Former Deep Japan Writer Advice List

Today I am in Sakuragicho, Yokohama

I often write about Yokohama. It's difficult for me not to. I live here. I work here. And during my time as Creative Director for the Yokohama Seasider Magazine, it was my job (and passion) to learn and discover - and then write about - as much as I could about Yokohama.I love this city and am …(364 words)

Former Deep Japan Writer

Yokohama Visit City Japan Park Shopping Museum Walk Ramen noodles

8 Hotel: A cute, convenient place to stay at in Fujisawa

If ever you need to stay in-or-around the Fujisawa area (think Enoshima, Kamakura, Odawara), then 8 Hotel could be just the place for you. 8 Hotel is a no-frills boutique budget hotel, perfect for a one-night stay for single travelers or couples who don't mind sharing close quarters.Located jus…(217 words)

Former Deep Japan Writer

Hotel Stay Fujisawa English Walk Kamakura Cafe Enoshima Island Bicycle Restaurant

Visit Enoshima Aquarium when you visit Enoshima Island

As a former long-time resident of the area, I'll admit: I used to think Enoshima Aquarium was an overpriced tourist trap. But with each new visit, especially after their renewal, I've grown to really appreciate and enjoy the aquarium.First, the price - at 2100 yen for an adult ticket, it's real…(273 words)

Former Deep Japan Writer

Visit Enoshima Island Aquarium Japan English Sea Kanagawa Children Kids

Quick and easy things to do in Yokohama #5

The backstreets of Koganecho are steeped in history. Once infamous for being a neighborhood that catered to drugs, prostitution, and other illegal trades, has, since 2008, experienced a revitalization of extreme proportions.By bringing in and promoting artists, merchants, and other creators, th…(327 words)

Former Deep Japan Writer

Yokohama Art Quick and easy things to do Entertainment Japan Food English Walk Children Culture

How to spend Halloween in Japan

When I first arrived in Japan in 2001, Halloween was practically unheard of. The only Halloween events to speak of were bacchanalian parties held by foreigners, many inebriated past the point of public decency. The noise, the mess, and the unruly revelry became so bad, in fact, that it eventually b…(495 words)

Former Deep Japan Writer

Japan Holidays Halloween Business Children Amusement park Entertainment Japanese Cosplay Culture

Must Have Japanese Souvenirs: Tenugui

If you're looking for a souvenir that is truly Japanese, look no further than "tenugui" - a thin hand towel made of cotton. Although the idea of a hand towel as a gift sounds simple, and it well may be, tenugui also happen to be one of the most popular souvenirs you can buy in Japan - popular even …(280 words)

Former Deep Japan Writer

Japanese Souvenir Japan Train Trip Art Shop Department store Clothes Must have souvenir

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

Yokohama Yokohama Treasures Quick and easy things to do Visit Restaurant Beer Walk Cafe festival Tohoku

Must Have Japanese Souvenirs: Gachapon

Spend any amount of time in Japan and you'll inevitably run into one. Whether it's at your local supermarket, drug store, or Yodabashi Camera, gachapon machines are practically everywhere."Gachapon" or "gashapon" are vending machine-dispensed capsule toys that are extremely popular in Japan.The…(181 words)

Former Deep Japan Writer

Japanese Toy Souvenir Japan Yokohama Shop Kids Manga Gachapon Must have souvenir

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

Yokohama Yokohama Treasures Quick and easy things to do Visit City Japan Summer History Spring Museum

Must Have Japanese Souvenirs: Kendama

Japan is a veritable treasure trove of souvenirs and gifts; there's absolutely something in this country for anyone you can think of - and it's usually unbelievably cool. In this "Must Have Japanese Souvenirs" series, Deep Japan senpai will share with you the coolest of the cool, the strangest of t…(279 words)

Former Deep Japan Writer

Souvenir Japanese Toy Traditional Culture Japan Play Yen custom Must have souvenir

Quick and easy things to do in Yokohama #2

In 1858, Yokohama became the first Japanese port to open its doors to international trade. In time, it became the industrial bosom of Japan. Then, in the 1960s, the city decided to transform itself - yet again - from an industrial center to an international hub to rival Tokyo. The Yokohama Landmark…(287 words)

Former Deep Japan Writer

Yokohama Treasures Yokohama Quick and easy things to do Landmark Tower City Japan Park Hotel English

What emus have to do with Japanese Technology

Think Japan, you'll sooner than later think technology. It's an association made around the world. It's why Akihabara remains one of the first (and last) places foreign tourists visit when they come - to take in and take advantage of the latest technology for sale.Part of the research I do for …(248 words)

