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Petra Japan 2 years in Japan

I'm a freelance writer and social media manager who relocated to Japan in February 2014. I'm fascinated by all aspects of Japanese culture from the stunning art and architecture to the groundbreaking fashion and incredible cuisine. I share my and my husband's travel and expat experiences on my blog, www.100tacks.com, and can't wait to share what I've learned with Deep Japan readers.

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Tips for Staying in a Japanese Hotel

To properly enjoy Kusatsu Onsen, you really should make it an overnight trip. Staying for two or three days allows you the chance to fully explore the town and enjoy the benefits of the hot springs. Believe me, you’ll leave feeling like a new person.When booking your accommodations, there are t…(337 words)

Petra

Hotel Japanese Japanese inn Trip Art Onsen Traditional Stay Shoes activities

Taking the Benefits of Onsen Home

I’m a sucker for a good gift shop. Before most every trip, one of the first things I’m researching online is what the best local souvenirs are to take home from a destination. When it comes to Kusatsu Onsen, one of the best ways to remember the experience is to take home some of the unique skincare…(409 words)

Petra

Shop Kusatsu Onsen spa Onsen Hotel Trip Yen Stay used Bath

The Food of Kusatsu Onsen

One the best ways to experience a town is through its food. When I travel, I love finding the diners, pubs, restaurants and cafés the locals choose to frequent, because that’s where I know I’ll get to experience the most authentic cuisine. But there is an interesting factor to be considered when lo…(545 words)

Petra

Food Onsen Kusatsu Onsen Travel Dining

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

Park Onsen Kusatsu Onsen Visit Walk Nature

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

Onsen Kusatsu Onsen Trip Spring Bath

Recharge in Luxury at the Hyatt Regency Tokyo

Being sick is no fun at all, especially when there is work to be done. Thankfully, the last time I found myself ill in Tokyo, I was checked into the Hyatt Regency hotel and it proved to be a perfect place to get some rest during a hectic week.Located in Shinjuku, the Hyatt Regency Tokyo isn't f…(347 words)

Petra

Tokyo Hotel Shinjuku Luxury Japan City Shopping Trip Shibuya Jinjya (Shrine)

Unleash Your Inner Artist at Artbar Tokyo

Trying something creative is a great way to help you unwind. Artbar Tokyo in Daikanyama offers classes all week long that give artists of all experience levels the chance to create an original painting while sipping on delicious wine in a relaxed and welcoming environment. This isn't your typical a…(257 words)

Petra

painting Class Daikanyama Tokyo Art activities Lesson Tea Coffee Wine

Discover the Japanese Tea Ceremony at Chazen

The traditional Japanese tea ceremony is one of the best examples of "omotenashi," or Japanese hospitality. It's a beautiful demonstration of welcoming and a truly signature Japanese experience. At Ginza Chazen, visitors can learn all about the traditional tea ceremony and how matcha tea is prepare…(292 words)

Petra

Ginza Tea Japanese Tourism Tokyo Shopping Art Etiquette Walk

Escape to Hotel Moon Beach in Okinawa

Beach resorts aren't usually the first thing tourists associate with Japan, but this country has many beautiful beaches with resorts to match. One such resort is Hotel Moon Beach, located on the west coast of Okinawa.This expansive resort seems to go on forever, with multiple shops, a swimming …(398 words)

Petra

Hotel Okinawa view Restaurant Japan Food Sport Dinner Transportation style

Exploring Western Architecture in Kitano

For a recent meeting, I had the privilege of heading out to Kobe in Hyogo Prefecture and spending the day in Kitano. Kitano is a city known for its historic Western-style homes, many of which were built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries when the Port of Kobe opened up the region to greater …(226 words)

Petra

architecture City Hyogo Japan Shopping English Souvenir Traditional

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

Etiquette Tera (Temple) Jinjya (Shrine) Tokyo Visit History Japan Shoes Camera comfort

A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Kiuchi Brewery

If you're a beer enthusiast, nothing is better than a brewery tour. You get to go behind the scenes and see how your favorite brew is made and sample the freshest product.Beer enthusiasts visiting Japan should make their way out to Kiuchi Brewery, home of Hitachino Nest Beer, to have a look at …(368 words)

Petra

Brewery Tours Drink Food Tokyo Train Restaurant Beer English Sake (Rice wine)

Take in the Mountains, Hot Springs at the Palace Hotel Hakone

When my sister and her family visited last year, we decided to crowds and commotion of central Tokyo for a night and enjoy a bit of nature. We chose to stay at the Palace Hotel Hakone for its beautiful scenery and onsen, or hot springs.Situated in the Sengoku-hara Highlands, the hotel is only a sho…(319 words)

Petra

Onsen Hotel Hakone Mount Fuji Tokyo City Trip Shinjuku Spring Souvenir

Enjoy the Changing Seasons at Tenryū-ji

Of all the places I've been to in Japan thus far, I can honestly say Tenryū-ji is among the most beautiful. With spring just around the corner, it's a perfect time to plan a trip out to western Kyoto to see this temple and its immaculate grounds.Nestled at the foot of the mountains in Arashiyam…(366 words)

Petra

Tera (Temple) Kyoto Tourism

A Lesson in Perspective at Yasukuni Shrine

Yasukuni Shrine was built in 1869 to commemorate the Japanese men who have died in war since 1853. To date, there are more than 2.4 million souls enshrined there. The large grounds feature the honden, or main shrine, a perfectly manicured shinchi teien, or sacred pond garden full of koi, and a larg…(246 words)

Petra

Jinjya (Shrine) History Museum Religion Garden lost

Backpack Essentials for Better Sightseeing Throughout Japan

There are countless sights to see when you visit Japan, which means you'll probably want to fit as much as possible into your itinerary while you're here. Packing efficiently will help you cross as many off your list as possible.Based on my own experiences, these are the 10 essentials I would r…(625 words)

Petra

Tourism Transportation Packing health Subway Stay Camera Public Bath

Find Your Zen at Roppongi Hotel S

To cap off my birthday weekend, my husband and I enjoyed a night at Roppongi Hotel S at the artfully designed Hotel & Residence Roppongi. We stayed in one of the Japanese-style rooms, called Zen, which was designed to promote relaxation and meditation. I have to say, they delivered on their promise…(549 words)

Petra

Hotel Roppongi Relaxation Japan Food

Enjoy Craft Beer, Delicious Pizza at Two Dogs in Roppongi

The craft beer movement is booming here in Japan, with new establishments and brands popping up all the time. Opened in Spring 2013, Two Dogs Taproom offers 25 beers on tap plus bottled offerings from around the world at their multilevel brewery and restaurant just a block off the main drag in Ropp…(339 words)

Petra

Pizza Roppongi Craft Beer bars Restaurant Beer Tokyo Food

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