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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
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
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 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
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
Monument commemorating General Aung San, a founding father of Burma
People visit here wonder why they see the monument of General Aung San (father of Ms.Aung San Suu Kyi), a founding father of Burma.The monument stands on top of Ohkusa hill by the Lake Hamana.There you can overlook Tomei Expressway and the lakeHistory shows General was exiled to Japan in 1…(111 words)
kazmcqueen
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
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
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)
GoodPeople
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…(151 words)
Siteseeing
The history of Japanese manga has begun from Ikebukuro?
Manga and anime of the home is Akihabara.DO YOU THINK SO?The history of Japanese manga has begun from Ikebukuro.Important shop for anime fans, Animate Ikebukuro is the head office.Japanese manga is realistic as background depiction of the movie.There is a University that appeared a …(207 words)
Siteseeing
There is a legend of “Enma the Great”. Japanese fear so much...
Japanese fear,“Enma the Great”.There is a legend of “Enma the Great”.The person who lied is pulled out his tongue by “Enma the Great”.It is such a legend.So the Japanese are all, They don't speak little lie.“Enma the Great” also appeared on the Japanese music.In Japan, there…(174 words)
Siteseeing
Kure port town and surrounding islands on the inland sea.
Kure port town and surrounding islands on the inland sea. The historic and beautiful port town of Kure is located between the more famous tourist destinations of Hiroshima and Onomich. A mere 60 minutes on the local train on the Sanyo main line directly from Hiroshima Station. For those …(545 words)
Robert
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
Washi: Japanese traditional paper in Yamanashi
Yamanashi prefecture is a beautiful area boasting three of the highest mountains of Japan. The most famous is, of course, Mt. Fuji. Yamanashi can be easily accessed from Tokyo, the largest city in Japan. From Tokyo, it takes only 2 hours to Yamanashi. The Kofu valley is at the center of the prefe…(1474 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
My Career Began in Ginza, but I’m Only Just Discovered this Historic Locale
I’m good at making faux pas! You might add it as a “forte” on my resume of life. I’m also particularly adept at weight gain, but we will save that story for another story.“Not Shinbashi!” he insisted, “Its Ginza, Ginza, Ginza!” Hiromasa Ezoe, my mentor since entering Recruit Company Limited in …(891 words)
Manhole Covers Highlight Local Features
This is because they are emblazoned with cartoon characters or buildings that have a connection to the local area. There has even been an increase in the number of so called “manhole-joshi,” that is women who like to take pictures of unique “design manhole” covers. A panel discussion event called “…(264 words)
HiraganaTimes
Unknown but, worth visiting area, Lake Hamana
Those of you who have an experience of taking Shinkansen from Tokyo to Osaka or Kyoto probably noticed Shinkansen passes over the lake after one and a half hour ride.The lake is called Hamana and is 10th largest lake in Japan.It used be a fresh water lake nearby Pacific Ocean but, the bank that…(97 words)
kazmcqueen
What about Trying Japanese “PuriKura” (Part 1)
Want to look like an Anime character? Actually change your face, i.e., enlarge your eyes, point your chin, make your hair shiny and sleek, add thick eye-liner and get stars in your bright pupils? I’ve seen countless you-tubers teaching us how to do Japanese Anime type make-up, and I’d always wanted…(642 words)
Get to know your Prefectures: Yamagata (Pt. 1 of 2 )
"Get the latest updates here on Deep Japan as we collaborate with Tokyo Broadcasting System(TBS) Television, JNN(Japan News Network/TBS nation wide affiliates)'s seven-station network across Japan and Vietnam's VTV station to bring the people in Vietnam informative and fun reports from the fantasti…(697 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
Something unique to do in Tokyo if you like Sushi
There is a chain of quality Sushi restaurants that was founded in Japan more than 90 years ago in 1924, called Tamasushi*.In Tsukiji -- the area famous for the world’s largest fish market and indeed famous for the best and the freshest Sushi and Sashimi in the world -- at Tamasushi's flagship s…(566 words)
GoodPeople