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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
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
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
ISETAN Department Store with an abundant line-up of products and unparalleled customer service
There are a number of major department stores in Shinjuku area, Tokyo, offering a wide variety of shopping locales for international visitors. Located next to Shinjuku 3-Chome subway Station, ISETAN is a veteran among Shinjuku's department stores and they focus on high-quality, unique items especia…(578 words)
Aom
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
Escape to Hotel Moon Beach in Okinawa
Beach resorts aren't usually the first thing tourists associate with Japan, but this country has many beautiful beaches with resorts to match. One such resort is Hotel Moon Beach, located on the west coast of Okinawa.This expansive resort seems to go on forever, with multiple shops, a swimming …(398 words)
Petra
The History of Aster Ginza
The story of the history of the Ginza Aster brand is a very interesting one. Established in 1926, its first product was an American style of Chinese food – Chop Suey, and It’s initial store in Ginza proved very popular soon after opening. Although interrupted by the War and the recovery of Japan …(272 words)
Adstev73
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
Prefectural “Antenna shops” in Tokyo
Specialties shops called “Antenna shops” in Japanese sell local foods and goods of different prefectures or cities in Japan in order to introduce their special products and promote tourism. The variety of items at the shops include seasonings, fresh vegetables and fruits, sake, rice, noodles, hand…(181 words)
Takae
Vegetarian Food and Local Beer at Beach Muffin in Zushi
Zushi, along the Shonan coast, is well known for its relaxed, laid back, slow-paced beach lifestyle. And there's no better to place to experience it then at Beach Muffin, a small bakery/cafe and local beer tap room located minutes from Shin-Zushi Station.It's small to be sure, reminding most wh…(246 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
The Roof of Japan: where sakura bloom in Golden Week within 3 hours of Tokyo!
One of the top things that visitors from overseas want to see when they come to Japan is, of course, the sakura (cherry) blossoms. Timing as they say, is everything and this very much applies to sakura (cherry) blossoms. Sakura blossoms are ephemeral things: the blossoms only last a week and when …(542 words)
Phil
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
Onomichi - Hiroshima's gateway to the Seto Inland Sea
Japan has 47 prefectures all of which have their own attractions making it hard for the foreign visitor to choose where to go. Hiroshima is undoubtedly high on the list of must visit places because of the Peace Museum and the beautiful floating shrine gate of Miyajima. However, most visitors would…(744 words)
Phil
There is a food called "COPPE-PAN-SANDO"
There is a food called "COPPE-PAN-SANDO=コッペパンサンド".It is similar to a hot dog, but the Japanese do not think it's the same.Hot dog came from the United States."COPPE-PAN-SANDO=コッペパンサンド" It is inspired from the hot dog.Food that is sandwiched between the hot dog bun has al…(78 words)
asteka
Charming sweets, "MA-ME-DAI-FUKU", Do you know?
In Japan, there is a cute sweets.It is a Japanese sweets named "MA-ME-DAI-FUKU". Do you know?Please try to have on hand. It will be similar to the cute something of the animal.The taste is very delicious.Even on weekdays, it will immediately sold out.Since I lived in harajuku, I a…(90 words)
asteka
We call this paradise
There are parts of Japan that are still a relic. Indications of the Bubble "Jidai" are easily accessible places on the map, by their very nature, many rail roads go to them.Some of these places are being rejuvenated by the new people that populate them.Places like Minakami. Places like Tenj…(66 words)
scramjetmach9
Following in the footsteps of the Samurai of Fukushima
We began our junket in Shirakawa, Fukushima prefecture. The leaves were turning and the scenery was beautiful. First on our stop was the castle. The pine trees on the grounds Shirakawa Komine Castle were immaculate and the main gate was imposing. What I learned on this trip was that what I had prev…(1043 words)
DeepJapan Editor
Meow! I have come to Seto City, the only place this color is found.
Attractive places in Japan are surely attractive because they have some unique culture which is deeply rooted in that area. If you are planning a trip to Japan, I recommend coming to spend a day in Seto City to discover the charm of a thousand years' history of ceramics.The entire city is like a…(733 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
Learn the Rich History of Yokohama, Japan at Family-Friendly Museum
The Yokohama Kaiko Shiryokan (Yokohama Archives of History) is a museum in Yokohama, dedicated entirely to the opening of the port city of Yokohama to Western trade in 1859. This was an important event which led to the collapse of the Tokugawa Shogunate in 1868, marking the end of the Edo Period an…(91 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
Japanese Etiquette Of Exchanging Name Cards
In Japan, the exchange of name cards is much more than just exchanging contact information and is considered almost a ritual carrying great meaning. The way you exchange your card with somebody can greatly influence the impression they get of you. Exchanging cards the "proper" way will make the rec…(198 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
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
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
Custom Order Event for Pocket Tool with Genuine Urushi Edomoji
Victorinox Japan Inc. (headquartered in Minato-ku Tokyo; Representative Executive Officer: Mamiko Tanaka) will hold the “Custom Order Event for Swiss Army Knives with Genuine Urushi Edomoji” for two days on Friday and Saturday, August 28 & 29 at the Victorinox Store Ginza. The event will feature Un…(263 words)
TOMOKO
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
What emus have to do with Japanese Technology
Think Japan, you'll sooner than later think technology. It's an association made around the world. It's why Akihabara remains one of the first (and last) places foreign tourists visit when they come - to take in and take advantage of the latest technology for sale.Part of the research I do for …(248 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
Awa Odori （阿波おどり） – Summer Festival in Tokushima Prefecture
Tokushima Prefecture is located on Shikoku island and they hold one of the most famous dance festivals across Japan once a year in summer. Awa Odori has a very long history whose origins date back 400 years and everybody knows this traditional arts in Japan. The festival attracts large numbers of d…(380 words)
OKAKI-sun
The Tama Sushi Experience: Learning how to make sushi the right way!
Deep Japan Senpai Jason, Katharina and myself were invited by Tama Sushi to receive the Tama Sushi Experience, so we could give them our opinions and convey our experiences to you via Deep Japan. Lucky us -- not only did we have a great time, we learned a lot and enjoyed a sushi lunch too!The l…(432 words)
Aron
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
In front of the sushi board
Sushi Chefs and Chefs in general in Japan and referred to as a “Itamae” or “Itamae-san,” which makes a great deal of sense, as “ita” means board and “mae” describes a position in front of something.Recently, I had the opportunity to take a 1.5 hour sushi making lesson at Tama Sushi, which cover…(462 words)
Aron
Quick and easy things to do in Yokohama #8
The tallest lighthouse in the world? That really depends on one's definition of what lighthouses are, but Yokohama's 50+ year old landmark is often billed as such.Inaugurated in 1961, when it certainly was the world's tallest lighthouse, Yokohama Marine Tower is a 106 meter high lattice tower w…(371 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer