Advice about Learn
Advanced Search
Try Learning About Japanese Language and Culture before Considering Lessons
Before taking haiku lessons, you're better off learning some Japanese first. Without any understanding of the language or culture, you will simply be learning about a poem format and have no cultural context to truly understand Haiku. When you're ready for lessons, you can look to a Japanese langua…(65 words)
KurtisW
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. …(230 words)
yukorose
Best place to see Bonsai in Tokyo!
Although bonsai is well known in the world, I did not know where we can see bonsai trees in public.My grandfather takes care of Bonsai in his garden but as you guess, it is more country side. It is cool thing that bonsai is actually you can take care of it at an apartment even in the city.My…(130 words)
yukorose
Learn how to arrange a beautiful, traditional Japanese bouquet
Well, one of my favorite things about traveling around Tokyo is the Ekibana (Station flower arrangements) you can find at many of the local stations. I wrote about this in my book because it is such an amazing way to welcome people back after a long day at work as well as to send them off in the mo…(153 words)
5@example.com
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)
5@example.com
Washi This
Washi is handmade paper and is typically made from the fibers of one of three types of bushes; gampi, mitsumata, or paper mulberry.Washi is actually amazingly tough, even more so than paper made from normal wood pulp. It's used in a variety of items such as Japanese kites, lamp shades, woodbloc…(335 words)
Joe Peters
Edo Tokyo Museum/Edo Tokyo Hakubutsukan
If you are really interested in Japan culture and the way things used to be and how people lived in Tokyo, then you must put this on your list of places to visit while in Tokyo. You will find original and replicated exhibits which are built to scale. You will see models painstakingly built to sca…(160 words)
Kevin
Where does the cherry-viewing buzz come from?
Cherry blossom period is starting in Japan. It is the time when Japanese people are enjoying watching flowers blooming everywhere:- trying to find out the first sakura bud of the year and take a picture of it, - having pique-nique under the trees (well, usually, drinking and karaoke-ing a lot…(339 words)
Claire
Traditional TV Dramas Jidaigeki - Mito Koomon (Mito Mitsukuniko)
Jidaigeki and Traditional Japan Mito Koomon (AKA - Tokugawa Mitsukuni)This past weekend, I decided to take a trip to a place call Mito city located in Ibaraki prefecture, north – north - east of Tokyo and with a train, it takes a little over an hour with rapid express or bit more than 2 hours w…(469 words)
AustinA
Japan's intelligence comes from the 4 seasons?
When you ask someone from abroad on what they think of JapanWhat answers would you get back?Some many say that Japanese people are polite.Have mannersGood at staying in line.Smart. Have respect for each other.There are many things people think about Japan.Today I would like to t…(572 words)
Yuuki I
How do the Japanese promote good behavior?
I always wonder how it is possible to get so many people behave in a special way, especially when it comes to public manners. No scoop here, but the Japanese society model is not based on individualism. Fitting in is a matter of survival. But well, how do they promote good manners? But what…(433 words)
Claire
Omiyage wrapping
Omiyage is the Japanese social obligation of gifting. It's expected for travelers/guests to bring omiyage when they go somewhere for hosts or when they return home for family, friends or coworkers. It's best when the gift is a specialty product of the region, from which that the traveler is coming.…(226 words)
EmiOnishi
Parents Encourage English Learning in Japan After Watching Disney Movie Frozen
Take a look at this video of a sweet little Japanese girl with her Kanji chart visible in the background singing "Let it Go" for all the world to see. At the beginning you hear her mother say "Ikimasu!" which means "Here we go!"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFpGHF-oJKcWell, that is exac…(540 words)
5@example.com
Small tips doing business in Japan
Doing business in Japan will be quite different then how things are done in the Western culture.For instance you wish to get a contract signed between two companies.In the Western culture you might say I'll talk to the person in charge or talk directly with the president and will get the cont…(481 words)
Yuuki I
Tourist Tip #5: Five Don'ts to Do
"When in Rome, do as the Romans do." - or in Japanese, 「郷に入っては郷に従え」 (Gou ni itte wa, gou ni shitagae; "Entering the village, obey the village.")Nobody wants to do the wrong thing, especially when it means very possibly embarrassing yourself, and potentially others, in front of other…(299 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
What Japan is proud of - Craftsmanship! : Japanese Watches III
Founded in 1881 (2011 was its 130th Anniversary) by Kintaro Hattori - first, as clock repair shop, then start making its own clocks. Set up its manufacturing factory (Seikosha). Went on to the watches by establishing Daini (second) Seikosha.... "Seiko" means, again, "precision" or "precision man…(656 words)
KIH
The System of Rubbish
So let’s get right to it and get dirty, ‘trash’ or ‘rubbish’ speaking that is. If you happen to be walking around the streets of Tokyo, Yokohama, or most other places in Japan and you finish your snack, and are now ready to dispose of your wrapper. Only to realize, that you will have to put it i…(300 words)
Alex
A Car License the Old-fashioned Way
After being in Japan a while you might feel the need to drive, especially if you live outside a big city. Getting a car license if you are from abroad can be a daunting task for some people but there are actually several ways to go about it.You can transfer your license from your home country. …(324 words)
Kenji
NOUSAKU: Flexible ware? Great Japanese Craftmanship
My parents' birthdays are coming up this month and I am considering to present them a special Japanese craftman art this year. Have you heard of NOUSAKU brand? I had a chance to do some research on this company at work and I would like to share about their wonderful work. It is becoming a huge hit …(395 words)
EmiOnishi
Japan's Money Men and Women (Part 2 of 2)
Ichiyo Higuchi (May 2, 1872 – November 23, 1896) is the pen name of Japanese author Natsu Higuchi, also known as Natsuko Higuchi. She was a short story writer, and Japan's first prominent writer. Although she died very young, at 24, her stories have had a massive impact on Japanese literature and i…(155 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
Japan Tax-free Shopping guide 日本免稅購物常見問題
From October 1, 2014, additional products are added to the tax-exemption products at tax-free program participating stores. This includes food, medicines and cosmetics.* There are some restrictions and conditions depending on the type of products for tax-exemption purchase.(1) Consumables (food…(232 words)
Eddie
In Home Hydrotherapy
Japan boasts a myriad of pristine beaches, picturesque lakes and waterfalls, and serine onsens like none other. Spending time in these waters can be very therapeutic for your body and your mind alike, but the fast pace of life can often deprive you of time to be able to fully utilize and immerse yo…(327 words)
Alex
How to easily find English speaking doctors & dentists in Japan
For those of us living or traveling in this country it is not uncommon to be in need of a qualified English-speaking doctor or dentist in Japan. It is also not uncommon to be lost about where to go.There is a really good service out there called HealthyTokyo.com. They have put together an impr…(314 words)
Aron
In front of the sushi board
Sushi Chefs and Chefs in general in Japan and referred to as a “Itamae” or “Itamae-san,” which makes a great deal of sense, as “ita” means board and “mae” describes a position in front of something.Recently, I had the opportunity to take a 1.5 hour sushi making lesson at Tama Sushi, which cover…(462 words)
Aron
Interesting Japan: Washlets, things that make you go hmmm!?
I was inspired to write this quick post when I learned that the other day (November 19) was United Nations World Toilet Day.http://www.bbc.com/news/in-pictures-34867488After looking at the pictures in the BBC article, I reflected on how fortunate we are in Japan because of our washlets. For…(272 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
Knowing, Being, Doing
I've been posting something like the following in various places on the internet, but Deep Japan is probably the most appropriate context for this topic -- because "deep Japan" is probably the most appropriate place to think about these things.The starting point is "now".Now is the only ti…(600 words)
Adam F
Seeing Kusatsu’s Yumomi Ceremony Live
The hot spring water that flows throughout Kusatsu comes from deep within the earth and, as a result, is very, very hot. Between 51 and 94 degrees Celsius to be exact. You may be wondering how this water is cooled. Adding cold water?One of the ways the water is brought to a comfortable temperat…(345 words)
Petra
NHK TV Program "Professional"
I recommend the TV program called "Professional" broadcasting by NHK(National TV Channel #1) and it introduces Japanese professionals or experts or charismas in various industries or area such as entrepreneur, chief, engineer, artist, athlete, etc.etc. You may touch their philosophy or idea, and al…(83 words)
kurukurugurume
Comparison of Japanese Dilects, Lots of History Here!
Japan has variety of dialects. Some has different accents and some has different words. There is a “formal” dialect called Hyojungo.Beginning of the Maji period, Japanese government tried to make the country as strong centralized country. For that reason, making a “formal” dialect, which could …(111 words)
Tsuru
A peaceful resting ground
Japanese graveyards are in my experience much different in appearance than those of the U.S, where I'm from. There are some smaller neighborhood graveyards, and there are larger ones in reserved areas in town. One thing that is very different is the physical layout of the graveyards. Cremation is l…(136 words)
KurtisW
Do you need to Give Tips in Japan?
In Japan, tipping is never practiced. In fact, people will often be surprised to receive a tip, not know what to do with it, and just decline your offer. Workers in Japan do not expect you to give them a tip. Also, since tips are not expected, workers are paid decently. On your visit to Japan, don'…(86 words)
GenS
Just say Iie or No
In Japanese, the direct expression for no is iie. However, most Japanese people know the English word no and are more likely to respect a direct refusal. In Japanese culture, refusal is often done out of courtesy and Japanese people will ask a few more times unless your refuse directly. If you …(76 words)
KurtisW
Five Rings
If you are generally interested in Japanese samurai warriors, it is imperative to know about the most famous one: Musashi Miyamoto. Miyamoto was actually a masterless samurai, but in both legend and reality, is credited with the most victories in duels against other samurai.He wrote a book, whi…(110 words)
KurtisW
Have your umbrella on hand in June and July
The rainy season starts in June or July depending on the particular year. If you have plans, make sure you allow for extra time as trains and buses are often behind schedule during this time of year.There is also typhoon season which happens in the fall. So, rain gear of all types is worth havi…(62 words)
Kenji
Everything About the Edo Period At Edo Tokyo Museum in Japan
If you are interested in learning about the Edo period, the Edo Tokyo Museum is THE PLACE TO GO. It is a gigantic museum in Ryogoku (by the Sumo Arena) and is probably the most extensive museum on the Edo Period in the world. The best thing about this museum is that it has volunteer English speakin…(93 words)
GenS
Majestic Japanese Garden and Tea House in the Middle of Tokyo
Although you will not be able to participate in a formal Japanese tea ceremony at Hamarikyu garden, you will be able to relax in a Japanese style gazebo, in the middle of a historical garden where the Shogun used to indulge in his falconry hobby, with a freshly made cup of Japanese tea in your hand…(186 words)
GenS
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
Aways Stand to Left in Japan on the Escalatr
One basic manner you have to know on your trip to Japan is to always stand on the left side of escalators. Only stand on the right side if you are walking up. This is a rule that everyone follows and you will naturally follow it when you see people doing it. In escalators, there aren’t any rules in…(158 words)
GenS