Advice about Tokyo
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Japan has an annual Ninja Festa (Kids welcome!)
Iga-Ueno City's Ninja Festival celebrates Japan's famed warriors and its place in their history. Few iconic figures are more closely identified with Japan than the ninja; a combination of elite warrior and intelligence agent whose basic mission continues in various forms to this day. "The art o…(549 words)
GoodPeople
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
Yoshiwara and Oiran and TEMPURA
In Japan, there was a place called "Yoshiwara".It is a famous place, the woman named Oiran, but it is not anymore.Things that Japanese men expect to women,It is a little childish gesture and innocent face.The reason is because cute.Its roots can be found in Yoshiwara and Oiran.100…(121 words)
asteka
Ponta, you know what...
In Japan, there is a dish called pork cutlet.Its name is called "TONKATSU".There is a way to find the No. 1 delicious shop in "TONKATSU".It is to look for a shop called "Ponta".No. 1 "Ponta" shop is here, UENO-Okachimachi.Price is high, but, But is a well-established store.We …(76 words)
asteka
Many of the Japanese, was afraid for a long time, "Oi-wa Inari"
There is a city “Yotsuya” in Tokyo.In Yotsuya, there is a shrine which was built 300 years ago.Many of the Japanese, was afraid for a long time, "Oi-wa Inari"In order to calm the anger of the ghost “Oi-wa”, "Oi-wa Inari". was built 300 years ago.Many of the Japanese thought so."Oi-wa"…(156 words)
asteka
Suzuhiro Kamaboko
Kamaboko is a seafood product that is steamed, grilled, fried, or poached. Kamaboko is made from white fish, which is filleted, pounded into paste, mixed with salt, sugar, egg whites, fish sauce and Japanese sake. You can enjoy the goodness of fish with a delicious flavor and a unique texture-smoot…(349 words)
Kintaro-man
Experience Zen
People feel different things when they hear the word “Zen.” It can conjure images of rock gardens, meditating monks, or spiritual Nirvana. Zen（禅） has influenced and can be found in many of the things we find around us daily. The meaning of zen varies with different schools of practice, but a good…(227 words)
Kintaro-man
Hiking in Japan
Hakone HikingJapan`s natural beauty and geoplogical gifts are sometimes overlooked because of the cultural and historical treasures this country has. Hakone is blessed with both and has many hiking trails that allow visitors to get in touch with nature, get active, explore, and enjoy great view…(492 words)
Kintaro-man
Nikko travel guide: access and things to do
Nikko is one of the most historically significant cities in Japan, situated between the mountains of north Tokyo. The city is located in very close proximity to the Nikko National Park, which offers great views of the mountain peaks, as well as numerous waterfalls and hot springs, where you can…(673 words)
Carlos P.
Go north! Nikko National Park Day 2
I woke up early to the sound of the rushing river below and the view of the snow covered mountain, had some Japanese tea while enjoying the scenery for awhile and then went down for breakfast. I arrived at a spacious big dining hall, and the staff escorted me to a private dining room where my frie…(1282 words)
DeepJapan Editor
Japan travel tips for anime & manga fans
Studio Ghibli Animation Movie Museum“Animation is now recognized as one of the representative cultures of Japan globally. We have many animation pilgrimage spots throughout the country and many people visit them from all over the world… For first comers to Japan, Akihabara and Studio Ghibli are…(525 words)
DeepJapan
Takatsue Winter Wonderland One-night Onsen Trip
I wanted a quick overnight getaway from Tokyo to experience some nature instead of heading to crowded tourist areas. Takatsue Ski resort in Fukushima is relatively close to Tokyo, only about 170 minutes Tohoku Shinkansen, and is not just for skiing. All four seasons offer many seasonal activities l…(812 words)
DeepJapan Editor
Seven Eleven and Post Office
Seven Eleven will be the best place. You can find Seven Eleven stores almost every town, especially in Tokyo and the east part of Japan.But, it's sometimes hard to find Seven Elevens in certain western areas like Shikoku island. In that case, find a post office. You can withdraw money with your f…(75 words)
ko
Going wild in Tokyo
Ueno Zoo is by far the most well known zoo in Tokyo. It is especially well known for its most popular animal, the Giant Panda. But possibly the best zoo in Tokyo is the Tama Zoo, in the foothills west of Tokyo. The zoo is spread out over a huge area, so wear good shoes. One of the highlights is…(107 words)
mikekato
Just a tad to remember
Soy sauce, or shoyu, is one of Japan's most important condiments. It is used more in Kanto (around Tokyo) than in Kansai (around Osaka), but it is used throughout Japan. it is usually on the table in most restaurants and in every home. The most important thing to remember when using soy sauce is…(108 words)
mikekato
Yurindo has a great selection of English books
I go to Yurindo to purchase or pick up an English book. Although you cannot compare the selection to a Barnes and Noble, it has a range of classics to recent books from fiction to nonfiction. I often go to the “osusume” or the recommendation section to find books that I may want to read. If you are…(76 words)
RieS
DEFINITELY eat at Ginza Isomura!
