Advice about Summer
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Ginkgo Biloba, Get Ready for a Gold Tokyo!
I live in the city of Shinagawa and on my way to Shinagawa JR train station, I walk along the properly spaced and placed trees along the main road along the JR train tracks. The tree I am describing is titled Ginkgo Biloba or at times it is known by maidenhair tree. According to Wikipedia, “Gin…(541 words)
AustinA
Japanese Chrysanthemums, A Wonderful Sight To See During Your Visit in Japan
"Kiku" is the Japanese word for Chrysanthemum. After residing in Japan for some 28 years, I understand that the Japanese relationship with this beautiful flower is deep, intricate and somewhat mysterious especially when you are a newbie visitor.I happen to live next to Japan’s second larges…(798 words)
2-Day Trip to Fujigoko (Five Lakes of Mt. Fuji) in winter 2/3
This festival also offers not only ice trees but also Japanese traditional performance such as “Wadaiko” (Japanese drums) and lively “Yosaki” modern dancing performance. Also you can experience “Mochi-tsuki“(pounding boiled rice into mochi). So, it is a great festival where you can experience sever…(685 words)
ZEROIN -INTERNSHIP
ISETAN Department Store with an abundant line-up of products and unparalleled customer service
There are a number of major department stores in Shinjuku area, Tokyo, offering a wide variety of shopping locales for international visitors. Located next to Shinjuku 3-Chome subway Station, ISETAN is a veteran among Shinjuku's department stores and they focus on high-quality, unique items especia…(578 words)
Aom
Aomori Japan: Vibrant and Productive with Rich History and Strong Tradition
"Get the latest updates here on Deep Japan as we collaborate with Tokyo Broadcasting System(TBS) Television, JNN(Japan News Network/TBS nation wide affiliates)'s seven-station network across Japan and Vietnam's VTV station to bring the people in Vietnam informative and fun reports from the fantasti…(784 words)
Another Easy and Affordable Way to Beat Tsuyu (the Rainy Season)
Two years ago I wrote about one of my favourite summer dishes: "Hiyashi Chuka" - chilled Chinese noodles. It's a summer staple in Japan because it's tasty, light, and refreshing - a perfect meal to beat the season's sultry summer heat: http://www.deepjapan.org/a/3324As soon as June starts, you …(229 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
Hakuhinkan ginza shop, vstone robot shop are good places to collect souvenirs for kids
Hakuhinkan Ginza - http://www.hakuhinkan.co.jp/guide_en.html is a place to visit for sure. Here you can find lots of toys, puzzles, gadgets from Japan that will surely be liked by kids from any country. Its an awesome place. Vstone - kids robots building place - http://www.vstone.co.jp/english/…(121 words)
suku
Zushi...Isshiki Beach!
My favorite beach this summer is the Isshiki beach. There are many beach around Zushi area, and definitely it is a must beach to stop by during the summer. Around Zushi, there are plenty of music festivals too. The Isshiki Beach is about 10-15 minute ride by bus from Zushi Station. (JR Yok…(159 words)
Mido
Life's a Beach!
In the summer, many Japanese beaches enjoy a "kaisuiyoku," literally meaning an ocean bathtub. It is the only time of year that there are lifeguards at most Japanese beaches. During the brief season, many of the beaches have beach houses, where there are lockers, showers, bars, and great festival…(99 words)
mikekato
Showa Kinen Park in Tachikawa City Just outside Tokyo is a lovely place to Play in Japan!
