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2020 February Best Events in Japan
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- While the temperatures are still quite cold, February is an appealing season in Japan as the winter chill slowly releases with the onset of spring’s warmth. To help you plan a travel itinerary during February, we’ve put together a short guide to the unique events that will be taking place across the country. Setsubun and Ehomaki (節分と恵方巻) Setsubun and Ehomaki The day before spring arrives is marked throughout Japan by Setsubun, which translates as “seasonal division”. This festival originated as a time to cleanse from the previous year and drive away evil spirits for the year ahead. A highlight of the festival is a ritual known as mamemaki or “bean scattering” when roasted soybeans are thrown out the door of a house or temple while saying “Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!” (Demons out! Luck in!”) If you want to participate in this purification practice, head to Sensoji (Asakusa), Zojoji (Tokyo) or Naritasan Shinshoji (Chiba). Setsubun is also marked by the eating of Ehomaki sushi rolls, which are sold at convenience and department stores across the country. These long sushi rolls are filled with seven different ingredients to represent the seven gods of happiness (Shichifukujin) and should be eaten facing the year’s lucky direction. Zojoji Temple Ehomaki Hokkaido: Sapporo Snow Festival (さっぽろ雪まつり) Sapporo Snow Festival Held every year in February, the Sapporo Snow Festival is the largest of its kind in Japan and attracts more than two million visitors. The heart of all the action is Odori Park, which extends through the heart of Sapporo, with live music and gi-gantic ice sculptures that are beautifully illuminated at night. If you want to see the stunning ice and snow sculptures that have been entered into the festival’s official contest, head to the Susukino area, or enjoy the family-friendly snow slides and attractions set up in Tsudome. In 2020, the Sapporo Snow Festival will take place from February 4-11. Sapporo Snow Festival Sapporo Snow Festival Akita and Tochigi: Kamakura Festival (かまくら祭り) Yokote Kamakura Festival Famed for its igloo-like snow houses (known as “kamakura”), the Kamakura Festival dates back more than 400 years and in 2020 will be held in two locations. The Yokote Kamakura Festival (横手かまくら祭り) will be held in the southeast of Akita Prefecture while the Yunishigawa Onsen Kamakura Festival (湯西川温泉かまくら祭り) will ignite this charming onsen town in the mountains of Tochigi Prefecture. Countless small and large kamakura will be set up and illuminated by candles at night, transforming both locations into a magical winter wonderland. Aside from the kamakura, the event features a range of other activities, including snow rafting, kamakura making experiences and delicious local foods. The Yokote Kamakura Festival 2020 will take place on February 15 and 16 in the city of Yokote while the Yunishigawa Onsen Kamakura Festival 2020 will take place from 31 January to 1 March 2020. Yokote Kamakura Festival Yunishikawa Kamakura Festival Niigata: Echigo-Tsumari Art Field 2020 Winter SNOW ART (「大地の芸術祭」の里 越後妻有2020冬 SNOWART) Kyota Takahashi 「Gift for Frozen Village2018」Photo by Osamu Nakamura As the heavy snows descend in Niigata prefecture during winter, the Echigo-Tsumari region celebrates with their Snow Art festival. The main event is the Snow Fireworks / Gift for Frozen Village, which will illuminate the skies on February 29. Don’t miss a visit to the Echigo-Tsumari Satoyama Museum of Contemporary Art where a collection of snow-themed works will be displayed. The opportunity to try the unique festival meal of yukimigozen in village. Image of Snow Art Image of EXPO's Snow Play Plum season (梅の季節) Mito Plum Blossom Festival As Japan’s plum trees break out in blossoms, gardens across the country celebrate this explosion of color. But the most famous celebration is the Mito Plum Blossom Festival (水戸の梅まつり) of Kairaku-en in the city of Ibaraki Prefecture, Mito. Considered one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan, Kairaku-en was created during the Edo period and features around 100 different varieties of plum blossoms. During the festival, you can see around 3,000 trees in various hues of light pink while enjoying the fragrant perfumes. Aside from enjoying the plum blossoms and drinking powdered green tea, the festival will hold outdoor koto performances, guided nighttime walks and fireworks shows. The Mito Plum Blossom Festival 2020 will take place from late February to March 31.Read more:Mito Plum Blossom Festival 2020 Mito Plum Blossom Festival Rape Flower Blossoms Season Rape Flower Blossoms Season February is also marked by the blossoming of bright yellow rape flowers, which occur in various locations across Japan. One of the most famous spots is along the Isumi Railway in Chiba, forested landscapes and fields of rape flowers. Soak up the rural landscapes of the Boso Peninsula on a 26-kilometer-long journey between Ohara Station and Kazusa-Nakano, passing historic stations that date back to 1912. The scenery is a stark contrast to the high-tech streets and bustle of Tokyo and made only more beautiful by the yellow blanket of the season’s rape flower blossoms. Rape Flower Blossoms Season ©NAVITIME JAPAN. Travel Info Check out our travel tips to make your trip better!
