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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
Sumo!!
Sumo-the image conjured up in many gaijin minds is that of a couple of overweight guys in adult diapers belly-bumping each other until one of man falls off a raised platform like a drunken Baby Huey. As a martial artist, I never really thought of sumo in that way, but I get why others would. Still,…(1153 words)
Dave
Commuting during Rush Hour !
Imagine you have to board your 7:45am train by hook or by crook (so you can arrive in office on schedule). Let's add to this imagination, images of japan train rush and getting shoved by polite train conductors without any apology. So how do you board train now, especially during mad rush on weekda…(303 words)
Samir Bodhe
Kamakura Daibutsu and the Beach
For a great day trip on the weekend, visiting Kamakura is a great place to visit. The Daibutsu (Great Buddha) in Kamakura is one of the most famous and well known Buddha statues in all of Japan. In fact, you can actually go inside of the statue and see what it looks like from the inside. In the …(200 words)
Kevin
Smart Cities, Expanded
In our last installment, we discussed the upcoming Smart Cities Week 2014 (SCW 2014) which will be held in Yokohama, Japan this coming October 29-31 at the Pacifico Yokohama Hotel and Convention Center. While the event itself is looking to attract in the area of 50,000 attendees, the concept is …(1500 words)
jdlawrence
Tourist Tip #1: Invest in a Suica or Pasmo IC Card
The Suica and Pasmo IC cards are e-money cards that can be used in a variety of ways. The two most practical: riding public transportation and shopping. The cards are accepted at an impressive number of locations, including convenience stores, coffee shops, coin lockers, vending machines, and many …(226 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
Tourist friendly town at Hida Takayama
Places to go in the Tokai area I recommend going to Hida Takayama.It is in the mountains of Gifu Prefecture. 3 hour train ride from Nagoya station to Takayama station (3,350yen one way).The hotel I stayed at was the Takayama Ooan（高山桜庵）right next to the Takayama Station.The entranc…(300 words)
Yuuki I
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
JR East - Japan Railway Company
http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/index.htmlThe JR East train homepage is a great way to learn about train routes, fares and activities throughout what is known as Eastern Japan. This site: http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/routemaps/index.html shows the routes that the different bullet trains take from the T…(201 words)
Kevin
Experience old Japan in Kanazawa
In the Edo period Kanazawa had about the same poplulation as Nagoya.Edo being largest then Osaka, Kyoto then Kanazawa and Nagoya.During WW2 Kanazawa was not bombed and the old scenery of the Japanese culture can be seen today.Higashi Chayagai （東茶屋街） is one of the places you can experien…(173 words)
Yuuki I
Transportation from Narita Airport to Tokyo/Yokohama
I just returned to Japan today and arrived in Narita airport terminal 1 via Delta Airlines. I’ve done this so many times but noticed so many visitors are wondering around with such a lost look that I’ve decided to write this article. Once you arrive in Tokyo Narita airport, you have several choic…(828 words)
AustinA
A view to die for
Nagasaki was chosen to be one of the NEW top three night views in the world (the other two being Hong Kong and Monaco)! The observatory can be accessed easily by bus, train or taxi, depending on where you are. On a clear day, you can see the whole city light up like a Christmas tree. The feelin…(98 words)
RieS
Yakatabune Harbor in Tokyo - One of the most convenient and comprehensive "harbors" in Tokyo
Firework, Cherry Blossom, just Lunch or Dinner, etc.... Yakatabune is very attractive play spot (?) nowadays.Tokyo is, more than you may imagine, harbor city and water front city as well (like Manhattan) and Yakatabune harbor is conveniently located near Shinagawa (the first stop - 5 min. - of…(213 words)
KIH
Gotokuji - Tokyo's Manekineko Lucky Cat Temple
Gotokuji is a lovely old neighbourhood in Tokyo's Setagaya ward. Gotokuji temple is the home of the Japanese good luck cats called "manekineko". One is waiting for you in front of Gotokuji station.Go from the station towards Gotokuji temple and you pass through a Japanese style "shotengai" stre…(353 words)
David
How to Be Prepared for Rain in Japan
In my Hawaiian home, we get some type of rain in the morning or evening, the wind gusts strong and a Typhoon comes by every once-in-a-while, but the temperature is pretty much paradise year-round. I was 12 before I realized how each and every day’s weather can be such an exciting experience!My …(889 words)
5@example.com
What to Do When An Earthquake Hits Japan
I often tell my friends that Japan might be one of the best places to be in an earthquake. Why? Nooo, you say! “I don't want it to happen when I am in town!” “Cant it wait till I leave?”. Hmmm, Mother Nature is usually pretty unpredictable and actually can be quite surprising in her timing and conc…(761 words)
