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A little bit of Kyushu in Tokyo
While a visit to Kyushu Japan’s southern archipelago is highly recommended, the 1,000 Km trip from Tokyo often means short-term Japan travelers and even long-term foreign residents don’t travel there or get there often enough. Fortunately, we can get a taste of Kyushu right here in Tokyo for a reas…(223 words)
Aron
Town of Shibamata a blast from the past
Shibamata, Tokyo is a throwback to the Showa Era, enjoy the architecture and taste the rare traditional treats. Shibamata gained fame as the main setting for the movie series "Otoko wa Tsurai Yo" (It's Tough Being a Man). The lead character, Tora-san, embodies many traditional values, such as frien…(110 words)
Aron
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
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
Under the Sea at Tokyo Skytree
I wrote about my incredible time at the Tokyo Skytree in my last article:http://www.deepjapan.org/a/4072There are many other things you can do there besides going up. Going down underwater, in a matter of speaking, is one of them! The Sumida Aquarium, which is located just around the entr…(206 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
Be prepared and learn how to survive…natural disaster.
Sorry for those look for fun items and experiences in Japan. The title won’t be something international tourists expect to find... but as you know, in Japan we often have earthquakes, including very big ones some times, because of that, the government provides a center called “the Disaster Preventi…(613 words)
TomokoI
Basic Etiquette for Visiting Temples and Shrines
One of the best ways to experience the rich culture of Japan is to visit some of its countless temples (tera) and shrines (jinjya). Whether Buddhist or Shinto, these holy sites each have their own unique story and architectural details and are fascinating places to spend some time.Like any plac…(496 words)
Petra
Shinjuku Gyoen a great place to relax
If your in the Shinjuku area and you need a break from the hustle and bustle of the big city then Shinjuku Gyoen might just be what the doctor ordered. This tranquil national garden has a mix of wide open spaces and traditional Japanese gardens. It's pretty big too, 144 acres according to the Minis…(165 words)
Aron
Wear Yukata (summer Kimono) and stroll around Tokyo!
Do you know a Japanese summer garment called, Yukata? Yukata is often worn at festivals and fireworks displays, which has been summer feature of Japan.Yukata is a kind of Kimono which is more casual and easer to wear, comparing with traditional Kimono.Would you like to visit a festival or strol…(63 words)
OH
The world-famous Nara Daibutsu (Big Buddha of Nara),
Recently I had a chance to visit Nara with my family. In Nara, we have the largest wooden building in the world, called Todai-ji and you can view the Great Buddha housed inside Todai-ji temple complex. The Nara Daibutsu is officially called Rushana Buddha and commonly known as “Nara-no-Daibutsu-sa…(88 words)
OKAKI-sun
The world famous tuna auction that they're talking about
Every morning (except for Sundays/Holidays and some Wednesdays) the tuna auction is held throughout the year at Tsukiji, the largest fish market in the world. Tuna is a big red meat fish, the biggest can weight 400kg, almost as same as horses, probably the most popular sushi menu in the world, …(570 words)
Zara
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
Quick and easy things to do in Yokohama #4
The original Osanbashi Pier was constructed in 1894. It's name means "big pier". Reconstruction begain in 1989 to accommodate the changing operational needs of the cruise trade, and the renamed "Osanbashi Yokohama International Passenger Terminal" was completed in 2002.In addition to being a po…(198 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
Awa Odori （阿波おどり） – Summer Festival in Tokushima Prefecture
Tokushima Prefecture is located on Shikoku island and they hold one of the most famous dance festivals across Japan once a year in summer. Awa Odori has a very long history whose origins date back 400 years and everybody knows this traditional arts in Japan. The festival attracts large numbers of d…(380 words)
OKAKI-sun
Mikasa Kaikan, quality libations & comestibles in the hart of Ginza
Quality and connivence in Ginza, Mikasa Kaikan has a lot to offer. Located half a block back from Harumi Dori and 3.5 blocks from the famous Ginza 4 - Chome intersection, it's close to Ginza's high energy central shopping area, easy to find and serene all at the same time.Meet up with friends a…(216 words)
Aron
I visited Suwa Taisha
One of the pleasures of living in Japan is being able to enjoy the ancient and endless variety of cultural traditions of the local people. Where I live in central Nagano, near Lake Suwa, is no exception. It is the location of one of Japan’s oldest and most important Shinto shrines, Suwa Taisha (Gr…(324 words)
Phil
Quick and easy things to do in Yokohama #6
Cosmo World is located in the heart of Minato Mirai, Yokohama. It is an amusement park famous for its reasonably priced, easily accessed and extremely family friendly entertainment.There are waterfront views wherever you look from, with scenic views making it a perfect place to enjoy an afterno…(188 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
Kirin Yokohama Beer Village
Kirin Beer originates from YokohamaThe Kirin Beer Village, where you can learn about the history of beer, is surely a place that any beer-lover would want to visit.Kirin Beer originates from Yokohama. Kirin Yokohama Beer Village is the oldest brewery in Japan (completed in 1926), and reportedly…(929 words)
Kanagawa P.G.T.D.
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
Quick and easy things to do in Yokohama #10
Looking for an unforgettable, mind-blowing experience that's absolutely free? Visit Yokohama's Dockyard Garden and take part in their 3D projection mapping events that take place every night at scheduled times on a seasonal basis.One of their most popular shows, entitled "ピカチュウ (Pikachu) N…(211 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
Awe-inspiring Views on the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route
When people think of Japan they often think of the cities, temples and maybe hot springs, but 70% of Japan is mountainous. And like anything else in Japan that is worth a visit, the mountains can be remarkably accessible. A short trip from Tokyo into the mountains and you can find skiing in the win…(723 words)
AndrewShuttleworth
Analogue Photography Darkroom and Photo Gallery in Yokohama
The Dark Room International was created in 1999 to be Japan's first public rental darkroom. It is located in Yokohama's famous Noge district, an old-school area near JR's Sakuragicho Station.The brainchild of Hisao Saito, a professional commercial photographer who is well-known in Yokohama for …(197 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
Unknown but, worth visiting area, Lake Hamana
Those of you who have an experience of taking Shinkansen from Tokyo to Osaka or Kyoto probably noticed Shinkansen passes over the lake after one and a half hour ride.The lake is called Hamana and is 10th largest lake in Japan.It used be a fresh water lake nearby Pacific Ocean but, the bank that…(97 words)
kazmcqueen
Jazz Music Sounds Abound in Yokohama
Yokohama is no stranger to jazz. In fact, Yokohama is regarded as the jazz capital of Japan. The Kannai area is especially known for its abundance of live jazz clubs and jazz events. Perhaps the biggest and most popular of them is Kamome - in the Bashamichi area.Owner Sasaki Motoyoshi opened Ka…(333 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
3 Epic Days Hiking in the Mountains of Nikko
I’m Jacob Laukaitis, a 21-year-old digital nomad who’s already been to more than 35 countries in the last almost 3 years. I enjoy making travel videos and sharing them with the world. Here’s my newest one from my hike in Nikko, Japan.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HfkvYF7Iw2UNikko is locat…(467 words)
jacoblaukaitis
Casual Cool Dining in the Hippest Part of Tokyo Town
I knew I wanted to come back after my first visit; now after several, Weekend Garage Tokyo has become my latest favourite Shibuya-Ebisu-Daikanyama hang. They're a unusually large restaurant/live house unconventionally located on an almost hidden street along the JR Yamanote Line train tracks.We…(267 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
Protecting the Beach and Environment in Enoshima
When Michel and Alana Bonzi, the owner-operators of the Soleil Provence French language school in Kugenuma near Fujisawa bought their house in 2008, they knew they'd become an integral part of their local community. For Michel, who hails from Nice, France, and Alana, from Tobago in the Caribbean, b…(429 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
Prefectural “Antenna shops” in Tokyo
Specialties shops called “Antenna shops” in Japanese sell local foods and goods of different prefectures or cities in Japan in order to introduce their special products and promote tourism. The variety of items at the shops include seasonings, fresh vegetables and fruits, sake, rice, noodles, hand…(181 words)
Takae
Kusatsu Onsen, one of Kanto, Japan’s less discovered gems
I recently visited Kusatsu for Deep Japan with the goal of re-discovering the magic of this mountain town that is consistently ranked as one of Japan’s best hot spring resorts. It was my visit to the town and it remains one of my top destinations in Japan. In this series of five articles I’ll cover…(542 words)
AndrewShuttleworth
