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Japanese Summer Beach House Culture
Before I lived in Yokohama, I lived in Zushi. One of things I looked forward to each year was summer, when Zushi Beach, one of the finest beaches in the country, would instantly become alive with people from all over Japan arriving to soak up the sun. To provide services for all these people, beach…(405 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
Asakusa-Odaiba Direct Line (Sea & River Boat Cruise)
Asakusa-Odaiba Direct Line connects Odaiba and Asakusa.http://www.sunnypages.jp/travel_guide/tokyo_leisure/water_busses/Asakusa-Odaiba+Direct+Line/1875http://www.suijobus.co.jp/cruise/line/as_od_line.htmlOdaiba (お台場 or simply Daiba 台場) is a popular newly-redeveloped waterfront area wit…(197 words)
maxnino
Japanese Stationery that Frees Your Creativity
Japan is a country and culture that takes its stationery and stationery shops super seriously - arguably to the point of insanity. For those people who don't care about what pen or pencil they use, the Japanese obsession with office and home supplies probably seems a waste. But for those who do car…(402 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
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
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
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
Destination: Amakusa, Sea Cruise!
Are you having a hard time finding something fun to do with your family, loved ones or just on your own, while traveling in Kyushu? Don’t look further, your destination is Amakusa in Kumamoto prefecture! Here you can find the Sea Cruise sightseeing agency with its unique marine cruise services and …(283 words)
DeepJapan Editor
Japanese lottery
If parimutuel, think of them as a Japanese version of Lotto (in fact there is something called Lotto on sale here as well); usually these tickets can be bought at booths located near Mizuho Bank, in addition to standalone booths found on street corners... there are also "Takarakuji" tickets from st…(86 words)
Mike's
Nakameguro is very Female Friendly!
The neighborhood of Nakameguro (nickname Nakame) is packed with great little boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. The beautiful tree lined canal (cherry blossoms in hanami season) is perfect for a day out with friends, or a lovely afternoon on your own. The range in this small neighborhood is amazing…(124 words)
LShannon
Take a trip to the beautiful port city of Yokohama in Japan!
If you have a full day to spend and you’re in Tokyo, I recommend taking a trip to the port city of Yokohama, especially if it's a beautiful day. On a sunny day, the Minatomirai area with its series of shopping malls, amusement park and hotels situated around a bay is a must see! Yokohama is only ab…(303 words)
GenS
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
Asakusa is good place to buy Japanese things from Tokyo
Asakusa is well known place for the tourist. It is fun to go shopping and eating in Asakusa as well.There are many shops in Asakusa and lots of shops sells Edokomono.Edokomono means Tokyo traditional small peace of hand crafts.My favorite shop is "sukeroku助六" in Nakamise Street( when you g…(85 words)
yukorose
What are popular? Usually the latest. Where can you get them? Usually everywhere.
Japan is full of electronics - whether it be in areas known as clusters of electronics-oriented shops like Akihabara in Tokyo or Nipponbashi in Osaka, in stores specializing in electrical and electronic products (Denki or Denka Seihin) like DeoDeo (Hiroshima-based nationwide outlet), Joshin Denki …(185 words)
Mike's
Be polite in the train - a follow-up of other posts
I would also add in the don't list:- do not sleep and fall on your neighbor; their shoulders are not pillows- do not put the music to high on your headphonesand some do, please, ...- do step into the train and really go inside - do not stop at the very in trance of the car- do give your…(218 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
Pub Restaurant "APOLLO"
APPOLO is a restaurant of long standing, established in Yokohama in 1964, the 1st Tokyo Olympic year! The 50-year-old sleek pub restaurant is looking forward to seeing its 2nd Tokyo Olympic Game in 2020. The Owner and bartender, Mr.Seiji Ishihara (his nickname is "Chan"-san) is committed to hang on…(357 words)
Suetsumuhana
Tourist Tip #3: Stay Away from Souvenir Shops
Here's a quick tip to make your memories of Japan more memorable for you and your friends back home: stay away from souvenir shops!Like anywhere else in the world, souvenir shops, by nature, tend to offer only the most generic - and usually hokiest - of gifts. I've seen wares that - at best - w…(219 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
Tourist Tip #4: The Underground World of Food and DEPACHIKA!
