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Tourist Tip #3 (Revisited): Stay Away from Souvenir Shops images

Tourist Tip #3 (Revisited): Stay Away from Souvenir Shops

In one of my previous "Tourist Tip" posts, I suggested staying away from conventional tourist-trap omiyageya (souvenir shops) and visiting instead some of the cooler places where there's more to shop for at better deals:http://www.deepjapan.org/a/3317There are many such places to visit. Som…(171 words)

Former Deep Japan Writer image

Former Deep Japan Writer

Road Trip Diaries #1: Umi Hotaru images

Road Trip Diaries #1: Umi Hotaru

In the middle of Tokyo Bay, there sits a handsome, white, 5-story structure remarkable as much for its awkward location as it is for its raw engineering. The artificial island stands there, surrounded by ocean, an unexpected accompaniment to the fishing boats and cargo ships which normally cruise …(776 words)

jdlawrence image

jdlawrence

How to Enjoy Japanese Summer : Yukata images

How to Enjoy Japanese Summer : Yukata

One of the joy in summer is to wear Japanese summer version of Kimono “Yukata” and go out. People enjoy taking walks in the city in their favorite Yukata or shopping at food stalls on the day of Hanabi festivals. Please enjoy fabulous fireworks in the summer night sky! *Staff*Kimono dresser…(108 words)

OKAKI-sun image

OKAKI-sun

Anime Genius in Japan: Sin-San images

Anime Genius in Japan: Sin-San

We call him “Master” and that honorific describes him to a “T”. The owner at a restaurant in Japan is often referred to as “Master” or in Japanese pronunciation “Masuta—“. Senpai Hint! When you are at a loss for how to address the guy in charge at a restaurant or bar in Japan, feel free to use …(803 words)

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2k540 AKI-OKA ARTISAN: shopping under the Yamanote line images

2k540 AKI-OKA ARTISAN: shopping under the Yamanote line

There is a hidden street under the Yamanote line tracks near Ueno's Ameyoko Shotengai between Okachimachi and Akihabara. Follow the elevated JR train tracks to 2k540 AKI-OKA ARTISAN and you will find a quiet place filled with the best handcrafted Japanese goods.There are about 50 small stores and w…(155 words)

David image

David

Cultural experience walking tour in Nihonbashi, Tokyo images

Cultural experience walking tour in Nihonbashi, Tokyo

As depicted in some of Ukiyoe, former fish market of Tokyo had been situated in Nihonbashi. So in the area where the fish market had been, which is next to Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi department (the flagship store), we can see some clues of the history. Some shops, called “Shinise” (long-established sho…(500 words)

TomokoI image

TomokoI

35 Reasons to Love 100 Yen Shops images

35 Reasons to Love 100 Yen Shops

100 yen shops aren't just for starving students and single parents anymore. They, especially the bigger chains like Daiso, have become everyday institutions to the average consumer. Who doesn't love a 100 yen store? I certainly can't think of anyone. So, without further ado, here's a list of...…(336 words)

Former Deep Japan Writer image

Former Deep Japan Writer

Artistic heaven under the rail tracks images

Artistic heaven under the rail tracks

Tokyo's tunnels-under-rail-tracks are worth exploration. Land is quite rare and expensive in Tokyo so it is put into good use. Any plot of land, how small it may be, is productive. This is also the case for the roads under rail tracks. You have km of land under JR rails but they are not alw…(502 words)

Claire image

Claire

Home Sweet Home Revisted: Hotel Style images

Home Sweet Home Revisted: Hotel Style

Are you looking for a quaint yet classy place to stay in the middle of downtown, Tokyo? Do you want a touch of Japanese traditional with hints of Western modern? Look no further, Hotel & Residence Roppongi is the place for you.This was my second time to stay at H&R Roppongi. I wrote about my fi…(624 words)

Former Deep Japan Writer image

Former Deep Japan Writer

Three things to complete your Kawagoe day trip images

Three things to complete your Kawagoe day trip

Visiting the religious place is sometimes hard.... especially that religion is not of yours and not easy to understand. And also for children.I visited too many temples and shrines in my life. So even I feel get confused of them unless I mean to visit there on purpose. However....these place…(337 words)

Zara image

Zara

On Top of the World at Tokyo Skytree images

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 image

Former Deep Japan Writer

What to do on a rainy day in Tokyo images

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 image

HealthyTokyo.com

Discover the Japanese Tea Ceremony at Chazen images

Discover the Japanese Tea Ceremony at Chazen

The traditional Japanese tea ceremony is one of the best examples of "omotenashi," or Japanese hospitality. It's a beautiful demonstration of welcoming and a truly signature Japanese experience. At Ginza Chazen, visitors can learn all about the traditional tea ceremony and how matcha tea is prepare…(292 words)

Petra image

Petra

Quick and easy things to do in Yokohama #7 images

Quick and easy things to do in Yokohama #7

Located just a few minutes' walk from JR Kannai Station lies a stretch of street 1.2 kilometers long bettter known to locals as Isezakicho Mall. It is a car-free zone loaded with various shops and stores.Before Motomachi and Yokohama Station became popular, Isezakicho was the only large shoppin…(277 words)

Former Deep Japan Writer image

Former Deep Japan Writer

My Career Began in Ginza, but I’m Only Just Discovered this Historic Locale images

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)

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Quick and easy things to do in Yokohama #9 images

Quick and easy things to do in Yokohama #9

There's a lot to love about Yokohama. It's this diversity and variety that make Yokohama the great city that it is. One visit is never enough, for you can always find something new and different each time you walk its streets.In Hanasaki-cho, one of the few "old school" smaller districts that s…(393 words)

Former Deep Japan Writer image

Former Deep Japan Writer

Recharge in Luxury at the Hyatt Regency Tokyo images

Recharge in Luxury at the Hyatt Regency Tokyo

Being sick is no fun at all, especially when there is work to be done. Thankfully, the last time I found myself ill in Tokyo, I was checked into the Hyatt Regency hotel and it proved to be a perfect place to get some rest during a hectic week.Located in Shinjuku, the Hyatt Regency Tokyo isn't f…(347 words)

Petra image

Petra

Easy and Affordable Ways to Beat Tsuyu (the Rainy Season) images

Easy and Affordable Ways to Beat Tsuyu (the Rainy Season)

Tsuyu, the rainy season, is arguably one of Japan's lesser liked features. From late May to the end of July, people across Japan are treated to all manner of wet, from occasional sprinkles to intensive downpours. Add in the heat and humidity, and you can imagine how uncomfortable tsuyu can be.T…(253 words)

Former Deep Japan Writer image

Former Deep Japan Writer

5 Tips for Traveling Cheaper in Japan images

5 Tips for Traveling Cheaper in Japan

When I talk to people about traveling in Japan, I normally get a response along the lines of I'd love to go, but it's just too expensive.It's true that Japan is an expensive destination, especially compared to other nearby destinations like Thailand. But that doesn't mean that it's impossible t…(721 words)

Alexlovetravel image

Alexlovetravel

8 Places to Have a Good Weekend Trip from Tokyo images

8 Places to Have a Good Weekend Trip from Tokyo

Many friends in Tokyo often ask me how to have a great weekend trip from Tokyo. Most attractions in city area of Tokyo are quite common to us, so I wanna suggest some great places near Tokyo which can be accessed easily by JR. Most of the sightseeing places can be arrived within one hour by train.…(451 words)

Alexlovetravel image

Alexlovetravel

Meow! I have come to Seto City, the only place this color is found. images

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 image

DeepJapan Editor

Nutritious Japanese snacks [a work in progress] images

Nutritious Japanese snacks [a work in progress]

The Japanese diet is superior to the western diet in many ways and, although western snacks such as cookies, potato chips and other sweets are easy to find, low cal and nutrition dense foods are easy to find.Let me define my terms here. Low cal are foods that are less than 150 kcal/serving. N…(236 words)

jdlawrence image

jdlawrence

Kawaii female fashion images

Kawaii female fashion

In the fashion world, Tokyo is now one of the hottest cities especially for youth or street fashion. As the keyward of "kawaii" is getting known in the world, Tokyo has been always transmitting new style of fashion to the world. "Marui One" is the female fashion department store where you can get…(62 words)

ko image

ko

Hakuhinkan toy park images

Hakuhinkan toy park

I recommend Hakuhinkan Toy Park in GInza, which many pop stars like Michael Jackson visited for shopping.http://www.hakuhinkan.co.jp/guide_en.html(25 words)

ko image

ko

Meeting someone in Shinjuku images

Meeting someone in Shinjuku

The most popular meeting spot in Shinjuku tends to be in front of the Studio Alta building. The building is close to the station and is convenient to shopping and nightlife on the east side of the station. But if you are either coming from the west side, or meeting someone staying at any of the m…(125 words)

mikekato image

mikekato

Spend a day at the Mitsui Outlet Park Yokohama Bayside! images

Spend a day at the Mitsui Outlet Park Yokohama Bayside!

Our favorite family shopping spot is the Mitsui Outlet Park Yokohama Bayside, which is about an hour away from Tokyo. Here, there are stores of all varieties, from sports goods to fancy clothes to delicious food. Although it can get crowded during the weekend, the atmosphere is great with the famil…(106 words)

RieS image

RieS

A present full of surprises images

A present full of surprises

During the first few days of January, there is a big shopping spree in which many people buy big “Lucky” bags filled with products from that store. Although the contents of the bag are unknown, people buy it because the contents are said to be worth more than the selling price. It’s thrilling to…(91 words)

RieS image

RieS

Keep the store clean and stay polite! images

Keep the store clean and stay polite!

An aspect I am always surprised by when shopping in Japan is that the stores are always impeccably clean! What I learned through experience is that the shoppers themselves leave the shops clean by folding the clothes or not picking up the clothes unless they like it. Also, it is a Japanese custo…(120 words)

RieS image

RieS

Makuhari Garden Walk images

Makuhari Garden Walk

Makuhari Garden Walk is right next to Kaihin Makuhari station. This is a great outlet mall with numerous shops from brand name fashion for handbags to sporting goods. Also, Costco is nearby as well, although visiting Costco is best by car. Two stations before Kaihin Makuhari is Minami Funabashi s…(64 words)

Kevin image

Kevin

To the little tray.... images

To the little tray....

In Japan, you should not hand in the cash directly to the casher's hands. Always leave the cash into the little tray at the casher or if they do not have the tray, you should leave it to the casher-desk. This is to avoid any direct conflicts with the person in charge of the casher in case of los…(87 words)

Mido image

Mido

Tokyo Station images

Tokyo Station

You can find a wide variety of souvenirs, mostly foods and lifestyle goods, at shops and department stores inside or near Tokyo Station. If you don't have time to go outside of the station, try "e-cute". They have nicely designed boxes of snacks and foods. http://www.ecute.jp/tokyo/For some…(106 words)

Natchan image

Natchan

Try discount ticket shops images

Try discount ticket shops

If there's a discount ticket shop, called kinken shop, in your neighborhood or near places you go to, try find movie tickets there because they're cheaper. A movie ticket for an adult is 1800 yen, but usually at kinken shop, it's around 1,300 to 1,500 yen. It's a good deal if you're not going to se…(87 words)

Natchan image

Natchan

Get fruit at AmeYoko images

Get fruit at AmeYoko

Not just for fruit but one of the most culturally interesting and inexpensive places to shop in Tokyo is AmeYoko market located right by JR Okachimachi Station, as well as accessible by Ginza (Ueno Hirokoji station), Oedo and Hibiya lines (at Naka Okachimachi station).Fruit, seafood, clothing, nu…(206 words)

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slapshot

Hotel New Grand in Yokohama, Yamashita Cho images

Hotel New Grand in Yokohama, Yamashita Cho

You should go to Hotel New Grand. It takes only two minutes from Motomachi-Chukagai Train Station. ( Minatomirai Line, Terminal Station). Or you can walk from Ishikawa Cho Train Station of JA East line. It takes 20 minutes on foot.Why do you have to go? Because you want to have a memorial swe…(189 words)

Suetsumuhana image

Suetsumuhana

HOTEL OKURA TOKYO BOOK STORE images

HOTEL OKURA TOKYO BOOK STORE

There is a nice small book shop in Hotel Okura Tokyo. The nearest train station is Kamiyacho of Hibiya Line Metro. I am sorry they do not have much books for all fields; however, If you would like to know Japan and Japanese culture, they have a lot of beautiful and interesting books. Afete…(74 words)

Suetsumuhana image

Suetsumuhana

Maruzen in Marunouchi images

Maruzen in Marunouchi

Maruzen is one of the big bookstore chain with Kinokuniya.The one in Marunouchi is in Oazo building, 20 meters away from Tokyo station Marunouchi North exit. They have everything you would want: all kind of literature, and also a huge collection of art and science, including economics and b…(103 words)

Claire image

Claire

Tokyo Trip to Yanaka Ginza & the Ueno station area. images

Tokyo Trip to Yanaka Ginza & the Ueno station area.

I live in the Yanaka area, which is a very traditional old town "shitamachi" very close to Ueno and best access is JR Nippori station or Metro Chiyoda line Sendagi station. Yanaka has close to 50 temples and shrines around, a nice traditional shopping street called Yanaka Ginza and one of the larg…(98 words)

Career Coach Brent image

Career Coach Brent

Looking for a great location outside of Tokyo? Kichijoji is Great! images

Looking for a great location outside of Tokyo? Kichijoji is Great!

Staying for more than a few days in Central Tokyo can be a drain, both on the wallet and the mind. There are other cities that don't sleep, but there are few cities in the world that remain as bustling and wide awake 24-7-365 as Tokyo.While both the Imperial Palace grounds - Kokyo - and Yoyogi…(437 words)

mikekato image

mikekato