Advice about Spring
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Kurokawa Onsen in Kumamoto Prefecture
The first onsen I ever visited in Japan was Kurokawa Onsen in Kumamoto Prefecture. Although I've visited many other onsens in the 19 years I've been in Japan (and they're all nice!), my favorite is still Kurokawa Onsen. Why? Because the view is FANTASTIC! The rotenburos (outdoor hot spring pools) a…(106 words)
Andrea Miyata
To avoid spreading germs and to protect from seasonal pollen
In Japan a surgical mask is generally used when people get sick. It is common to see many people wearing such a mask during winter. In Japan, people are sensitive about coughing in trains or in areas with a high number of people. So those who wear masks don't want to spread their germs and don't wa…(125 words)
yukiroryo
Title: Sweets related to Sakura flowers
The “Sakura” is one of the representative flowers of spring in Japan and we Japanese love them.There are a lot of sweets related to the Sakura such as Sakura-mochi (rice cake with bean paste wrapped in a preserved cherry lea), Sakura-manjyu (steamed bun), Sakura-ame (candies) , Sakura-yokan (swee…(91 words)
OKAKI-sun
Local Secret: Plum Tree Valley in Okurayama
While sakura usually steal the show in spring, I personally have a soft spot for the hardier, brighter ume (plum trees).Some trees are covered in pinkish-white blossoms, so that they resemble sakura, however ume can also be shockingly fuchsia or a deep lacquer red.Bairin (plum tree groves) …(202 words)
Chiara
Kusatsu Onsen: Rated No.1 of Japan’s 100 Best Hot Springs for 12 consecutive years ! (2/3)
There are three bathing styles unique to Kusatsu. They are jikan-yu , Agari-yu and Awase-yu. Guests are encouraged to enjoy these about 3 times per day and try to remain in the onsen for an extended to take a full advantage of the special curing properties.Jikan-yu: These are timed baths where…(466 words)
ZEROIN -INTERNSHIP
Hiroshima's Botanical Gardens
A visit to Hiroshima city in Spring or Summer should include a stop by the Botanical Gardens in Saiki-ku, only a 30 minute drive from Hiroshima city center or a 40 minute bus ride from the bus center (inside Sogo department store). It is an easy stop-off on the way to or from one of Hiroshima's…(311 words)
jjwalsh
Kusatsu Onsen, one of Kanto, Japan’s less discovered gems
I recently visited Kusatsu for Deep Japan with the goal of re-discovering the magic of this mountain town that is consistently ranked as one of Japan’s best hot spring resorts. It was my visit to the town and it remains one of my top destinations in Japan. In this series of five articles I’ll cover…(542 words)
AndrewShuttleworth
My Top 7 Japan Travel Advice for Filipinos
Due to its popularity, Japan remains among the top country’s Filipino travelers want to visit. I can only agree that this is a good choice since the country has so much to offer. Even though it is famous for being expensive in terms of commodities, transportation, and accommodation, I urge Filipino…(1114 words)
Ada
Ikoma Plateau Where One Million Cosmos Bloom
Kobayashi City in Miyazaki Prefecture is home to Ikoma Platea, where you can enjoy beautiful flowers that seem to cover fields that seem never-ending. The park is open from Spring to Fall each year. I visited this area during October where I could enjoy the celebration of one million cosmos flowers…(270 words)
JudithMikami
Fukurotei, A Rural Oasis
Although I’ve lived in Chiba prefecture for just a little over 15 years, I have never had an opportunity to visit Sosa city. My recent trip this past month was my first venture out to one of the lesser known parts of Chiba prefecture. Just a short train ride outside of the very lively Chiba city, t…(417 words)
CHIBA-KUN
5K Runs Around the Imperial Palace in Japan
The Kokyo Run is a 5km running path that goes around the Imperial Palace. It is one of the most famous running paths in Japan and you will be able to meet other joggers. It would be best to do the run on a sunny day in either Spring or Autumn. During those seasons, the trees should be beautiful and…(75 words)
GenS
Hidden beauty
At Kouza Shibuya, there is a small Japanese temple named Jousenji （常泉寺） with an absolutely beautiful Japanese garden. If you love flowers and different types of plants, this is the place to go. The gorgeous flowers change seasonally and the garden is copious with different colors each season. I …(156 words)
RieS
The Best Natural Japanese Hot Springs in Japan
This is the only location I have ever seen in Japan that has a natural hot spring pool in the indoor pool area. This means you can go in with your family in your bathing suit and enjoy the deep mineral bath. The water feels very smooth and thick in a way as it comes up from 1500 meters below this h…(93 words)
5@example.com
The Best Spa in Japan
Enoshima Island Spa is located just outside Tokyo (direct ride on the Romance Car from Shinjuku Station..60 to 70 minutes). This ancient healing spot is just off the Shonan Coast and you take a 10 minute walk over the bridge to the island itself. The spa entrance fee of 2,650 yen gives you access t…(136 words)
5@example.com
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
View the Most Beautiful Cherry Blossoms in Japan
A somewhat drab introduction in the metro underground of Kudanshita will quell your palate for something exciting outside. You have probably heard about the beauty of Cherry Blossom season in Japan, but NOTHING will prepare you for the jubilance and grace of huge Cherry trees stretching branch tips…(289 words)
5@example.com
Ginkgo Biloba, Get Ready for a Gold Tokyo!
I live in the city of Shinagawa and on my way to Shinagawa JR train station, I walk along the properly spaced and placed trees along the main road along the JR train tracks. The tree I am describing is titled Ginkgo Biloba or at times it is known by maidenhair tree. According to Wikipedia, “Gin…(541 words)
AustinA
Enoshima - "Jewel of Shonan" Festival
Enoshima Island has been lit up for the "Jewel of Shonan" Festival, with delightful night time illuminations at various locations, including the Sea Candle Lighthouse, Samuel Cocking Garden, some of the local cafes and restaurants. It is chosen as one of the three major illumination spots in the Ka…(263 words)
EmiOnishi
Hanami at the Tokyo National Museum in Ueno Park
Ueno Park is one of Tokyo's most famous places for hanami during the cherry blossom season. Inside the park, make sure to visit the Tokyo National Museum and its beautiful Japanese garden in the spring. This garden lies hidden from view behind the main building. It is open to the public during …(227 words)
David
Kinokoen Oyama no Taisho
Providing the rich bounty of nature to urban dwellersEating wood-grown shiitake mushrooms freshly picked? There is a place where such a luxurious delight, hardly imaginable by city dwellers, can be experienced all year round. It is called Kinokoen Oyama no Taisho, a restaurant run by a farmin…(561 words)
Kanagawa P.G.T.D.
Aomori Japan: Vibrant and Productive with Rich History and Strong Tradition
"Get the latest updates here on Deep Japan as we collaborate with Tokyo Broadcasting System(TBS) Television, JNN(Japan News Network/TBS nation wide affiliates)'s seven-station network across Japan and Vietnam's VTV station to bring the people in Vietnam informative and fun reports from the fantasti…(784 words)
5@example.com
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
Seeing Kusatsu’s Yumomi Ceremony Live
The hot spring water that flows throughout Kusatsu comes from deep within the earth and, as a result, is very, very hot. Between 51 and 94 degrees Celsius to be exact. You may be wondering how this water is cooled. Adding cold water?One of the ways the water is brought to a comfortable temperat…(345 words)
Petra
Yoyogi Park
Yoyogi Park in Harajuku near Shibuya almost guaranteed has an event or festival going on during the weekends. Japanese traditional festivals are all well and good, but experiencing more mainstream and modern festivals also provides for a great cultural experience in my opinion.One festival duri…(109 words)
KurtisW
Showa Kinen Park in Tachikawa City Just outside Tokyo is a lovely place to Play in Japan!
