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Okinawa Series-8
Yaeyama Islands - The last paradise
Special Extra
Free Wi-Fi spots are increasing throughout Japan!
Okinawa Series-7
The secret to good health is good food
Okinawa Series-6
This is Okinawan entertainment!
Special Extra
Strawberry picking – delicious and fun!
Okinawa Series-4
Okinawa – a Shoppers’ Paradise
Okinawa Series-5
Okinawa Event Calendar
Okinawa Series-3
Visit "Yanbaru" - a great natural environment exclusive to Okinawa
Okinawa Series-1
Vol. 1 “Life in a first-rate resort”
Okinawa Series-2
World Heritage Sites wrapped in history
Yaeyama Islands - The last paradise
Eco-tourism around the beautiful islands
Positioned at the southern-most point of Japan are the beautiful Yaeyama Islands. Scattered around the central Ishigaki Island are a number of beautiful coral reefs that rival the ...
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2013.03.
Free Wi-Fi spots are increasing throughout Japan!
Just show your passport to obtain an ID and password
What is your first necessity at an overseas destination? This depends on where you are visiting and the purpose of your trip, of course, but for many people the deal-clincher is a ...
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2013.02.
The secret to good health is good food
Improve your health by eating local Okinawan cuisine!
In Okinawa, there is a saying that “food is the best medicine for life” and a belief that eating good, tasty food is the secret to health and long life. You will also likely become ...
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2013.02.
Strawberry picking – delicious and fun!
Reasonably-priced bus tours available, along with many events
I am a Japanese woman in my twenties, and I love to travel in Japan and overseas. I visit all sorts of places. I wonder, what do you all look forward to when going on vacation? Bea ...
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2012.12.
Enjoy the natural environment of Hokkaido in summertime in b ...
From world natural heritage sites through brilliant flower gardens, to ...
Summertime has arrived in Hokkaido! This is the best season to visit this popular sightseeing area and its boundless natural environment. In this article, we will introduce some of ...
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2013.04.
Japanese "everyday snacks" offer you a little entertainment!
A variety of tastes, shapes, textures and gimmicks will surprise you!
When travelling in a foreign country, it's fun to stop by supermarkets (or other stores) and look at local daily commodities. In particular, Japanese snacks, which are cute, delici ...
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2013.04.
New home ground for Kabuki, a jewel of traditional art
Enjoy many aspects of Japanese beauty at "KABUKIZA".
Kabuki is well-recognized as a form of traditional Japanese art. In addition to its being played only by male actors, which is rare in the world, Kabuki has many features including ...
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2013.04.
The family travel guide to Japan
Fun and Educational for both kids and adults! Famous company museums
By: Kazuko Murata (Travel Journalist) Every year, many families with children from countries all around the world come to visit Japan. Fun for kids and adults too, a ...
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2013.03.
Tokyo fashion report- Spring/Summer 2013
Our stylist talks about Japanese fashion and looks for this year
By: Midori Nagaoka (Stylist, Fashion director) Now that the coat season is finished, the fun-filled season of light and airy garments has come to Japan. Especially f ...
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2013.03.
Enjoy Japan with 1,000 yen!
Take advantage of the cheap yen in Japan! A guide to “Value”
Since the end of 2012, the yen has been weakening. Although until recently, the strong yen has created the perception that traveling in Japan is expensive, it has now become much e ...
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2013.03.
Popular souvenirs at international airports
What can you buy at the aerial gateways to Japan?
The souvenir shops of Japan’s airports are the last chance for overseas travelers to buy souvenirs before they head home. There are some souvenirs that you can only buy at the airp ...
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2013.03.
The secret cherry blossoms of Kyoto
A Kyoto resident gives us the secrets of where and how to view the mos ...
Author: Takahiro Fujita (Nozomi Inc. CEO) Photo: Yuka Hoshino Kyoto is the iconic tourist spot of Japan and its best season is spring in April. All over the c ...
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2013.02.