One of my favorite Japanese restaurants in Japan is called Ginza Isomura; there is one in Ginza and two in Kannai/Bashamichi. They are famous for their kushiage, which are fresh meat, fish or vegetables deep fried on a stick. However, it is not as heavy as you may think! I love going for lunches, b…(115 words)
RieS
Toys "R" Us in Japan isn't just any other Toys "R" US
Toys "R" Us is a children's toy store that can be found around the world. However, the Toys "R" Us store in Japan is different from any of the Toys "R" Us I have seen. Japanese toys nowadays are very high-tech. I used to love going to the arts and crafts section to get the toys that make badges, wa…(123 words)
RieS
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
Earthquake Advice
Firstly, don't panic! Stay calm. If there is violent shaking you need to get under a table or bed, or something. If there is nothing, door frames are a strong part of any house, so stay under them, or otherwise slip into your toilet. Stay away from windows, cabinets, etc., as things will fly and fa…(307 words)
StevieB
Zushi...Isshiki Beach!
My favorite beach this summer is the Isshiki beach. There are many beach around Zushi area, and definitely it is a must beach to stop by during the summer. Around Zushi, there are plenty of music festivals too. The Isshiki Beach is about 10-15 minute ride by bus from Zushi Station. (JR Yok…(159 words)
Mido
Setagaya Ward has about 12 courts for you to use
Setagaya Ward (nearest station would be Sangenjaya and then take the Setagaya line) is a good place to play tennis. Since these are community courts, you need to register in advance at the Setagaya Ward office. If you are going to be in Japan for a little longer than a short visit, it would be rea…(149 words)
slapshot
Visit Kimono Salon TAKA in Yokohama, Yamashita-Cho
When you have a chance to go to Yokohama, Yamashita-Cho near by Yokohama China Townyou should stop by "Kimono Salon Taka" in Silk Center. It is a very nice Kimono select shop.The shop is small, but they have kept a large stock of goods by wide varitey of price range; so, if you would like to ge…(114 words)
Suetsumuhana
Nabe parties and Barbecue parties.
Japan has a big restaurant industry with all kind of cuisines of the world, besides many good 24 hour options of packaged food from convenience stores, bento shops and super markets. More over as Japanese homes, especially in Tokyo, tend to be small, home parties are not so common and people tend t…(210 words)
Sanjeev Sinha
Jump!
Kumo no Umi (Sea of Clouds) is a trampoline in the Showa Kinen Koen (Showa Memorial Park) in Nishi-Tachikawa, on the west side of Tokyo. The trampoline is built as a clump of hills and valleys of various sizes. The white vinyl looks, from afar, like a sea of clouds in the midst of an ocean of tre…(199 words)
mikekato
Sites and Sounds of Japan - the Used Goods Truck
Oct. 13, 2014http://youtu.be/jJvXx1eqI7QAs you wander around Tokyo you may see some little trucks driving very slowly along the street with a very loud announcement, and perhaps a bit of music, emanating from a loudspeaker system attached to the truck.Look at the truck and if you see ol…(296 words)
Joe Peters
Top 10 Things to DO in NIKKO Japan | WATCH BEFORE YOU GO | Onsen Paradise
Japan Travel Guide - A Tour of Nikko onsen & area including Kinugawa Onsen. This Away from Tokyo Guide series ventures into the Top 10 things to do in Nikko Japan. This Nikko Tour visits Nikko Onsen, Nikko Edo Wonderland aka Edomura, Toshugu Shrine a Unesco World Heritage location and Nikko food,…(140 words)
DeepJapan Editor
Turkey Day Tokyo Style!
