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For many visitors to Japan, where ancient traditions harmonize with modern lifestyles, there lies a definitive Japanese experience: The onsen (hot springs). These natural hot springs, praised for their stimulating properties and serene ambiance, beckon travelers to immerse themselves in soothing waters. Yet, it can quickly fade into disappointment for many visitors with tattoos. Despite tattoos not being outright illegal, there is a cultural barrier associated with a criminal history, often barring those with ink from entry into onsen and sento (community bathhouses). Bathhouses in Japan are t...
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Over the last decade, Japan’s enthusiasm for Halloween has seen a noticeable surge, accompanied by growing commercial promotion. Whereas once the vibrant decorations, imaginative visuals, and elaborate costumes associated with the holiday were primarily confined to attractions like Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea, these festive elements have become increasingly mainstream. However, their adoption and interpretation in Japan might differ from what one would expect in Western countries. For instance, while trick-or-treating isn’t widespread, many Japanese people embrace the holiday as an op...
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A lot is made about Japan’s “four seasons.” But whether you think that’s special or not, one thing you absolutely must do in Japan is try seasonal food. Known as shun, this untranslatable word reflects the idea that food has the best time to be eaten. This is true for things like fruits and vegetables but also seafood. What does it mean for fish to be in season? Well, ignoring farm-raised varieties, different species pass close to Japan at different times of the year, so that’s when fishermen head out to catch them. Certain fish may also taste better during certain seasons. With that in mind, ...
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Are you looking for an adventurous destination outside of Tokyo or Osaka for your next vacation to Japan? Okayama Prefecture should be at the top of your list—and the destination has a useful online tool to help with your planning. The Japan Heritage website is an excellent resource for anyone who wants to learn about Okayama—along with other hidden gems of Japan—and plan an unforgettable trip. With detailed background information about the area and its charms, you’ll be able to make the most of your visit. It’s almost like having a local guide right there at your side. In Okayama Prefecture, ...
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Osaka is known for many things that set it apart from other big cities in Japan, with diverse neighborhoods to explore. While common threads like mouth-watering street food and friendly residents are all over Osaka, each area is unmistakably unique. One moment you could be roaming through a modern metropolis, and the next, you feel like you’ve stepped back into the past. Sometimes you might even be caught in the middle of both at once. Osaka Bay has Universal Studios. Morinomiya is where the elegant Osaka Castle resides, surrounded by a lush garden and park. Nakazakicho is a bohemian sanctuary...
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Universal Studios Japan is the city of Osaka’s fun answer to Tokyo Disney Resort. Here, you’ll find the first Super Nintendo World, the world’s last surviving Jaws attraction, and plenty of other lands and rides themed to Universal movie properties like Minions, Harry Potter and Jurassic Park. This is a theme park with some serious roller coasters and a vibe that’s more thrilling and adult-oriented, though there are still kid-friendly areas like Wonderland, with its Snoopy, Hello Kitty and Sesame Street zones. Here are five things to know before you go. 1. Certain rides are exclusive to Univer...
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It has been a hard time for entertainment as COVID-19 restrictions and economic slowdown have meant that people simply aren’t visiting events in the numbers required. Previously, we looked at attractions no longer around, such as the projects at Palette Town. Still, we wanted to revisit the topic and look at popular events that have disappeared or whose days are numbered. While there is always hope that these events and hot spots might come back one day, let’s pour one out for these unique experiences of Japan that are long gone. 1. Shinjuku’s Robot RestaurantRobot Cafe was formerly one of Tok...
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As with any trip abroad, your first time visiting Japan will be filled with adventure, new experiences, and interesting challenges. But from your first time sleeping on a futon to your first time getting on a night bus to Osaka, there are a few things you need to prepare yourself for. We’ve already taken a look at how to prepare for post-pandemic travel, but here we will look at some of the basics to keep in mind when planning your first Japan trip. 1. Don’t just stay in TokyoOn your first trip to Japan, it can be tempting to set your sights on Tokyo and not aim to explore much further. But if...
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The Tokyo DisneySea Hotel Miracosta is currently the world’s only hotel inside a Disney theme park. There are twelve international Disney parks and many more official and unofficial hotels. Still, the Miracosta is uniquely positioned inside the ticket gates at Tokyo DisneySea. You’ll pass through a tunnel right under it on your way into the park’s central harbor from the entrance plaza, where the fountain globe, the Aquasphere, acts as a popular photo op. With Japan’s borders now reopened to individual foreign tourists, here’s what to expect if you’re thinking about booking your own stay on-si...
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Backcountry skiing in Japan has blossomed in popularity over the past number of seasons. There are various options available here for those who are branching out and pushing their boundaries to the seasoned vets taking the sport to new limits. Most backcountry skiers and snowboarders progress from skiing on groomed runs at resorts to searching out tree runs and other sidecountry options. Eventually, they will gain the confidence and experience needed to leave the resorts at the established backcountry gates and further explore the possibilities. Welcome to AsahidakeDuring my first trip to Hokk...
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