Sparkling Blue for a Romantic Winter Evening

Winter means many things to many people and this vibrant holiday season is full of different traditions from all parts of the globe.

In modern Japan- the winter holidays leading up to Christmas time involve the sparkling and over-the-top tradition of Illuminations. From across Japan cities add creative light displays as a way to enjoy the longer winter nights and boost shopping and dining sales in local communities everywhere.

In Tokyo most people know about the former glory of the Ginza Illuminations event which ended several years back to be replaced by the resplendent lights on Omotesando dori and Harajuku. But this year there is a new-comer to the “Sparkle-scene.”

Nakameguro area along the Meguro “river” (canal) is famous in the spring for the glorious strolling cherry blossom events. The river is lined end to end with gorgeous cherry trees and this is one of the best spots for walking with your sweet heart under the pink fluffy branches. But this year the city planners have added a new winter event.

“Blue Cave Nakameguro” is debuting this holiday season with a 1km area of the tree lined river fabulously illuminated with hundreds of thousands of blue LED lights wrapping the trees and branches that dip over the river.

“Blue Cave Nakameguro” kicked off on 11/23 and will run until 12/25 Christmas night. The lights are lit from 5pm- 9pm each night and the area is filled with wonderful small boutiques and restaurants making it a fabulous destination for a winter date night.

Have some hot wine from one of the take out spots along the street and stroll under the lights. Take a blue sparkling selfie, and have a nice dinner with friends or loved ones. The crowded area means that the pedestrians have largely taken over again as they do during Hanami Season. So it is a fun place to people watch as well.

The best photo spots are the two bridges but you will have to wait in the jostle of other Illumination fans to take your shot. Congratulations to the Nakameguro chamber of businesses for remembering that this area is vibrant and beautiful all year long, not just in March-April.

The official website and information plus a lovely video are here
http://nakameguro-aonodokutsu.jp/ 
and a more basic English site here http://japan-attractions.jp/illumination/nakameguro-cave-of-the-blue-2014/ 

See you under the twinkling lights.

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Deep Japan – Experienced Senpais living in and enjoying Japan offer inside-knowledge on how to make your trip real, interesting and above all, unforgettable.

Join the Deep Japan Senpai Team – Anyone currently living in Japan for a year or more who can write tips for visitors in English is welcome to register on Deep Japan as a writer.

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If you really want a chance to experience a taste of ‘traditional’ Japan, like you might see in the movies, you should check out a place like the city of Nikko. It is only a two hour bullet train, shinkansen, ride away from Tokyo station. Frequently you hear about going to Kyoto, the old capitol that was one of the only cities not bombed during the world war, to experience ‘traditional’ Japanese culture. Yes bigger in size and capacity Kyoto is, it can however be a bit crowded with tourists at times, and not that Nikko doesn’t have tourist, just less.

Nikko is a small city where many places close down fairly early. There is the main town center which runs down one main street just outside of the main bus terminal. One of the latest restaurants that you will find open is a small yakitori restaurant with three tables, and delicious smelling smoke will be bellowing out from the front door. Reasonably priced, and a Nikko landmark, the shop is called “Hippari Dako,” and it has all the visitors business cards and notes from around the world posted on the walls. (1011 Kamihatsuishimachi, Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture 3211401)

If you are traveling on a budget, there is a great place there to stay called The Nikko Park Lodge. It is actually classified as a hostel, but it is very nice, and not like any hostel that I have stayed in before. Here you can get a private room with, private shower and bathroom, air condition or heat, and cable for around 6500 yen a night per person. For shared accommodations and facilities the price is considerably less, though I opted for the private room myself. There is one part of the lodge located directly in the town center across from the bus station if you want centrality, while there is also a second location, where I recommend staying, just a 10 minute walk up the hill, a ride in their free but infrequent shuttle service, or a 3 minute taxi ride which will cost the minimum fare of 730 yen from the main bus station/city center.

Here the owners are very knowledgeable with helping get you around, and they speak multiple languages including Japanese, English, and Italian. They also cook dinner, and breakfast in-house, as well as offering internet, a bar with snacks, and 24 hour vending machines. The lodge in the hills is also just a ten minute walk away from all the major sights. Not to mention, this is a Trip Advisor ‘personal pick,’ so I always trust those places when I search out a new place to stay. You won’t be disappointed coming to Nikko; it is a place that will forever change your life.

*Pro Tip* Even if you don’t stay here, and you don’t want to walk around with all of your bags while you hike around all day, you can store your bags for 300 yen a piece in the downtown location!

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Deep Japan – Experienced Senpais living in and enjoying Japan offer inside-knowledge on how to make your trip real, interesting and above all, unforgettable.

Join the Deep Japan Senpai Team – Anyone currently living in Japan for a year or more who can write tips for visitors in English is welcome to register on Deep Japan as a writer.

The post Deep Japan: Escape To Nikko appeared first on Jarman International KK.

