Advice about Japan
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Knowing, Being, Doing
I've been posting something like the following in various places on the internet, but Deep Japan is probably the most appropriate context for this topic -- because "deep Japan" is probably the most appropriate place to think about these things.The starting point is "now".Now is the only ti…(600 words)
Adam F
The many different ways to get to Kusatsu
Kusatsu is less frequented by foreign visitors given that it doesn’t have a train station, never mind a bullet train stop. That isolation is one of the reasons Kusatsu has managed to maintain its special atmosphere, but for those that want to go there it’s actually not difficult to get to.On my…(535 words)
AndrewShuttleworth
Exquisite French Fine Dining in Yokohama
Although I live in Yokohama, I avoided this restaurant for years thinking Queen Alice "had to be" overrated and overpriced. Created and owned by former Iron Chef, Yutaka Ishinabe, why else wouldn't I?But last night I took my girlfriend there for our three-year anniversary, and had a wonderful, …(244 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
Another Easy and Affordable Way to Beat Tsuyu (the Rainy Season)
Two years ago I wrote about one of my favourite summer dishes: "Hiyashi Chuka" - chilled Chinese noodles. It's a summer staple in Japan because it's tasty, light, and refreshing - a perfect meal to beat the season's sultry summer heat: http://www.deepjapan.org/a/3324As soon as June starts, you …(229 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
Yoshiwara and Oiran and TEMPURA
In Japan, there was a place called "Yoshiwara".It is a famous place, the woman named Oiran, but it is not anymore.Things that Japanese men expect to women,It is a little childish gesture and innocent face.The reason is because cute.Its roots can be found in Yoshiwara and Oiran.100…(121 words)
asteka
Many of the Japanese, was afraid for a long time, "Oi-wa Inari"
There is a city “Yotsuya” in Tokyo.In Yotsuya, there is a shrine which was built 300 years ago.Many of the Japanese, was afraid for a long time, "Oi-wa Inari"In order to calm the anger of the ghost “Oi-wa”, "Oi-wa Inari". was built 300 years ago.Many of the Japanese thought so."Oi-wa"…(156 words)
asteka
Small Fuji. When you climb, your wish will come true?
Between Shinjuku and Harajuku, there is Mount Fuji.You will climb easily. Because the Fuji is small.The Fuji was created 200 years ago.The Fuji is named "FUJIZUKA".Why "FUJIZUKA" has been made?From more than 200 years ago, for the Japanese,Fuji was a special mountain.It is a m…(155 words)
asteka
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
Nikko travel guide: access and things to do
Nikko is one of the most historically significant cities in Japan, situated between the mountains of north Tokyo. The city is located in very close proximity to the Nikko National Park, which offers great views of the mountain peaks, as well as numerous waterfalls and hot springs, where you can…(673 words)
Carlos P.
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
Tours of Sake breweries in Ehime
Sake is the essence of Japanese culture. Made from quality rice, which is the foundation of Japanese peoples diet, fresh water, cleaned by local soil, a koji mold and yest, each Sake has a unique taste and character. To unfold the secrets how it develops this character you can participate in tours …(924 words)
DeepJapan Editor
Asago Wellness and Fitness Tourism
Once upon a time, Asago was a feudal era battlefield. With Takeda Castle, seeming to float among the clouds, it is a very mysterious place. Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu all vied to conquer Japan, and saw the importance of maintaining control of this area. Tajima, Harima, an…(914 words)
DeepJapan Editor
Go north! Nikko National Park Day 2
I woke up early to the sound of the rushing river below and the view of the snow covered mountain, had some Japanese tea while enjoying the scenery for awhile and then went down for breakfast. I arrived at a spacious big dining hall, and the staff escorted me to a private dining room where my frien…(1282 words)
DeepJapan Editor
Takatsue Winter Wonderland One-night Onsen Trip
I wanted a quick overnight getaway from Tokyo to experience some nature instead of heading to crowded tourist areas. Takatsue Ski resort in Fukushima is relatively close to Tokyo, only about 170 minutes Tohoku Shinkansen, and is not just for skiing. All four seasons offer many seasonal activities l…(812 words)
DeepJapan Editor
2000 Yen: One Night, Unlimited Manga
It is debatable as to whether a manga kissa can be considered a "lodging facility". The original idea of a manga kissa began as a cafe where you can relax and read manga. Now, you can pretty much do anything at a manga kissa. First of all, you are assigned a comfortable and private little booth wit…(149 words)
GenS
Experience the Unique Joy of a Traditional Japanese Hotel
If you stay at a ryokan (traditional japanese-style hotel), you will come across many unique services. The two I enjoy the most are the baths and the yukata. Any ryokan will have a large bath for all of the customers to share. The bigger ryokan will have an actual hotspring while others may just ha…(138 words)
GenS
How Do I Get to Haneda Airport?
