Advice about Entertainment
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Kabuki - True Japanese Traditional Entertainment!
Perhaps I may be minority here, but many Japanese people have never seen Kabuki or Sumo live. Until today, I couldn't care less, honestly.But, boy was I wrong! I went to the latest one at Meiji-za (not Kabuki-za) with my mother where Ichikawa Somegoro did a very interesting and entertaining p…(228 words)
KIH
Tourist Tip #6: Know Your Animal Sounds!
OK...so you don't REALLY need to know your animal sounds to help you enjoy your time in Japan, but knowing a few will certainly help you ice break or seriously spice up a conversation while you're here! You'd be surprised by the amount of fun and laughs that can be had (and friends that you'll make…(212 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
Toyota Mega Web / Theme Park
For all of you car enthusiasts out there, and even if you are not one, the Toyota Mega Web and self proclaimed theme park must be put on your list of things to experience while in Tokyo. Located in the middle of the Odaiba’s waterfront attractions, this exhibition offers hours of free entertain…(400 words)
Alex
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
Let's Go Swimming in Yokohama!
In my last post, I talked about swimming at Yokohama's International Swimming Pool: http://www.deepjapan.org/a/4437But, of course, there are plenty of other pools in Yokohama where you can go to beat the heat of summer. In fact, here's a link to a list of major indoor pools: http://www.city.yok…(83 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
Rakugo
Rakugo is a form of Japanese traditional entertainment that is humorous, a lightly comedic storytelling. Rakugo is always performed by a single person, who plays all of the parts in a story. There are many notable features distinguishing Rakugo. It is performed with the storyteller sitting in the…(315 words)
mikekato
Chindon'ya
The Chindon'ya are a type of Japanese marching band that wear elaborate costumes and perform in a variety of festivals, shop openings, and other promotions or special events. Originating in Osaka during the late Edo period, most of the remaining Chindon'ya are based in Tokyo. Chindon'ya usual…(511 words)
mikekato
Tokyo Tower Monkeys (Sarumawashi)
With it being the 55th anniversary of the Tokyo Tower, I thought it would be suiting to write about the free monkey show that takes place in front. These shows are not put on directly by Tokyo Tower, but permitted to entertain there. I have myself gone back multiple times now to check out this ente…(405 words)
Alex
Two Thumbs Up for Thumbs Up Live House in Yokohama
Thumbs Up live house in the Sotetsu Movil Building near Yokohama Station (the same building that houses a 109 Cinema) is quite possibly the best live house in Yokohama. Thumbs Up provides energetic musical entertainment as well as some really good American-style food. The genres of music played the…(360 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
Tokyo Survival Game Field – ASOBIBA -
“Survival game” ( “Sabagee” for short) is a shooting game where two teams armed with airsoft BB guns (with 6mm dia. plastic balls) battle each other. This entertainment play has originated in Japan and “ASOBIBA” is the place where you can give it a try within Tokyo. Sabagee is getting very popular …(271 words)
totowatanabe
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
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
Quick and easy things to do in Yokohama #6
Cosmo World is located in the heart of Minato Mirai, Yokohama. It is an amusement park famous for its reasonably priced, easily accessed and extremely family friendly entertainment.There are waterfront views wherever you look from, with scenic views making it a perfect place to enjoy an afterno…(188 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
Love J-pop? Watch Music Station!
Every Friday at 8pm, I look forward to watching Music Station, an hour long show dedicated to J-pop. Here, about five to ten popular Japanese singers perform their new songs and new J-pop artists are introduced. Also, singers and groups from overseas, such as the US, Canada, Korea and Britain, have…(142 words)
RieS
Underground Shopping
Shinjuku station is absolutely massive, and can provide hours of entertainment, if you are a shopper that is.One place that I got repeatedly dragged to by my girlfriend when I was a student here in Tokyo is the underground shopping avenue that runs from the Marunouchi line area to the ground le…(117 words)
KurtisW
Design Festa
Twice a year, since the early-90s, Design Festa has rocked Japan. Arts, crafts, performance, music, and the entire breadth and depth of design is featured in this extravaganza using most of the west exhibition area of Tokyo Big Sight, the largest convention and exhibition space in Tokyo.With m…(455 words)
mikekato
Making Art and Much More at ArtBar Tokyo
Imagine sitting with a paint brush in hand, palette full of colours in the other, sitting in front of a blank canvass. Sounds a bit intimidating, perhaps? Well, at ArtBar Tokyo, this is exactly what groups of people regularly do and have a blast doing it. I participated in my first ArtBar experienc…(397 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
If you come to Japan, let's watch a movie!
In Japan, there are a lot of movies that are not screened overseas.Overseas, Japan's movie hero is samurai and ninja?In Japan until now, more than a ninja and samuraiUnique hero or heroine has been drawn in the movie.High school girl fight with a machine gun, story,Love story of a g…(138 words)
asteka
Seagull Girls
The Tokyo American football team, the Seagulls, play regular games at the famous Tokyo Dome. Always accompanying the team is the lively and cute cheersquad. Cheer leading is actually quite popular among young girls in Japan, and despite the fact that cheer is something that kind of developed from a…(173 words)
KurtisW
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
Tissue Paper Advertising in Japan
I am sure that you have seen the people around the train stations and other locations throughout many cities passing out small packs of tissue papers to nearby travelers.When offered, I usually take one from them for I feel bad since most people ignore them and will not take one. Especially dur…(258 words)
AustinA
TORAVESOGURIRU - Brazilian Restaurant in Yokohama China town
When you are getting a bit tired of Japanese foods and would like to have something different for a change, how about a Brazilian all-you-can-eat style restaurant in Yokohama China town? It's one of the best choices when you want to hang out with your friends. Their spacious interior is perfect for…(441 words)
Suetsumuhana
Business hotels - more than business
As a frequent traveller, I need to minimize the fuss when booking business hotel.What I want is very simple; close to the train station or airport, clean room, free wifi, hot shower, decent AC, wide & comfortable bed, enough space to put my large size suitcases, little desk to get some work done,…(286 words)
ISoffice
Want to be a Hit in Japan?
Ive been in the DJ business since the 70s and maybe because I was so active in Hawaii and Hawaii is one of Japan's favorite tourist destinations, I have ended up in this amazing and endlessly exciting metropolis, Tokyo. I DJ on several stations including InterFM, and I do podcasts about various…(394 words)
Kong
Pokemon Omega Ruby Alpha Sapphire Cafe in Shibuya
The Guest Cafe&diner on the 7th Floor of Shibuya PARCO PART 1 has had many different themed cafes before from Hello Kitty to Funasshi Cafe. Opened from January 9th, the Pokemon Omega Ruby Alpha Sapphire cafe is an adorable attraction for anyone in or visiting the Shibuya area.The cafe offers a …(379 words)
Alex Kobayashi /Subtokyo
Ping Pong and beer
Table tennis is quite often played at leisure while drinking, much like billiards and darts. EST Shibuya Takkyuu Club is located close to Shibuya station on the 9th floor of an entertainment center. Open until 4:30AM (Mon-Thu) and 5:30AM (Fri-Sun) it makes for a fun hide-out if you have missed the …(72 words)
iensu