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Miroku-no-sato: Hiroshima's Futuristic Budda Village Amusement Park
If you are living or visiting the Hiroshima area with your family, or have an interest in old-style Japanese amusement parks, head over to Fukuyama city and Hiroshima's only amusement park, Miroku-no-sato. The name can be translated as "Futuristic Buddha’s Village" which seems like a rather unusual…(968 words)
jjwalsh
Bed and Breakfast Japanese Style!
The prices of Japanese inns (ryokan) and bed and breakfasts (minshuku or pensions) vary depending on the place. Some of the famous ryokan in the atami or izu area will cost you 1000 dollars per night. These places will definitely have superb service including traditional meals using fresh local ing…(197 words)
GenS
2-Day Trip to Fujigoko (Five Lakes of Mt. Fuji) in winter 1/3
What do you think about visiting Mt. Fuji in winter and enjoy snow and Japanese high quality Omotenashi? Most people climb or visit Mt. Fuji during either spring or summer time. Unless you really love mountain climbing, many of you might want to have something extra besides Mt. Fuji viewing. For th…(1090 words)
ZEROIN -INTERNSHIP
Urth Caffe in Daikanyama
Recently, I went to Urth Caffe in Daikanyama with my friends. This cafe is known for its organic ingredients, especially its organic coffee. I drank their Earl Grey Boba Tea, which was mouthwatering especially during the hot summer month of July. Although it is a big cafe with many seats, it is ext…(112 words)
RieS
Popular Yatai Foods: Takoyaki
Takoyaki is among the most popular savoury foods from yatai food stalls. When there is a festival at a temple or shrine you will always find yatai there. Vendors sometimes also set up near train stations. Watch the food being prepared. The pieces are turned quickly to give them their round shap…(200 words)
David
Japan's Hidden Onsen
Japan’s Hidden Hot SpringsYokoso! Welcome!Japan is a country consisting of 4 main islands; Honshu (main Island), to the North is Hokkaido (Northern Sea Island), Shikoku (Fourth Country) and Kyushu (Nine Provinces). There are hundreds of smaller islands that lie in Japan’s territories. T…(542 words)
scramjetmach9
UNKAI Sea of Clouds in Hokkaido
Unkai Terrace is located in the resort town of Tomamu in Hokkaido Japan, about a 2.5 hour drive from Sapporo. The word "Unkai" in Japanese means "sea of clouds" and the natural phenomena only occurs occasionally, typically on summer mornings. Resort Tomamu located in Shimukappu village has the unka…(313 words)
EmiOnishi
Go see the sea paradise in Miyako Island (Miyako-Jima) in Okinawa!
My wife and I make it a rule to visit Okinawa every summer, as it's a marriage promise that I made to her. She was living there for 4 years in her university days and enjoyed skin diving and snorkeling in the sea, so she wants to go back there every year.We think the best attraction in Okinawa…(417 words)
maxnino
Top 10 Things to do in Okayama Prefecture: Autumn
Just because summer is over doesn't mean there's not plenty to do and see. If you're headed to or passing through west Japan, don't miss stopping off in Okayama Prefecture and enjoying some of the best seasonal activities.1. Bizen Pottery FestivalI wrote about this festival previously in a…(1168 words)
Andrea Miyata
Journey on the Tokaido (Shinagawa is Stop Number Two)
Now that we have left the first stop Nihonbashi (described in my previous article), we are approaching our next stop of Shinagawa. Imagine you are traveling from Edo (Present Tokyo) to Kyoto during early 1800’s. It is highly likely that Tokaido Road was used to make your journey. It runs north and …(630 words)
AustinA
Only 2 hours from Kyoto. Enjoy snow and eating crabs in the Onsen resort founded 1,300 years ago
Kinosaki Onsen has a beautiful and nostalgic view with rows of willow trees along a little river. There are at most 7 public baths in the area and you can casually visit and enjoy them even without staying over at the local ryokan Inns. They are called "sotoyu"(open air bath) which is opposite of "…(424 words)
Eddie
Yokohama's "Akarenga Soko" Red Brick Warehouse
The "Akarenga Soko" Red Brick Warehouse is one of Yokohama's most popular destinations for both tourists and locals alike. It's a great place to enjoy a walk or small picnic, or just sit around and stare at the sea. Because of its large open spaces, Akarenga is often the site for events - so there'…(202 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
Quick and easy things to do in Yokohama #14
Summer time means trips to the beaches and swims in the ocean, but the Yokohama International Swimming Pool is open all year long. It's also one of the the biggest and most beautiful pool facilities in Japan, and is an internationally approved 50-meter swimming and diving pool. The Yokohama Int…(152 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
Family-Friendly Zushi Beach in Japan
I recommend Zushi beach in Kanagawa prefecture. It only takes about 1 hour from Tokyo on the Yokosuka line and I was actually there yesterday! Although the transparency of the water can't really be compared to beaches you would find in Okinawa or Hawaii, the water is swimmable. Also, unlike most of…(144 words)
GenS
Super Hero Action Show
The "Super Sentai" series has been one of Japan's longest action TV programs for children. It started in the early 70s, with new characters featured every year.Since 1971, the Tokyo Dome City (previously Korakuen) has hosted a Hero Action Show, that features the latest Super Sentai Action hero…(133 words)
mikekato
Fujiya Hotel: A Resort Hotel in Hakone, a Hot Spring Resort Outside Tokyo.
