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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
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
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
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
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
Exploring Western Architecture in Kitano
For a recent meeting, I had the privilege of heading out to Kobe in Hyogo Prefecture and spending the day in Kitano. Kitano is a city known for its historic Western-style homes, many of which were built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries when the Port of Kobe opened up the region to greater …(226 words)
Petra
Souvenirs from Japan
Gachapon capsule toys make ideal souvenirs"Gachapon, coin operated vending machines, are ubiquitous in Japan. Unlike their downscale cousins in the US, which usually dispense stale candy or cheap plastic gadgets, gachapon figurines can be collectors items. The variety is endless, and changes co…(387 words)
DeepJapan
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
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
Nakameguro is very Female Friendly!
The neighborhood of Nakameguro (nickname Nakame) is packed with great little boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. The beautiful tree lined canal (cherry blossoms in hanami season) is perfect for a day out with friends, or a lovely afternoon on your own. The range in this small neighborhood is amazing…(124 words)
LShannon
Red Brick Warehouse (Akarenga Souko Shopping Plaza) in Yokohama Japan
Be sure the visit the Red Brick Warehouse just appox. 10-15mins walk from Minatomirai Stn. Its a historical building that now is being used as a shopping mall and event hall. There you can enjoy some nice shopping, good restaurants and beautiful night scene by the the harbour.http://www.welcome…(71 words)
cwljwc
Amazing Shopping Stores in Tokyo, Japan
Since Shibuya's newest shopping Oasis, Hikarie, is located immediately above the Shibuya Station on the Ginza, Hanzomon and other lines, I happened to walk up into the amazing structure the other day. I was taken immediately by the high ceilinged/airy feel of the building and I could tell there was…(146 words)
Go to Hard Rock Cafe!
If you are not in the mood for dancing and just want to relax with a couple of friends, I recommend going to Hard Rock Cafe. There is one in Roppongi and Minatomirai. Many foreigners eat dinner or drink at the bar, so Hard Rock Cafe is also a great place to meet foreigners who may be living or visi…(129 words)
RieS
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
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
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
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
What are popular? Usually the latest. Where can you get them? Usually everywhere.
Japan is full of electronics - whether it be in areas known as clusters of electronics-oriented shops like Akihabara in Tokyo or Nipponbashi in Osaka, in stores specializing in electrical and electronic products (Denki or Denka Seihin) like DeoDeo (Hiroshima-based nationwide outlet), Joshin Denki …(185 words)
Mike's
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
New Year's Gift Giving
The New Year's season is a time for visiting family and friends in Japan, as it is in many of our home countries too. If visiting family members with small children, the children will often be given gifts of money (called "Otoshi-dama"). Otherwise, a nice box of sweets or rice crackers ("Osenbei")…(158 words)
Andrea Miyata
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
Hakone
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5201.html in the Hakone area. http://wikitravel.org/en/Hakone Hakone is a great place to visit for a day or two or more and is only around and hour and a half to two hours from Tokyo. And the other shot is of the large torii http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torii at the …(977 words)
TokyoTom
Adorable Animal Donuts Shop!
Looking for some adorable sweets from the land of Kawaii?If you're in the Tokyo/Kanagawa area, there is an Animal donuts shopthat sells delicious adorable animal themed donuts.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4NjP4ZcNrRo&list=UU9c5cDukEo1WcDbiedl4rdA&feature=shareLocated in Motosumiyoshi,…(131 words)
Alex Kobayashi /Subtokyo
Pub Restaurant "APOLLO"
APPOLO is a restaurant of long standing, established in Yokohama in 1964, the 1st Tokyo Olympic year! The 50-year-old sleek pub restaurant is looking forward to seeing its 2nd Tokyo Olympic Game in 2020. The Owner and bartender, Mr.Seiji Ishihara (his nickname is "Chan"-san) is committed to hang on…(357 words)
Suetsumuhana
Sumo!!
Sumo-the image conjured up in many gaijin minds is that of a couple of overweight guys in adult diapers belly-bumping each other until one of man falls off a raised platform like a drunken Baby Huey. As a martial artist, I never really thought of sumo in that way, but I get why others would. Still,…(1153 words)
Dave
52 Sushi Playing cards
There are two types of sushi restaurants : Conveyor belt sushi restaurants and traditional sushi restaurants. When you go to traditional restaurants (without conveyor belt), you will expected to order your own dish one by one. But, you don't need to get nervous about it. You might want to take a co…(453 words)
Suetsumuhana
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
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)
Hideki Tazawa
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)
Blue Cave Nakameguro the newest spot for winter Illuminations
Winter means many things to many people and this vibrant holiday season is full of different traditions from all parts of the globe. In modern Japan- the winter holidays leading up to Christmas time involve the sparkling and over-the-top tradition of Illuminations. From across Japan cities add …(393 words)
LShannon