Advice about Holidays
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Valentine's Day in Japan
Japan is well-known for putting its unique spin on western holidays. Christmas, Halloween, even St. Patrick's Day - so why not Valentine's Day?The chocolatier Morozoff Ltd. introduced Japan to Valentine's Day back in 1936. By the mid 1950s, after it had marketed a hugely successful campaign of …(288 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
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
Retro Souvenirs and Collectables Shopping in Yokohama
The Yokohama Collectors Mall is located in the mezzanine level of the famous Silk Center Building in Yamashita-cho, Yokohama near Yamashita Park. It is wall-to-wall, row-after-row, and counters filled with a wide range of fun toys, antiques, Americana memorabilia, and much much more.Walk the ai…(190 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
Traditional American Thanksgiving
As a native Californian living in Japan there are some food holidays and flavors I really miss from home! Food is an amazing part of our socialization and culture. The food in Japan is amazing but we also like a bit of home too. Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner are a couple of those times! Also, b…(186 words)
Traci Pink Cow
Japan has most national holidays in number around the world!
Here are the list of national holidays in Japan - 2013 version. Wow - We have 16 holidays in total, which is the biggest in number around the world!January 1 - New Year's DayJanuary 14 - Coming‐of‐Age DayFebruary 11 - National Foundation DayMarch 20 - Vernal Equinox HolidayApril 29 …(145 words)
EmiOnishi
Best place to see Bonsai in Tokyo!
Although bonsai is well known in the world, I did not know where we can see bonsai trees in public.My grandfather takes care of Bonsai in his garden but as you guess, it is more country side. It is cool thing that bonsai is actually you can take care of it at an apartment even in the city.My…(130 words)
yukorose
Enjoy “Setsubun” (Bean throwing ceremony)!
“Setsubun” is the day before the first day of spring, which falls on February 3rd. In the evening of this day, we throw roasted soy beans inside and outside our houses with a cry of "Fuku wa uchi, Oni wa soto!" meaning "Out with the devil! In with good fortune!" Sometimes, we pick someone to play a…(101 words)
OKAKI-sun
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
Shimokitazawa Area Restaurants #1 Midorizushi ~ the best of Sushi Shops
There are a few great sushi masters who can transform sushi into food for the gods!Midori-zushi. Among the modest 'sushiyasan' creating traditional sushi along with innovational original dishes, there are many master chefs. They say little, giving their sushi creations their full attention. Howev…(311 words)
Andrew Grimes
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
Go to Yurindo!
I always go to Yurindo when looking for English books. Yurindo is a chain book store that is present everywhere in Japan, usually near big stations. The one in Yokohama station has a relatively good selection of English books. The books range from well-known classics to popular books that were rece…(120 words)
RieS
Looking for traditional snacks? Go to Kamakura!
During the holidays, I always reserve a day to wander around Kamakura. I love Kamakura and how every time I go, I come back full and satisfied. Kamakura has one of the best Japanese restaurants and wagashi (Japanese snacks) places. If you walk along the main road right outside the station, there is…(152 words)
RieS
Check out the Ohara School of Ikebana
The Ohara school of Ikebana in Tokyo is one of the more well known schools and is conveniently located in Miniami Aoyama. They offer classes in English at around 4000 yen but they are closed from July 18-September 5 for summer holidays. Address7-15-5 Minami AoyamaMinato-Ku, TokyoPhone N…(51 words)
KurtisW
How to Add a Touch of Cuteness with Your Gift in Japan
During the Holidays or during your visit in Japan, you might want to give your host, hotel concierge, or new friend a little gift of appreciation. You might also be planning to take things back home from Japan to your Japanese friends overseas. Guess what? You want a hint on how to up your polite l…(235 words)
5@example.com
Karuta !
Karuta is Japanese traditional playing cards and people enjoy Karuta during New Year’s holidays. The game uses two types of cards – Yomifuda and Efuda. When the reader reads out a poem on the yomifuda, players quickly search for matching efuda. Usually there is one reader and Karuta is played by mo…(79 words)
OKAKI-sun
Kagami biraki: The opening of New Year's rice cakes
Kagami biraki is the practice of eating the kagamimochi (round mirror-shaped rice cakes) that were offered to the gods. It is supposed to bring a sense of closure to Osyogatsu (New Year’s Holidays). Kagami biraki is to get power from the year gods to live happily for one year. For Kagami biraki, pe…(92 words)
OKAKI-sun
E-tegami (picture postcard)
Japan is a nation obsessed with seasonal activities of all sorts. After all, there are few other nations that I know that have national holidays for the Vernal (Spring) and Autumnal Equinox. This year (2014), the Vernal Equinox will fall on March 21, one day after the traditional date.But whi…(459 words)
mikekato
Kirin Yokohama Beer Village
Yokohama is renowned as the home of the Japanese beer industry. You can learn - and taste - all about it at the Kirin Yokohama Beer Village. The Kirin Brewery Company, one of Japan's big four beer breweries, was founded in Yokohama in 1907.Located in North Yokohama near Shinkoyasu Station (JR K…(201 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
Be A Princess at the ACCJ Annual Charity Ball
Stately men in tuxedos escort elegant ladies into a brightly lit ballroom. Each holds a tall glass of tasty champagne and as they seek out their place at the decorative reception tables, they greet friends and colleagues with a smile. The Ball has a theme like “New York, New York” or “Saturday Nigh…(303 words)
5@example.com
Quality Jewlery- Nozomi Project
If you are looking for beautiful gifts that can also help in the rebuilding of a broken community in Japan, the Nozomi project is a great place to shop.The Nozomi project is based in Ishinomaki, Tohoku. Nozomi means "Hope" which is perfect for this company as it helps rebuild the lives of peopl…(273 words)
jjwalsh
Where to eat ROAST BEEF in Tokyo
Have you decided where you are going to have hiliday dinner with your family for this weekend? Hard Rock Cafe Tokyo serve juicy and tender ROAST BEFF as lmited time menu. They have also renewed their grand menu. Now you can enjoy new menu as well. For further information, please call 03-3408-7018.(53 words)
shinR
Ski tours in Japan
Ski Japan for some of the best skiing. LiquidSnowTours provides best Ski holidays, Snow resorts, accommodation in japan.liquidsnowtours.com offers many skiing and snowboarding options, with numerous ski areas and mountains, resorts dotted around, whistler,banff in Canada.Discover the longest winter…(59 words)
liquidsnowtours
Snow in the Weather Forecast? Here is a collection of spots for skiing and snowboarding
A friend of mine had a collection of links and reccommended spots.Madarao Sanpatekku and/or Madarao KogenThese are places in Nagano prefecture. The price is reasonable and they have nice ski slopes, hotel and onsens. Distance is around 300km from Tokyo area. The Itinerary with night bus w…(492 words)