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Saitama City is quickly accessible from Tokyo images

Saitama City is quickly accessible from Tokyo

Saitama City is quickly accessible from Tokyo, and a central hub of culture and history within Saitama Prefecture. We have five recommended spots to put you in touch with the diverse appeal of this area.・Musashi Ichinomiya Hikawa -jinja ShrineWith a purported history of over 2000 years, this…(458 words)

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DeepJapan

Yurei, Yokai and Obake: Japan's Very Busy Ghost Scene images

Yurei, Yokai and Obake: Japan's Very Busy Ghost Scene

Ghosts and spirits hold a place in the folklore of many cultures around the world. In the western world, Halloween, observed on October 31st, is a time for scary, spooky tales, while Latin America will celebrate the deceased on the following day, November 1st, in a holiday called “Dia de Muertos”,…(1369 words)

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jdlawrence

Why Do Japanese People Call Mt. Fuji, Mr. Fuji? images

Why Do Japanese People Call Mt. Fuji, Mr. Fuji?

If you wondered why Japanese people refer to Mt. Fuji as Mr. Fuji, you are not alone.When I first came to Japan, and actually until about two years ago, well okay, actually it still happens a lot, I was confused and continue to get confused by place names.In Japanese, Mt. Fuji is called Fuj…(604 words)

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Difference of IKEBANA and Western floral arrangement? images

Difference of IKEBANA and Western floral arrangement?

When I traveled foreign countries, I found some different customs, cultures, and ideas. It is all new to me and leads me more eager to know its deep culture. I will be frequently asked the difference between IKEBANA and western floral arrangement. Here is my works above the pictures.(Lef…(275 words)

Ami image

Ami

Tokyo's Yamanote Line: More Than You Ever Wanted To Know images

Tokyo's Yamanote Line: More Than You Ever Wanted To Know

Cruise through the pages of Deep Japan, and you'll find tons of advice on how to ride the trains and get to where you're going. But, did you ever stop to think about *how* and *why* the train system in Japan became like it is? There are way too many train lines to count, and each line has its o…(968 words)

jdlawrence image

jdlawrence

Top 5 Awesome Things About Akihabara images

Top 5 Awesome Things About Akihabara

Ah Akihabara, a very unique spot of Tokyo, Japan. Many people flock to this flashy decorated part of the metropolis each for their own special reasons. An uninformed one may be intimidated by the strange sight of Akihabara, or Akiba as it's known to familiars. What makes this area of Tokyo so speci…(1402 words)

Alex Kobayashi /Subtokyo image

Alex Kobayashi /Subtokyo

Jidaigeki Period Dramas Teaching Japanese Morals images

Jidaigeki Period Dramas Teaching Japanese Morals

Jidaigeki (時代劇). Let me tell you the book definition of Jidaigeki first for many of you may not know this term at all. It is Literally "period dramas", they are most often set during the Edo period of Japanese history, from 1603 to 1868. Some, however, are set much earlier, such as Heian period—…(494 words)

AustinA image

AustinA

Dockyard Garden A stone-built dock constructed at the same time as the Port of Yokohama images

Dockyard Garden A stone-built dock constructed at the same time as the Port of Yokohama

Yokohama Landmark Tower came into existence as the new symbol of Yokohama. At the foot of the tower is the Dockyard Garden. This is a reconstruction of the “No. 2 Dock of the Former Yokohama Dock Company”, the oldest stone-built commercial dock in Japan, and has been recognized as a nationally desi…(768 words)

Kanagawa P.G.T.D. image

Kanagawa P.G.T.D.

Popular Anime Locations in Japan images

Popular Anime Locations in Japan

One of the most popular anime ever. In an apocolyptic future, after the destruction of Tokyo by giant monster, the capitol of Japan is moved to Hakone`s Sengokuhara area.The main characters go to school in the Hakone area as they train to become Mech drivers in an effort to thwart another alien…(324 words)

Kintaro-man image

Kintaro-man

Spectacles of Saitama: 4 Spots to Feel Saitama's Culture and Nature images

Spectacles of Saitama: 4 Spots to Feel Saitama's Culture and Nature

Located directly northwest of Tokyo, Saitama is often confused with simply being a part of Tokyo, but it’s a city of its own, offering all sorts of exciting locations, attractions and activities. Today we’d love to share a few of those places with you! First, we’ll take you downtown to the largest …(936 words)