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- Japan
- 23. January. 2020
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What’s New in Japan for 2020
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- There are many reasons that so many visitors flock to visit Japan every day, from delicious cuisine such as Sushi and Yakitori, to tradition and culture such as Shrines, Temples, and castles, and of course pop culture like Anime and gaming. In 2020 the Olympic and Paralympic games will be coming to Japan and as a result the country is seeing a huge amount of new attractions, festivals, and other changes. If your interests are cultural, we will give you the scoop on where you can stay in a historical castle, where you can see the best art exhibitions and when famous Shrines will finish their current renovations. If you’re looking for excitement, we have the details on what’s new in Tokyo Disneyland and Osaka’s Universal Studios Japan. If you don’t mind traveling a bit, we can even lead you to the world’s largest Godzilla, also new in 2020. To make sure you make the most of your Tokyo 2020 trip, read on! Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games 2020 Tokyo will be taken over by the Olympic (July 24, 2020 – August 9, 2020) and Paralympic (August 25, 2020 – September 6, 2020) Games in 2020. This means that the city is seeing a slew of upgrades to athletic facilities, such as a new national stadium, new stores, transportation, and much more. Visitors can expect a futuristic vision in the 2020 games as Japan intends to use cutting edge technology (such as robotics) to make sure Olympics fans in Tokyo and beyond can all join in on the spectacle. Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games 2020 New national stadium Please note that there will be changes in Japan’s usual national holidays due to the Olympics. Marine Day and Sports day will be moved to July 23 and 24 while Mountain Day to August 10, the day after the closing ceremony. The aim of this change is to reduce traffic congestion, but it can also affect opening and closing hours in stores and restaurants. National holidays due to the Olympics Exciting New Worlds Coming to Tokyo Disneyland and USJ (Universal Studios Japan) ― Tokyo Disneyland New Fantasyland In 2020 Tokyo Disneyland will be expanding with its ‘New Fantasyland’ based on the world of Disney classic, Beauty and the Beast. Adults can enjoy a hefty dose of nostalgia as they stroll through Belle’s village which will include Maurice’s Cottage and Gaston’s Fountain (but likely no sheep). The ‘Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast’ will take place in the castle itself. The area will also feature Disneyland’s first full scale indoor theater, the Fantasyland Forest Theater. Over in Tomorrowland visitors can spend time with adorable Baymax on ‘The Happy Ride with Baymax’. New Fantasyland The Happy Ride with Baymax ― Universal Studios Japan Super Nintendo World Universal Studios Japan in Osaka has been extremely secretive about its new expansion, Super Nintendo World. Newly released images seem to indicate that there will Mario Kart and Yoshi themed rides and an area dedicated to Donkey Kong. The new expansion will be open to the public before the start of the 2020 Olympics so look forward to having your own Mario Party in USJ! Super Nintendo World Super Nintendo World Futuristic Aquariums, Miniature Theme Parks, Godzilla and More! ― Shikoku Aquarium 四国水族館 in Kagawa In March 2020 the Shikoku Aquarium will officially open its doors. This “Next-Generation Aquarium” has a theme of showing off the wonder of Shikoku’s waterscape so visitors can enjoy not only observing fish but also seeing how they act in their natural habitats and how they change with the seasons. This aquarium will also feature a Shark Shadow Aquarium, where you can see the large shadowy profiles of Hammerhead sharks as well as a large dolphin area which promises a spectacular sunset over the Seto Inland Sea. Shikoku Aquarium ― Small Worlds Tokyo in Tokyo In Tokyo a new type of theme park is set to open, Small Worlds Tokyo will be home to miniature areas based in reality and fantasy. Feel like a giant by passing through the Gulliver tunnel and then take your time enjoying the Sailor Moon, Evangelion, Global Village, Space Center, and Kansai International Airport models. It’s not just viewing though; advanced 3D mapping is available so that you can join your favorite area and make items to display as well. It’s set to open April 25, 2020 and will make the perfect indoor adventure if you are caught in rainy spring weather. Small Worlds Tokyo Evangelion Area ― Itsukushima Shrine’s O-torii Gate 厳島神社 in Hiroshima Popular sightseeing place and UNESCO World Heritage Site Itsukushima Shrine has unfortunately been covered by scaffolding for renovation as of June 2019. These repairs are expected to take one year so visitors can expect this beautiful floating Shrine to be fully viewable by summer 2020. Itsukushima Shrine’s O-torii Gate ― DMM Kariyushi Aquarium DMMかりゆし水族館 in Okinawa Okinawa, already famous for its wealth of natural beauty, will be opening a new aquarium in April 2020, the DMM Kariyushi Aquarium. Their focus will be blending art installations with underwater environments to create a new type of aquarium enjoyment. It’s not far from Naha airport so it is much more easily accessible than the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, which is good news for those who have limited time on the island. DMM Kariyushi Aquarium DMM Kariyushi Aquarium ― Okinawa Kokusai Goodwill Street 国際通りのれん街 in Okinawa Over in Naha the street known as “the miracle mile” is set to get some new editions as the site of Mitsukoshi welcomes the new Okinawa Kokusai Goodwill Street. Those who are interested in the varieties of Japanese cuisine available in Okinawa will love the new food court and shoppers are sure to be delighted by the variety of shops. All of the stores will open in February 2020. Okinawa Kokusai Goodwill Street ©NAVITIME JAPAN. Travel Info Check out our travel tips to make your trip better!