Japanese department stores are famous for many things: elevator girls, first-class customer service, and unparalleled gift wrapping. But venture underneath one (on the basement floor) and you'll discover something else they have to offer: the world of "depachika"."Depachika" is a portmanteau on…(296 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
Bouncy Skirts the Newest Tokyo Fashion Trend
And, as for fashion, how about these new bouncy-wouncy skirts I spotted in the display window at Issey Miyake in Omotesando?!http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ShCPRlwQeYQ&feature=youtu.beIt is as if your skirt or blouse was on a trampoline! We understand that Issey Miyake is all about the move…(185 words)
Kong
Leave the tourists behind in Asagaya
Most tourists to Tokyo hit the high spots of Asakusa, Ginza, Tokyo Tower, and see the Imperial Palace grounds.If you want to leave the tourist spots behind and get a taste of the real Tokyo though head for Asagaya in Suginami Ward on the northwest side of the city. Asagaya Station can be reache…(417 words)
Joe Peters
Blue Cave Nakameguro the newest spot for winter Illuminations
Winter means many things to many people and this vibrant holiday season is full of different traditions from all parts of the globe. In modern Japan- the winter holidays leading up to Christmas time involve the sparkling and over-the-top tradition of Illuminations. From across Japan cities add …(393 words)
LShannon
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
The Ultimate One-stop Souvenir Shop in Ginza
Need to buy souvenirs for someone or a group of people and don't have a clue what to buy or where to go? Well, you *could* read any of the following articles on the subject:http://www.deepjapan.org/a/4160http://www.deepjapan.org/a/4171http://www.deepjapan.org/a/4179Or you could just…(282 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
Souvenirs from Japan
Gachapon capsule toys make ideal souvenirs"Gachapon, coin operated vending machines, are ubiquitous in Japan. Unlike their downscale cousins in the US, which usually dispense stale candy or cheap plastic gadgets, gachapon figurines can be collectors items. The variety is endless, and changes co…(387 words)
DeepJapan
Old Tokyo Alive and Well in Taito Town
Old Tokyo is alive and well in a few pockets of the city. History lovers and nostalgia junkies alike would be intrigued by Taito ward’s Asakusa, Yanaka, and Ueno neighborhoods. Each neighborhood has its own distinct character and feel, but they all capture the spirit of old Tokyo. The Sensoji t…(860 words)
Taito-kun
Japan travel tips for anime & manga fans
Studio Ghibli Animation Movie Museum“Animation is now recognized as one of the representative cultures of Japan globally. We have many animation pilgrimage spots throughout the country and many people visit them from all over the world… For first comers to Japan, Akihabara and Studio Ghibli are…(525 words)
DeepJapan
100 Yen Shop as Souvenir Shop
I recommend you to go shopping at 100 yen shop "Hyakuen Shop" which sell at basically 100 yen a wide range of products such as tableware, kitchenwares, toys, gardenwares, stationaries, household goods, leisure goods etc. You may find a small nice item for your friends and family as souvenirs. Ther…(70 words)
kurukurugurume
Diver City Tokyo, Odaiba
Diver City Tokyo in Odaiba is one of the newest shopping mall in Tokyo, its full of fashion shops and amusements, and there you got to see the 18m tall gigantic Gundam too!http://www.divercity-tokyo.com/en/(38 words)
cwljwc
Red Brick Warehouse (Akarenga Souko Shopping Plaza) in Yokohama Japan
Be sure the visit the Red Brick Warehouse just appox. 10-15mins walk from Minatomirai Stn. Its a historical building that now is being used as a shopping mall and event hall. There you can enjoy some nice shopping, good restaurants and beautiful night scene by the the harbour.http://www.welcome…(71 words)
cwljwc
Amazing Shopping Stores in Tokyo, Japan
Since Shibuya's newest shopping Oasis, Hikarie, is located immediately above the Shibuya Station on the Ginza, Hanzomon and other lines, I happened to walk up into the amazing structure the other day. I was taken immediately by the high ceilinged/airy feel of the building and I could tell there was…(146 words)
5@example.com
Go to Hard Rock Cafe!
If you are not in the mood for dancing and just want to relax with a couple of friends, I recommend going to Hard Rock Cafe. There is one in Roppongi and Minatomirai. Many foreigners eat dinner or drink at the bar, so Hard Rock Cafe is also a great place to meet foreigners who may be living or visi…(129 words)
RieS
Step into Old Tokyo
I recommend taking a stroll through Edogawabashi, on the Yuurakucho line. It is not exactly gorgeous like the shopping streets of Ginza in Tokyo, or Kannai in Yokohama, but it has an unmistakable old Tokyo feel to it. "Shoppy" Japanese tunes play over the tall speaker posts lining the street, and s…(147 words)
KurtisW
Comic Market, The Largest Manga Event in Japan
Comiket, or Comic Market, is Japan’s largest manga related event. It is held once a year in August. To truly understand the appeal, I think you must have a strong passion for Japanese manga culture. What you can find at Comiket are manga related products that are made independently by “circles” or …(138 words)
GenS
Stay in Minatomirai
One of the nicest hotels are Pan Pacific and Intercontinental Hotel in Yokohama, Japan. Although not in Tokyo, it is right smack in the middle of Minatomirai, a district with a breathtaking night view and amazing experiences. From these hotels, you can easily access any of the main facilities/build…(118 words)
RieS
Starbucks at Shibuya!
Other than Hachiko, many people meet in front of Starbucks, which is across the Shibuya crosswalk and on the other side of the Shibuya station. The Shibuya Starbucks looks big from the outside and is close to the popular Shibuya shopping street, so no one will miss it. This is a convenient place to…(78 words)
RieS
Harajuku is the place to go
Recently, I went to Harajuku's Takeshita Dori to do some shopping. This is probably one of the hottest spots for Gyaru, where even some of the store employees have the Gyaru make-up and fashion. As the stores are aimed for young Japanese girls, the prices are also reasonable and many stores often h…(134 words)
RieS
Odaiba
I recommend a venture to Odaiba, a large artificial island in Tokyo Bay. To Odaiba, you can take the underground trains (Rinkai line) connecting to the JR lines or the Yurikamome line.The Yurikamome (meaning seagull) is a monorail that gives you a fantastic tour around the bay, which is one of …(222 words)
EmiOnishi
Large parks in Tokyo
Many large parks in Tokyo such as Shinjuku Central Park, Yoyogi Park, Komazawa Olympic Park have regular flea markets throughout the year.Japan has in some cases a binary culture in terms of used items. In general, and you will hear many Japanese and foreigners alike claim this, Japanese LOVE n…(167 words)
KurtisW
Try Asakusa by Kaminarimon
There are numerous kimono stores along the shopping avenue directly behind Kaminarimon in Asakusa. They have kimonos of varying quality available. If you're looking for a proper, traditional Kimono, expect to spend a few thousand dollars. If you're looking for something more affordable, there are o…(47 words)
KurtisW
Not only for Transport
The Suica IC card is truly the ultimate IC card which makes transportation so much easier, obviating the need to buy a ticket. However, it does so much more. Suica can be used for shopping at most convenient stores, all kiosks at stations, and all vending machines at stations. The number of pla…(267 words)
AustinA