborhood, or simply enjoy a fun-filled evening with beer, pan-fried noodles ("yaki soba"), etc. look out for summer festivals organized in …(192 words)
Samir Bodhe
Traditional American Thanksgiving
As a native Californian living in Japan there are some food holidays and flavors I really miss from home! Food is an amazing part of our socialization and culture. The food in Japan is amazing but we also like a bit of home too. Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner are a couple of those times! Also, b…(186 words)
Traci Pink Cow
Japan's Sengakuji and the 47 Famous Samurai (Part 2)
December 14 marks the day 46 Samurai (not 47 and I will explain why later) brought the head of Kira and submitted themselves to justice at Sengakuji Temple.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBngXIDIiWEThis is a video showing a re-enactment of the Samurai leaving Ako (performed in Ako City in Hy…(538 words)
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
Hiroshima's Botanical Gardens
A visit to Hiroshima city in Spring or Summer should include a stop by the Botanical Gardens in Saiki-ku, only a 30 minute drive from Hiroshima city center or a 40 minute bus ride from the bus center (inside Sogo department store). It is an easy stop-off on the way to or from one of Hiroshima's…(311 words)
jjwalsh
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
What are popular? Usually the latest. Where can you get them? Usually everywhere.
Japan is full of electronics - whether it be in areas known as clusters of electronics-oriented shops like Akihabara in Tokyo or Nipponbashi in Osaka, in stores specializing in electrical and electronic products (Denki or Denka Seihin) like DeoDeo (Hiroshima-based nationwide outlet), Joshin Denki …(185 words)
Mike's
Enjoy “Setsubun” (Bean throwing ceremony)!
“Setsubun” is the day before the first day of spring, which falls on February 3rd. In the evening of this day, we throw roasted soy beans inside and outside our houses with a cry of "Fuku wa uchi, Oni wa soto!" meaning "Out with the devil! In with good fortune!" Sometimes, we pick someone to play a…(101 words)
OKAKI-sun
Hamamatsu Kite Festival
May 3rd to the 5th the Kite battle begins at Nakatajima park Hamamatsu.These kites are not something you would find at Toys-r-us.It takes 10 to 15 people to lift one of these kites into the air!Each kite represents a cho or an area where you live.Any group member that had a new born child…(124 words)
Yuuki I
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
Yokohama Fireworks Show: Sparkling Twilight 2014
Summer means many things in Japan; the brightest and the loudest undoubtedly being: fireworks!In Yokohama, the Yokohama Sparkling Twilight fireworks show has become a must-see summer tradition. The event is held over two days at Yamashita Park. You can enjoy both music and fireworks, as wel…(141 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
Kawagoe, Saitama - so near, yet so far away…in time
Many people, whether visiting Japan or residing here, long to experience the traditional side of this fascinating culture. They want to walk the streets as the samurai once did.But whether due to time or other factors, the prospect of a trip to Kyoto may be difficult. Even a visit to Nikko - th…(542 words)
GoodPeople
Blue Cave Nakameguro the newest spot for winter Illuminations
Winter means many things to many people and this vibrant holiday season is full of different traditions from all parts of the globe. In modern Japan- the winter holidays leading up to Christmas time involve the sparkling and over-the-top tradition of Illuminations. From across Japan cities add …(393 words)
LShannon
Japan's Sengakuji and the 47 Famous Samurai (Part 4)
One figure stands out among the line of Samurai statues standing quietly behind protective glass in the Sengakuji Temple Museum. It was chilly in the stark room but the items behind the glass caught my heart and instilled a warmth of pride even though I am not Japanese and I don't really know the f…(995 words)
Samurai battlefield spectacle -tradition over 1000 years -
Soma-nomaoi (literally means wild horse chase in Soma) is a traditional Shinto ritual and local festival in Soma City, held every July for three days, its history over 1000 years Originally developed as a military training and now it's widely known as the biggest samurai on horse festival i…(722 words)
Zara
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)
Protecting the Beach and Environment in Enoshima
When Michel and Alana Bonzi, the owner-operators of the Soleil Provence French language school in Kugenuma near Fujisawa bought their house in 2008, they knew they'd become an integral part of their local community. For Michel, who hails from Nice, France, and Alana, from Tobago in the Caribbean, b…(429 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
Japan has an annual Ninja Festa (Kids welcome!)
Iga-Ueno City's Ninja Festival celebrates Japan's famed warriors and its place in their history. Few iconic figures are more closely identified with Japan than the ninja; a combination of elite warrior and intelligence agent whose basic mission continues in various forms to this day. "The art o…(549 words)
GoodPeople
Experience Zen
People feel different things when they hear the word “Zen.” It can conjure images of rock gardens, meditating monks, or spiritual Nirvana. Zen（禅） has influenced and can be found in many of the things we find around us daily. The meaning of zen varies with different schools of practice, but a good …(227 words)
Kintaro-man
Yoyogi Park
Yoyogi Park in Harajuku near Shibuya almost guaranteed has an event or festival going on during the weekends. Japanese traditional festivals are all well and good, but experiencing more mainstream and modern festivals also provides for a great cultural experience in my opinion.One festival duri…(109 words)
KurtisW
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)
Check the vicinity
It is not as though earthquakes are constantly happening in Japan, it is just that they are more frequent statistically. Being slightly more aware and prepared is thus advisable, but the precautions don't need to be excessive. One thing however to keep in mind is where you will go in the event of a…(142 words)
KurtisW
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
Enjoy a relaxing walk along Japan's famous Diet Building
It just so happened I had a meeting near Kokkai Gijido Mae station (Marunouchi Line) the other day and was absolutely amazed with how peaceful, beautiful and relaxing the area was for my jaunt to the event location. It was around 6 p.m. on a weekday evening and since most government offices are in …(184 words)
Where to Buy Tickets in Japan?