On a longer (30 minute plus) train ride, I will often splurge on a Green car ticket. These temperate cars have a nice train attendant who comes by to sell snacks and drinks and when it is not rush hour you can get a window seat with a table to tap on your computer while enjoying the sites. During rush hour, you may need to stand, but the Green car is a great way to avoid the crunch of Maiin densha (packed trains). There are countless little mannerisms you need to follow on the train but that is how we all work together to create a harmonious, non-stressed train environment.

I like how this couple is relaxing with their legs on the bags they have tucked in front of their seat. No one is blocking the narrow aisle and they keep the bag here instead of back by the stairs since that way is also a bit narrow. They chose roller overnight bags that are just so square and fit so well. Then they put the middle arm rest up and the lady puts her knees towards the center. A good excuse to get close and not bother anyone with your bags. You many notice two people took off their shoes which is only acceptable if you know the person next to you (like the guy in the couple) or there is no one near by, like the man sitting in front. If someone came and sat next to you or across the aisle from you the proper thing is to get those shoes back on and sit with both feet on the ground. Little things that mean a lot

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Deep Japan – Experienced Senpais living in and enjoying Japan offer inside-knowledge on how to make your trip real, interesting and above all, unforgettable.

Join the Deep Japan Senpai Team – Anyone currently living in Japan for a year or more who can write tips for visitors in English is welcome to register on Deep Japan as a writer.

The post Deep Japan: Try not to bother anyone else…that is key. appeared first on Jarman International KK.

Though there’s certainly no shame in it, no one likes to feel like a tourist. Unless you are with a local, it can be hard to unearth the hidden sites and  lesser-known haunts of a given city. Our Deep Japan site puts visitors on the inside track to the best food, historic sites and culture in Japan.

Here is one great example.

Asakusa is one of the best places you should visit during your stay in Tokyo. Do you know the third oldest underground passage in Japan is at Asakusa Station? Do you know a very famous very strong alcohol in Asakusa called “Denki-Bran”? Another drink recommendation. Many bars line up along the Hoppy Street in Asakusa area. What is “Hoppy”? Our Senpai writer, Keiko’s article will tell you the answers.

Places to feel like locals in Asakusa

If you are looking for suggestions of places and advices that are a little different from what you might find in conventional travel guides, take a look on the Deep Japan Website. There are so many choices and it’s extremely helpful to learn from someone who actually lives here. We have a lof of wonderful Deep Japan Senpai writers who are willing to share their favorite haunts and hideaway spots!

You can find her other fun articles about Asakusa on Deep Japan:
“Nakamise, the main street of Asakusa between Kaminarimon and Hozomon”
“Kimono Experience in Asakusa”
“What makes you feel cooler in Asakusa”

Keiko is also authoring facebook page “Old Town Tokyo“, which shares the secret places or current events around “Shitamachi,” the eastern part of Tokyo, e.g., Asakusa, Ueno or Ryogoku. Great info with intersting pictures! Check out here

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This guidebook is illustrated with beautiful photos and covers a wide range of topics: local foods, festivals, onsen (hot spring), popular sights, superb view points, shrines, hotels and transportation. This guide will help you plan a day trip from Tokyo or Kyoto or a longer visit exploring the area. The first edition of the comprehensive “Mt. Fuji Travel Guide” was compiled by the editorial team of the Deep Japan travel website in cooperation with the tourism divisions of local governments and organizations. Such an sight-seeing promotion endeavor has no previous example or precedent or parallel. By editing some existing contents and focusing on electronic book distribution, it was made possible to offer them at reasonable price. (US$2.99)

Contents:
Mt. Fuji, Introduction
Finally, a World Cultural Heritage Site
The Fuji Five Lakes Region (Fujigoko)
Approaches To Mt. Fuji Area
Scenes of Mount Fuji
Sightseeing
Mt. Fuji Climbing
Eating
Events
Accommodation

DeepJapan is currently presenting an advisor or “Senpai” network of more than 400 long term international residents of Japan on the website “deepjapan.org”. DeepJapan works to provide inside tips and hints, from the local “Senpai”, on how to better enjoy a visit to the Land of the Rising Sun. Approaching 2000 articles on everything regarding travel in Japan. DeepJapan gives insight on the “how to” “why” “what do do” and “where to go” for the interested international guest!

Amazon.co.jp (Japan)
http://www.amazon.co.jp/Mt-FUJI-Travel-Guide-DeepJapan-ebook/dp/B00L6S0LUY

Amazon.com (U.S.A)
http://www.amazon.com/Mount-FUJI-Travel-Guide-Japanese-ebook/dp/B00L6S0LUY

Google Play Books
https://play.google.com/store/books/details/DeepJapan_Mt_FUJI_Travel_Guide?id=Yk_eAwAAQBAJ&hl

* Will be available at Apple iBookStore soon.

Deep Japan website: http://www.deepjapan.org/

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