Try the Showa Kinen Park in Tachikawa City, it takes approximately 40mins by the JR Chuo Line from Shinjuku station to Tachikawa station. The 163 hectares park has seasonal flowering plants all year round, it also has great cycling and jogging track as well as BBQ facilities. Be sure to visit its C…(88 words)
cwljwc
Beautiful, Family-Friendly Beaches in Japan
Being from Hawaii, I am pretty strict when it comes to beaches but I must admit that relaxing at a beach "Japanese Style" is pretty great. It has much less to do with the water actually. In Hawaii, I usually spend the entire day in the ocean catching waves and watching the shore from the water. In …(293 words)
5@example.com
Sakuramochi hits the spot
My favorite dessert during the spring time is sakura-mochi, which is a pink and sweet rice cake with red bean paste and a sakura leaf wrapped around the mochi. It is delectable and is perfect after any meal. I love how the saltiness of the leaf complements the sweetness of the mochi. This is th…(68 words)
RieS
How to Survive the Rainy Season in Japan
The rainy season in Japan is not very long. It is basically the month of June, beginning in early June and ending usually by July. The coming of the rainy season marks the end of Spring and its end marks the beginning of summer. In comparison to Spring, not only does it rain much more frequently du…(100 words)
GenS
Nakameguro, shops along the river
Nakameguro is a quiet yet fashionable and fun district just outside the more lively and inclusive Shibuya area. Nakameguro is well known for its fashion shops, and dainty restaurants that are perfect for dates, or casual upper class dining. There are of course less expensive and more chain store-ty…(151 words)
KurtisW
A dip into the hot springs in Enoshima Island Spa
One of the best hot springs near Tokyo is Enoshima Island Spa, which is easily accessible from Tokyo and is right near the Enoshima Station. There are set to three different temperatures to suit your body. Also, before you enter, there is an explanation on how to use the baths for different aims: r…(100 words)
RieS
Mochi - different experiences with different flavors
My favorite O-kashi are mochi (Japanese rice cakes) of all different shapes and flavors. These are so fun to eat, because the selection of mochi change depending on the season. During the spring, there is sakuramochi (pink rice cakes with anko inside and a sakura leaf wrapped around the mochi); dur…(140 words)
RieS
Ueno Zoo, Fun Family-Friendly Zoo in Japan
Tokyo's most famous, most historic, and most popular zoo is Ueno zoo. It is an enormous zoo in the central Tokyo area and is a popular attraction among families, friends, and couples. The greatest draw since about last year are the pandas. Ueno zoo is the only zoo in Tokyo with pandas and in Japan,…(170 words)
GenS
Great Events On All the Time at Japan's Shinjuku gyoen
You would never fail to enjoy cherry blossoms at the Shinjuku-gyoen every spring time. Five minute-walk from the south exit of JR Shinjuku will lead you there.There are Rose festivals and beautiful Autumn colors to enjoy too!If you are in Shinjuku and want a reprieve from the crowds and bu…(71 words)
yumin
Chilled with tempura toppings
Hanamarudon is a franchise chain of Sanuki udon (originated from Kagawa prefecture in Shikoku) which is my favorite spot to go to . This might sound strange but I like my udon chilled topped with tempuras (Japanese fritters of vegetable, seafood etc).Here is the menu online.http://www.hanamar…(119 words)
Andrew Soh Chih Jen
Matsuri (Festivals)
The best time to experience a festival in Japan is in from spring to fall. The best ones are in the summer, although many are technically in the spring or fall because their origins coincide with harvests or the opening and closing of fishing season.The most interesting and common matsuri are …(306 words)
mikekato
Cheap and good, Higonoya in Omotesando
Cheap and good.Love how the yakitoris come with negi-abura (chopped spring onions in oil).Placed in a fashionable area but an easy to enter spot.Very near the exit A4 of Omotesando station.http://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1306/A130602/13034811/Check out the pics and see whether it works for …(51 words)
Andrew Soh Chih Jen
Each part of the tea leaf is used to make different kind of teas
Japan is famous for its green teas and there are many different types and grades, which can be confusing for foreigners.Sencha:Sencha is the most common Japanese green tea made of the tea leaves. Whereas black tea has been roasted, green tea is steamed during the production process.Matcha…(589 words)
Nicolas
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
The Plum Blossoms are the tough guys...
People think of Japan and many think of Cherry Blossoms first. Actually Apricot and Plum Blossoms are the tough guys, they push past the snow, they stand firm in rainstorms and endure the rainstorms... Posting this photo was inspired by a kind Facebook Friend who had spotted the early plum blos…(317 words)
Andrew Grimes
The "hot spring resort" has its roots in ancient Japan.
The "hot spring resort" has its roots in ancient Japan.In areas with bountiful hot springs, people would come and stay up to 3 weeks to relieve pent up stress and pain from agricultural work and such.The flow of information was limited back then, so people who gathered from afar, as well as the…(88 words)
Eddie