Purchasing a ticket for a sporting event is easy in Japan. Unlike in the states, you cannot print out your ticket at home. Everything is usually done at a convenience store. You can either buy a ticket online and then visit a convenience store to print your ticket and make the payment or you can ju…(148 words)
GenS
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
Comic Market, The Largest Manga Event in Japan
Comiket, or Comic Market, is Japan’s largest manga related event. It is held once a year in August. To truly understand the appeal, I think you must have a strong passion for Japanese manga culture. What you can find at Comiket are manga related products that are made independently by “circles” or …(138 words)
GenS
Go out in Yukata!
I would recommend to enjoy Hanabi (fireworks), popular summer event in Japan. Since you wish to enjoy Japanese summer style, find a nice “yukata” for yourself to truly enjoy Japanese summer! Don’t forget to enjoy some “Kakigori” (shaved ice), “Ramune” juice(lemon pop juice) and “Watagashi”(cotton c…(73 words)
OKAKI-sun
You can go online
For concert and theater tickets, I usually buy them online. Most ticket outlets has their own sites, and try using eplus ( http://eplus.jp ) for their large selection among these.The challenges with these sites are (i) they are only available in Japanese, and (ii) they require registration to m…(124 words)
ToshiA
New Years
New Years is a family event so there are not many tours or much excitement surrounding the new year like there is in the US. My family makes mochi and then we head to Kiyoshikojin Temple (http://www.kiyoshikojin.or.jp/en/) for hatsumode (first temple visit of the year) early in the morning. Som…(103 words)
Jeff Aasgaard
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
Want to Disco Down in Tokyo?
I try to keep everyone up to date with new events and various concerts going on around Tokyo. You can learn more about various activities by tuning into my weekly podcast here. http://www.japantoday.com/category/podcast/view/kamasami-kong-interviews-lionel-richieIn this edition of the Kong Sh…(173 words)
Kong
La Folle Journee au Japon
If you happen to be in Tokyo during the "Golden Week" as you should prefer to, you can spend time walking the streets of Marunouchi and discover street performances and concerto.What is Golden Week: it is a week blessed with so many national holiday that you do not work at all during that week.…(224 words)
Claire
JRA Japan Horse Show on Golden Week
Japan Horse Show will be held on May 3 to 5 at Baji-Kouen that is now use for training hurdle race horses. This park contains several small playground for children with lots of big trees and it's a good place to visit taking lunch box. Attention ; no pets allowed inside.This is free charge …(126 words)
Moo Moo
Many concerts and events happening all the time in Japan
I have had a long and happy relationship with Japan as I cover so many artists visiting for amazing events here in the Land of the Rising Sun.I interview various people on my podcast at Japan Today and invite you to tune in to find out about special events and interesting opportunities to explo…(195 words)
Kong
Best Way to Enjoy the FIFA World Cup in Japan
Are you a soccer fanatic, bummed out that you won't be in Brazil to witness the excitement of the 2014 FIFA World Cup? Don't worry, even if you're here in Japan, on the opposite side of the globe, there are ways to thoroughly enjoy the world cup. You must go to one of the multiple Public Viewing ev…(290 words)
GenS
Service Robot “Sacchan” – Meet her at Huis ten Bosch
Huis ten Bosch Theme park in Sasebo, Nagasaki Prefecture is one of the popular sightseeing spots for both international visitors and Japanese residents. They will have a new attraction called "Game Kingdom" starting from 5th of July. At the Game Kingdom, our service robot "Sacchan" will serve a…(267 words)
Takerobo
Sumo!!
Sumo-the image conjured up in many gaijin minds is that of a couple of overweight guys in adult diapers belly-bumping each other until one of man falls off a raised platform like a drunken Baby Huey. As a martial artist, I never really thought of sumo in that way, but I get why others would. Still,…(1153 words)
Dave
Three Links to Yokohama
Once an insignificant fishing village, Yokohama has since become the international gateway to Japan with a staggering list of firsts to boast. Want to learn more about Japan's second largest city? Here are three links to get you started:City of Yokohama (Official): Everything you need to know a…(101 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
Smart Cities Week 2014
The 4th Smart Cities Week 2014 (SCW 2014) will be held in Yokohama this coming October 29-31 at the Pacifico Yokohama Hotel and Convention Center in the Minato Mirai area of the city and, with it, will come a dizzying array of programs, conferences and exhibits designed to show how the application …(1368 words)
jdlawrence