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- Japan
- 18. January. 2020
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Things to do on New Year's Eve Tokyo 2020
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- There is nothing quite like enjoying New Year’s Eve in the biggest city in Japan, Tokyo. Tokyo is home to some of Japan’s best nightclubs, amusement parks, and Temples. Some of the country’s most exciting New Year’s Eve 2020 countdowns and parties will be occurring here in this busy metropolis.You can ring in the New Year in the heart of Shibuya, party all night with Mickey Mouse in Tokyo Disneyland, or watch fireworks on a boat in scenic Tokyo Bay. Let us be your guides for the ultimate New Year’s Eve experience. Ring in the New Year at Tokyo’s Time Square: Shibuya Crossing YOU MAKE SHIBUYA COUNTDOWN 2019-2020 The biggest gathering in Tokyo on New Year’s Eve is the countdown at Shibuya Crossing. The streets will be closed to traffic from 21:00 on December 31 so that Tokyoites and visitors alike can ring in the New Year in this iconic location. There will be a stage in front of the Shibuya 109 department store so arrive early to secure a good spot. Due to the volume of people you can expect this event to be safe and heavily policed, which also means local stores may not sell alcohol on New Year’s Eve. Tokyo Countdown 2020 If you don’t like the cold and don’t fancy being outside all night, Shibuya has still got you covered with the Tokyo Countdown 2020 at BelleSalle Shibuya Garden. Whether you’re into Techno, House music or EDM, there will be something for you. This event boasts a large list of internationally renowned DJs who have also graced the stages of giant festivals such as Coachella and Burning Man. Tickets will be JPY18,000 at the door, which while not cheap, is still a good deal for an event of this scope. Shibuya Blue Cave Illuminations Join a Glamorous 2020 Countdown at Tokyo’s Most Famous Landmarks Tokyo Tower Nothing says Tokyo quite like Tokyo Tower, its warm orange color meant to symbolize a candle on cold winter nights. At midnight on December 31 the tower will change color and announce the New Year while nearby revelers release balloons into the air. The inside of the Tower is only open to visitors until 23:00 but they are doing a special Illumination event, “Winter Fantasy”. So, arrive early and t ake some epic photographs. Roppongi Hills Keyakizaka Illumination – until December 25, 2019 On New Year’s Eve ROPPONGI HILLS – Tokyo City View will be open past midnight for your enjoyment. So do some shopping at Roppongi Hills, visit the Mori Art Museum, and then observe shining Tokyo from above. Tokyo Skytree Celebrate with Mickey Mouse, Hello Kitty, and more at Tokyo’s Amusement Parks Tokyo Disneyland If you are lucky enough to win the lottery you can welcome the New Year at Tokyo Disneyland and Disney Sea. Tokyo Disney Sea From 20:00 on December 31 to the next day you can party with your favorite Disney Characters, which means you can continue riding attractions, watching shows, and shopping all night. There will be a number of elaborate performances as well as a big firework show at midnight. From January 1 Disney Characters will be dressed in special costumes inspired by Japanese traditional attire so don’t miss this shutter chance! Fukubukuro Party like it’s 2020 at Tokyo’s Hottest Nightclubs AgeHa Centrally located in Shibuya is nightclub WOMB, well-known for Asia’s largest mirror ball and excellent electronic music. They will host New Year’s Eve with doors opening at 21:00. Their line-up features local and internationally renowned artists and DJs as well as special guest AGORIA, a popular French techno artist. Advance tickets are JPY2,800 but you can also get them at the door, however the later it gets the more expensive they will be.In case of admission by New Year's Eve 10:45PM : Re-entry stamp and New Year dishes (Osechi) included. WOMB Also in Shibuya is Sound Museum Vision, a large nightclub with several floors featuring a variety of genres of music. Depending on the vibe you’re looking for check out the two dancefloors GAIA and DEEP SPACE, or the two lounges D LOUNGE and WHITE. Joining their countdown event are special guest DJs MAYA JANE COLES and Anja Schneider. It will cost you from JPY2500 to JPY5000, depending on when you arrive. WOMB Enjoy Extravagant New Year’s Fireworks from Land or Sea Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise A really popular option for enjoying New Year’s Eve fireworks in Tokyo is Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise. Located on a small Island 30 minutes by train from Yokohama this is an amusement park with a large aquarium. Join the ‘Happy Island Countdown 2020’ and witness the spectacle of 3,000 fireworks synchronized with music. The aquarium and other attractions will be open all night as well. You can enter from 15:00 but countdown events will start at 23:30. Tokyo Bay Cruise If you’re not big on crowds the best way to enjoy Tokyo’s nighttime views and the New Year’s fireworks is on the Tokyo Bay Cruise. There will be a buffet-style dinner featuring unlimited food and drinks, as well as entertainment such as a live band, DJ, and some games. Popular tours： Tokyo Bay Cruise—Countdown to 2020! Image for