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OTAKU MECCA AKIHABARA What town is AKIHABARA? For Anime Fun? Electrical Goods? Maid Cafes? Train Geeks? AKIHABARA has all of those Japanese best pop cultures! There are a lot of things that excite foreign visitors, and you can enjoy and get them all at once, just in AKIHABARA! AKIHABARA is colorful town where various languages are spoken, so even the first visitor can easily go there! OTAKU MECCA AKIHABARA SLANG WORDS First, list of unique slang words in AKIHABARA! Know it and you will totally rock it in AKIHABARA! AKIBA : Popular name of AKIHABARA OTAKU: Anorak. Maniacal lovers of pop culture. COSPLAY: Name derived in Japan. “Costume Play”, to be full. CHUKO: Used Goods TECCHAN: Train OTAKU / Train Mania AKIBAKEI: Means people who love "OTAKU" culture or their behavioral style, fashion style. RIAJU: Person or Thing that is fulfilling in the real world, not the online world. KOMIKE: Abbreviation for “Comic Market” TSUNDERE: People who usually have a hard heart, but become sweet and kind when they are with lover. MOE: Word that is uttered when one is feeling excited and heart is pounding. SAVAGE: Abbreviation for SURVIVAL GAME. GOSYUJIN-SAMA: Guest at a Maid Cafe. They are treated as Masters or Princesses. OKAERINASAIMASE: Maids greeting guests. OSHI: Person you want to cheer. It’s used to say, "△△ is my OSHIMEN" or "My OSHI- Animation is ★★. RIAKO: Being in love in real life. There are still many more OTAKU words that abound in AKIHABARA. Read the full article

[Ginzan Onsen] Ginzan Onsen is a hot spring located in Obanazawa City, Yamagata Prefecture. There are many hot spring inns in a row, and you can choose the hot spring inn that suits your taste. There is a footbath on the street, so you can relax and heal your daily fatigue while looking at the Ginzan River. You can enjoy different ways of enjoying the cherry blossoms in spring, green leaves in summer, colored leaves in autumn, and snow in winter, so it may be a good idea to visit not only once but also in other seasons. It is rumored that Notoya Ryokan, one of the Ginzan hot spring towns, is one of the many models of "Spirited Away" because of its appearance. 【銀山温泉】 銀山温泉は、山形県尾花沢市にある温泉です。 たくさんの温泉宿が連ねており、それぞれお好みにあった温泉宿を選ぶことができます。 路上には足湯があり、銀山川を見ながらゆったりと日々の疲れを癒すことができます。 春には桜、夏には青葉、秋には紅葉、冬には雪と、四季折々違った楽しみ方を味わえるため、一度だけでなく他の季節に訪れてみるのも良いかもしれません。 銀山温泉街の一つである能登屋旅館は、その外観から「千と千尋の神隠し」の数あるモデルの中の一つなのではないかと噂されています。 #japan_great_view #japanrevealed #look_japan #onsen #hot_spring #japan_photo_share #japan_photogroup #discoverjapan #japan #japantrip #japantravel #japanlife #nature #beautiful #amazing #photo #photography #photooftheday #happy #instalike #instatravel #love #followme #travel #trip #vacation #bestoftheday #instagood https://www.instagram.com/p/CMUJvNLA0L5/?igshid=1o12grlxtlmku

[Yushima Tenjin Shrine] Yushima Tenjin Shrine is a shrine located in Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo. Yushima Tenjin Shrine enshrines Ameno Tajikarao, the god of power, and Sugawara no Michizane, the god of learning. In particular, many people seek the benefits of learning, and during the examination season, many examinees gather at this shrine to worship. Yushima Tenjin Shrine is also famous for its beautiful plum blossoms. The plum blossoms that cover the entire precincts are in full bloom as if they were supporting the students. If you have any requests regarding your studies, please come to Yushima Tenjin Shrine. 【湯島天満宮】 湯島天満宮は、東京都文京区に位置する神社です。 湯島天満宮には力の神様である天之手力男神(アメノタヂカラオ)と、学問の神様である菅原道真公が祀られています。 特に、学問のご利益を求める人が多く、受験シーズンになると、たくさんの受験生が参拝しにこの神社へと集います。 そして、湯島天満宮は、梅が美しいことでも有名です。 境内の中を一面覆い尽くす梅の花は、まるで受験生たちを応援するかのように咲き誇っています。 勉学に関して何かお願い事がある人は、ぜひ湯島天満宮にお越しください。 #japan_great_view #japanrevealed #look_japan #onsen #hot_spring #japan_photo_share #japan_photogroup #discoverjapan #japan #japantrip #japantravel #japanlife #nature #beautiful #amazing #photo #photography #photooftheday #happy #instalike #instatravel #love #followme #travel #trip #vacation #bestoftheday #instagood (湯島天神) https://www.instagram.com/p/CMSNu5TA3aB/?igshid=1wvz5wnnp1ayo

