Holiday Illuminations in Japan
Monday December 14, 2009
Japanese cities are filled with colorful illuminations in December. Christmas tree decorations are usually taken down after December 25 in Japan, but holiday illuminations can be viewed in many places. Visit a illumination event near you. Related Content:
Japanese Oseibo Gifts
Friday December 11, 2009
Japanese gift-giving at the end of the year is called oseibo which is not the same as Chrismas gifts. Most of gifts are between 2,000 yen and 5,000 yen, and many people choose food gifts for oseibo. Japanese Department stores offer a wide variety of oseibo items in December, so it might be fun to look at the selections of gifts at the stores. Related Content:
Oseibo Gifts Photo (c) Shizuko Mishima, licensed to About.comJapan Domestic Air Travel
Wednesday December 9, 2009
Are you getting around Japan by plane? Japanese airlines have begun tightening carry-on baggage regulations for domestic flight this month. The size of your carry-on baggage is measured at security check points, so make sure your carry-on baggage fits within the new size limit in advance. To carry oversized baggage on board with you, you are required to pay extra fee.
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Tokyo Haneda Airport Photo by Shizuko MishimaTsukiji Market
Monday December 7, 2009
The Tsukiji Market in Tokyo is Japan's largest wholesale market. There are hundreds of small shops in the inner market (Jonai-shijo) and the outer market (Jogai-shijo) where you can eat or buy delicious seafood, sushi, and lots more. Tsukiji is a place to go for good breakfast or lunch. Please note that the tuna auctions at the Tsukiji fish market are off-limits to visitors from December 10, 2009 to January 23, 2010 for safety reasons since it's the market's busiest time of the year. The tuna auction area reopens on January 25, 2010, according to the Tokyo Metropolitan government. Related Content:
Tsukiji Inner Market Photo by Shizuko MishimaShopping for Game Soundtracks
Friday December 4, 2009
A traveler to Japan is asking for shopping advice. "I just love Gamemusic. I've got a lot of favourites and I want to buy the soundtracks now while in Japan. But I think it's difficult to find a good store with many soundtracks...." Do you know any good shop in Tokyo? Post Here.
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Top Onsen Theme Parks
Wednesday December 2, 2009
Japanese onsen (hot springs) theme parks offer a number of interesting baths and playful attractions. They are fun places for families to spend a day. You can also find onsen complexes which provide more relaxing atomosphere. When the weather gets cold, visit onsen near you to warm up and relax. They are basically day-use-facilities, but overnight accommodations are occasionally available.
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Open Air Wine Spa at the Hakone Kowakien Yunessun Photo by Junko Kimura / Getty ImagesKyoto Winter Special 2010
Monday November 30, 2009
Kyoto Tourism Council is holding the Kyoto Winter Special campaign from December 1, 2009 through March 31, 2010 to promote winter tourism in Kyoto. Hanatoro are beautiful flower displays and paper lantern illumination events take place in Arashiyama from December 11-20, 2009 and Higashiyama from March 13-22, 2010. Also, visitors can experience a Japanese tea ceremony with Japanese geisha in a special event called Tea Party with Maiko takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays in December, January, and February at Yasaka Kaikan Hall. In addition, it's great news that many private cultural assets in various Kyoto sites are open to the public from January 9 - March 22, 2010. Find out more details of this campaign and plan a trip to Kyoto this winter. Read More:
Kyoto Kinkakuji Temple Photo by Shizuko MishimaVolunteer Tour Guide in Japan
Friday November 27, 2009
When you travel to Japan, wouldn't that be nice to have someone to show you around? Since hiring a licensed guide or interpreter in Japan can cost over 20,000 yen per day, it's a great idea for budget travelers to request a volunteer guide. Volunteer tour guides are usually locals who want to introduce their towns to foreign visitors. Contact volunteer guide group or organization in advance and request a guide to help you in your destinations. Their services are basically free of charge, and you are asked to pay the guide's actual expenses, such as admission fees for tourist facilities and transportation fees.
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Visit Kobe in December
Wednesday November 25, 2009
Beautiful displays of lights are seen everywhere in Kobe-city. Kobe Luminarie is an annual illumination event which has been held since 1995 to commemorate the Great Hanshin Earthquake on January 17, 1995. Gorgeous large light structures are set up in the street of Kobe Motomachi area, and millions of people gather to see the spectacular lights every year. The 15th Kobe Luminarie takes place from December 3-14, 2009. The event depends on donations from people to be able to keep going, so your can help support the event by putting coins into donation boxes. Be prepared for the crowds when you go.Read More:
Kobe Harbour Photo by Allan Baxter / Getty ImagesTop Tokyo Christmas Trees
Monday November 23, 2009
Many shopping malls and department stores display Christmas trees and lights during this time of the year. Although Christmas is mostly a commercial event in Japan, I think it's really worth visiting some of popular Christmas trees. Find Christmas trees you want to visit in Tokyo. Related Content:
Omotesando Hills Christmas Tree Photo by Shizuko Mishima