Hakone Fireworks Forget the Stress of 2019 and Relax at an Onsen Ōedo-onsen-monogatari New year, new you! Rejuvenate at Ōedo-onsen-monogatari（大江戸温泉） an Onsen theme park. This complex features Yukata rental as well as a Japanese style garden with foot baths where you can walk around and chat with your friends. They use natural hot spring water and have a variety of baths to choose from. There is a lively indoor Edo-period inspired “town” and a variety of restaurants as well. It’s open all night but be aware, they have a strict no-tattoo policy. Ōedo-onsen-monogatari Another Onsen option is Yamato no Yu （大和の湯）which is tattoo-friendly and located near Narita Airport. This is a very modern building, a kind of designer’s hot spring, by famous architect Habuka Takao. There is also a private bath you can reserve if you would rather not bathe with others. Indulge by getting a massage and facial at the spa or enjoy the heated indoor swimming pool if that’s more your style. Korean Body Scrub Get your Last-Minute Shopping Done at these Unique Markets Ameya-Yokocho Mingle with locals at Ameya-Yokocho（アメ横）, a loud and busy outdoor market. If you’re interested in the Japanese New Year’s culture of Osechi this is a great spot to barter for some prime ingredients such a king crab and salmon roe. Ameya-Yokocho Fans of Japanese pop culture and anime need to check out COMIC MARKET９７, or Comiket. This is a giant four-day festival (December 28-December 31.) of Cosplay and Doujinshi (fan-made comics). It’s best to buy entry wristbands in advance at Anime stores like Animate as they can sell-out. If you want to Cosplay, arrive early and pay a small fee to register. Unique Ways to Celebrate the New Year; Standing under a Waterfall or Watching Pro-Wrestling? Image for Waterfall Meditation If you’re interested in Japanese culture and traditional religious practices, we recommend going to nearby Mount Takao and its waterfall Biwa Taki.You can actually try standing under the waterfall, a traditional form of ascetic training. It’s generally on the first Saturday of each month as well as the 18th and 28th. If you prefer to be, well, very very hot, another option is to try fire-walking. Good luck, and always call ahead to see if it will be available on the day you go! Mt. Takao On the opposite end of the spectrum is New Year’s Eve Pro-Wrestling. See giants in flamboyant costumes crashing in Tokyo Dome City. The match starts at 20:00. Popular tours： Get Tickets for the New Japan Pro Wrestling Show! New Year’s Soba Have a happy New Year in Tokyo! Related Articles:New Year 2020 in Japan: A Cultural Guide for Participating in Japanese New Year’s Traditions ©NAVITIME JAPAN. Travel Info Check out our travel tips to make your trip better!
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- Japan
- 27. December. 2019
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How to travel to Shirakawa-go from Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya and Kanazawa 2019
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- Nestled in the Shogawa River Valley that spans Gifu and Toyama Prefectures, Shirakawa-go is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed region. It’s famed for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, some of which are more than 250 years old, with steep thatched roofs and a unique architectural style that evolved over many generations. Gassho-zukuri translates as constructed like hands in prayer” in reference to the roof shape, which is designed to withstand the heavy snowfall that Shirakawa-go experiences in the winter. The roofs are expertly crafted without the use of nails and are equipped with a large attic space where silkworms were traditionally cultivated. Shirakawa-go is roughly divided into two areas - Shirakawa-go (in Gifu prefecture) and Gokayama (in Toyama prefecture). Ogimachi Village is the most easily accessible and popular village in Shirakawa-go, with a lot of gassho-zukuri houses and the main street of Shirakawa Kaido running through its heart. Shirakawa-go Bus Terminal Shirakawa-go makes a fascinating day trip from Takayama or Kanazawa, as well as being easily accessible from Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya. Ogimachi is the main transport hub of the Shirakawa-go region, with the bus lines from Takayama, Nagoya, Kanazawa and Toyama all stopping here. There’s a new Shirakawago Bus Terminal at the entrance to the village, with Ogimachi small enough to be explored on foot.In this article, we’ll introduce the different methods of transportation from each of these centers to help you plan your trip to Shirakawa-go. It’s important to be aware that there are no rail lines to Shirakawa-go, so the final part of the trip will need to be done by bus, no matter which method of transport you opt for. Traveling to Shirakawa-go from Tokyo From Tokyo If you’re traveling to Shirakawa-go from Tokyo, you have a number of different transport options - airplane, Shinkansen or highway bus.