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DeepJapan Editor

Hidden gems in Hiroshima and Okayama Prefectures images

Hidden gems in Hiroshima and Okayama Prefectures

Ushimado seaside town, Setouchi City, Okayama“Setonaikai is the Japanese Inland Sea and Setouchi City in Okayama Prefecture faces this beautiful part of the coast in West Japan. When you visit Hiroshima or Himeji Castle, extend your trip and spend some quiet time here. The part of Setouchi call…(513 words)

DeepJapan image

DeepJapan

Kumamon, the Japanese Bear Character of the Kumamoto Prefecture images

Kumamon, the Japanese Bear Character of the Kumamoto Prefecture

Kumamon from Kumamoto Prefecture might be a benchmark for how to bring the genki back to regional areas battling the power drain that comes with ultra-ageing and decreasing populations.I visited the Kumamoto Prefecture Tokyo Representative Office in Nagatacho the other day and “upbeat” is the best …(722 words)

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One of the Most Ancient and Interesting Bridges in Japan images

One of the Most Ancient and Interesting Bridges in Japan

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IeL_cyyKVeMThis is a place steeped in history, pulsing with riveting stories of banished Samurai, castles and the Iwakuni Han. Home to Japan’s naval air force and the US Marines, Iwakuni is where the US and Japan work together to try and keep this part of the wor…(599 words)

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Samurai Spirit in Fukushima images

Samurai Spirit in Fukushima

I always wanted to explore Fukushima so I headed north from Tokyo station for a short ride on the Tohoku Shinkansen Toward Koriyama station. It's only about an hour and half. and is a great way to enjoy a half day trip for a little history and an overnight stay at a nice onsen without exhausting yo…(608 words)

DeepJapan image

DeepJapan

5 Food Streets in Japan - The Paradise for Foodies ! images

5 Food Streets in Japan - The Paradise for Foodies !

1. Dontobori Food StreetAs the landmark of Osaka, Dontobori is not only the shooting location of many Japanese films and plays, but also the famous paradise for foodies in Japan, which is praised as “the No.1 food of Japan.”The most delicious gourmet here is Tokayoki, Okonomiyaki, sushi, frie…(482 words)

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Alexlovetravel

Wear a kimono and transform into a person from Japan’s Edo period images

Wear a kimono and transform into a person from Japan’s Edo period

The Edo period is a familiar historical time period for those who are interested in Japanese history. The Edo period began in the year 1603 and came to an end in the year 1868. The samurai and ninja were prevalent and flourished in Japan during this time period. Tokugawa Ieyasu formed the shogu…(318 words)

DeepJapan Editor image

DeepJapan Editor

Hamamatsuya : Observe Hakone’s Traditional “Yosegi Zaiku” Wood Mosaic Technique images

Hamamatsuya : Observe Hakone’s Traditional “Yosegi Zaiku” Wood Mosaic Technique

osegi Zaiku marquetry, or wood mosaic, originated in Hatajuku in Hakone. The wood mosaic technique is said to have been created here by a man named Nihei Ishikawa in the late Edo period (1800s), and the craft has since been passed down from generation to generation. Hamamatsuya’s president Mr. Ichi…(700 words)

Kanagawa P.G.T.D. image

Kanagawa P.G.T.D.

Exploring the Geopark at Uradome Coast in Tottori images

Exploring the Geopark at Uradome Coast in Tottori

The Uradome Coast in Tottori Prefecture is one of the Geosites that is part of the UNESCO recognized San'in Kaigan Global Geopark, home to a diversity of geological sites related to when Japan was originally part of the Asian continent and the formation of the Sea of Japan. The geopark includes gra…(943 words)

DeepJapan Editor image

DeepJapan Editor

Create the most unforgettable memories: Try aromatic unagi and experience wearing kimono in Narita! images

Create the most unforgettable memories: Try aromatic unagi and experience wearing kimono in Narita!