Travel around the stunning natural environment of Northern K ...
A railroad journey around valleys, mountains and lakes
By Takashi Noda (travel writer) Mention Japanese railroads and most people will think of high-speed trains such as the Shinkansen (bullet train). But in fact, Japan ...
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2013.02.
Feast your senses with tasty, healthy and appealing Japanese ...
Treat yourself to some really tasty traditional Japanese food!
Japanese cuisine is known as “washoku” (“wa” means Japanese and “shoku” means food) and places great value on enhancing both the flavor of the ingredients using only the simplest s ...
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2013.02.
Let's enjoy a festival of sports in the world's most enjoyab ...
Bring the 2020 Olympics to Tokyo!
Tokyo - the enormous, world-leading capital city of Japan - has been chosen as one of three final candidate cities to hold the 2020 Summer Olympics. As an international city boasti ...
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2013.02.
This is Okinawan entertainment!
From traditional performing arts to rock music
Okinawa has for a long time been blessed with unique local-flavored performing arts such as the approximately 600-year-old tradition of “Ryukyuan dances” and Okinawan folk songs ca ...
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2013.01.
Introducing shocking Nihonshu to the world!
Story of the efforts of Cody - an American working at a Nihonshu brewe ...
Meet Cody Braysford, an American from Utah State who has become a “kurabito” (a worker at a sake brewery) involved in Nihonshu production at Hida-Furukawa, which is quite close to ...
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2013.01.
Hospitable Japanese-style beauty salons
It feels good to become beautiful!
The beauty salons that are essential to stylish Japanese women focus on nails, hair and eyelashes. Customers are satisfied with the fine skills on show, as well as the scrupulous c ...
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2013.01.
Complete guide to Japanese convenience stores
You can do a surprising number of things at Japan's convenience stores ...
Convenience stores are everywhere in Japan. While they are often used for quick shopping or to buy things late at night, Japan's convenience stores actually have many other handy u ...
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2013.01.
Okinawa – a Shoppers’ Paradise
What’s on your shopping list?
In Okinawa, markets called “Machigwa” are filled with fresh and processed foods (including meat, fish and vegetables), clothing, and many other goods. These markets have a real Oki ...
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2012.12.
Okinawa Event Calendar
Okinawa – full of entertainments all year round
Countless traditional events and festivals are held in Okinawa throughout the year, many of which are held in line with the old Japanese calendar and are fused with unique Okinawan ...
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2012.12.
A Town of Myths – the Story of “Yokagura of Takachiho” in Ky ...
Playing with deities
During the middle of winter, as the power of the sun diminishes, winter solstice festivals are held worldwide to pray for the Sun’s return. Festivals called “Kagura” are held all a ...
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2012.12.
The restored symbol of the Metropolitan City -- Tokyo Statio ...
Magnificent architecture witnessing the history in the center of Tokyo
Tokyo Station in central Tokyo is the travel gateway of Shinkansen bullet trains bound for several areas of Japan and is one of the busiest terminal stations in Japan. Tokyo Statio ...
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2012.12.
Oshogatsu: It’s all in the family
A foreigner’s experience of Japan’s New Year
By Lucinda “Ping” Cowing “It’s useless, all the planes are grounded!” my mother wept into the phone. She was due to board a flight to Japan, but heavy snow had broug ...
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2012.12.
Hot places to shop in the year-end and New Year holidays
Shinjuku, Roppongi, Shibuya and Harajuku have everything from establis ...
Once Christmas is over, department stores around Japan become busy making preparations for the New Year. And when the New Year arrives, stores are bustling with customers who visit ...
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2012.12.
Visit "Yanbaru" - a great natural environment exclusive to O ...
Experience eco-tourism in Northern Okinawa!
“Yanbaru”, in the northern part of the main island of Okinawa, is a subtropical zone covered with forests. It is a treasure house of precious plants and animals that can be found n ...
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2012.11.