― By PlaneIf you want to travel by plane, there are regular flights from Haneda Airport to Komatsu Airport and Toyama Airport, both of which can be used to access Shirakawa-go. There are ten direct flights between Haneda Airport and Komatsu Airport each day, with the journey taking just over one hour and costing from around 12,090 yen per person. From Komatsu Airport, you can catch a limousine bus to Kanazawa Station’s west entrance (1,130 yen, 40 minutes), with buses departing 15 minutes after the arrival of each flight. You can then catch another bus from the Kanazawa Ekimae east exit to Shirakawa-go (1,850 yen, 75 minutes), with the last bus departing at 4 pm. The bus stops at the Shirakawa-go (Ogimachi) bus terminal. Komatsu Airport Alternatively, you can fly from Haneda Airport to Toyama Airport, with four flights per day. The journey takes an hour and costs around 13,990 yen per person.From Toyama Airport, you can catch a bus to Toyama Station (410 yen, 22 minutes), then a high-speed bus from Toyama Station to Shirakawa-go (1,700 yen, 80 minutes). Be aware that there are only four buses between Toyama Station and Shirakawa-go each day, so you need to plan your journey carefully. Toyama Airport Traveling to Shirakawa-go from Osaka From Osaka There are two options for traveling to Shirakawa-go from Osaka - Shinkansen or highway bus. ― By ShinkansenTokaido Shinkansen regularly departs JR Shin-Osaka Station for Nagoya, with connecting trains from here to Takayama Station (around 4 hours travel time and costing 13,810 yen). After arriving at Takayama Station, you can make the three-minute walk to the Takayama Hida Bus Center and get the express bus to Shirakawa-go as mentioned above (2,470 yen, 50 minutes). The bus stops at the Shirakawa-go (Ogimachi) bus terminal.There’s also an early-morning “Limited Express Wide View Hida” that travels from JR Osaka Station to Takayama, without requiring you to change trains. It takes around 4 hours and 25 minutes (which is slightly longer than the Shinkansen journey) but costs 3,560 yen less. It’s a good option for those who are on a budget or don’t want the hassle of changing trains in Nagoya. ― By High-speed BusAnother option is to travel from Osaka to Shirakawa-go by high-speed bus, although there is no direct route. You need to travel from the Osaka Umeda (Hankyu Sanmachi) or Osaka Station JR Express Bus Terminal to ether Toyama or Kanazawa and transfer to a bus there, as mentioned above. Buses stop at the Shirakawa-go (Ogimachi) bus terminal. Tickets cost between 3,600 and 5,100 yen and the journey takes around 5 hours and 30 minutes. If you want to spend the day in Shirakawa-go, you can catch the overnight bus from Osaka, then return the following evening. Traveling to Shirakawa-go from Nagoya From Nagoya If you’re traveling from Nagoya to Shirakawa-go, you have two options - train or bus. ― By TrainFrom JR Nagoya Station, you can catch the Limited Express “Wide View Hida” to Takayama Station, with the journey taking 2 hours and 20 minutes and costing around 6,000 yen. After arriving at Takayama Station, you can make the three-minute walk to the Takayama Hida Bus Center and get the express bus to Shirakawago, as mentioned above (2,470 yen, 50 minutes). The bus stops at the Shirakawa-go (Ogimachi) bus terminal.― By BusAlternatively, you can catch the “Express Shirakawago Line” from the Meitetsu Bus Center that’s operated by Gifu Bus. The journey takes around 2 hours and 50 minutes and costs 3,900 yen (7,000 yen round-trip). The bus stops at the Shirakawa-go (Ogimachi) bus terminal. Traveling to Shirakawa-go from Kanazawa From Kanazawa ― By BusIf you’re traveling from Kanazawa to Shirakawa-go, there are buses departing at least once an hour from Kanazawa Station. The journey takes 1 hour and 15 minutes and cost 1,850 yen (3,290 round-trip). The bus stops at the Shirakawa-go (Ogimachi) bus terminal. [ Japan Route Finder & Calculator：To Shirakawa-go] Official web：Japan Route Finder & Calculator ：To Shirakawa-go ©NAVITIME JAPAN. 旅行ガイド 楽しい旅をサポートする、便利なお役立ち情報をお届けします。
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- Japan
- 1. November. 2019
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Tokyo’s Top 20 Destinations You Should Visit
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- Tokyo is one of the world’s biggest cities. No surprise there.One thing that attracts people is the fact that Tokyo has a bunch of different styles and atmospheres. Depending on where you go, you can feel the history of long traditions or experience the future through new technology. Since it is a big metropolis, you may not be able to cover all the hot spots in one visit. So it’s important to get information beforehand and focus on what you really want to do. Here are some of the most popular tourist places and neighborhoods in Tokyo to help you plan your trip! Tokyo Station, Marunouchi (東京駅、丸の内) Tokyo Station (東京駅) As you disembark your train in Tokyo, you will come out of the famous red-brick building Tokyo Station. It was destroyed during the war and has been repaired over the years, but its current appearance is the same as when it was built over a hundred years ago. There is the Station Gallery inside the building if you want to learn more about Tokyo Station. Marunouchi Kitte Besides the gallery, the station also has interesting pedestrian streets inside, such as Ramen Street and Character Street. There is a fancy hotel inside the station too. You can experience different facets of Japan without even leaving the station. Imperial Palace (皇居) Ginza, Yurakucho (銀座、有楽町) Ginza Six If