Narita, a town with the temple of over 1000-year-long history
I believe that many of you know Narita for the International Airport to go in/out Japan.But did you know another face of the city? Shinshoji temple in Narita city has over 1000 years history "since 940" (not a century but a millennium!).For locals, even in modern times, the temple is know…(461 words)
TomokoI
Japan's Theme Parks
For visitors and long-term residents alike who may be looking for an interesting-and uniquely Japanese-way to spend a day, a good choice is one of Japan`s theme parks. These places offer a range of attractions under one roof (unless they are outdoors of course), and have something for the whole fam…(548 words)
GoodPeople
Strolling Through Sainokawara Park in Kusatsu
Kusatsu Onsen is a small town tucked away in the mountains. Within a few blocks of downtown, you can end up surrounded by nature. This is best on display at Sainokawara Park, home to one of Kusatsu’s most popular open-air baths.This picturesque park, which showcases the best blossoms and foliag…(288 words)
Petra
Matsuyama Castle and Dogo Onsen - Classic Japan
Whenever my friends from overseas ask me what would be a classic thing to do in Japan, I always reply that visiting a medieval castle and staying in an onsen town (hot spring bath) are a "must". There is no doubt that a visit to Matsuyama City is the perfect way to combine both of these in one tri…(886 words)
Phil
Odawara, a castle town
Odawara Castle is probably the best example of a castle to visit in the immediate Tokyo area. The museum in the main keep has a nice collection of artifacts, armor, and weapons. They have also done a great job reconstructing some gates and maintaining the castle groundsThe history of Odawara Castle…(340 words)
Kintaro-man
My favorite trips to the old towns in JAPAN
SugitoTtown（杉戸町）, which located in Saitama Prefecture is one of the post-station towns developed along the Nikko Highway（日光街道） in Edo period.The Highway starts from Nihombashi（日本橋） in Tokyo and reach Nikko in Tochigi Prefecture.This town is one of the 21 post towns along the Hig…(566 words)
Erika1228
Nikko travel guide: access and things to do
Nikko is one of the most historically significant cities in Japan, situated between the mountains of north Tokyo. The city is located in very close proximity to the Nikko National Park, which offers great views of the mountain peaks, as well as numerous waterfalls and hot springs, where you can…(673 words)
Carlos P.
Observe various artworks in a building designed by a master.
There are many museums and exhibitions in Tokyo. Many of these museums and exhibitions are concentrated in Ueno Park. Among them, the national museum of Western Art is near Ueno station, and because of this many people crowd the area daily.The National Museum of Western Art was designed by a ma…(377 words)
DeepJapan Editor
Observe a 97 meter waterfall up close and in person
Nikko is only about two hours away from Tokyo by train, but the contrast couldn’t be me stark. Tokyo is crowded with buildings, but Nikko is abundant with nature. There is also a sacred atmosphere in Nikko as it is home to many temples and shrines, including the well known Nikko Toshogu shrine.…(285 words)
DeepJapan Editor
Gourmet Cycling in Kushiro
In October, I participated in a gourmet bicycle tour in Kushiro, which featured prominently the Ainu culture that permeates life throughout the area, particularly in its cuisine. The 3-day tour covers about 150 kilometers, roughly evenly divided in the three days of the tour. The ride itself was ca…(868 words)
DeepJapan Editor
Senmo Trip "White Winter Fantasy"
“Winter is a season of recovery and rest,” wrote Paul Theroux, travel writer and novelist. But for Hokkaido, it is only just waking up. Once the snow has covered its vastness, the drift ice arrives, bringing along with it wildlife guests and natural marvels you will rarely glimpse elsewhere. As for…(747 words)
DeepJapan Editor