Japan Travel in Japan

Advice about Japan Travel

Kobayashi city, a place suspended in a mythological time

I didn't really know what to expect from a trip to Kobayashi city. I've lived in Tokyo for the most part of my 10-year stay here, and while I did my research on the city, I could not quite grasp the mood of the place until I set foot there. If you are one who loves their wi-fi connection and bustli…(893 words)

Alex

Top 10 Things to DO in NIKKO Japan | WATCH BEFORE YOU GO | Onsen Paradise

Japan Travel Guide - A Tour of Nikko onsen & area including Kinugawa Onsen. This Away from Tokyo Guide series ventures into the Top 10 things to do in Nikko Japan. This Nikko Tour visits Nikko Onsen, Nikko Edo Wonderland aka Edomura, Toshugu Shrine a Unesco World Heritage location and Nikko food,…(140 words)

DeepJapan Editor

What is the Safest and Easiest Transportation in Japan

I've been in Japan and travelled around in taxis for 26 years. I average at least two taxi rides per day (at least over the last 20 years) so hmmm.. 600 taxi rides a year....hmmm......12,000 taxi rides? Wow!! Like my friend Claire, I have had many a very interesting conversation. I learned from my …(217 words)

Cherry blossoms: Sakura Time & Timing in Japan

Sakura 桜 are all things cherry, everything cherry blossoms and cherry trees. Think of sakura as a season in Japan, the height of spring. When will the cherry blossom start to open and how long will they last? This question is essential for hanami planning and discussed in detail in the media e…(345 words)

David

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

Should I Get The Japan Rail Pass?

One of the first things travelers often bring up when we’re discussing their trip is purchasing the Japan Rail Pass.However, while it’s commonly thought to be *hands-down* the best – and least expensive – way to travel around Japan, in fact it’s not always the best option!JAPAN RAIL PASS “B…(656 words)

Andres Zuleta, Boutique Japan

Visiting Japan? There's an App for That!

For thousands of years, Japan has been building sustainable systems for everything, from rice planting to entertaining overseas visitors. So, if you're planning to visit, we've been waiting for you! All you have to do is plug in, let a Licensed Private Tour Guide know your interests and itinerary, …(221 words)

LoveJapanChika

5 Unique Japan Guidebooks For An In-Depth Japan Experience

A general Japan guidebook can be great if you’re looking for general information on Japan travel.But if you’re looking for more specialized, in-depth information, most guidebooks won’t cut it. That’s why we love these specialty Japan guidebooks.*OLD KYOTO: A GUIDE TO TRADITIONAL SHOPS, REST…(472 words)

Andres Zuleta, Boutique Japan

The Wildest Times in Japan Begin With a Cup of Sake, a Traditional Japanese Rice Wine

I remember going to a nearby Western Bar in Aiea with my friend from High School and sharing a few “Shots” of alcohol where you pour some mixture of strong and sweet into a little “shot glass” and down it together in one fell gulp.Those were fun and crazy times and the little buzz from that alc…(615 words)

Tissue Paper Advertising in Japan

I am sure that you have seen the people around the train stations and other locations throughout many cities passing out small packs of tissue papers to nearby travelers.When offered, I usually take one from them for I feel bad since most people ignore them and will not take one. Especially dur…(258 words)

AustinA

Tourist Tip #2: Coin Lockers will Free Your Hands (and Mind)

Imagine: your hands are full with bags and boxes of on-sale purchases and more. The only thing is, now you’re on your way to spend hours going temple hopping, and then finish with dinner at a recommended cozy restaurant. What are you going to do with all of those bags and boxes?Never fear, do w…(353 words)

Former Deep Japan Writer

Successfully Navigating Narita Airport

I travel fairly frequently to overseas destinations with my business but when I am on my way to Narita Airport using Narita express, I find myself asking which terminal I have to get off and would I go to the north or south gate to check with the airline I am about to embark. When I came back f…(282 words)

AustinA

Viron is a Patisserie French Jewel in Shibuya, Japan

You know a Patisserie is good when you stumble upon an elegant French couple staring intently at their handheld GPS trying to make out how to get there for breakfast. Viron in the upper reaches of Shibuya just in front of the Tokyu Department Store Honten and Bunkamura is my favorite haunt for …(609 words)

A little bit of Kyushu in Tokyo

While a visit to Kyushu Japan’s southern archipelago is highly recommended, the 1,000 Km trip from Tokyo often means short-term Japan travelers and even long-term foreign residents don’t travel there or get there often enough. Fortunately, we can get a taste of Kyushu right here in Tokyo for a reas…(223 words)

Aron

Adventure in Toyama Prefecture

"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…(1085 words)

Dave

Get to know your Prefectures: Yamagata, Japan (Pt. 2 of 2 )

Former Deep Japan Writer

Finding a little bit of the old Tokyo

The YaNeSen area“Affectionately known as YaNeSen (Yanaka-Sendagi-Nezu), this part of Tokyo was untouched by fire bombings during World War II, which may help explain why it has managed to retain the tranquility and charm usually reserved for small towns in Japan's minor islands. The area is a t…(450 words)

DeepJapan

Check out Japan’s museums and their specialized collections

Hara Museum of Contemporary Art in Gunma"There is that contemporary art museum in the middle of the mountain that is fabulous. It is managed by the Hara Museum, and hosts collections that do not fit in the mother museum based in Shinagawa (a wonderful place to visit...)”Read the full post h…(406 words)

DeepJapan

See Japan’s iconic Mount Fuji

How to get to Mt. Fuji“If you will visit Mount Fuji, Kawaguchiko Station or Mt. Fuji Station are the major gateways for magical Mount Fuji, designated as a world cultural heritage site in 2013, and the magnificent Fuji Five Lakes area.”Read the full post http://www.deepjapan.org/a/3197T…(382 words)

DeepJapan

Experience Japanese culture and history at shrines and temples

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 fa…(478 words)

DeepJapan

Tokyo’s gardens, parks, and nature

Take a break in Shinjuku Gyoen“If your in the Shinjuku area and you need a break from the hustle and bustle of the big city then Shinjuku Gyoen might just be what the doctor ordered. This tranquil national garden has a mix of wide open spaces and traditional Japanese gardens. It's … a fantastic…(406 words)

DeepJapan

Tokyo: neon lights, robots, and otaku fun

Go out in Shinjuku“If you're in the search for neon lights, head to Shinjuku. Here you'll find more blinking lights, giant advertisement signs, and busy crowds than almost anywhere else in Tokyo. Head out Shinjuku Station's East Exit and walk towards Kabukichō, Tokyo's red-light-district.”R…(353 words)

DeepJapan

Japanese sweets

Wagashi“Take a taste of a typical Japanese sweet called "Wagashi" ... The Wagashi sweets are a beautiful art form as well. Just like cakes and patisserie are an art in Europe, Wagashi is molded into lovely shapes and colors with just the perfect amount of sweetness to balance the fresh bitterne…(391 words)

DeepJapan

Go on a quest to find the tastiest Japanese noodles

Explore the world of ramen and tsukemen“Shops making tasty ramen noodles are everywhere in Japan. Get off the train at just about any station and chances are that you will find a ramen shop nearby. Many ramen shops offer ramen (noodles served in a bowl of soup) and tsukemen (noodles and soup se…(450 words)

DeepJapan

Eating and drinking in Japan on a budget

Go out for lunch“Make lunch one highlight of your days in Japan ... Select a special lunch set at a sushi bar or traditional Japanese restaurant. You can expect to eat an exquisite selection for less than half of what you would pay at dinner time. These lunch sets are a good option if you want …(464 words)

DeepJapan