you catch the JR Yamanote line trains, you can visit a diverse range of areas in Tokyo. When getting off at Yurakucho Station, why not walk to the world-famous area for luxury shopping in Ginza. Strolling through the streets and discovering new shops is always fun, but if you want to find high-quality products without walking a lot, you can just go to the malls. Ginza Six is one of the shopping malls that you must visit, with 241 different brands inside the mall. Fashion, art, cosmetics, tableware, food, books… they have everything, and it’s all stylish and beautiful. Ginza - Wako and Mitsukoshi Another place you can go is a classic department store called Ginza Mitsukoshi. It has been at the heart of Ginza for more than one hundred years. Mujihotel Ueno, Asakusa (上野、浅草) If you are landing at Narita Airport, then Ueno is a great place to stay. It’s the easiest place to access by train from Narita Airport. It’s also on Tokyo’s most convenient train line; the Yamanote line. There are plenty of affordable places to stay, including youth hostels for backpackers, as well as hotels with big rooms for families. Ueno - Ameya Yokocho Ueno has an interesting street called Ameya-Yokocho where you’ll find fresh fruit, fish markets, foreign street food, and old Japanese shops. There are also art museums and a beautiful park with a zoo that children can also enjoy. Asakusa - Sensoji Asakusa is also a great spot to go sightseeing with or without the family. Tokyo’s oldest temple Sensoji (浅草寺) is located here. You can walk through the eye-catching Kaminari Gate (雷門) and enjoy the shopping street that leads to the temple. Yanesen (谷根千：谷中、根津、千駄木) Yanaka Ginza - Yuyakedandan Yanaka, Nezu, and Sendagi are collectively known as the Yanesen area and this is where you can feel the “Shitamachi” vibes of Tokyo. Shitamachi literally means “downtown”. People are considered friendlier and more open-minded in Shitamachi, and with a unique sense of humor. Nezu Shrine Ryogoku, Sumida (両国、隅田) West Entrance of Ryogoku station If you are interested in Japanese history and traditional culture, Ryogoku is the place to visit! Ryogoku Station is situated on the JR Sobu line and has an Edo period-styled shopping mall called Ryogoku NOREN. The Edo period lasted for over two hundred years from 1603 to 1868. Early Morning Training Sumo Stable Ryogoku is also famous for its sumo stadium. Sumo tournaments are held here in January, May, and September, but you can enjoy sumo traditions and culture even if you aren’t able to attend a tournament. There is a sumo museum in the stadium (国技館) and numerous shops where you can get sumo goods on the street! If you are interested in tasting what sumo wrestlers eat, why not try one of the restaurants serving chankonabe (a Japanese hot pot that sumo wrestlers eat to gain weight)! There are many hotels in this area too, so you can immerse yourself in the Edo period.Read more:・Best Things to Do in Ryogoku Kanda, Akihabara (神田、秋葉原) Akihabara Akihabara is the biggest electric town in Japan. People often say it’s a center of Otaku culture, celebrating things like anime, idols, and maid cafés. But you can enjoy this town without being an Otaku! There are retro gaming arcades where you can get nostalgic seeing the old Famicon, Nintendo, and Sega games. For those who work in an IT field, you can explore the different PC parts shops that are located on the main street. Akihabara is also home to Japan’s first make-your-own keyboard shop. There are also lots of ramen shops that you can try out. Akihabara - Super Potato On the other hand, Kanda has tons of used bookstores. Jimbocho (神保町) (in the Kanda area) is known as Tokyo’s biggest used bookstore district. Most of the books are in Japanese but there are stores that have non-Japanese books as well. Some Japanese books and old magazines are fun to look at even if you can’t read Japanese. Akihabara and Kanda are both on the Yamanote line! Kanda Jimbocho - Book Store Shinjuku (新宿) Shinjuku (新宿) Relive scenes from the movie Lost in Translation Shinjuku is a very convenient place from where you can go anywhere in Tokyo or even access the surrounding areas outside of Tokyo. Because of its central location, it might be a good idea to stay here if you are planning to make excursions to other places while still being in the heart of Tokyo. There are plenty of hotels, from affordable youth hostels to fancy hotels such as the Park Hyatt Tokyo where the movie “Lost in Translation” was filmed! Shinjuku Ichibangai Shibuya (渋谷) Shibuya - Hachiko Shibuya crossing (Scramble Crossing) Shibuya is the place where most of Japan’s street cultures originated! It is also known as a hub for young people. You might be surprised to see how busy this town is! The JR Shibuya Station is on the Yamanote line. If you take the Hachiko Exit, you can see the statue of Japan’s most famous dog “Hachiko”. Then continue straight to another famous Shibuya spot, the “Scramble Crossing”. When it’s busy, around two thousand people will cross the road each time the signal changes. It’s popular to get a window seat at Starbucks to get a great view of the crossing! Shibuya has many hotels for both backpackers and families, so it’s a great place to stay if you want to hang out in the city. It is undeniable that there are many popular shopping malls here, and that each one has a different taste. Have fun while discovering what makes each one unique! Read more:・Shopping in Shibuya・Where to Eat in Shibuya・How to Leave your Luggage in Shibuya Harajuku, Omotesando (原宿、表参道) Harajuku Station Harajuku - Crepes Santa Monica Harajuku is another town where crazy fashion trends originate. Lolita, Gothic Lolita, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu… you may know those popular fashion trends from Harajuku. Takeshita Street is the busiest street in Harajuku and the ideal place to just walk and people watch. Harajuku - Meiji Shrine (明治神宮) Daikanyama, Ebisu, Nakameguro (代官山、恵比寿、中目黒) Daikanyama (代官山) Nakameguro (中目黒) ©NAVITIME JAPAN. Travel Info Check out our travel tips to make your trip better!