Cosmo World is an amusement park located in Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture. Cosmo World is famous for having the Ferris wheel "Cosmo Clock 21", which boasts a total height of 112.5m. Cosmo Clock 21 is beautifully lit up at night. And since you can see the night view of Yokohamanaka from the gondola, it is recommended to go at night. You will have a romantic time. A paid ticket is required to ride the attraction, but admission itself is free, so you can easily visit it. コスモワールドは、神奈川県横浜市に位置する遊園地です。 コスモワールドは、全高112.5mもの高さを誇る観覧車「コスモクロック21」があることで 有名です。 コスモクロック21は、夜になると美しくライトアップされます。そして、ゴンドラから横 浜中の夜景を見渡せるので、夜に行くのがオススメです。 ロマンティックなひとときが過ごせることでしょう。 アトラクションに乗る際には有料チケットが必要ですが、入園自体は無料なので、気軽に訪れることができます。 #japan_great_view #japanrevealed #look_japan #onsen #hot_spring #japan_photo_share #japan_photogroup #discoverjapan #japan #japantrip #japantravel #japanlife #nature #beautiful #amazing #photo #photography #photooftheday #happy #instalike #instatravel #love #followme #travel #trip #vacation #bestoftheday #instagood (Cosmo Clock 21) https://www.instagram.com/p/CMPe1e5gSf_/?igshid=qop7mevidf3m

【Tokyo Station】 Tokyo Station is a huge terminal station located in Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo. Tokyo Station is not only a simple station function, but also an ideal facility for shopping, with Japan's most advanced gourmet and sweets shops lined up. There are 210 stores in the station yard alone, so it might be a good idea to play at Tokyo Station all day long. In fact, more than half of the stations are "Tokyo Station Hotel", and that hotel is just for that. It's such a wonderful hotel that some people come to Tokyo. Please use it when you come to Japan. 【東京駅】 東京駅は、東京都千代田区に位置する巨大ターミナル駅です。 東京駅は、単純な駅の機能だけでなく、日本最先端のグルメやスイーツショップが立ち並ぶ、 ショッピングにも最適な施設でもあります。 駅構内だけで210店舗も存在するため、一日中東京駅で遊ぶのも良いかもしれません。 実は、駅の半分以上が「東京ステーションホテル」になっており、そのホテルはそれだけのため に東京へ来る人がいるほどの素晴らしいホテルです。 日本に来た際にはぜひ利用なさってみてください。 #japan_great_view #japanrevealed #look_japan #onsen #hot_spring #japan_photo_share #japan_photogroup #discoverjapan #japan #japantrip #japantravel #japanlife #nature #beautiful #amazing #photo #photography #photooftheday #happy #instalike #instatravel #love #followme #travel #trip #vacation #bestoftheday #instagood (東京駅 (Tokyo Station)) https://www.instagram.com/p/CMNHPSQADie/?igshid=1s8v8gtor4tn8

[Ouchi-juku] Ouchi-juku is a tourist facility located in Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture. The post station of the Edo period still exists and is designated as an important traditional buildings preservation district. At the inn on the important highway "Shimono Kaido" leading to Edo, it was used by former travelers and his daimyo who was changing to work. The "Ouchi-juku Snow Festival" is held in winter. Snow and thatched-roof houses illuminated by snowflakes and fireworks are extremely romantic. You can also enjoy a variety of local dishes such as "Shingoro", which is made by rolling half-cooked rice and baking it with miso, and "Negisoba", which is a soba noodle that is eaten with green onions as chopsticks. 【大内宿】 大内宿は、福島県会津若松市にある観光施設です。 江戸時代の宿場が現存されており、重要伝統的建造物群保存地区に指定されています。 江戸へと繋がる重要な街道「下野街道」にある宿屋場で、かつての旅人や参勤交代中の大名な ども利用していました。 冬には「大内宿雪まつり」が開催されます。雪ろうと花火で照らされる雪と茅葺き屋根の家は非 常にロマンティックです。 半つきにした米をまるめて味噌をつけて焼いた「しんごろう」、ねぎを箸にして食べるそば「ねぎそ ば」など、さまざまな郷土料理も楽しむことができます。 #japan_great_view #japanrevealed #look_japan #japan_photo_share #japan_photogroup #discoverjapan #japan #japantrip #japantravel #japanlife #nature #beautiful #amazing #photo #photography #photooftheday #happy #instalike #instatravel #love #followme #travel #trip #vacation #bestoftheday #instagood (大内宿) https://www.instagram.com/p/CMEp_rcAVU8/?igshid=1khvag9dda712