5@example.com
Successfully Navigating Narita Airport
I travel fairly frequently to overseas destinations with my business but when I am on my way to Narita Airport using Narita express, I find myself asking which terminal I have to get off and would I go to the north or south gate to check with the airline I am about to embark. When I came back f…(282 words)
AustinA
Hiroshima Landslide - visiting & volunteering
As many of you have heard, there was a horrible landslide triggered by a severe thunderstorm that hit Hiroshima city in the early morning of 8/20/2014. As of 9/10/2014, 72 people were killed and 2 remain missing and over 830 people have lost their homes. The city center did not have any serious…(304 words)
jjwalsh
Hamamatsu City, Japan: Birthplace of the Big Corporation, Yamaha
I often wondered about Hamamatsu City in Shizuoka Prefecture as I watched it slip by during my bullet train rides from Tokyo to Osaka. A very good friend of mine is from Hamamatsu and would tell me about his father’s company. He himself towered over most Japanese men at just under six feet tall and…(873 words)
5@example.com
JAMSTEC Should be a first Choice for a Visit During Your Japan Travel
JAMSTEC stands for Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology was renamed from Japan Marine Science and Technology Centre in April 2004.http://www.jamstec.go.jp/chikyu/eng/ChikyuImages/video2.htmlJAMSTEC’s main objective is “to contribute to the advancement of academic research re…(788 words)
AustinA
History in Iron and Steel at Saitama's Railway Museum
If your kids love trains or if you're a railway buff at heart, look no further. Have I got the museum for you! Located in Saitama, Saitaima, Japan, the Railway Museum （鉄道博物館） is a treasure trove of all things related to Japanese trains - past, present, and future.The museum opened in 2007 …(220 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
5 Offbeat Tips for Travelers
Looking to get beneath the surface of Japan, instead of just seeing the main tourist spots? Well, here are a few tips:1- Read UpBesides Deep Japan, check out English language publications (like Time Out) and see what is going on. Join in food festivals (for instance Tokyo Harvest in Novembe…(312 words)
Chiara
Enjoy rich hot-spring of Kusatsu Onsen and visit public bathhouses like the locals do.
Kusatsu Onsen（草津温泉）, or Kusatsu Hot Spring is one of the most renowned hot-spring resort in Japan, located in the Tochigi Prefecture, about 100km north of Tokyo. Tochigi is rich in hot-spring resorts including Kusatsu, Ikaho, Shima, Minakami and Manza. Above all Kusatsu is highly evaluated with…(350 words)
Hagi
2k540 AKI-OKA ARTISAN: shopping under the Yamanote line
There is a hidden street under the Yamanote line tracks near Ueno's Ameyoko Shotengai between Okachimachi and Akihabara. Follow the elevated JR train tracks to 2k540 AKI-OKA ARTISAN and you will find a quiet place filled with the best handcrafted Japanese goods.There are about 50 small stores and w…(155 words)
David
Work in Japan…I could live in Japan, Part 2.
In part 1 [http://www.deepjapan.org/a/3029], I set down some of the conditions that would be faced by those who are interested in working and living in Japan and also included information about obtaining a visa. In this section I discuss some common assumptions about working in Japan that may b…(1915 words)
GoodPeople
Mt Fuji Views from Enoshima Island near Kamakura
Enoshima island is a fun destination for a day trip from Tokyo anytime of the year. You can see the island and its lighthouse from Kamakura further along the Shonan coast.The lighthouse is called the Sea Candle and must be one of the best viewpoints to admire iconic Fuji-san from this side. Fro…(213 words)
David
Vietnamese Dining in the Heart of Roppongi
Cyclo is a trendy, semi-casual Vietnamese restaurant located in Roppongi Green Hills. They have a lovely spacious interior with, comfortably dimly lit, with clean tables and interesting decor. The staff are courteous and treat customers well.Their menu has quite a lot to choose from, all the st…(262 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
Fish market for lazy birds - part1
Early bird catches the worm.... and maybe fish, too...Since I'm not an early bird in the mornings, I always give up going to Tsukiji fish market and where the famous tuna auction is held ......super early in the morning.Also the tourist cannot just show up and see them anymore. You need …(308 words)
Zara
A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Kiuchi Brewery
If you're a beer enthusiast, nothing is better than a brewery tour. You get to go behind the scenes and see how your favorite brew is made and sample the freshest product.Beer enthusiasts visiting Japan should make their way out to Kiuchi Brewery, home of Hitachino Nest Beer, to have a look at …(368 words)
Petra
Stranded in Japan without shoes?