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- Japan
- 15. August. 2019
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Narita Gionsai
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- An area known mainly just for its airport, Narita City also hosts one of the nation’s most impressive celebrations, the Narita-san Gion Matsuri. Held in annually on the three days nearest to the 7th, 8th, and the 9th of July, heading into the weekend, the event signals the beginning of summer and features endless dancing, mikoshi floats and plenty of incredible street food. The 300-year old event draws an estimated 450,000 visitors and is an excellent way to really appreciate another side of the often overlooked Narita City.
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- Chiba
- 2. August. 2019
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Mt. Nokigiri (鋸山) in Chiba
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- Situated on the Boso Peninsula is Mt. Nokigiri whose summit offers wonderful ocean views. The surrounding area is touristy, with many souvenir shops and hot springs. If you want to enjoy a sightseeing atmosphere while hiking, then this is the perfect place to go! They also have a ropeway where you can enjoy great views, which is open from 9am to 5pm. If you’re feeling energetic, however, of course you can hike up independently. Don’t forget to stop by the most famous viewing spot at Kangetsu-dai, a Nihon-ji temple where you can greet the Buddha and enjoy the “view of hell”!URL：http://www.nihonji.jp/
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- Chiba
- 6. June. 2019
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The Ultimate Packing Checklist for Japan
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- So you’ve booked the flights and accommodation, and the itinerary is all mapped out. Now all that’s left is to pack. On the one hand, you don’t want to overpack and be stuck lugging massive suitcases across the country, but on the other hand, you don’t want to be stuck high and dry because you overlooked the necessities. To avoid any last minute manic scrambles, here’s a seasonal rundown on what you can’t forget. Spring and Autumn Spring and Autumn Pack light clothes, but enough to layer up a little. Depending on where you are the temperature can be surprisingly temperamental, going from warm sunny days to exceptionally cool evenings, especially the higher up you go. Around April is prime season for cherry blossoms, but it’s also prime allergy season too, so if you are prone to hay fever, be sure to pack the necessary medication. Do be warned that Japan may have restrictions on bringing particular medicines into the country. Medicines that contain Pseudoephedrine or Codeine are prohibited depending on the quantity of stimulant raw materials. If you’re not too sure, check with the embassy first. If you don’t have medication, you can always consider picking up a facemask from a convenience or drug store.Both spring and autumn are when the natural landscape is at its most beautiful, so chances are you’ll want to get out there and explore. There are countless scenic walking trails just a short trip from most of the major cities, like Mount Takao just outside Tokyo, so make sure to pack those walking shoes! Summer Summer For so many of us, summer means long warm, dry, sunny days, but in Japan - especially during typhoon season - it can be a very different story. Summer is incredibly humid in Japan, so it’s worth packing clothes made from extra absorbent and breathable fabrics, cotton shirts are a good tip. Also, a light waterproof jacket won’t go astray if you get caught in a summer downpour. Sweating a lot is a given too, so if you’re feeling self-conscious, it may be worth packing a small hand towel, carrying something like a tenugui -small cloth towel- is standard practice during the warmer months. Finally, don’t forget to pack your swimming gear as Japan has some incredible beaches! Winter Winter Winter in Japan can get bitterly cold, especially if you’re planning a trip up north, but even Tokyo drops to sub-zero temperatures in the colder months. Thermals are a given if you want to make the most of your time not cooped up indoors. Down jackets with extra padding are worth throwing in the suitcase too. If you do forget anything, you can find plenty of winter necessities at UNIQLO. The air during this time of year is particularly dry and can be harsh on sensitive skin, so to avoid the confusion of having