Former Deep Japan Writer

Technology Japanese Visit City Japan English Akihabara Work Computer Cars

Quick and easy things to do in Yokohama #1

I've decided to do a series of posts of "quick and easy" things to do in the Yokohama area and will start with one of my favourites - Rinko Park （臨港パーク） in the Minato Mirai area.First, it's absolutely free. Second, despite being the largest park in the Minato Mirai district, it's hardly ev…(160 words)

Former Deep Japan Writer

Yokohama Visit Quick and easy things to do Park Summer Sea view Autumn night view Scenery

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

Beer Japanese Craft Beer Drink Tokyo Visit City Japan Food Trip

Authentic Ceylon Tea in Yokohama, Japan

One of the many things I love about Yokohama is its number of fantastic cafes. a particularly unique one I enjoy going to is Sinha Ceylon Tea House, located near Bashamichi Station, who specializes in leaf teas imported from several regions in Sri Lanka.They offer over thirty varieties of hot a…(321 words)

Former Deep Japan Writer

Bashamichi Yokohama Cafe Food Drink

A Pepper By Any Other Name Would Taste As Sweet

Someone asked me a question recently; one, that if you’ve lived in Japan long enough, have surely asked yourself: “Why do the Japanese call green bell peppers ‘piman’ and the red and yellow and orange ones ‘papurika’？”For me, answer the question was confusing on a few levels, seeing as how I, h…(381 words)

Former Deep Japan Writer

Japan Food History Cuisine Dinner Children Kids Entertainment Meiji

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

Summer Japanese Summer Japanese Tokyo Restaurant Yokohama Japan Shopping Music Zushi

What to do at a Japanese Funeral | Funeral Etiquette

Attending a Japanese funeral can be stressful, even shocking, if you don't know what to do. The more you know beforehand the better, as you'll be able to comfort and support mutual friends and their families as is wont to do.Varying in size and ceremony, it's safe to say that most Japanese, fun…(418 words)

Former Deep Japan Writer

Japan Etiquette Funeral custom Japanese

Japan's Strange Love for Strange and Unusual Snacks

The Japanese are well-known for their love of outrageous, sometimes excessive, and even downright silly, creativity. This creativity can produce both extraordinary and peculiar results.Japanese snacks are no exception. Article upon article has been written about them. Instagram and Facebook are…(415 words)

Former Deep Japan Writer

Food Japan Snacks Drink Seasonal Kit Kat Unusual

Exploring Japan through Beer: Kirin "Beer Village" Brewery Tour

Plan to be in Yokohoma for a few hours? Like beer? Why not head over to Kirin Brewery's Beer Village for a free look into the home of the Japanese beer industry!Located in northern Yokohama's Namamugi (Keikyu Keihin Line), this well-known tourist destination for both locals and international vi…(431 words)

Former Deep Japan Writer

Beer Kirin Yokohama Japan Exploring Japan Brewery Restaurant Food English History

Eating at Daihanten in Yokohama's Chinatown

Daihanten, in Yokohama's Chinatown, is one of the most famous shops the area. There are actually two, I'll be speaking about their "honten" (main shop).I recently went for lunch with a large party of thirteen. Once we managed to get through the large crowd of waiting customers in the downstairs…(275 words)

Former Deep Japan Writer

Yokohama Chinatown Restaurant Food Shop Kanagawa Lunch Dinner Eat

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

Visit Yokohama Trip Summer port Tokyo City Shopping Jinjya (Shrine) Bus

100 Yen Shop Shopping Sense

I've yet to meet anyone who doesn't think that 100 yen shops aren't great. There's just so much of everything that you can find for a mere few coins. If you can find it at a convenience store or local market, you can bet your nearby 100 yen store probably will, too.It used to be one might hide …(252 words)

Former Deep Japan Writer

Shopping Shop 100 yen shop Yen Cheap Art Convenience store Children Kids Stationery

Where History Meets Art in One Tokyo Landmark

There's no shortage of art galleries in Japan, but in upscale old-school Ginza, there's one that goes back, waaaaaaaaay back.The Okuno Building, built in 1932, was originally constructed to serve as a luxury apartment complex. It has miraculously survived the bombings of World War II, as well a…(449 words)

Former Deep Japan Writer

Tokyo Building Ginza Gallery Visit City Shopping Art Beer Japan

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

Tokyo Tokyo Skytree Aquarium Sea Visit Japan Children Fish Okinawa Churaumi

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

Tokyo Shopping Trip Ticket Japan view Camera Tokyo Skytree Coin Yen

Magical Cat Bus Ride to the Airport (3 of 3)

So now you know what YCAT is and why you should use them. http://www.deepjapan.org/a/4007You even know how to! http://www.deepjapan.org/a/4008Now we’ll look at a few things you can do while you’re waiting for your bus to leave the YCAT station.YCAT has three separate lobbies. Number…(434 words)

Former Deep Japan Writer

Bus Airport Yokohama City Air Terminal YCAT Yokohama Tourist Tip Food Restaurant Coffee Souvenir

We All Scream For Ice Cream!

With Japan soon entering the rainy season and summer, there's neither a quicker nor easier way to keep cool and feel refreshed than with - scream it with me - ICE CREAM!Should you be lucky enough to be in the right area, I'd like to recommend you have a lick at Paletas Frozen Fruit Bar. Their f…(336 words)

Former Deep Japan Writer

Japan Kamakura Dessert Summer Food

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

Tourist Tip Tourism Travel Tokyo Yokohama Trip Japan

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

Bus Airport Yokohama City Visit Trip Ticket Haneda Airport Narita International Airport Yokohama City Air Terminal YCAT

Home Sweet Home Revisted: Hotel Style

Are you looking for a quaint yet classy place to stay in the middle of downtown, Tokyo? Do you want a touch of Japanese traditional with hints of Western modern? Look no further, Hotel & Residence Roppongi is the place for you.This was my second time to stay at H&R Roppongi. I wrote about my fi…(624 words)

Former Deep Japan Writer

Hotel style Visit Tokyo Building English Roppongi Wine Dinner Shopping

Vietnamese Dining in the Heart of Roppongi

Cyclo is a trendy, semi-casual Vietnamese restaurant located in Roppongi Green Hills. They have a lovely spacious interior with, comfortably dimly lit, with clean tables and interesting decor. The staff are courteous and treat customers well.Their menu has quite a lot to choose from, all the st…(262 words)

Former Deep Japan Writer

Tokyo Restaurant Food Roppongi Dinner Dining Decorated Ethnic Train

Magical Cat Bus Ride to the Airport (1 of 3)

In the thirteen plus years that I’ve lived in Japan, I’ve never once taken the bus to the airport. That seemed to me an incredibly peculiar thing to admit, so I took it upon myself to do something about it. Living in Yokohama and very near Yokohama Station, it was a no brainer to finally give the Y…(433 words)

Former Deep Japan Writer

Bus Airport Yokohama Travel Transportation Narita International Airport Haneda Airport Trip Tourist Tip Yokohama City Air Terminal YCAT

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

Climbing Outdoor recreation Hiking Adventure Trip Mountain Bank Kanto Yen

Discovering Yokohama by Bike

I make no secret about my love and pride for Yokohama. It is beautiful and unique on numerous levels; the city and its people are in a category unto themselves. With a plethora of things to do for every kind of person – from the old-school neighborhoods of Noge and Yoshidamachi to the state-of-the-…(248 words)

Former Deep Japan Writer

Yokohama Transportation Bicycle Train City Hotel Art Train station Kamakura Yoshidamachi

Bathe in Paradise at Luxury Hotel Kaze no Kaori

Izu, in Shizuoka Prefecture, is a favourite go-to locale for both Japanese and tourists. Its seaside hotels, hot springs, and some of the freshest seafood in the country are well-known to many who come to treat themselves to a small piece of heaven.My favourite hotel to stay at when I visit is …(289 words)

Former Deep Japan Writer

Hotel Luxury Izu Pennisula Visit Food Drink English Onsen Lunch Dinner

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

Stationery Fashion design Music Shop Movie Market Shopping 100 yen shop Tokyo

Tourist Tip #9: One-stop Super Shopping Stores

In July and August of last year, I wrote about a few excellent places to shop for souvenirs:http://www.deepjapan.org/a/3317http://www.deepjapan.org/a/3432However, this morning I noticed that I'd completely left out one of my personal favourite places to shop at, one I visit at least onc…(291 words)

Former Deep Japan Writer

Shopping Tourist Tip Visit Yokohama Art Music Akihabara Camera Toy Stationery

35 Reasons to Love 100 Yen Shops

100 yen shops aren't just for starving students and single parents anymore. They, especially the bigger chains like Daiso, have become everyday institutions to the average consumer. Who doesn't love a 100 yen store? I certainly can't think of anyone. So, without further ado, here's a list of...…(336 words)

Former Deep Japan Writer

100 yen shop Yen love Daiso 100 yen shop Shopping Food Stationery

Yokohama Treasures: Nigiwaiza

Nigiwaiza opened in April 2002, and is Yokohama’s only vaudeville theater since most of them were destroyed eaither in the fires of the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923 or air raids during World War II in 1945.Conveniently located within walking distance of Sakuragicho Station, Nigiwaiza is argua…(320 words)

Former Deep Japan Writer

Yokohama Yokohama Treasures Visit Drink English Museum Music Kanagawa Children Eat

Former Deep Japan Writer's Advice List