Wearing "kimono" (Japanese traditional dress) or "yukata" (casual summer kimono) is definitely a must-do in Japan! Recently, I had a chance to have a half-day kimono experience in Narita City, so I’d like to share my experience with you.Get off from JR or Keisei Line Narita Station and walk for…(508 words)

CHIBA-KUN image

CHIBA-KUN

Visit the "Castles" of Past Daimyo, Feudal Lords in Japan images

Visit the "Castles" of Past Daimyo, Feudal Lords in Japan

If you are interested in learning about the Edo Period, I recommend visiting one of the many daimyo yashiki (feudal lord mansions) that can still be found in many parts of Tokyo. During the Edo Period, every feudal lord was forced by the Tokugawa Shogunate (the central government) to build and main…(221 words)

GenS image

GenS

Shomyoji Temple, A Beautiful Place in Yokohama Japan images

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 image

AustinA

What Japan is proud of - Craftsmanship! : Japanese Watches II images

What Japan is proud of - Craftsmanship! : Japanese Watches II

Part 1 - Evolution of the "Timepieces"1st Floor mainly focuses on the evolution of the timepieces.(1) The Start of Time MeasurementEquatorial Sundial made in Qing Dynasty, China (see photo)Chomon points the Polaris, and it casts the shadow on the dial parallel to the equator. Hour ma…(527 words)

KIH image

KIH

Dances with Demons images

Dances with Demons

One doesn't have to look far to see how pervasive dance is in Japan. Nearly every pop group has an intricate dance routine to accompany their performances. There are studios which teach everything from belly dance to hula to salsa, and festivals, particularly in summer, feature popular folk dances …(525 words)

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GoodPeople

Enjoy Breathtaking Mountain Scenery and Buddhist Holy Sites on Mt. Nokogiri! images

Enjoy Breathtaking Mountain Scenery and Buddhist Holy Sites on Mt. Nokogiri!

Mt. Nokogiri, literally “Saw Mountain”, is located on the Boso Peninsula in Chiba Prefecture. It's only about a 1.5-hour drive, or a 2-hour train ride from Tokyo, so it's perfect if you're looking for a relaxing and worthwhile day trip. The best way to start your visit is to take the ropeway cable …(242 words)

CHIBA-KUN image

CHIBA-KUN

Suginami Animation Museum images

Suginami Animation Museum

This past week I visited the Suginami Animation Museum, located in Kamiogi, Suginami-ku near Nishiogikubo station. It was a wonderful 3 floored museum that all ages can go and enjoy.The museum often features an exhibition of different artists works periodically. I attended this time to check ou…(616 words)

Alex Kobayashi /Subtokyo image

Alex Kobayashi /Subtokyo

Sumida Park Cherry Blossom Festival images

Sumida Park Cherry Blossom Festival

A serendipitous location that is often overlooked, Sumida Park is located in the heart of the old shitamachi (downtown) tourist area of Tokyo. Most visitors miss this historic landmark. It is a perfect place for a break from the city, and only a short walk from the famous Sensoji temple complex.…(837 words)

Taito-kun image

Taito-kun

From a Hawaii-grown Japan Fan: The Mind-Whopping Truth Behind Japan’s Kikaida Super Hero images

From a Hawaii-grown Japan Fan: The Mind-Whopping Truth Behind Japan’s Kikaida Super Hero

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x89val_人造人間キカイダー-op-ed_shortfilmsMy elementary-school friends and I in Hawaii in the late 70s would rush home on Wednesday afternoons to watch this show. It started at 3 p.m. and my sister Joy and I would go directly to the waiting school bus at Pearl R…(1199 words)

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Koiwai, the Disneyland of Dairy Farms in Japan images

Koiwai, the Disneyland of Dairy Farms in Japan

Running across the open and perfectly manicured grass field, I was delighted that Koiwai Farms is not just about cows. We were there on a business trip trying to help the town of Shizukuishi uncover jewels of interest for visiting international guests. Let me tell you, there were plenty.My …(1121 words)

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The Silk Museum A specialized silk museum that is out of the ordinary images

The Silk Museum A specialized silk museum that is out of the ordinary

The port of Yokohama has developed dramatically together with raw silk, and at the same time the silk thread industry has supported the Japanese economy. The Silk Museum was established in 1959 as part of the events commemorating the 100th anniversary of the opening of the port of Yokohama. Current…(734 words)

Kanagawa P.G.T.D. image

Kanagawa P.G.T.D.

Odawara, a castle town images

Odawara, a castle town

Odawara Castle is probably the best example of a castle to visit in the immediate Tokyo area. The museum in the main keep has a nice collection of artifacts, armor, and weapons. They have also done a great job reconstructing some gates and maintaining the castle groundsThe history of Odawara Castle…(340 words)

Kintaro-man image

Kintaro-man

My favorite trips to the old towns in JAPAN images

My favorite trips to the old towns in JAPAN

SugitoTtown(杉戸町), which located in Saitama Prefecture is one of the post-station towns developed along the Nikko Highway(日光街道) in Edo period.The Highway starts from Nihombashi(日本橋) in Tokyo and reach Nikko in Tochigi Prefecture.This town is one of the 21 post towns along the Hig…(566 words)

Erika1228 image

Erika1228

Best View in Japan: Angled Cliffs, Mount Fuji, Buddhist Temples images

Best View in Japan: Angled Cliffs, Mount Fuji, Buddhist Temples

Cable cars are often available to provide tourists with quick and scenic access to mountain summits in Japan. One that I recently used was the cable car which takes you to the summit of Nokogiri-yama mountain in Chiba prefecture. The ride was very scenic and is highly recommended. The mountain also…(164 words)

GenS image

GenS

Yoshinoya is your beef bowl heaven in Japan..try the real thing during your Japan Travel- images

Yoshinoya is your beef bowl heaven in Japan..try the real thing during your Japan Travel-

There are a wide range of fast foods to choose from in Japan. I would like to introduce a beef bowl this time!Beef bowl is a Japanese dish consisting of a bowl of rice topped with beef and onion simmered in a mildly sweet sauce.It has a history of about 100 years and there are several beef bo…(214 words)

fujimorison image

fujimorison

Flee market at Toji Temple - Kyoto images

Flee market at Toji Temple - Kyoto

On the 21st of each month, a famous flea market is held on the grounds of To-ji from 7am until around 4pm in the evening. It will be open even when it's rain, but there will be with less shops in such a case. This market is popularly called "Kobo-san", in honor of Kobo Daishi, who died on March 21.…(180 words)

EmiOnishi image

EmiOnishi

Old Saidaiji Railway images

Old Saidaiji Railway

Saidaiji is well-known for its Hadaka Matsuri or Naked Festival but few people, even locals are aware that there was once a light rail line that ran to central Okayama City. Saidaiji Railway was in operation from 1911 to 1962 and provided transport along the 11.4 kilometers between what was then Sa…(364 words)

Kenji image

Kenji

Ride Local Trains for an Different and Deeper View of Japan images

Ride Local Trains for an Different and Deeper View of Japan

The Little station in Yokohama Caught me Off GuardI was there on a visit with my friend Keiji to see one of his colleagues at one of Japan’s largest Engineering firms. It was like a slip back in time to step off the train onto a long cement platform with no safety barrier, no electronic sur…(456 words)

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Edo Wonderland - See the Legends! images

Edo Wonderland - See the Legends!

I will admit that this was one of the most memorable adventures of my first trip to Japan. It is all very interactive and you can actually experience the Edo period lifestyle first-hand. This is a wonderful place to see and take part in the living history and culture of the Edo period. This cult…(223 words)

Dolores image

Dolores

Bizen Osafune Sword Museum images

Bizen Osafune Sword Museum

Japan is synonymous with master sword-making. This status has been cultivated through popular culture with the myriad of samurai and ninja movies that have been made over the years. While Hollywood often focuses on the fanciful side of the Japanese sword, within Japanese popular culture it tends to…(307 words)

Kenji image

Kenji

Japan's Sengakuji and the 47 Famous Samurai (Part 2) images

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)

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Three Sacred Treasures and Imperial Palace images

Three Sacred Treasures and Imperial Palace

The three treasures: mirror, sword, and jewels are believed to be passed down in the Imperial Family through generations. It is said that no one, even including the Emperor himself, has seen the objects. The treasures are considered not only as tangible entities but also as Japanese spirits: honest…(149 words)

Hatha Yoga Lover image

Hatha Yoga Lover