to decipher creams and lotions at the drug store here, consider bringing your own. Miscellaneous Miscellaneous Miscellaneous Power adaptors: Generally Japanese sockets are compatible with those from the US, but the voltage is slightly lower. The voltage in Japan is 100V, while in North America it’s 110-120V, and in Central Europe it’s 230V.Painkillers: Some visitors have complained in the past that compared to back home, Japan’s painkillers aren’t quite as strong, so if you’re prone to aches and pains, it’s worth packing some. Some items, like allergy pills, may be prohibited, so it’s best to do your homework ahead of time to avoid any trouble. Shoes that slip on and off easily: In Japan, wearing shoes inside a house, and other particular locations (certain temples, some restaurants, places with tatami mat flooring) is considered a no-go, so to avoid headaches, pack shoes that can be slipped on and off easily. Miscellaneous Backpack: Tokyo is a large sprawling city, and if you want to make the most of your time there, or in any of Japan’s other major cities, you'll probably be out most of the day. A backpack is the easiest way to carry all your daily necessities and is an easy bag to manage when both battling early morning commuter trains and climbing the outer city hiking trails. You can also leave your luggage at Hands-Free Travel stations across the country to make getting around easier.Tattoo coverings: Although the attitude is slowly changing, some places in Japan are still somewhat wary about tattoos. Traditionally tattoos in Japan were associated with mafia (yakuza) activity. Onsens, public pools, gyms, and even some nightclubs may turn you away if they see you brandishing any ink, so pack some plasters or bandages to keep the tattoos under wraps. ©NAVITIME JAPAN. Travel Info Check out our travel tips to make your trip better!
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- Chiba
- 7. February. 2019
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Rape flower blossoms season
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- February is also marked by the blossoming of bright yellow rape flowers, which occur in various locations across Japan. One of the most famous spots is along the Isumi Railway in Chiba, with the “Moomin” train jour-neying past rice paddies, forested landscapes and fields of rape flowers. Soak up the rural landscapes of the Boso Peninsula on a 26-kilometer-long jour-ney between Ohara Station and Kazusa-Nakano, passing historic stations that date back to 1912. The scenery is a stark contrast to the high-tech streets and bustle of Tokyo and made only more beautiful by the yellow blanket of the sea-son’s rape flower blossoms.
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- Chiba
- 6. February. 2019
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Recommended spots
572 results
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- Naritasan Shinshoji Temple
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4.5520 Reviews - Temple
- Chiba Pref. Naritashi Narita 1
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Full of water features! This garden would be amazing in Spring as it is in Autumn. A least a couple of hours here as you wind along many paths.
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- Kamogawa Sea World
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4.5876 Reviews - Aquarium
- Chiba Pref. Kamogawashi Higashichou 1464-18
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Orcas and trainers were just so beautifully connected. The orcas performance was good but the friendship between those two were so wonderful! 82 year old mom enjoyed it so much with tears.
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- Mother Farm
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4.07 Reviews - Tourist Ranch / Farm
- Chiba Pref. Futtsushi Tagura 940-3
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少人数でも、大人数でもワイワイ楽しめるので気に入っています。羊肉以外でも色々なお肉や野菜もたっぷり食べることができます。
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- Katori Jingu
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4.5280 Reviews - Shrine
- Chiba Pref. Katorishi Katori 1697-1
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It was my 1st visit and best ever experience to see the annual event Tauesai with Saotome girls. the event I saw was annual event schefuled on every 1st saturday and sunday.
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- Chofukujuji Temple
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3.528 Reviews - Temple
- Chiba Pref. Chouseigunchounanmachi Chounan 969-1
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７９８年に桓武天皇の勅願により、最澄によって創建された…とされています。 歴史も由緒もあるお寺のようです。 今は、金運に関するご利益をアピールする観光地…といった感じでしょうか。駐車場も広く、金運 Up グッズのお店もあり、ログハウス風の休憩場も完備されています。かなりユニークなお寺です。
Chiba Main Areas
The Boso Peninsula forms the main body of Chiba prefecture, and this is where you’ll find its endless warm water beaches and jagged mountains. Further inland, Naritaーmost famous as the home of Narita Airportーis a secret haven of tradition and history in the form of centuries-old Shinshoji Temple and quaint wooden Edo buildings. Chiba prefecture is also home to both Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea.
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