Try the Showa Kinen Park in Tachikawa City, it takes approximately 40mins by the JR Chuo Line from Shinjuku station to Tachikawa station. The 163 hectares park has seasonal flowering plants all year round, it also has great cycling and jogging track as well as BBQ facilities. Be sure to visit its C…(88 words)
cwljwc
How to Survive the Rainy Season in Japan
The rainy season in Japan is not very long. It is basically the month of June, beginning in early June and ending usually by July. The coming of the rainy season marks the end of Spring and its end marks the beginning of summer. In comparison to Spring, not only does it rain much more frequently du…(100 words)
GenS
Island Paradise Near Tokyo, Japan
If you are interested in taking a boat ride from Tokyo, I recommend going to Niijima island, one of the Izu islands. Niijima is only 2 hours on a hydrofoil from Takeshiba boat terminal in Hamamatsucho and is very easy to get to. Tickets can be purchased online, at convenience stores, or at the term…(127 words)
GenS
A breathtaking run to Minatomirai
As a person who lives in Yokohama, my favorite jogging route starts at Motomachi Station. Turn a right and run to the park that is right in front of the first crossroad. When you go up an incline, there is a Bridge below the highway that leads you to the Yokohama Doll Museum and Yamashita Park - a …(212 words)
RieS
Mochi - different experiences with different flavors
My favorite O-kashi are mochi (Japanese rice cakes) of all different shapes and flavors. These are so fun to eat, because the selection of mochi change depending on the season. During the spring, there is sakuramochi (pink rice cakes with anko inside and a sakura leaf wrapped around the mochi); dur…(140 words)
RieS
Beach Fireworks in Tokyo, Japan
An AMAZING summer beach experience is watching the fireworks at Atami Sun Beach. If you are spending a day at one of the beautiful beaches in Izu, definitely stop by for the fireworks at Atami Sun Beach. During the summer, firework displays are held every sunday and the view of the fireworks that e…(143 words)
GenS
Toshima Swimming Pool in Japan
Living in Yokohama, I rarely go to swimming pools in Tokyo. However, I have ben to Toshima swimming pool once and having quite a fun time. Toshima pool is more than just an ordinary pool. It is a waterpark. Japanese people have a thing for swimming pools and so there are many pools here in Tokyo an…(162 words)
GenS
Matsuri (Festivals)
The best time to experience a festival in Japan is in from spring to fall. The best ones are in the summer, although many are technically in the spring or fall because their origins coincide with harvests or the opening and closing of fishing season.The most interesting and common matsuri are …(306 words)
mikekato
Check out the Ohara School of Ikebana
The Ohara school of Ikebana in Tokyo is one of the more well known schools and is conveniently located in Miniami Aoyama. They offer classes in English at around 4000 yen but they are closed from July 18-September 5 for summer holidays. Address7-15-5 Minami AoyamaMinato-Ku, TokyoPhone N…(51 words)
KurtisW
Check out Summer Sonic Festival
Summer Sonic is a music festival that takes place in August. They have one in Tokyo and one in Osaka. They have a wide variety of music, including Hip Hop, J-Pop, rock and heavy metal. Tickets are 15,500 yen for one day and 28,000 yen for 2 days, so it is expensive. If you have the money, however, …(65 words)
KurtisW
Enjoy the Enoden train ride for a step back into Japanese History
The best way, I feel, to enjoy the Enoden is also the most expensive way - get out at every stop and explore the area. Every stop on the curved route from Fujisawa to Kamakura has little local areas just waiting to be discovered.You can easily make a full day of it, and I highly suggest that you…(101 words)
jdlawrence
On a hot summer's night, not much difference...
True - Happoshu (imitation beer, or, as I call it, "near beer") is a low-malt mixture and sells for less than regular beer. I feel happoshu tends to have a sharper taste.However, if you are looking for a crisp beer taste and are on a budget, then nobody will think the less of you for trying a ha…(92 words)
jdlawrence
Energy Drinks For When Not Feeling Well
Japan has a great selection of energy drinks that are always changing with the times. However, there are two drinks that haven been round for the longest time and are still going strong. They are basically the same drink, in competition with each other, I suppose a little bit like Coke and Pepsi...…(243 words)
StevieB
Cozy Places to Stay for Foreigners in Japan
The very strict laws about hotel licenses in Japan require all serviced apartments to rent from only one month or longer. These are fully furnished, have cleaning service and best of all a 24 hour toll-free hotline in English so that if you need assistance during your stay, there is always someone …(169 words)
Go out in Yukata!
I would recommend to enjoy Hanabi (fireworks), popular summer event in Japan. Since you wish to enjoy Japanese summer style, find a nice “yukata” for yourself to truly enjoy Japanese summer! Don’t forget to enjoy some “Kakigori” (shaved ice), “Ramune” juice(lemon pop juice) and “Watagashi”(cotton c…(73 words)
OKAKI-sun
Water, Water, and many drops to drink
Omizu (mizu if you're not using the honorific "O") is the Japanese word for water. If you're visiting Japan you can be assured that the water from taps is safe to drink wherever you're visiting. However, if you really insist on paying 100 to 200 yen for a bottle of water you'll find plenty of brand…(279 words)
Joe Peters
Why Japanese people have been able to live close with nature.
If you go to a Ryokan a traditional Japanese hotel.I'm always amazed how Japanese people use small ponds, trees, plants to make space so as it feels more open then it really is.The Japanese believe so called gods live in many things.They put their hands together and bow to long living trees…(244 words)
Yuuki I
Radishes and such
Radishes are abundant; and one that especially comes to mind is the Daikon radish, also quite popular abroad. Daikon is a major staple of many Japanese dishes, the most prominent use being in soups, and as a topping called Daikon "oroshi".Miso soup, Japanese winter stews, and Oden will all make…(170 words)
KurtisW
Strawberries in winter of course!
I have always wondered why you find strawberries in winter only in Japan!Of course, you do need them to decorate your whipped cream Christmas cake. It is a must but it should not be the only reason!In Belgium, where I come from, strawberries are a summer time delicacy. You start picking the…(109 words)
Claire
Music in Japan is not just about AKB
Are you looking for some good music tracks to put in your IPOD?Well my mistake was relying on watching top ranking music shows on TV.Turn off your TV set and get out to some live music.There are many popular music festivals in Japan.Fuji Rock in Julyhttp://www.fujirockfestival.com/…(156 words)
Yuuki I
Japanese habits that you catch without noticing...
With friends, we have created a list of Japanese habits that makes Japanese people soooo Japanese. The thing is, these habits rubs off on us too so, here's the diagnostic test (short version), hold on with me!You need to check the number of habits that you have.- you rush to get your train …(564 words)
Claire
nature airliner
nature airliner emerged as a husband-and-wife folk duo in the summer of 2010, when Japanese photographer Eiko Hosaka Tiernan (vocals) and Canadian musician Laurier Tiernan (guitar) joined forces to start playing unplugged shows of Laurier's unreleased songs which suited Eiko's voice. The first sing…(183 words)
Laurier Tiernan
Smell the spring in the air!
Looks like we are up for some cold weather next week.Today was nice and warm in Hamamatsu.A cup of coffee in the morning and decided to take a walk in the nice weather.It's one of the things I like to do in the summer time but today seemed like a great day to start.I live on a small isl…(309 words)
Yuuki I
Enjoy Japan Travel Even More with the Cheap, Kanto Area Train Pass
The Japan Rail Pass, which allows tourists unlimited rides on all JR trains (including bullet trains across the country), is one of the great ways to see lots of different cities without breaking the bank.For non-Japanese residents, or tourists with more limited time or means, there is also the…(302 words)
Chiara
The season of fireworks will start soooooon!
Summer is the season of fireworks. In Japan, it is an absolutely orgiastic affair. Not to be missed. To attend these fireworks, you need to prepare for extreme crowds, more or less disciplined, and to gear up with: drinks (if possible alcoholic one if you are more than 20 years old), a yukata (…(162 words)
Claire
Mt. Fuji Station #5 (Fuji Subaru Line)
Mt. Fuji, as most of us know, is the highest peak in Japan, standing at 3,776 m (12,388 ft) and it is a very popular tourist destination, with an estimated 320,000 climbers scaling the mountain during the two month summer season (from July 1st to August 31st) annually. The mountain's new new statu…(547 words)
jdlawrence
How to cook edamame at home
Edamame is a delightful vegetable commonly served at Japanese Izakaya and sushi restaurants as a meal starter. Also, we can also cook them easily at home when you want some finger food to dinner during summer. Although it's very easy and simple, how to cook edamame is very important since it makes …(191 words)
EmiOnishi
Who'll Stop the Rain
If you come to Japan during the rainy season (June / July) you'll likely see these little dolls hanging in the windows of homes, especially those homes where children are living.No, these are little ghost dolls to chase away the summer monsters, and they aren't angels to bring good luck, nor ar…(227 words)
Joe Peters
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
Tsuyu
Rain. Water. The source of Life itself.Tsuyu. It's that time of year again. It's not exactly like the monsoons of southeast Asia, or the hurricanes and tornados of most of the United States. Japan's got the typhoons, too, but that is later in the summer and hails the coming of fall and the …(358 words)
mikekato