The Tokyo Monorail is one of the most convenient ways to get to and from Tokyo and Haneda Airport. From the International Terminal, the non-stop Haneda Express only takes 13 minutes to get to Hamamatsu-cho station where you can transfer to the Yamanote line. On top of its convenience, the monorail …(80 words)
GenS
Japanese Rock and Roll, Buy Tickets at a Convenience Store
The easiest way to purchase concert tickets, or pretty much any ticket, is at your nearest convenient store. Any of the major "combinis" (seven-eleven, lawson, sankus, and family mart) will have a ticket machine with English guidance. The key is to find the machine (usually next to the printer and …(102 words)
GenS
Best Way to Get to Yokohama, Japan
The Tokaido line covers 700km from Tokyo to Kobe station, the longest distance among all local trains in Japan. However, one train on the line will not take you from Tokyo to Kobe. You will have to transfer many times. In the Tokyo area, the Tokaido line runs from Tokyo station South to Yokohama an…(107 words)
GenS
Fans of Green Tea, Listen to This Helpful Tip
Ryokucha is my favourite type of green tea. I still drink it regularly and when I used to go to school, I would drink 500 ml a day. At any convenient store or supermarket, you will have a range of green tea brands to choose from. Any of them are good. If given the choice, I would probably choose Ay…(173 words)
GenS
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
Buying a Used or New Car in Tokyo japan
When arriving in Tokyo or other areas of japan you may be wanting to buy a used car. Be ready for the advertised price not to be the final price. Depending on the length of registration, taxes, dealer fees etc there could be as much as 400,000 yen extra on top of the listed price to get the car …(246 words)
Mick Lay
Ramen Noodle Shop “ Ippudo”
I would like to introduce a ramen shop called “Ippudo” which has many exuberant fans in Japan.The “Ippudo” originated in Hakata of Fukuoka prefecture serves not only Tonkotsu Ramen (Pork Bone Broth Ramen Noodle Soup), but also other flavors like Shoyu Ramen (Soy Sauce Flavor Ramen Noodle Soup) an…(113 words)
OH
Tourist Tip #10: Three Links to Life in Japan
Planning a trip to Japan can seem a daunting task, but it really doesn't have to be. Deep Japan is full of useful articles that can help you decide where to go and see, what and what not to do, as well as how to do it.In addition, Japan is a country and culture that in many ways is built on tra…(153 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
SKY HOP BUS
SKY HOP BUS is a sightseeing bus you can freely hop on and hop off as much as you want within the validity period of your ticket. The ticket is available in 1 Day or 2 Day Pass. There are three tour routes; Asakusa-TOKYO SKYTREE course, Odaiba course, and Roppongi-Tokyo Tower course. You can hop on…(202 words)
OH
On Top of the World at Tokyo Skytree
There's really not a lot I can say about the Tokyo Skytree that hasn't already been said or written about. But as a long-term resident of Japan, I will admit that I was completely blown away by seeing this technical marvel first hand.Zipping up hundreds of meters in seconds is an incredible fee…(256 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
Under the Sea at Tokyo Skytree
I wrote about my incredible time at the Tokyo Skytree in my last article:http://www.deepjapan.org/a/4072There are many other things you can do there besides going up. Going down underwater, in a matter of speaking, is one of them! The Sumida Aquarium, which is located just around the entr…(206 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
Be prepared and learn how to survive…natural disaster.
