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A Must Do Japanese Craft Beer Tour
It's been a little over a year since Baird Beer realized their dream of opening (another) brewery in the quiet hills of Shuzenji, Izu, and some 15 years since opening their first taproom in Numazu, Shizuoka - making beer history in Japan as the country's first operating technically non-Japanese cra…(380 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
Inokashira Park - a quick and refreshing excursion from central Tokyo
Want to take a rest from the big city without the hassle of taking a long trip? How about Inokashira Koen (Park), all it takes is 35 to 50 minutes and 200 yen to get there by train from Shibuya station on the Keio Inokashira line. My suggestion is to take the express train 4 stops to Kugayama stati…(212 words)
Aron
The many different ways to get to Kusatsu
Kusatsu is less frequented by foreign visitors given that it doesn’t have a train station, never mind a bullet train stop. That isolation is one of the reasons Kusatsu has managed to maintain its special atmosphere, but for those that want to go there it’s actually not difficult to get to.On my…(535 words)
AndrewShuttleworth
Chiba Prefecture - Where Tokyoites like to escape the busy city
Explore the Minami Boso Peninsula"Jump on the bus from Tokyo Station for the scenic 90-minute ride through the city, over the famous Rainbow Bridge, and the unique Aqua Line expressway to the south of the Chiba Peninsula. There are many different and unique things to do there that visitors are …(451 words)
DeepJapan
Go north! Nikko National Park Day 2
I woke up early to the sound of the rushing river below and the view of the snow covered mountain, had some Japanese tea while enjoying the scenery for awhile and then went down for breakfast. I arrived at a spacious big dining hall, and the staff escorted me to a private dining room where my frie…(1282 words)
DeepJapan Editor
Top 10 Things to DO in NIKKO Japan | WATCH BEFORE YOU GO | Onsen Paradise
Japan Travel Guide - A Tour of Nikko onsen & area including Kinugawa Onsen. This Away from Tokyo Guide series ventures into the Top 10 things to do in Nikko Japan. This Nikko Tour visits Nikko Onsen, Nikko Edo Wonderland aka Edomura, Toshugu Shrine a Unesco World Heritage location and Nikko food,…(140 words)
DeepJapan Editor
One park to the next
A great cycling course for all skill levels is the length of Inokashira Ave., which runs from Inokashira park in Kichijoji, to Yoyogi park in Harajuku. I always recommend this course for bikers and walkers alike, because it gives you a great idea of the distinct environments of Tokyo suburbia and t…(111 words)
KurtisW
Family-Friendly Showa Kinen Park, the perfect getaway from city life for kids during you Japan Stay.
As a kid, a trip to Showa Kinen Park in Tachikawa would excite me the most. Built on a former Self Defense Forces base, the park is one of Tokyo’s largest parks. There is even a bicycle road running along the circumference of the park, which has a lake at its center. Rowboats can be borrowed for ch…(157 words)
GenS
The Glory that is Onigiri
Often translated as a Japanese rice ball, they tend to come in two distinct shapes: disc and triangle. Onigiri is packed rice with some kind of filling inside then usually (but not always) wrapped in nori or seaweed paper. Imagine a kind maki sushi hamburger. They're easy to eat on the go and they'…(200 words)
Nate
Cheap and unique Japanese snacks
If you are left with some extra change at the end of your trip and are lost what to do with it, go to any one of the thousands of convenient stores in Japan. You will find many "local" snacks there and you can pick and choose to take back home for your friends and family. I recommend buying snacks …(104 words)
GenS
Suburban Tennis time
It's nice to get away from downtown Tokyo, and see some of the beautiful suburban areas. Going for a day of tennis could be a good way to spend an afternoon in Tokyo suburbia. Taking a trip to Chofu, west of Tokyo on the Keio line from Shinjuku is a good and close option for tennis.Keio sports …(102 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
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
Check out JR Rail Pass
If you purchase a JR rail pass before coming to Japan, you can ride all JR trains and most Shinkansen for no additional fee. One week costs around 28,000 yen and 2 weeks costs around 45,000 yen. Typically, a round trip out to Kyoto or Osaka will cover the cost of a week rail pass.(52 words)
KurtisW
Shimokitazawa, Great Bars in Japan
Shimokitazawa is my favorite "shitamachi" (downtown or local) area in Tokyo. It is only about 10 minutes on the Keio Inokashira line from Shibuya and is a popular hangout spot, especially among the youth. There are numerous chic and funky bars and restaurants in the area and has a nice ambience til…(114 words)
GenS
Fuchu, west Tokyo
The horse racing track in Tokyo is located west, in a slightly more suburban area called Fuchu city. It takes about 30 minutes from Shinjuku in downtown, and can be accessed on the Keio line.The cool thing about this stadium I have noticed is that it has its own small train line running from Fu…(130 words)
KurtisW
Hiroshima, Peace, Reflection, Remembrance and Hope
Hiroshima is one of the most visited cities in Japan because of its tragic history, but also because of its vibrant rebirth - a testament to the strength of the Japanese spirit to never give up. If you are interested in how Japanese people respect their lost loved ones and ancestors, a visit here i…(233 words)
jjwalsh
Futuristic Boat Ride
Ride the futuristic "Himiko" which runs from Asakusa to Odaiba Seaside Park, to Toyosu and then back to Asakusa. The boat is designed so you can get a great panoramic view and its a nice change of pace from the trains/buses/taxis.Great day trip: Visit Asakusa then take this boat to Odaiba!h…(62 words)
mkawamura
Beer me up!