Many restaurants do Thanksgiving specials now- a big change from just 10 years ago! I must admit that I am biased. I own a small restaurant called "Kimono wine and grill" which is a euro american bistro. We do an Awesome Thanksgiving! truly one of the best and most affordable here in Tokyo. We do o…(128 words)
LShannon
Walk the walk
I personally think that one of the best ways to experience Tokyo is on foot. It's huge, yes, but you have to think of Tokyo fragmentally, as the different wards and towns that make up the metropolis all have their own vibe that becomes unmistakable after you have spent some time here; all of them c…(161 words)
KurtisW
Kasai Rinkai Aquarium
Kasai Rinkai Aquarium is by far my favorite aquariums in Tokyo. It is easy to get to on the Keio Line. While you are there, walk around the park, see the seaside, and ride the Ferris Wheel!(37 words)
Sweet42.195
Taste over tradition
A late night gorge at a typical Japanese junk food restaurant just can't be beat. One thing which I always go for is ramen, but not just any ramen. Taste over tradition is the key concept, and many older or more traditional Japanese people scoff at some of the wild creations that downtown ramen sho…(133 words)
KurtisW
SL hiroba
Shinbashi is great spot to feel in Japan. It's call salaryman(Japanese business man called salary-man) paradise! There are many inexpensive izakaya(casual Japanese tavern) .Shinbashi station is one of the big station in Tokyo and it's so hard to find a good place to meet.I highly recommend …(95 words)
yukorose
Train stations, convenient stores and book stores are few places where you can get maps & guidebooks
You can get a subway / train map at any train station. They are kept there - and could be in Japanese. You can ask for a English one.You can also find road maps in any of the convenient stores. But they might be in Japanese. Then there are book stores like Yurindo - Kinokuniya etc where you can c…(135 words)
suku
A peaceful resting ground
Japanese graveyards are in my experience much different in appearance than those of the U.S, where I'm from. There are some smaller neighborhood graveyards, and there are larger ones in reserved areas in town. One thing that is very different is the physical layout of the graveyards. Cremation is l…(136 words)
KurtisW
One park to the next
A great cycling course for all skill levels is the length of Inokashira Ave., which runs from Inokashira park in Kichijoji, to Yoyogi park in Harajuku. I always recommend this course for bikers and walkers alike, because it gives you a great idea of the distinct environments of Tokyo suburbia and t…(111 words)
KurtisW
Life's a Beach!
In the summer, many Japanese beaches enjoy a "kaisuiyoku," literally meaning an ocean bathtub. It is the only time of year that there are lifeguards at most Japanese beaches. During the brief season, many of the beaches have beach houses, where there are lockers, showers, bars, and great festival…(99 words)
mikekato
Check the vicinity
It is not as though earthquakes are constantly happening in Japan, it is just that they are more frequent statistically. Being slightly more aware and prepared is thus advisable, but the precautions don't need to be excessive. One thing however to keep in mind is where you will go in the event of a…(142 words)
KurtisW
Start Train-ing!
There are sooo many trains in the Tokyo Metropolitan area! It is a maze for people who live here; for a visitor, it may seem a huge mess. But getting around by train is often the best way to get around, so start your train-ing early in your visit.I recommend two things to make train riding ea…(241 words)
mikekato
Family-Friendly Showa Kinen Park, the perfect getaway from city life for kids during you Japan Stay.
As a kid, a trip to Showa Kinen Park in Tachikawa would excite me the most. Built on a former Self Defense Forces base, the park is one of Tokyo’s largest parks. There is even a bicycle road running along the circumference of the park, which has a lake at its center. Rowboats can be borrowed for ch…(157 words)
GenS