Magical mystery discoveries in Nara
Nara - an attraction since ancient times
Images and text: Gorazd Vilhar Nara ranks alongside Kyoto as one of Japan's quintessential sightseeing areas. Some 1,300 years on from Nara's period as the capital o ...
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2012.11.
Volunteer Guides to take you around Japan
Get to know Japan deeply by enjoying the company of local people!
There are countless organizations in Japan using volunteer guides to introduce local culture and history in foreign languages to tourists from other countries free of charge. Who w ...
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2012.11.
Illuminations around Japan in 2012
Shimmering lights cover the towns!
Illuminations lighting up a freezing night are characteristic of the winter season. Visitors will be enthralled and amazed by the changing appearance of the beautiful streets when ...
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2012.11.
Vol. 1 “Life in a first-rate resort”
Spending luxury time in marine leisure, golf, spas, and beauty salons
Okinawa is one of Japan's most famous resort areas. The average annual temperature in Okinawa is around 23 degrees with a subtropical oceanic climate that is unusual in Japan. Okin ...
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2012.10.
World Heritage Sites wrapped in history
Visiting the roots of Okinawa and remains of the Ryukyu Kingdom
Okinawa has nine World Heritage buildings and ruins registered as the “Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu”. Okinawa is also home to the former “Ryukyu Kin ...
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2012.10.
Unusual but fun hot springs
Warm your body and soul in unique hot springs!
One of the joys of travel in Japan is its culture of onsen, or hot springs, where you can relax and feel good. Hot springs can be enjoyed throughout the year, but now is the best s ...
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2012.10.
Take a stroll down Ginza!
Japanese brand showroom tour
Ginza lies in the heart of Tokyo. When people think of Ginza, they imagine a high-fashion district that is not meant for regular folks. In reality, though, there are many relaxing ...
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2012.10.
Nippon – a country of trees and forests
Japan’s wood culture, wood lifestyle
Japan is a chain of islands stretching some 2,000km from subarctic Hokkaido in the north to subtropical Okinawa in the south, and 66% of that land is covered by forests. There are ...
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2012.10.
Experience the beauty of autumn in Japan
Let’s enjoy the autumn colors together with other activities
During the peak of the autumn season in Japan, the leaves of the maple trees and ginkgo trees turn red and yellow in concert presenting you with beautiful scenery at every turn. Of ...
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2012.09.
Make use of wireless LAN to have a nice trip
Tips to enjoy Japan in a mobile way
Let’s make use of wireless LAN and use the internet to enjoy traveling. Gather information for trips and use social media to share the memories of those trips!
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2012.09.
An economical and delicious trip to Japan
Cheap AND yummy?
When a foreigner enters a restaurant in Japan for the first time, they are generally surprised when they find out how expensive it is. That feeling is understandable, especially wh ...
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2012.09.
Invitation to the “Destination TOHOKU Campaign”
Revival after earthquake disaster!
Right now, the northeast (Tohoku) of Japan is hot! Having been through 2011’s Great East Japan Earthquake Disaster, sightseeing in the Tohoku region is now being promoted by the De ...
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2012.08.
A taste of relaxing life in Karuizawa
Experience a genuine resort town
The popular resort town of Karuizawa is located in the east of Nagano, just a little over an hour away from Tokyo by train. This quintessential resort area is loved by Japan’s impe ...
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2012.08.
What's so interesting about Japan's vending machines?
Let's explore the next generation of machines!
Japan’s vending machines sell a wide variety of goods, from obvious items such as drinks (including beer and other alcoholic beverages!), cigarettes and food, through to toys, card ...
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2012.08.
Come to the charming island of Shikoku!
With a rail pass you can enjoy everything from hot springs, culture an ...
Shikoku is one of Japan’s four main islands and is full of charm. Ehime prefecture, for example, which is located in the northwest of the island, is a region blessed with a gentle ...
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2012.07.
New Ways to Have Fun in Tokyo!
String of massive new commercial centers opening in main areas of Japa ...