According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons the global average shoe size for an adult male is US size 9 - 12. As hard as it may be to believe the largest size footwear carried for men in most Japanese shoe stores is a mere 28 cm (around US size 8 1/2, EU size 43), and even if you are l…(206 words)
Aron
Ready to Take a Three-Day Trip From Tokyo, Japan?
Are you going somewhere in Japan?Planning to adventure anywhere outside of Tokyo? If so, you need the low-down on how to master Shinkansen Bullet Train Travel!Well, here I would like to use my recent trip to Shizukuishi in Iwate, Prefecture as a perfect example of the process on how to fi…(1015 words)
5@example.com
Get to know your Prefectures: Yamagata (Pt. 1 of 2 )
"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 fantast…(697 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
An Elegant Lunch - Chinese Fine Dining at Ginza Aster
I recently had the pleasure of having lunch at Ginza Aster, a very well-known Chinese restaurant with a long history in the heart of downtown Ginza. The restaurant is famous for very good reasons. They offer some of the finest Chinese food available in the country, food that comes with excellent se…(388 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
Japan offers you a "Retreat of the Heart"
I read recently about how it is very important to be able to retreat within yourself. Are you able to do that? Do you find peace and calm for retrospection as you walk around, take care of daily tasks or ride a bus?If you are like me, I bet a lot of the time, you are kind of on alert. One of my…(637 words)
5@example.com
Conversation with Ginza Aster Grand Chef
The other day I had the pleasure to interview Minakawa san, the Grand Chef of Ginza Aster. He is a genuinely all round nice guy and it was a great insight to speak to someone in his position. We spoke about various aspects of his time at Aster Ginza, their concept and what he does specifically. H…(273 words)
Adstev73
Traditional fire festival at Shonan beach, Oiso SAGICHO.
Oiso SAGICHO is the last event of NEW YEAR celebration in SEISHO Area (western district of Shonan, Kanagawa Pref.). Originally, local fishermen operated this event and it has been held for 400 years over. SAGICHO in Oiso is one of the Significant Intangible Folk-Cultural Asset. Because Oiso is the …(360 words)
Kanagawa P.G.T.D.
西条 - Saijo (Hiroshima) : The SAKE town !
If you want to discover the taste of sake you must visit Saijo (Hiroshima Prefecture) !This tour is like a journey through the past through some of the oldest and most prestigious sake breweries in the country.KAMOTSURU, FUKUBIJIN, KAMOIZUMI, KIREI, SAIJOTSURU, HAKUBOTAN, SANYOTSURU, KAMOKI…(405 words)
8 Places to Have a Good Weekend Trip from Tokyo
Many friends in Tokyo often ask me how to have a great weekend trip from Tokyo. Most attractions in city area of Tokyo are quite common to us, so I wanna suggest some great places near Tokyo which can be accessed easily by JR. Most of the sightseeing places can be arrived within one hour by train.…(451 words)
Alexlovetravel
A large lake loved by European ambassadors directly in front of the temple
Nikko is a famous tourist destination located about two hours away from Tokyo by train. Nikko Toshogu Shrine is a popular sightseeing spot that attracts a multitude of visitors daily. Sometimes lost is the fact that Nikko is also home to many other famous places.One of these places is the area ar…(308 words)
DeepJapan Editor
Observe a 97 meter waterfall up close and in person
Nikko is only about two hours away from Tokyo by train, but the contrast couldn’t be me stark. Tokyo is crowded with buildings, but Nikko is abundant with nature. There is also a sacred atmosphere in Nikko as it is home to many temples and shrines, including the well known Nikko Toshogu shrine.…(285 words)
DeepJapan Editor