Sorry for those look for fun items and experiences in Japan. The title won’t be something international tourists expect to find... but as you know, in Japan we often have earthquakes, including very big ones some times, because of that, the government provides a center called “the Disaster Preventi…(613 words)
TomokoI
Deep crawl at night in Shinjuku - Golden Gai(District)
Which is the best place to visit in Tokyo at night?To experience the local and enjoy the talk with the locals?Well, one has his/her own interest so does other. And Tokyo has so many options to offer. So it's not easy to pick only one.But this is for you who might be looking for some ol…(294 words)
Zara
Basic Etiquette for Visiting Temples and Shrines
One of the best ways to experience the rich culture of Japan is to visit some of its countless temples (tera) and shrines (jinjya). Whether Buddhist or Shinto, these holy sites each have their own unique story and architectural details and are fascinating places to spend some time.Like any plac…(496 words)
Petra
What to do on a rainy day in Tokyo
Many who long for the summer to arrive here in Tokyo scorn the rainy days they must endure during June and into the beginning of July here in Japan. After thirty years in this country and more than my share of sweaty sleepless and humid summer nights, I actually have come to like the rainy days in…(328 words)
HealthyTokyo.com
Sumida River Fireworks Festival
Sumida River Fireworks Festival is one of the major annual events of summer in Tokyo. The evening sky of Tokyo turns into dazzling colors with spectacular fireworks.Good spots for viewing the fireworks display are along the Sumida River from downstream of Sakurabashi Bridge to upstream of Kotot…(177 words)
OH
Wear Yukata (summer Kimono) and stroll around Tokyo!
Do you know a Japanese summer garment called, Yukata? Yukata is often worn at festivals and fireworks displays, which has been summer feature of Japan.Yukata is a kind of Kimono which is more casual and easer to wear, comparing with traditional Kimono.Would you like to visit a festival or strol…(63 words)
OH
INTERVIEW 2: How did you get to Japan?
For those of you who are considering coming to Japan and are looking for ideas or inspiration from the path others have taken to find work and live here, read on for a short interview with a good friend of mine; Russell, from Australia.JB: We've know each other a long long time Russell, from we…(1240 words)
GoodPeople
September Events around Asakusa
Donburi Grand Prix will be held during this event. Eat and vote your favorite Donburi. In Japan, we have various Donburi, such as Gyudon (Beef rice bowl), Kaisendon (Seafood rice bowl) or Tendon (Tempura rice bowl). This year, 78 restaurants joined this event and compete to win the prize for best D…(131 words)
Keiko, OTT
Must Have Japanese Souvenirs: Kendama
Japan is a veritable treasure trove of souvenirs and gifts; there's absolutely something in this country for anyone you can think of - and it's usually unbelievably cool. In this "Must Have Japanese Souvenirs" series, Deep Japan senpai will share with you the coolest of the cool, the strangest of t…(279 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
Quick and easy things to do in Yokohama #3
The Yokohama Foreign General Cemetery is one of the few "quiet famous" spots of the city. Located in the Yamate/Motomachi area, it is a place filled with history and beauty.In 1854, when Commodore Perry returned to Japan with a squadron of seven warships to negotiate opening up the country to i…(284 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
Tama Sushi – What made the experience so much fun – despite the language barrier
When expressing himself, Shimizu-San talks with his entire body – with his hands and fingers, even with his eyes. That's why booking a Sushi class with Tama Sushi close to Tsukiji Fish Market will make you understand a lot about the history and art of sushi, even if your Japanese language skills ar…(458 words)
Katharina
Kobe Beef: The Caviar of Meat
Everyone has heard about Kobe beef at least once while venturing out to their favorite steak restaurant. It’s definitely one of the best you can find in Japan. If you are a meat lover, you know it’s considered the epitome of fine dining.But what is, exactly, Kobe beef, and how is it prepared? W…(252 words)
Japanista