Many large commercial centers with good transport access have recently sprung up in fashionable areas of Tokyo, generating huge public interest. This development is having a positi ...
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2012.07.
Eel – a Japanese summertime treat
An experience of traditional flavor
The Japanese love treats such as sushi, tempura and sukiyaki, and they also love eel, which is the topic of this article. Eel is customarily eaten on the Midsummer Day of t ...
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2012.07.
We went to the top of Tokyo Sky Tree for an advance peek!
The world's tallest tower opens on May 22 in Tokyo
Tokyo Sky Tree --- everybody wants to try it at least once. With the opening of the world's tallest tower in Japan, interest in Tokyo Sky Tree has shot sky high. In fact, it is so ...
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2012.04.
Active Japan: Kagoshima
Incredible nature, awesome hot springs, and delicious local cuisine: e ...
Southern Kyushu is experiencing more visitors than ever before. This area has always been known for being an incredible place to experience, and with the full opening of the Kyushu ...
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2012.04.
2012 Tokyo Spring fashion snapshots
Spring, the season to enjoy fashionable clothing has come. Ebisu & ...
Spring has come to Japan and it is the season not only for trees and flowers but also for the lovely clothing which have been hidden under the coat to bloom. Women in sherb ...
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2012.04.
The first anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake
We thank you for your heartfelt support. We look forward to your visit ...
One year has quickly passed since the day the great disaster has happened. Being supported by your warm support, Japan is quickly recovering from the disaster. We would like to del ...
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2012.03.
Thomas in Wonderland
From farthest north to farthest south – a Swiss man who have walked th ...
There was a Swiss man who has decided to travel across Japan on foot after the disaster saying, "Japan is still beautiful." What has driven him? The Japan that he saw, what was it ...
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2012.03.
Japanese Dolls
From Hina Matsuri (Doll Festival) to Anime Figurine
Japanese have special feeling for dolls and traditionally have nurtured the doll culture. Today, the love for dolls that has been passed down among Japanese people is found in the ...
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2012.03.
Cherry blossom viewing: discovering the charm of Japan's spr ...
How to fully experience cherry blossoms in Japan
Desirable ways of cherry blossom viewing The most familiar flower for Japanese is sakura (cherry blossoms). Every spring, people admire cherry blossoms and have a pi ...
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2012.02.
Experience the delicious winter food “crab” and the superb h ...
One-day winter trip in Japan: Kinosaki Hot Spring, Toyooka-city.
How about a one-day trip to Kinosaki Hot Spring where you can enjoy the winter food “crab” and relaxing hot spring? Kinosaki Hot Spring is old and famous hot spring in Kansai along ...
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2012.02.
Lost Japan – Chiiori (House of the Flute, a traditional Japa ...
Find the dreamy Japan in Iya, the heart of Shikoku
Alex Arthur Kerr Born in ...
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2012.02.
Japanese Nightlife: Izakaya
Good food and good times where the locals go
In any country, there are places where you mainly go to eat (i.e. restaurants and fast food joints) and places you go to drink (bars and pubs), but in Japan there is also a categor ...
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2012.02.
Enjoy Kyoto in winter to the full
Get around and stay over a night for 10,000 yen. It all depends on how ...
You may think it will cost a lot to stay at a ryokan (Japanese style inn) in Kyoto and have a good tofu dish. But it all depends on how you travel. If you get around in the way int ...
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2012.01.
Visiting where exquisite winter cuisines of Kyoto
Okumura of Western cuisine and Maruyama of Japanese cuisine
The iPhone and the iPad from Apple are gaining the worldwide attention. Did you know the former CEO of Apple Inc., the late Steve Jobs used to love Japanese culture? He used to com ...
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2012.01.
About the latest pop culture in Kyoto
The city where the tradition and the cutting edge co-exist
Having traditional culture and historic buildings, Kyoto is famous for its oldness. But it is Kyoto that is bringing forth the new cutting edges. There are a lot of students in Kyo ...
