Advice about Summer
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Awa Dance Festival in Tokushima Pref.
In Japan, we have Obon holiday in the middle of August, where we believe the spirits of ancestors will return to this world and revisit the household altars. People return to ancestral family places and we have Bon Odori （盆踊り） throughout the country. Bon Obori, meaning Bon dance is performed dur…(299 words)
Suetsumuhana
Yoshidamachi-ju Beer Garden Block Party
I mentioned one of Yokohama's summer highlights in my last post: Yokohama Fireworks Show: Sparkling Twilight 2014http://www.deepjapan.org/a/3287Here's another - BEER GARDEN BLOCK PARTY!What started off as an attempt to bring Yoshidamachi's old-school neighborhood businesses together h…(153 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
EPSON Shinagawa Aqua Stadium
This aquarium is a couple of minute walk from the Takanawa exit of Shinagawa station and located within the Shinagawa Price Hotel complex. The aquarium is rather small, but good size for little kids to walk around. A variety of colorful fish will entertain your eyes. Their tropical fish submari…(193 words)
EmiOnishi
Nagashi-Somen, Delicious Noodles in Japan
One of the best things I like about Japan is that the 4-season weather system is clearly reflected in the culture. In fall, you enjoy the changing colors and the sanma. Winter is for oranges in a warm kotatsu at home. Spring, is of course SAKURA. Summer has multiple cultural highlights too. Waterme…(286 words)
GenS
Typhoons - wind, rain and lot more!
It would be fair to call Japan at once a country blessed by natural beauty and cursed by natural disasters. Sitting on the famed “Ring of Fire”, the country hosts some spectacular and dangerous volcanoes, as well as the all-too-infamous and frequent earthquakes, some of which can wreak unimaginabl…(1210 words)
jdlawrence
JR East - Japan Railway Company
http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/index.htmlThe JR East train homepage is a great way to learn about train routes, fares and activities throughout what is known as Eastern Japan. This site: http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/routemaps/index.html shows the routes that the different bullet trains take from the T…(201 words)
Kevin
Izu Hokkawa Onsen Bousui: A Heavenly Onsen in Japan,
My first experience at Bousui was just 5 years ago and then the second was last month. In 2006 I was a newbie exploring the Hokkawa Hot Spring district , in 2014 it was my second visit as a devoted fan of hot spring perfection wanting to share this haven with my life partner and best friend.htt…(1039 words)
Souvenir ideas for your home
As a college student, when I return to Japan, I look for things that are Japanesque and remind me of home. This summer, I bought room-decoration items that have brightened up my room. These are some of my tips on where to buy Japanese souvenirs to add that Japanese-touch to your home. 1. Go to …(175 words)
RieS
PLAY BALL! Baseball in Japan
Certain things go with Japan in summer: fireworks, matsuri (festivals), cold beer on a rooftop and, of course, baseball. Between the months of April through October, you can flip through TV channels and, somewhere, odds are better than even that a game will be shown somewhere. Known as Yakyu (野…(586 words)
jdlawrence
What to Do When An Earthquake Hits Japan
I often tell my friends that Japan might be one of the best places to be in an earthquake. Why? Nooo, you say! “I don't want it to happen when I am in town!” “Cant it wait till I leave?”. Hmmm, Mother Nature is usually pretty unpredictable and actually can be quite surprising in her timing and conc…(761 words)
Dance Like Fools
Awaodori is a dance that is performed in summer festivals throughout Japan, but originating in Tokushima Prefecture in the southwestern island of Shikoku. Shikoku is one of the four main islands of Japan, but the one that is often forgotten, because it does not have a major city like Fukuoka or Na…(778 words)
mikekato
Hiroshima Landslide - visiting & volunteering
As many of you have heard, there was a horrible landslide triggered by a severe thunderstorm that hit Hiroshima city in the early morning of 8/20/2014. As of 9/10/2014, 72 people were killed and 2 remain missing and over 830 people have lost their homes. The city center did not have any serious…(304 words)
jjwalsh