Have you skied in the Rocky Mountains and looking for some powder snow?A weekend trip up to Hokkaido is recommended. If your from Australia and looking for a place to hit the slopes I've heard there are places in Hokkaido that Aussies hang out.Don't have the time? Well people in the Shizu…(141 words)
Yuuki I
Kagura, northern Honshuu
Last winter I went to a place called Kagura ski resort, located on Mt. Naeba. This area is in Niigata which is on the northern part of the main island in Japan; about a 3 hour drive from Tokyo. You can always take a bus in the early morning from Shinjuku on a snowboard day trip, but we took a car.…(140 words)
KurtisW
Day Trekking at Mt. Takao
At 599 meters, or just under 2,000 feet, Mount Takao - Takaozan in Japanese - isn't an especially high mountain. However, with over half a dozen trails leading to the top, in addition to a cable car and chair lift that goes about halfway to the summit, Takaozan offers a great place for a day outing…(822 words)
Joe Peters
Do you need a taxi?
There are plenty of taxi in Japan. They are cheap, easy, they won't try to cheat on you, they have white lace cover seats and they are safe. You even feel like a VIP when the driver has white gloves. But their driver might not understand other language than Japanese, and worse, he might not kno…(388 words)
Claire
Morning sumo practice in the Kitanoumi-beya
I got up early one morning to go visit the morning sumo practice, keiko, at the Kitanoumi-beya in Kotu-ku, Tokyo. We were instructed not to talk, move, or show the back of our feet out of respect to the training sumo wrestlers and trainees. One hour watching these men train for the upcoming tournam…(223 words)
Emelie Fågelstedt
Should I Get The Japan Rail Pass?
One of the first things travelers often bring up when we’re discussing their trip is purchasing the Japan Rail Pass.However, while it’s commonly thought to be *hands-down* the best – and least expensive – way to travel around Japan, in fact it’s not always the best option!JAPAN RAIL PASS “B…(656 words)
Andres Zuleta, Boutique Japan
The Hakone Open Air Museum : Amazing place!
The Hakone Open Air Museum is a beautiful landscape park with wonderful arts and the mountains as a backdrop. I recommend this as an unforgettable stop while exploring Hakone. We went there in the afternoon on the way back from our Hakone trip as it has been always my favorite Hakone spot. We stay…(255 words)
EmiOnishi
Sasebo
Sasebo is located in Kyushu, in Nagasaki Prefecture. Sasebo is a very scenic city with a large natural sea port. There are 208 islands near Sasebo and there are many boat tours available. There are many wonderful views you will be able to capture during your trip to Sasebo.Sasebo is a touris…(112 words)
Kevin
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
Sunsets in Japan
As Japan is an island nation, if one enjoys sunsets and I think pretty much everyone loves sunsets, then this island nation of Japan has coastlines galore. Take a break from the big city, take a train or drive to the coast, take some photographs with your family and friends. These particular phot…(74 words)
Kevin
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
Kamakura Daibutsu and the Beach
For a great day trip on the weekend, visiting Kamakura is a great place to visit. The Daibutsu (Great Buddha) in Kamakura is one of the most famous and well known Buddha statues in all of Japan. In fact, you can actually go inside of the statue and see what it looks like from the inside. In the …(200 words)
Kevin
Izu Hokkawa Onsen Bousui: A Heavenly Onsen in Japan,
My first experience at Bousui was just 5 years ago and then the second was last month. In 2006 I was a newbie exploring the Hokkawa Hot Spring district , in 2014 it was my second visit as a devoted fan of hot spring perfection wanting to share this haven with my life partner and best friend.htt…(1039 words)
5@example.com
Drop-in Yoga Workshop at Temples in Tokyo
The following links (I believe their sites are all in Japanese....)are temples in Tokyo area, where they do provide a yoga workshop:@"Kongoin," Toshima-ku every Mon.(10am-) and Wed.(7:30pm-) starting from Aug 4 and 6豊島区 金剛院(8月4日～、6日～開講)※毎週月曜日、水曜日開催詳しくは:h…(249 words)
Hatha Yoga Lover
Wild Rides in Kamakura
If you are ever looking for that ultimate traditional Japanese experience, look no further than a trip to Kamakura. There are countless activities to fill your interests in Kamakura, including experiencing the outstanding larger than life Buddha, walking amongst the time-honored temples, sampling t…(268 words)
Alex
How to enjoy real JAPANESE SAKE("junmaishu") in Shibuya, Tokyo
Want to try tasting real Japanese sake together with nice "washoku"(Japanese cuisine) during your trip here? It can be tricky to pick a good one from a variety of Japanese sake offerings. You know what? It is tough for me although I am Japanese. Because there are more than 2,000 kinds!! It's natura…(396 words)
Eddie
Magical Cat Bus Ride to the Airport (2 of 3)
In a previous article, I wrote about how wonderful it was using the Yokohama City Air Terminal (YCAT) to get to Narita airport for the first time. In this article, I’ll continue to share my joy by showing you just how easy it is to purchase tickets to or from the airport via YCAT.I’m telling yo…(651 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
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
Looking for Outdoor Adventure? Look No Further!
Japan is a country rife with mountains, forests, and unusual curious terrain. Who hasn't wanted to get out and explore it all? Whether your're experienced in hiking trails and combing the wilderness or completely with a yen to try, I highly recommend you let Kanto Adventures show you how.Kanto …(378 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
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
Tourist Tip #10: Three Links to Life in Japan
Planning a trip to Japan can seem a daunting task, but it really doesn't have to be. Deep Japan is full of useful articles that can help you decide where to go and see, what and what not to do, as well as how to do it.In addition, Japan is a country and culture that in many ways is built on tra…(153 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
On Top of the World at Tokyo Skytree
There's really not a lot I can say about the Tokyo Skytree that hasn't already been said or written about. But as a long-term resident of Japan, I will admit that I was completely blown away by seeing this technical marvel first hand.Zipping up hundreds of meters in seconds is an incredible fee…(256 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer