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The city center and near train stations
The further you get from the city center or a train station, the cheaper the land is likely to be. People want to live near a station and enjoy the convenience of the city center so land prices will be high in these areas. This would be the case for any city but major cities would be more expensive…(65 words)
Kenji
A Serious Tour
If you are like many, you have at least a mild fantasy about seeing the sights of a country while on a vehicle, whether it be a car, motorcycle, or bicycle. Japan is a country that makes it slightly difficult to be motorized, particularly in Tokyo, so the best option is the healthiest, and in my op…(190 words)
KurtisW
Lockers of Convenience
Have you ever wonder why the locals do not carry their heavy bags of shopping and belonging when they are in the city? Solution ? Lockers @ the stations ! Most big stations have these lockers tucked at the corner. One simply put the stuff in the locker, insert some money ( JY300 or JY400 depending …(72 words)
imkate
Walking a Historical Path
Tokyo, as well as Japanese commerce in general, was structured largely along walking routes in the 16th to 18th centuries. Tokyo has done a good job of preserving its classic street structures, so when you walk down a road in downtown Tokyo, of course the shops have grown from small, one-merchant s…(171 words)
KurtisW
Spread-out sights
Tokyo's best examples of modern architecture tend to be fairly spread out over the city, so you're better off checking out a building here and there instead of trying to take them all in in a single day (or even a week). Here are a three of my favorites.Tokyo International Forum, Yurakucho Stat…(212 words)
lrnelson
The Cutest Cartoon Character in Japan, Funasshii
My daughter and I love the character representing Funabashi City in Chiba Prefecture named "Funasshii". Recently the characters or mascots from different areas of Japan are on TV a lot and there is actually a Sumo contest on TV between these adorable and playful characters. Each of them has a perso…(225 words)
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I concur about Roppongi Hills Observatory but don't forget the Big Picture too
Indeed, I second the advice that the Roppongi Hills Observatory - the night view in particular - is to be recommended. But in fact I think you can get a nice view from many other locations in the Roppongi Hills area, whether in the Roppongi Hills Mori Tower (Academy Hills) facilities on 49th floor,…(143 words)
Mike's
Water, water everywhere
Due to rainy seasons akin to visits by monsoons, typhoons and a goodly amount of snow, which remains in place until spring and then replenishes the water supply both above and under the ground, water for the most part is abunda. Unfortunately clear, potable water has been used for many other purpos…(115 words)
Mike's
Itami in Hyogo Prefecture
Itami city is located in Hyogo Prefecture – known as a town for Itami Airport. Itami is also known as a is the birthplace of Seishu (refined sake). They have the oldest Sake storehouse in existence that is clear when it was build. They are important cultural property that pass on the history of t…(91 words)
OKAKI-sun
the emergence of small market!
If you want to get local vegetables and products, you can get them at the "cooperatives" if you are not in any large city center and if you have a car. You can also shop at small markets: the posh (and expensive) one is located in Aoyama, close to the UN University. There is another one in Yurakuch…(137 words)
Claire
Music in Japan is not just about AKB
Are you looking for some good music tracks to put in your IPOD?Well my mistake was relying on watching top ranking music shows on TV.Turn off your TV set and get out to some live music.There are many popular music festivals in Japan.Fuji Rock in Julyhttp://www.fujirockfestival.com/…(156 words)
Yuuki I
The Waka Poetry Garden - Rikugien
Rikugien is a very nice garden for walking the park paths, up the gentle hills, and around the pond while taking in the sights and sounds of this park within the confines of a busy city. The garden was created based on the theme of Waka poetry. It's a typical example of the gardens of the Edo perio…(175 words)
Joe Peters
Free WiFi in Osaka for Travelers
Osaka has started to offer free WiFi to travelers to help them connect with the city. All you have to do is check WiFi connections on your device, registrar and then connect. Usage time is limited but should be enough to check maps, find restaurants and check email. For more information please see…(59 words)
Jeff Aasgaard
Guest house Shinagawa shuku - Best access from Haneda Airport!
It is near Shinagawa Station (10-minutes walk distance), easy access from the airport and perfect connection to the city of Tokyo. Reasonable for backpackers : 3,000 yen per night for dormitory and 3,500 yen for private single. I've heard the staff members are very friendly! You can visit many trad…(83 words)
EmiOnishi
Air bnb taking Tokyo by storm
Did you know you can find thousands of places to stay in Tokyo that are NOT hotels, guest houses, or commercial properties. Hosts all over the city are now posting up rooms, studios, and apartments to reserve for your visit to Japan. Check out You can search by neighborhood and many hosts will also…(143 words)
LShannon
Look at this watermelon
Look at this watermelon water tank in Chiba!!It is 33.8 meters in diameter and 37 meters tall. I wish it was filled with watermelon juice! Such a cute way to decorate. It makes you feel cool just to look at it!This city is in the North of Chiba and is called Tomisato. It is Japan's seco…(73 words)
Eddie
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
1-hour small yet great trip from Kyoto Station – Toji Temple
My favorite spot in Kyoto is Toji Temple, a world heritage site which has history of 1,200 years!Located within 15-minute walking distance from Kyoto station (1 Kujo-cho, Minami-ku, Kyoto City), it is easy to access. As everybody knows the famous temple, you can ask anyone for the direction on the …(126 words)
Eddie
Spring for HANAMI (cherry blossom viewing) has come !!
In Japan, we have a custom of enjoying changes in nature which occurred as the seasons progresses such as hanami (cherry blossom viewing), Tsukimi (moon viewing) and Yukimi (snow viewing). Hanami is a kind of party to celebrate the upcoming spring and it will be seen throughout the country from aro…(621 words)
fujimorison
I did it! I have found the proof of the existance of incivility in Japan!
Have you ever wondered how they do it to keep their cities and public space so spic and span clean? I do. Every day I walk the streets of the city, and I am amazed by its welcoming cleanliness. - There is no paper, not gums littering the streets. No nothing. They even do not have rubbish bins! …(387 words)
Claire
Happy Nogeyama Zoo in Yokohama
We visited Nogeyama zoo today.It is just about a right size zoo for little kids and my little boy was running all over. I admire Yokohama city to run this place as a free zoo beside Kanazawa zoo (also a free zoo) and Zoorasia (Admisson fee 600 yen/person). We would love to visit the other two i…(235 words)
EmiOnishi
La Folle Journee au Japon
If you happen to be in Tokyo during the "Golden Week" as you should prefer to, you can spend time walking the streets of Marunouchi and discover street performances and concerto.What is Golden Week: it is a week blessed with so many national holiday that you do not work at all during that week.…(224 words)
Claire
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
Golden Week in Nihonbashi
Time to Goldenweek here in Japan the end of April to the first week of May.Many people will go to overseas for a trip or going back to a home town.Many sightseeing places will be packed.If you would like to feel "modern Japan" during the golden week, I will recommend "COREDO Muromachi" in …(186 words)
yukorose
Where can I take a nice jog in Nagoya?
You might of heard of Kin-shachi if you have visited Nagoya.The Kin-shachi or the golden dolphin is known for the symbol of Nagoya.Where does this Kin-shachi come from?There is actually two and they proudly sit on top of the the Nagoya castle.The Nagoya castle is known for one of the we…(159 words)
Yuuki I
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
Three Links to Yokohama
Once an insignificant fishing village, Yokohama has since become the international gateway to Japan with a staggering list of firsts to boast. Want to learn more about Japan's second largest city? Here are three links to get you started:City of Yokohama (Official): Everything you need to know a…(101 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
Soul Food in Tokyo! Fried Chicken on Waffles, here we COME!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIAu4XQZ15g&feature=youtu.be"Desperate Housewives" star Vanessa Williams joined the opening party for Soul Food Snacks in Ginza. Some delicious waffles and fried chicken, honey baked ham and more, we are excited to see how the Japanese consumer will welcome th…(124 words)
Kong
Smart Cities Week 2014
The 4th Smart Cities Week 2014 (SCW 2014) will be held in Yokohama this coming October 29-31 at the Pacifico Yokohama Hotel and Convention Center in the Minato Mirai area of the city and, with it, will come a dizzying array of programs, conferences and exhibits designed to show how the application …(1368 words)
jdlawrence
Yokohama Marine Tower Summer Beer Garden
A Japanese summer just isn't complete without a visit to a beer garden. And although there are many to choose from, you'd be hard pressed to experience a more scenic one than at Yokohama's symbol of the city: the Yokohama Marine Tower.There you can enjoy BBQ at their open-air terrace on the gro…(173 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
Short trip in Fukuoka? There is Dazai Tenmangu and Toto factory to visit
In Kyushu, there are many lovely things to visit and usually, Fukuoka, is not a must-go on the list.But, if you go there, you can certainly enjoy your time.Dazai Tenmangu is a temple dating from the 10th century and built by a Michizane Sugawara, an high-rank administrator of the Heian gov…(344 words)
Claire
A view to die for
Nagasaki was chosen to be one of the NEW top three night views in the world (the other two being Hong Kong and Monaco)! The observatory can be accessed easily by bus, train or taxi, depending on where you are. On a clear day, you can see the whole city light up like a Christmas tree. The feelin…(98 words)
RieS
Hiroshima Landslide - visiting & volunteering
As many of you have heard, there was a horrible landslide triggered by a severe thunderstorm that hit Hiroshima city in the early morning of 8/20/2014. As of 9/10/2014, 72 people were killed and 2 remain missing and over 830 people have lost their homes. The city center did not have any serious…(304 words)
jjwalsh
How to Enjoy Japanese Summer : Yukata
One of the joy in summer is to wear Japanese summer version of Kimono “Yukata” and go out. People enjoy taking walks in the city in their favorite Yukata or shopping at food stalls on the day of Hanabi festivals. Please enjoy fabulous fireworks in the summer night sky! *Staff*Kimono dresser…(108 words)
OKAKI-sun
Mt. Hanamiyama - Hanamiyama Park - Fukushima City
Mt. Hanamiyama is a park on the slopes surrounding a rural farming neighborhood just outside of central Fukushima. It is a satoyama, a forested hill district close to a rural community. This is a wonderful setting where you can enjoy a hike or a leisurely stroll among the cherry trees and colorfu…(190 words)
Dolores
Wine and Dine - Ninja Style!
I'm usually averse to theme-restaurants, especially the more obviously themed ones, but Ninja Kyoto Restaurant and Labyrinth in - where else - Kyoto has been put on my top-ten list of must visits while in the city.The venue is actually three different shops. There's Dining Theater Ninja, a "the…(475 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
5 Offbeat Tips for Travelers
Looking to get beneath the surface of Japan, instead of just seeing the main tourist spots? Well, here are a few tips:1- Read UpBesides Deep Japan, check out English language publications (like Time Out) and see what is going on. Join in food festivals (for instance Tokyo Harvest in Novembe…(312 words)
Chiara
Social Innovation and Smart Cities are about the Present and not the Future
For the past 4 years, Nikkei Business Publications, Inc. (NikkeiBP) has organized a Smart City Week event in Yokohama. The first event, in 2011, was primarily a conference, with 5000 participants. In 2012 and 2013, the conference and exhibition expanded, with the number of attendees growing to 22…(838 words)
mikekato
Japanese Royalty and Imperial Palace
When you think of Japan, many things might come to mind like bright glimmering streets full of light up signs and billboards, mystic temples, busy street crossings, or even delicious sushi fresh from the source. Often over looked by outsiders, is the fact that like in many western nations who have …(257 words)
Alex
Kanagawa Government Office: “King” a Great National Historical Building to See
One of my absolute favorite places in Yokohama is the Kanagawa Prefecture Headquarters, called “Kanagawa Ken Hon-cho”. Until air travel allowed visitors to come via airports, Yokohama was Japan’s front door to the world. Officials wanted this building to have a view of the ocean and to showcase Jap…(822 words)
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