JAMSTEC Should be a first Choice for a Visit During Your Japan Travel
JAMSTEC stands for Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology was renamed from Japan Marine Science and Technology Centre in April 2004.http://www.jamstec.go.jp/chikyu/eng/ChikyuImages/video2.htmlJAMSTEC’s main objective is “to contribute to the advancement of academic research re…(788 words)
AustinA
I'm Punched
At a recent bonenkai (year-end party), one of the entertainers was Neko Punch. Neko Punch is a band, led by singer/songwriter Leanne and producer/bass player Macc. Later, the duo was joined by dancer, Pinky. The group formed, apparently, in London in the summer of 2012, but has recently caught sto…(291 words)
mikekato
Ushimado Olive Garden
When you think of Japan olives might not be the first thing that comes to mind but in fact they are widely produced in the south western part of the country. The Olive Garden in Ushimado, Setouchi City, Okayama, has the largest olive tree orchard in Japan. After World War II, many Japanese comp…(304 words)
Kenji
While in Japan Enjoy the Planet's Healthiest Drink, Green Tea
Yes, I love green tea too! I remember working in my Japanese firm and there was always a green tea machine on the floor. Just like we have water stations in offices overseas, Japanese companies have hot or cold green tea dispensers for your health and happiness 24/7.There are many reasons why peo…(564 words)
How to enjoy Matsuri in Shitamachi
May is the most comfortable month in Japan. Sun shines, flowers bloom and wind blows softly. However, in Shitamachi, May is the season of Matsuri, the summer festivals of Shrines.Usually, the main events including Miya-Mikoshi is on Sunday. In the early morning Mikoshi is started from a shrine …(241 words)
Keiko, OTT
We All Scream For Ice Cream!
With Japan soon entering the rainy season and summer, there's neither a quicker nor easier way to keep cool and feel refreshed than with - scream it with me - ICE CREAM!Should you be lucky enough to be in the right area, I'd like to recommend you have a lick at Paletas Frozen Fruit Bar. Their f…(336 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
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
July Events in Asakusa and Ueno
Asagao means Morning Glory. Iriya Asagao Ichi is held at and around Iriya Kishimojin Temple. This event is held on 6, 7 and 8 July every year. This year, the street (Kototoi Dori) will be closed from 17:00 to 21:30 on these days. Time and Place:6, 7 and 8 July at Iriya Kishimojinone minut…(222 words)
Keiko, OTT
Sumida River Fireworks Festival
Sumida River Fireworks Festival is one of the major annual events of summer in Tokyo. The evening sky of Tokyo turns into dazzling colors with spectacular fireworks.Good spots for viewing the fireworks display are along the Sumida River from downstream of Sakurabashi Bridge to upstream of Kotot…(177 words)
OH
Beautiful Japanese Lighting at Meguro Gajoen
I went to Meguro Gajoen in Tokyo to see ”和のあかり x 百段階段展," Japanese Lighting x 100 step stairway exhibition in English, and it was really worthwhile! Meguro Gajoen was first built as first-class Japanese style restaurant and became first banquet and wedding ceremony hall in Japan, and now i…(234 words)
skymaho
Quick and easy things to do in Yokohama #1
I've decided to do a series of posts of "quick and easy" things to do in the Yokohama area and will start with one of my favourites - Rinko Park （臨港パーク） in the Minato Mirai area.First, it's absolutely free. Second, despite being the largest park in the Minato Mirai district, it's hardly ev…(160 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
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
Back to nature at Kusatsu
One of the great things about Kusatsu is that it's out in the heart of Japan's countryside which, while one of the most attractive features of Japan, remains unexplored to many visitors who zip through tunnels on the Shinkansen on their journey from city to city.Sainokawara Park is another uniq…(525 words)
AndrewShuttleworth
Rei-men cold noodles at Ginza Aster
Now we are heading into the warmer months it’s always a time to enjoy the popular rei-men or Cold noodle dish. This dish was introduced to Japan in the 1950s and quickly became popular throughout the country ,especially in summer. Ginza Aster has revised their limited summer special menu to fea…(246 words)
Adstev73
Kasai Rinkai Park : enjoy the sea !
If you want to get away from high-rise building without going too far, Kasai Rinkai parc is your place. One station before Disneyland (Maihama), on the Keiyo line, it takes you 20 minutes to get there. If you go there, you need to bring your lunch with you because the only restaurant there is a…(204 words)
Claire
Ginza Aster O-Sechi
I know its probably kind of a bit too soon in the year to be thinking about this but the other day, when I went to Ginza Aster for lunch, I got talking to the staff and the subject of Sechi (new year’s food) came up. It turns out that Ginza Aster produce really great (I mean awesome!) sechi every y…(269 words)
Adstev73
5 Olympic health hazards comparing Rio2016 and Tokyo2020
The Rio 2016 Olympic Games are about to kick-off this weekend. But the talks surrounding the event has been less about gold medals and more about health hazards.Are you excited about the Rio2016 Olympic Games? Here is an infographic why you should be more excited about the Tokyo2020 Olympics!…(61 words)
ij.david
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
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
The trip has completely changed my impression of Nara.
When thinking about Japan's "Nara", just about everyone thinks about the famous deer and the great Buddha. It's too bad, because most visitors come to Nara only occasionally. If you stay in Nara for 1 or 2 days, you are sure to find there are several beautiful locations that are worth sightseeing…(1174 words)
DeepJapan Editor
Explore Northern Japan – travel recommendations for Hokkaido and Miyagi
Lavender fields, a sea of flowers“In Hokkaido, Furano's lavender fields attract large numbers of visitors to the region every summer when the plants are in full bloom. Lavenders usually start blooming in late June and reaches its peak from around mid July to early August ... We visited there of…(397 words)
DeepJapan
Yosakoi Dance Festival in Kochi City is one of the most exciting events you can experence!
If you ever get the opportunity to visit Kochi Prefecture you must try to coincide with the Yosakoi Summer Dance Festival which is held on the second weekend in August. This dance festival first started in 1954 and has spread to over 200 places in Japan, as well as in 33 countries and regions aroun…(407 words)
JudithMikami
Stay Healthy on your Travels in Sendai(2/2)
While traditional camping is always a refreshing experience to provide a contrast to our daily lives, the possibility of having all the needed gear while on a vacation is quite low. "Glamping" at Sendai Royal Pearl Hotel makes camping possible on vacation, but also adds a "glamorous" side to it, gi…(482 words)
DeepJapan
Down Town Tokyo (aka Shitamachi)
If you're new to Japan. You'll probably have this location mark on your travel agenda, as it is not only #true shitamachi it is also one the most popular tourists areas of Tokyo.I'm an American with over 30 years of living in Japan and my first 15 years where spent in Shitamachi. So, I recommen…(134 words)
DjMarvin
Hydrangea
Viewing the hydrangea is one of the ways to spend the early summer season. You can either see them on the streets, or visit some locations famous for hydrangea. Meigetsu-in and Hase-dera are two of the many famous temples in Kamakura. The best time to visit is from mid-June to early-July. However, …(61 words)
Rena
It depends!
It depends on what kind of industry you are in and what kind of job you do. If you belong to corporate staff working inside the office, business casual is a norm throughout the year. Shirts tend to be white and pants tend to be dark although more colorful combinations are seen nowadays. If your …(177 words)
Shoken
Futsal in Shibuya
There are several good futsal courts in Tokyo. Due to lack of land in the city center the ones with best access are often found on rooftops. One of the more spectacular options is Adidas' court on top of the Tokyu building right at Shibuya station, perfect for a breezy late night summer activity. S…(105 words)
iensu
Japan Festivals and when, where and how to enjoy.
Wow, where do I begin, there are many many many festivals in around Tokyo to enjoy in the hot hot days of summer.Matsuri, Samba, Fireworks, Music! You name it Tokyo has it. Since there are so many, I'd like to guide you to this link, which has a nice list and lots of info for you to choose fr…(110 words)
DjMarvin