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2012.01.
New Year in Japan
—a Solemn Yet Colorful Time of Year
Many traditional customs are observed at the beginning of the new year in Japan. For example, entrances to homes and shops are decorated with the pine and bamboo kadomatsu decorati ...
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2011.12.
Nagano – You Can Fully Savor the Spirit of Japan
There's more to Nagano than just skiing! After having a blast on the s ...
Nagano is home to numerous renowned ski resorts that bustle with crowds of skiers every winter. But skiing isn't the only fun thing to do here. Nagano has plenty of worthwhile attr ...
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2011.12.
Enjoy an affordable tour in Tokyo!
You think that a tour in Japan costs a lot, don't you?
You think that a tour in Japan costs a lot, don’t you? The web magazine editorial team recommends tour routes in Tokyo as “recommended tour route in Tokyo.” As the second ro ...
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2011.12.
The weird? Christmas in Japan
Japan's enjoyable, beautiful and delicious winter event
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2011.12.
Big Sale in Shopping Paradise Japan
The best opportunity to find the best deal lies in the year-end and th ...
A clearance sale to sell items to zero inventories is held in summer and winter in Japan. The winter sale is mainly held during the year-end and the New Year holiday season and the ...
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2011.12.
Invitation for the new stage of shopping
– Information on newly opened stores
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2011.12.
What are the popular souvenirs?
The ranking of souvenirs
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2011.12.
Winter Trips in Japan
Winter in Japan runs from around December to February.
Winter in Japan runs from around December to February. And that’s the time of year when there are all kinds of cold-weather special events in many parts of Japan. If you’re traveli ...
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2011.11.
In Search of Natural Japan – Naruko Onsen
Tohoku Travelogue
Naruko Onsen is a charmingly laid-back hot spring town where both the waters and the food are reminders of Japan’s traditional healthy lifestyle. The friendly and hospitable local ...
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2011.11.
Enjoy every detail of the Otaku's paradise on earth!
“Comic Market,” the world's largest otaku fair
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2011.11.
What is that cat!?
The story of “Maneki Neko” that brings good luck
A cute little cat doll with its paw raised is often found sitting in souvenir shops and folk craft shops. This cat doll is called Maneki Neko (beckoning or welcoming cat) and it is ...
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2011.11.
Katsunuma wine tour
Enjoy wine to the fullest in the Japanese wine country
You might think, "Wine in Japan?" But the history of winemaking in Japan started in the 19th century, and now wine is produced in various regions in Japan. High-quality wines are p ...
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2011.10.
The "kami" (deity) of "tying the knot"
In search of the kami that helps you find a life partner.
In today's Japan, people who actively do "konkatsu (marriage hunting)" to seek a life partner are receiving attention. There are Japanese kami that help you find a spouse by “tyin ...
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2011.10.
One day tour of Tokyo in 10,000 yen
Tokyo is not all about expensive things --- Tips on visiting Tokyo cle ...
Tokyo is not all about expensive things --- Tips on visiting Tokyo cleverly and reasonably
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2011.10.
Great Japan hiking spots
Try mountain climbing in Japan! Soak in the nature and culture of Japa ...
The beauty of Japan isn't only limited to sightseeing spots, shopping, and food. Japan is also a country of beautiful mountains covered with abundant greenery. Even big city areas ...
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2011.09.
Tokyo Girls Collection 2011 Autumn / Winter
On September 3rd this year, top models and surprise guests will get to ...
"Ready-made KAWAII clothes" called Japanese real clothes are very popular overseas. TOKYO GIRLS COLLECTION has been held since August 2005 semiannually under the theme of "Japanese ...
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2011.09.
Toilet seat with a washing feature (Bidet toilet seat)
This is great! What is the Japanese product that is marveled at by for ...
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2011.09.
Tohoku's First World Heritage Site: Hiraizumi
Journey Through a Heavenly "Pure Land" Paradise on Earth and an Exquis ...
