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Ride The Tokyo Metro Like A Boss With These Apps
To people new to Japan, the Tokyo subway system, stylishly called "Tokyo Metro" is a confusing labyrinth of lines going every which way. Orderly thought and planning, it would appear, seem to be the main ingredients neglected when designing the subway subway system.Once you live here a bit, you …(375 words)
jdlawrence
Tokyo's Yamanote Line: More Than You Ever Wanted To Know
Cruise through the pages of Deep Japan, and you'll find tons of advice on how to ride the trains and get to where you're going. But, did you ever stop to think about *how* and *why* the train system in Japan became like it is? There are way too many train lines to count, and each line has its o…(968 words)
jdlawrence
I opened a craft beer bar in Tokyo
I recently opened a new craft beer bar in Tokyo and I thought an article re the process of this would be interesting. After the forced closing of my previous beer bar in Aoyama (the building was being demolished to make way for a redevelopment) I was in a situation where I had to relocate the b…(1288 words)
Adstev73
Food Delivery Systems of Japan
With the engaged city life that many may find while living here in Japan, city problems are to arise. One of these problems that may occur may well be food; how to get it, pre-cooked and prepared, organic, gluten-free, and so on. Although the concept of food delivery is nothing novel, in Tokyo, the…(446 words)
Alex
Tokyo Doitsu Mura
I never have figured out why places, that are clearly not in Tokyo, are still designated as "Tokyo" something or other. Tokyo Disneyland and Disney Sea are in Chiba folks, not Tokyo. That being said, Tokyo Doitsu Mura or German Village (in the middle of Chiba Prefecture) is the best place to visi…(153 words)
Kevin
Follow the Yellow Brick Road in Tokyo
Have you seen a movie produced by Warner Brother’s call “The Wizard of Oz”？ In one of the parts, munchkins tell Dorothy, the Coward Lion, the Tin Man and the scarecrow to follow the yellow brick road. Well, this is almost like it to help people navigate from point a to b.When I came back to Jap…(394 words)
AustinA
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's Major Streets
In years past very few streets in Japan had names other than some of the major thoroughfares. These days it's possible to find more streets with names, but other than the major ones, most people won't know where "such and such" a street is located.Some use the word "kaido" in their name. The "…(337 words)
Joe Peters
When Waiting for Trains at the Tokyo Train Stations...
I am originally from a small town in Fukuoka prefecture, so when I visited Tokyo for the first time two years ago, I found some surprising “rules”.For example, when waiting for trains at the train station platform, you have to line up where the train doors are expected to open. I did not know a…(133 words)
Natalie
Kinuta Park as one of the best hanami park in Tokyo
My recommendation is Kinuta Park in Setagaya-ku, Tokyo. You can visit there by bus from Futako Tamagawa station of Tokyu Den'en Toshi Line or Yoga Station of Tokyu Den'en Toshi Line, or Seijyo Gakuen Mae station of Odakyu Line. It is very big park with much of greenery atomsphere. The best season …(125 words)
kurukurugurume
Sakura in Jijyugaoka and Tokyo Institute of Technology
The “hanami” experience is highly recommended for those visiting Japan around this time. My family visits Jiyugaoka every year for Hanami. We went there last weekend and it was pretty as always! I would recommend to get off at Midorigaoka Station (Oimachi line) and walk along the sidewalk to Jiyuga…(257 words)
EmiOnishi
Kamata: The Most Beautiful Knives in Tokyo
Kappabashi, Tokyo's kitchenware wholesaler's district, is a treasure trove of gorgeous ceramics, unusual spices, pots and pans of all sizes and, of course, Japan's world-class knives.No place glitters more than Kamata Hakensha, a bustling shop where every surface is covered with perfect, sharp …(303 words)
Chiara
I was born in Osaka Japan and Here is My View
Let me compare Tokyo and Osaka in terms of culture by using a metaphor of kitchen accessory. Tokyo is "Sponge". It soaks up all kinds of information and people are somehow drawn to this metropolis. The majority of companies hold their headquarters in Tokyo and that's one of the reasons behind i…(450 words)
yumin
Argentine Restaurants in Tokyo
Tokyo features culinary delights from all over the world, but one country that is vastly under-represented is Argentina. Originally colonized by Spain and then having a vast influx of immigrants from Italy, Argentina cuisine is a mix of the two old world styles with a new-world twist. Empanadas (or…(380 words)
Nico
5 Ways to Go Sailing in Shonan
A few years ago, while shopping at our local bakery, my husband and I overheard a conversation between two stranded travelers from Southern France. They had arrived a few days before to Japan and were following the trail of Kelly Slater, one of their surfing heroes, who often competes in our area …(628 words)
Alana
Geisha Makeover in Asakusa, Tokyo
You might know about Geisha, who is a female entertainer, trained in the traditional arts, singing and dancing, and serves as a party companion and hostess. Maiko is an apprentice of Geisha. In Asakusa, you can be a Geisha and Maiko and have photos taken.There are some places you can experience …(384 words)
skymaho
Tokyo Midtown is A Great Place to Hangout in Japan
Since the trains start so early and there is an Oedo line exit for Roppongi station under the Midtown shopping area, this place is buzzing and fun from about 7:30 a.m. If you get there too early, you can rest right outside in the park right next store. There is a lovely little stream there, open ya…(227 words)
5@example.com
Yozakura - cherry blossoms at night
Sakura （桜） is Japanese for cherry blossom. Yozakura （夜桜） is written with the characters for night and sakura and means viewing cherry blossoms at night. Sakura looks beautiful in the evening with the right lighting. Try both, a cherry blossom picnic during the day and an evening visit to fully e…(335 words)
David
Vegetarian/Vegan in Tokyo: Bento Bonanza!
Unsurprising for an island nation, most of Japan's cuisine is laced with fish... including those incredibly appetizing bento you can see in convenience stores and department store delis.For strict vegetarians and vegans, this can be a bit trying. But no fear! The health food chain Natural House…(134 words)
Chiara
Experience Your Own “Japanese Style Wedding” in Tokyo!
What’s the most romantic place in the world? Paris? Hawaii? Rome? Those may be some of the obvious contenders, but there seems to be an increasing number of people who would name Tokyo as the most romantic travel destination.This idea of Tokyo as a modern day romance capital, combined with the …(238 words)
Japanista
Cherry blossom viewing in Tokyo
Where does the cherry-viewing buzz come from?“Cherry blossom period is starting in Japan. It is the time when Japanese people are enjoying watching flowers blooming everywhere... But where does this habit come from exactly? Why do the Japanese enjoy watching sakura so much? I think that the see…(528 words)
DeepJapan
Absinthe in Japan: Bar Tram & Bar Trench in Ebisu, Tokyo
Ebisu in Tokyo is home to two of the best absinthe bars in Japan."Bar Tram has been open since 2003; Bar Trench, 2009. They are both run by Takuya Itoh and Rogerio Igarashi Vaz, two highly devoted absinthe aficionados whose mission it is to educate and illuminate others about “la fée verte” (th…(137 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
"Gomatamago" - Tokyo sweet souvenir
You may not know it yet but one of the Tokyo "omiyage" you want most is the gomatomago. Goma means sesame seed and tamago means egg. Literally it is a sesame seed egg. It's a Tokyo specialty and previously available only at Tokyo Station. However, as it is getting popular, you can find it some othe…(164 words)
EmiOnishi
HoneyBaked Ham - Now a new store in Tokyo
Just an FYI that you can now get HoneyBaked Ham in Japan. We used to always have this growing up so happy to share it with Japanese friends. They are always amazed to try what we call 'real' ham.www.honeybaked.co.jp. Website is in English or Japanese.This kind of ham is not available…(102 words)
JiyugaokaPaul
Be a princess during the feudal era in Authentic Japanese Kimono
The kimono is famous worldwide as a national costume in Japan and many tourists who visit Japan would like to try on a kimono or purchase one. However, a genuine kimono is very expensive. Besides, the maintenance is difficult and the dressing skill is needed. Kimono Photo Studio WA offers a po…(187 words)
skymaho
An Eye-con of Shinjuku
Subaru is a fairly well known brand globally, particularly for those who are familiar with off-road racing. It's definitely not as much a household brand name as Toyota or Honda, or even companies known for their motorcycles like Kawasaki and Suzuki. But Subaru is indeed a hugely popular automobile…(225 words)
mikekato
Experience the Edo Period at the Edo-Tokyo Museum
The Edo-Tokyo Museum was established in 1993, and remains one of Tokyo's most interesting musems, featuring the history of Tokyo during the Edo periodAmong its main permanent exhibition features are a life-size replica of the Nihonbashi, which was the bridge leading into Edo; the Nakamuraza the…(178 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
Ikebukuro in tokyo, there is a legend that Kishibojin.
Away from IkebukuroThere is a town called Zōshigaya.There is a candy shop there.The shop is called “DA-GA-SHI-YA=駄菓子屋”.There is a children's playground.Delicious is not, but it is interesting sweets.In Japan, the candy has been entertained as a toy.In its place, there is a…(137 words)
asteka
Hell of gatekeeper, "Enma the Great" Legend of Japan.
There is a big baseball stadium in Tokyo.It is called the "BIG EGG", it has been popular.Because very visible to a large egg.The town side of the big egg,Hell of gatekeeper, "Enma the Great" There are in the shrine."Enma the Great" is God.It is God, dead people meet for the first…(157 words)
asteka
Mt.Fuji viewing over the Tokyo Bay from Chiba/Makuhari
As you know, Narita International Airport is located in Chiba Prefecture. Makuhari City in Chiba Prefecture has the venue for international exhibitions and events as well as multiple first-class hotels to welcome international tourists and business people. Makuhari City also provides easy access to…(250 words)
Daijo
Journey on the Tokaido (Shinagawa is Stop Number Two)
Now that we have left the first stop Nihonbashi (described in my previous article), we are approaching our next stop of Shinagawa. Imagine you are traveling from Edo (Present Tokyo) to Kyoto during early 1800’s. It is highly likely that Tokaido Road was used to make your journey. It runs north and …(630 words)
AustinA
"My Neighbor Totoro". There is a scene of the movie.
30 minutes away by train from Shinjuku,There is a scene of the movie "My Neighbor Totoro".Stage of "My Neighbor Totoro" was made. This town in the hint.Are you in this movie fan?"My Neighbor Totoro" is loved all over the world.The success of the movie, was spent to protect nature Toto…(102 words)
asteka
There is a legend of “Enma the Great”. Japanese fear so much...
Japanese fear,“Enma the Great”.There is a legend of “Enma the Great”.The person who lied is pulled out his tongue by “Enma the Great”.It is such a legend.So the Japanese are all, They don't speak little lie.“Enma the Great” also appeared on the Japanese music.In Japan, there…(136 words)
asteka
Fujiya Hotel: A Resort Hotel in Hakone, a Hot Spring Resort Outside Tokyo.
Have you ever seen that snowed in beautiful period piece hotel in the film "The Shining", where in the Winter months Jack Nicolson and his family are the lone caretakers of the hotel? Now can you imagine an hotel even more classic and beautiful, during the Spring and Summertime months, with no Nico…(517 words)
Andrew Grimes
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
Running Long Distance in Tokyo Summer
Summer weather in Japan can challenge runners with staying hydrated. If you run for distance and have signed up for a race in the fall, then you need to train through the hot summer months, while still logging long kilometers. In August, the weather can get up to mid-30s with a great deal of humidi…(651 words)
Sweet42.195
Meal Muji Cafe in Yurakucho, Tokyo
Meal Muji is located on the second floor in the Yurakucho Muji store (same building as Loft). I would say one of the best Muji stores in Tokyo. It's a large open cafeteria style space- you wait in line to be seated, then you go to the deli counter to order your food and pay. Although they don't…(221 words)
EmiOnishi
Kawagoe: The Perfect Day Trip from Tokyo
Little Kawagoe, a short one hour train ride away from Shinjuku Station on the Seibu Line, is a wonderful spot to get away from the big city and feast your eyes on buildings from the Edo and Meiji era.The main street is lined on both sides by gorgeous old wooden merchant houses, shops and inns, …(218 words)
Chiara
Best book-browsing, electronic-buying, time-killing spot in Tokyo
Tsutaya Electric store opened its doors on Sunday, May 3rd, 2015 in the Futako-Tamagawa Rise building. Dubbed as a "lifestyle shop", its layout gives a whole new experience to purchasing products such as mobiles, televisions and any other electronic devices. Oh yeah, and then there are books. An un…(142 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
Everything about Trains between Yokohama and Tokyo
Born and raised in Yokohama, I know a lot about trains running between Yokohama and Tokyo. Here is a list of each of the trains with shorts explanations.JR1. The Tokaido LineThe Tokaido line is the fastest way to get from Yokohama to Tokyo. Between Yokohama station and Shinagawa station, it…(425 words)
GenS