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Comic Market, The Largest Manga Event in Japan
Comiket, or Comic Market, is Japan’s largest manga related event. It is held once a year in August. To truly understand the appeal, I think you must have a strong passion for Japanese manga culture. What you can find at Comiket are manga related products that are made independently by “circles” or …(138 words)
GenS
Stay in Minatomirai
One of the nicest hotels are Pan Pacific and Intercontinental Hotel in Yokohama, Japan. Although not in Tokyo, it is right smack in the middle of Minatomirai, a district with a breathtaking night view and amazing experiences. From these hotels, you can easily access any of the main facilities/build…(118 words)
RieS
Starbucks at Shibuya!
Other than Hachiko, many people meet in front of Starbucks, which is across the Shibuya crosswalk and on the other side of the Shibuya station. The Shibuya Starbucks looks big from the outside and is close to the popular Shibuya shopping street, so no one will miss it. This is a convenient place to…(78 words)
RieS
Harajuku is the place to go
Recently, I went to Harajuku's Takeshita Dori to do some shopping. This is probably one of the hottest spots for Gyaru, where even some of the store employees have the Gyaru make-up and fashion. As the stores are aimed for young Japanese girls, the prices are also reasonable and many stores often h…(134 words)
RieS
Odaiba
I recommend a venture to Odaiba, a large artificial island in Tokyo Bay. To Odaiba, you can take the underground trains (Rinkai line) connecting to the JR lines or the Yurikamome line.The Yurikamome (meaning seagull) is a monorail that gives you a fantastic tour around the bay, which is one of …(222 words)
EmiOnishi
Large parks in Tokyo
Many large parks in Tokyo such as Shinjuku Central Park, Yoyogi Park, Komazawa Olympic Park have regular flea markets throughout the year.Japan has in some cases a binary culture in terms of used items. In general, and you will hear many Japanese and foreigners alike claim this, Japanese LOVE n…(167 words)
KurtisW
Try Asakusa by Kaminarimon
There are numerous kimono stores along the shopping avenue directly behind Kaminarimon in Asakusa. They have kimonos of varying quality available. If you're looking for a proper, traditional Kimono, expect to spend a few thousand dollars. If you're looking for something more affordable, there are o…(47 words)
KurtisW
Not only for Transport
The Suica IC card is truly the ultimate IC card which makes transportation so much easier, obviating the need to buy a ticket. However, it does so much more. Suica can be used for shopping at most convenient stores, all kiosks at stations, and all vending machines at stations. The number of pla…(267 words)
AustinA
If you would like to see traditional Sumo, then try to go Kokugikan!
Sumo is really fun to watch. I never interested watching sumo before but when I went to the sumo match for the first time, I really enjoy it! You can see powerful sumo match at the Kokugikan. Kokugikan is a sumo hall (indoor sporting arena located in Ryogoku. The…(230 words)
yukorose
Asakusa is good place to buy Japanese things from Tokyo
Asakusa is well known place for the tourist. It is fun to go shopping and eating in Asakusa as well.There are many shops in Asakusa and lots of shops sells Edokomono.Edokomono means Tokyo traditional small peace of hand crafts.My favorite shop is "sukeroku助六" in Nakamise Street( when you g…(85 words)
yukorose
Enjoy walking around central Tokyo
I have never lived in Tokyo, but I love day trips there. I would spend a few hours walking around Omotesando and Harajuku- interesting people watching and window shopping, great dining, shady streets, very international & trendy cafeshttp://en.japantourist.jp/index/search?q=omotesandoI al…(171 words)
jjwalsh
Local Shops Have Great Prices Too
Daiso is actually a Hiroshima company that is now in Australia and other countries around Asia as well. However, none of the products are actually made in Japan. Of course it is fun to walk around and see all the cheap Chinese made products, but you can actually find most of the good things they ha…(387 words)
jjwalsh
The Most Spectacular View of Tokyo, Japan is Surprisingly Not in Tokyo
Well, I love the observation deck in Landmark Tower. It is in Yokohama (10 minutes walk on electric walkways) from Sakuragicho station one stop after Yokohama station but it is the second highest building in Japan and has a great observatory floor. The Royal Park Hotel in the building has great res…(92 words)
Lockers of Convenience
Have you ever wonder why the locals do not carry their heavy bags of shopping and belonging when they are in the city? Solution ? Lockers @ the stations ! Most big stations have these lockers tucked at the corner. One simply put the stuff in the locker, insert some money ( JY300 or JY400 depending …(72 words)
imkate
Spread-out sights