Have you ever seen that snowed in beautiful period piece hotel in the film "The Shining", where in the Winter months Jack Nicolson and his family are the lone caretakers of the hotel? Now can you imagine an hotel even more classic and beautiful, during the Spring and Summertime months, with no Nico…(517 words)
Andrew Grimes
Local Secret: Todoroki Valley
Tokyo offers a plethora of beautiful parks, from traditional Japanese landscaped gardens to European-influenced rose gardens. However, if you are looking for a walk on the wild side, while still retaining the ability to get a great cappuccino, then Todoroki is the place to go.Todoroki Keikoku (…(630 words)
Chiara
Japan Train Station “Tachigui Sobaya” (Soba Restaurant)
As you may know, one of the most used modes of transportation in japan is the train. In the midst of your travel, I am fairly confident that you’ve come across a small “Soba” (noodle) shop within the train station. The first thought I had in my mind was how traditional this establishment is for…(552 words)
AustinA
Quick and easy things to do in Yokohama #8
The tallest lighthouse in the world? That really depends on one's definition of what lighthouses are, but Yokohama's 50+ year old landmark is often billed as such.Inaugurated in 1961, when it certainly was the world's tallest lighthouse, Yokohama Marine Tower is a 106 meter high lattice tower w…(371 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
Japanese Souvenirs @ Can Do, Meguro Tokyo
Tokyu Store Super Market is located on the first floor of our multi-tenant building, and on the 2nd floor, there is a 100 Yen Shop, Can Do. So it is very convenient for us to buy anything. Can Do now has many kinds of Japanese souvenirs for foreign travelers, and I found good ones.Sushi magnets…(257 words)
skymaho
Uji-kintoki is best in summer!
Japanese shaved ice is called kakigori. There are a variety of flavors, and a traditional kind is Uji-kintoki which is flavored with green tea syrup and anko (sweet azuki beans). Kakigori is available in a wide range of quality: ranging from average quality found at the local grocery, to high q…(90 words)
EmiOnishi
The importance of "bihaku"
Unlike many of the Western countries, Japanese tend to not show much skin when going out. They favor "bihaku" meaning white, clear skin and therefore cover up as much as possible using clothing, hats and sun umbrellas. Even in the scorching summer, you will see many people wearing long pants, long …(100 words)
RieS
Natsumatsuri and Suika Wari - like a local
During the summer, other than going to the beach and pool, there are two things that I love to do:1) Go to natsumatsuri (summer festival). These are festivals held throughout the country to celebrate the summer season. Many Japanese women wear yukata (traditional Japanese summer clothing) (men …(208 words)
RieS
Yatai - Festival Food Stalls
There are a lot of matsuri - festivals - all over Japan especially in the summer. At the matsuri you can always find many kinds of yatai - food stalls. Even small local events have yatai, because the food is part of the festival. Yatai offer all sorts of fun yummy foods, both sweet and savoury. Ple…(126 words)
David
Japan Bible Home - Perfect Getaway place from Tokyo!