Hiraizumi is now listed as a World Heritage site. This makes 16 World Heritage sites in Japan, including the Ogasawara Islands (also known as the Bonin Islands) introduced last mon ...
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2011.08.
Okinawa Kaleidoscope
Lots of Fun in Japan's Subtropic Zone!
The fun of Okinawa: Ocean culture This summer, set sail for the subtropical islands of Okinawa, located in the middle of the East China Sea, far across the sea to the southw ...
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2011.08.
Enjoy a variety of soft serve ice creams in Ginza!
Enjoy shopping in Ginza. Then have a rest! How about sweet and cold so ...
Ginza Panorama view
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2011.08.
World Heritage Ogasawara Islands
Japan now has sixteen World Heritage sites. Ogasawara Islands and Hira ...
In June 2011, the World Heritage Committee of UNESCO has inscribed Ogasawara Islands (Ogasawara-mura, Tokyo) and Hiraizumi (Hiraizumi-cho, Nishiiwai-gun, Iwate Prefecture) on the W ...
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2011.07.
Lake Mashu, Lake Kussharo and Lake Akan
Enjoy nature, be active in Hokkaido!
Hokkaido's attraction is its magnificent nature. The famous travel guide “Michelin Green Guide for Japan" has awarded three stars to Lake Mashu and two stars to Wakoto Peninsula an ...
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2011.07.
Awa Odori (Awa Dance Festival) & Yosakoi Matsuri (Yosakoi Fe ...
Let’s party at Japanese summer festivals!
Summer in Japan, it is the festival season. And summer festivals are held across the nation. The famous ones include Gion Matsuri (Gion Festival) in Kyoto and Miyajjima Kangen-sai ...
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2011.07.
Kyushu Shinkansen Fully Extended
The further extension of Kyushu Shinkansen brings Hakata and Kagoshima ...
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2011.03.
Enjoying the World of Japanese Railways
Take a trip by rail and enjoy the pleasures of train travel to the ful ...
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2011.03.
Convenient & Economical Railway Tickets
Find out about tips to make your travels in Japan even more enjoyable.
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2011.03.
Visiting Locations for Famous Anime
It's fun to visit places associated with your favorite game, manga and ...
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2011.02.
Not to Miss!! Smart and Handy Stationery Items
Many souvenirs in Japan serve practical functions.
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2011.02.
Plan Your Meal with JNTO's Restaurant Search Site!!
JNTO website offers a convenient multilingual restaurant search functi ...
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2011.02.
Japan Pop Culture Views: Cosplay
Enjoy dressing up as video game or anime characters. That's cosplay!
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2011.02.
Hands-on Amusements to Enjoy with Children
In Japan, many attractions and amusements are enjoyable for family and ...
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2011.01.
Engrossing Science Toys for All Ages
Gadgets and toys bringing science closer to everyday experience are po ...
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2011.01.
Shinkansen Brings Aomori Closer
Tohoku Shinkansen was extended to its final point from Tokyo to Aomori ...
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2010.12.
Shoppers' Paradise: Something for Everyone
In Japan, there are many kinds of really cool places or stores to shop ...
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2010.12.
Sushi for Souvenirs?
Wouldn't you be surprised if someone told you that you can take sushi ...
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2010.12.
Stay at an Upscale Japanese Inn—Ryokan
Experience Japan's traditions and culture at a traditional Japanese in ...
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2010.11.
Tips on Enjoying Japan's Hot Springs—Onsen
Get 10 times more enjoyment out of Japan's onsen paradise.
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2010.11.
Mascot Characters Hit a Popularity High
Mascot characters are commonly used by local communities to promote Ja ...
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2010.11.
You’ve Arrived at Haneda: What Now?
Expanded Haneda Airport lets you enjoy the city easier with good acces ...
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2010.10.
Going Up!—Tokyo Sky Tree
Will Be the World’s Tallest Broadcasting Tower When Completed
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2010.10.
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