Tokyo's best examples of modern architecture tend to be fairly spread out over the city, so you're better off checking out a building here and there instead of trying to take them all in in a single day (or even a week). Here are a three of my favorites.Tokyo International Forum, Yurakucho Stat…(212 words)
lrnelson
Ame Yoko Cho
Ame Yoko Cho is the name of a shopping district located between Ueno and Okachimachi Stations. It's name is a Japanese acronym which has two meanings. The original name is said to mean Candy Store Alley, because the area had many candy and snack stores. The area still has some stores that sell c…(269 words)
mikekato
Shinjuku South Exit
If you exit Shinjuku station out the south exit, or better yet the "new" south exit, you arrive in a promenade with Krispy Kreme donuts, Starbucks, Tokyu Hands, and other shops.This whole area is lit up with spectacular lights, and being right outside the station, is a great place for a stroll.…(114 words)
KurtisW
Be polite in the train - a follow-up of other posts
I would also add in the don't list:- do not sleep and fall on your neighbor; their shoulders are not pillows- do not put the music to high on your headphonesand some do, please, ...- do step into the train and really go inside - do not stop at the very in trance of the car- do give your…(218 words)
Claire
Umbrella and Japan: a love affair
Japanese people have a gift to feel when it is going to rain. As soon as the first rain drop drops, they all get their umbrella open. I come from Belgium. In Belgium, it rains a lot, and often. Rain has many feelings: cold, big drops, small drops, a wall of rain, ... Nevertheless, nobody has um…(405 words)
Claire
Wi-Fi for travelers in Japan: Getting out and about (2 of 2)
So, you logged on and were able to touch base with home. Great. Now, you’re ready to leave the airport. What do you do? Well, keep your device in airplane mode. Remember, you will still be hit for international roaming charges if you go over the Japanese networks. So, to answer the last que…(314 words)
jdlawrence
Where to visit when your in Aichi
Recommended place for family, couples, and friends.Nagashima Onsen has it all.I went there last year stayed at a near by Ryokan for a night.The first day my friends and I went to the Theme Park.One of the many must rides is the Steal Dragon.It takes you up 97 meters feet dangled from yo…(208 words)
Yuuki I
Nakamise, the main street of Asakusa between Kaminarimon and Hozomon
There are about 90 shops here in Nakamise. You can find Japanese traditional crafts, Kimonos, Japanese dolls, Ukiyoe, tenugui (Japanese towels) and chopsticks as well as Ningyoyaki (sponge cake), Osenbei (rice crackers), Japanese sweets and shaved ice. At Funawa, cold Matcha drink and sweet potato …(144 words)
Keiko, OTT
Benny’s Place, Real American style bar
If you miss your home back in the States, why don’t you visit Benny’s Place to have real spareribs and Buffalo wings on the 4th of July? Their great foods can leave you speechless after a bite.Located within a few minute walk distance from South exit of JR Ishikawa-cho/Yokohama, Benny’s Place i…(209 words)
Suetsumuhana
Bouncy Skirts the Newest Tokyo Fashion Trend
And, as for fashion, how about these new bouncy-wouncy skirts I spotted in the display window at Issey Miyake in Omotesando?!http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ShCPRlwQeYQ&feature=youtu.beIt is as if your skirt or blouse was on a trampoline! We understand that Issey Miyake is all about the move…(185 words)
Kong
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
Flee markets: an alternative to shop souvenirs
There are so many things you can bring back home as souvenir from Japan that sometimes, choice and possibilities are overwhelming. It's so difficult to decide which souvenir will please the best to who...And, everyone does not always enjoy "shopping" per se. So you rush to some kind of souvenir…(476 words)
Claire
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
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
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)
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
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
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
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
Japanese Summer Beach House Culture
Before I lived in Yokohama, I lived in Zushi. One of things I looked forward to each year was summer, when Zushi Beach, one of the finest beaches in the country, would instantly become alive with people from all over Japan arriving to soak up the sun. To provide services for all these people, beach…(405 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
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
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)
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
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
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
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