Most people know Minakami for skiing in winter, water sports in summer and bungee-jumping. It is a good place to make a one day trip from Tokyo and you can find a lot of economical ski lots and eating places. However, in summer this year I visited this place tucked away in the mountains and I w…(460 words)
Biju Paul
Hiroshima's Botanical Gardens
A visit to Hiroshima city in Spring or Summer should include a stop by the Botanical Gardens in Saiki-ku, only a 30 minute drive from Hiroshima city center or a 40 minute bus ride from the bus center (inside Sogo department store). It is an easy stop-off on the way to or from one of Hiroshima's…(311 words)
jjwalsh
A Summer Day Tour in Misaki Port and Jogashima
If you have a day to get out and adventure, I suggest you make your way to Miura's Misaki Port and neighbouring island, Jogashima. Only one hour away from Yokohama, it makes for a perfect day trip.Misakiko, now a thriving tuna port (the locals call it the "City of Tuna), it boasts a fish market…(424 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
Kokonotuido Home-Fired Suenosato Hand-blown Glassworks Make your own original glass creation
“Kokonotuido Home-Fired Suenosato Hand-blown Glassworks”, where you can try your hand at glassblowing, is a 10-minute bus ride from JR Ofuna Station. After walking through a peaceful rural area for around five minutes, Haruka Sato and Kaname Onoguchi came to meet me from the glassworks (photo 1).…(777 words)
Kanagawa P.G.T.D.
6 Very Well-kept Secrets in Tokyo
Tokyo has many famous sightseeing places that are even known by people all over the world. However, there are also some hidden but great scenic spots in this city which are surely worth a visit. I gonna share 6 well-kept secrets in Tokyo. 1. Todoroki RavineIn the Setagaya-ku of Tokyo, there…(338 words)
Alexlovetravel
Washi: Japanese traditional paper in Yamanashi
Yamanashi prefecture is a beautiful area boasting three of the highest mountains of Japan. The most famous is, of course, Mt. Fuji. Yamanashi can be easily accessed from Tokyo, the largest city in Japan. From Tokyo, it takes only 2 hours to Yamanashi. The Kofu valley is at the center of the prefe…(1474 words)
DeepJapan Editor
Fukurotei, A Rural Oasis
Although I’ve lived in Chiba prefecture for just a little over 15 years, I have never had an opportunity to visit Sosa city. My recent trip this past month was my first venture out to one of the lesser known parts of Chiba prefecture. Just a short train ride outside of the very lively Chiba city, t…(417 words)
CHIBA-KUN
Beach Rentals in Japan
Japan is a great country in terms of public facilities. Transportation is easy and efficient and parks are well-maintained. Surprisingly though, beaches often lack facilities like public showers and changing rooms. Even if these are present, ther are usually overcrowded in the summer season when it…(189 words)
GenS
Amazing Japanese Festivals in August
Many neighborhood associations take great effort to prepare for the yearly Matsuri (festival) in their area. This photo is taken in August as a group in the Noge area of Yokohama transports their O-mikoshi (portable shrine). The taxi driver proudly told me that one of these shrines can cost more th…(166 words)
Japan has the Cleanest Shops in the World
If you happen to be a bit jet lagged and feel like walking around some of Tokyo's downtown neighborhoods (Roppongi, Shinjuku, Shinbashi, etc.) early in the morning, you will see some interesting culture that has to do with how this city stays clean. In the Summer time, shop owners will often do som…(170 words)
Mosquito Repellent
Katori-Senkou, sometimes referred to as Mosquito Coils, are in my opinion one unique smell that has stuck with me since I first came to Japan.These coils are like incense, and you light one end to have it burn around and around until it becomes ash. They are very cheap, and provide very good re…(141 words)
KurtisW
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT JAPAN?
A common question we hear from travelers is, “If you could visit Japan at any time of year, when would you go?”One of the best things about Japan is that it’s truly worth visiting at any time of year! Every season has its highlights, and Japanese culture is remarkable in its appreciation of the…(350 words)
Andres Zuleta, Boutique Japan
Lavender fields of Farm Tomita/Hokkaido
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. I had always wanted to visit Furano since I watched the …(328 words)
EmiOnishi
Yokohama Fireworks Show: Sparkling Twilight 2014
Summer means many things in Japan; the brightest and the loudest undoubtedly being: fireworks!In Yokohama, the Yokohama Sparkling Twilight fireworks show has become a must-see summer tradition. The event is held over two days at Yamashita Park. You can enjoy both music and fireworks, as wel…(141 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
Let's Beer at Oktoberfest
If you love beer, you should go to the Oktoberfest. It doesn't matter if you don’t like summer or not ( I hate summer myself), it’s always fun to drink beer outside. You will enjoy studying lots of salary men parting. Great chance to encounter some weird Japanese people. Even a dog can have a good…(94 words)
Hitomi
Kimono Experience in Asakusa
Kimono is usually made of silk or hemp, beautifully dyed or embroidered. Yukata is made of cotton, the Kimono for summer. Most of Ryokan (Japanese hotels) prepare Yukata in each room as a sleepwear, but you can got out with Yukata in Summer.There are many shops you can rent Kimono for few hours. T…(162 words)
Keiko, OTT