It is only recently that Japan is discovering the joys of All Hallow’s Eve. A traditionally American holiday with a background in respecting the wandering spirits of the earth, the Japanese decided to do away with the religious aspects altogether and adopt the pumpkins, candies, costumes, and merry-making associated with it. Though still only observed by a fraction of the population, Halloween is a growth industry, fueled by commercialism and a cultural need for another festival that has outfits going for it.

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Posted in Events, Japan |

Hakone is a mountainous area west of Tokyo at the foot of Mount Fuji, a place where hell is found and a beloved children’s classic is commemorated.

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Posted in Attractions, Japan |

The city of Tokyo, Japan is constantly bustling with activity. Fashion and cultural trends come and go quickly here - in a city that represents both ancient history and modern advances. The citizens of Tokyo honor and respect some of Japan’s most ancient traditions while at the same time embracing the fast paced nature of change.

Fortunately, there are dozens of opportunities for visitors to take a break from the constant movement. Stepping inside one of Tokyo’s fine dining establishments will afford you an opportunity to relax while at the same time enjoying true Japanese cuisine. Make sure you stop by at least a few of these incredible restaurants during your stay. Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in Japan |

Japan has not escaped the recent economic recession around the world. But despite the financial doldrums, a few industries have emerged unscathed. One of these is the love hotel industry, which pulls in an estimated USD 40 billion in annual revenues, more than twice that of the anime industry. Japan’s 25,000 love hotels, which provide intimate venues for lovers in a country short on privacy and space, pull in more than 400 million customers per year and show no signs of slowing down even in these times of trouble.

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Posted in Attractions, Japan |

Every 6 years, a sacred and dangerous event occurs besides Lake Suwa in Nagano Prefecture, Japan. In a ceremony which spiritually renews the Suwa Taisha (Grand Shrines), the townsfolk of this area cut down 16 huge Japanese fir trees with special axes and ride them as they slide down the mountainside. Welcome to Onbashira, a thrilling festival that claims to be an unbroken Shinto tradition for the past 1,200 years.

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Posted in Events, Japan |

Japan outdoes its Asian neighbors when it comes to bizarre snacks. While Korea has its canned silkworms and the Philippines has salted duck embryos, the high-tech Land of the Rising Sun emphasizes on processed food, coming up with outlandish ideas.

Here are 10 bizarre Japanese snacks just daring you to try them on your visit.  Look for them in convenience stores, groceries, or vending machines.

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Posted in Food, Japan |

Living in Osaka but your landlord won’t let you own a cat? Or you have to give up cats because your roommate/partner is allergic to them? Then head on down to a cat café. For USD 5, this specialty shop will let you play, cuddle, and stroke cats all you want for an hour.

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Posted in Attractions, Japan |

Known as the Times Square of Tokyo, Shinjuku is a major transit hub for Japan’s capital, servicing 3.6 million passengers every day. Containing the busiest train stations in the world has turned this district into an after-work entertainment and dining zone, a travelers can expect plenty of things to do in this must-visit section of the mega-city.

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Posted in Japan, Things to do |

From July until the end of August of 2009, mecha-geeks can stare in awe at a 1:1 scale replica of the celebrated Gundam robot in Odaiba. In this artificial island in the middle of Tokyo, the 18-meter tall RX78 model, a white, red, and blue armored humanoid fighter, looms high above the crowd, lighting up at night with 50 emitters all over its body and shooting mist from 14 strategic points. This fiberglass-and-plastic over steel frame creation was commissioned by toy giant Bandai-Namco in time for Mobile Suit Gundam’s 30th anniversary, which will culminate during the Gundam Big Expo from August 21 to 23. For true Gundam fans, this monument to mechanized fantasy seems to be ready to blast off at any moment, taking the rest of us to the future with it.

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Posted in Attractions, Japan |