The nameless pond (Monet's Pond) is a reservoir located at Nemichi Shrine in Seki City, Gifu Prefecture. The nameless pond (Monet's Pond), as the name implies, was just a reservoir that didn't even have a name, but thanks to the care of its neighbors, it has been beautifully reborn. And the beautifully blooming water lilies, the gracefully swimming carp, and the highly transparent water are like Claude Monet. Word-of-mouth communication spread that it looked like a "water lily," and it has become a popular tourist spot. In summer, the spring water becomes more transparent, so if you go to see it, summer is recommended. 名も無き池(モネの池)は、岐阜県関市の根道神社にある貯水池です。 名も無き池(モネの池)は、その名の通り、名前すらついていなかったただの貯水池でした が、近隣住民の手入れのおかげで、美しく生まれ変わりました。 そして、その美しく咲く睡蓮、優雅に泳ぐ鯉、透明度の高い水は、まるでクロードモネの 「睡蓮」のようだとクチコミで広まり、今ではすっかり人気の観光スポットとなりました。 夏になると、湧き水がいっそう透明度が増すので、もし見に行くなら夏頃がオススメです。 #japan_great_view #japanrevealed #look_japan #japan_photo_share #japan_photogroup #discoverjapan #japan #japantrip #japantravel #japanlife #nature #beautiful #amazing #photo #photography #photooftheday #happy #instalike #instatravel #love #followme #travel #trip #vacation #bestoftheday #instagood (モネの池) https://www.instagram.com/p/CLyK4gYA7sc/?igshid=r0i9ndl6yq7b

日本の絶景【神津島】 神津島は東京都に属する、面積わずか18.5 km²の島です。 非常に透明度が高い海、日本唯一ここだけに存在する砂漠「表砂漠」と「裏砂漠」、ハートの形をした池「不動池」など、ここにしかない自然の風景が楽しめます。 海水浴、ダイビング、ハイキング、釣り、星空観測、温泉などレジャー施設も盛りだくさんです。 自然の魅力に溢れた神津島、ぜひ訪れてみてください。 日本の良いところをたくさんアップしていきます。 Superb view of Japan [Kozushima] Kozushima is an island in Tokyo with an area of ​​only 18.5 km². You can enjoy the unique natural scenery such as the highly transparent sea, the only deserts in Japan, "Omote Desert" and "Ura Desert", and the heart-shaped pond "Fudo Pond". There are plenty of leisure facilities such as swimming, diving, hiking, fishing, starry sky observation, and hot springs. Please visit Kozushima, which is full of nature's charm. I will upload many good points of Japan. (神津島) https://www.instagram.com/p/CLtf8jvgfFP/?igshid=apa5h9th9xej

By Yumi Wijers-Hasegawa 1970s is seen as the period when Japan’s first street fashion appeared around Harajuku. Since that time Tokyo has seen many fantastic, and often unusual fashion being born. How did Japanese street fashion progress over the years, and what kind of influence did it have? Japanese street fashion, trends and progresses ‘Rebellious’ Bamboo shoot tribe and Rock ‘n’ Rollers According to observers*, 1970s was the first era when young generation in Japan felt a sense of solidarity and the urge to resist adults. Probably also influenced by the anti-war, peace and hippie movements in the United States, one of the ways the youth expressed this need was through street fashion. Emergence of dancing groups like Takenokozoku, which literally translates as “Bamboo shoot tribe” taken from the name of the store the group purchased their bright colored, baggy harem suits they danced in, as well as the Roller-zoku, who has a strong influence from the Rockabilly and Rock ‘n’ Roll culture, astonished the more conservative and established people at that time. ©一善とし Takenokozoku Group Photo ©Simon Desmarais Roller-zoku Japanese street fashion leading to the “Bubble” years. Japanese Preppie and the ‘Crow clan’ In the 80s, Shibuya had become the place for fashion conscious youth to be. Read the full article

IKEBUKURO has high accessibility to subcultures! Ikebukuro is located in the northwest part of Tokyo which has high accessibility to subcultures, and amazing city with access to many different regions and unique genres from Ikebukuro Station. Anime and Train fans or freaks are called “OTAKU” in Japan. Ikebukuro has a lot of things related to Anime and Trains and is one of the three Pilgrimage for Otaku in Tokyo. Ikebukuro Station, one of the stations on the Narita Express, a direct line from Narita International Airport, has 12 train lines, making it possible to get to Tokyo, and even to the surrounding prefectures, without having to change trains. And since it is also an important depot for express buses, it is a very convenient access point from Ikebukuro Station to all parts of Japan. “Otome Road” located at the east-exit of Ikebukuro Station, is densely populated with stores selling anime goods and Coterie magazines called Doujinshi, and in recent years has been recognized as a town for anime fans. Ikebukuro Night Viewing Let's take a look at the accessibility and recommendations starting from here Ikebukuro Station, which is the world's third largest number of train passengers per day after Shinjuku and Shibuya station! TRAIN Ikebukuro station is on the Narita Express train line, so when you arrive in Japan, the first thing you do is get off at Ikebukuro station, which gives you access to a variety of tourist attractions not only in Tokyo, but also throughout Jap Read the full article

Things to do in Asakusa By Yumi Wijers-Hasegawa When you look at Japan’s tourist attractions, Asakusa in the Taito district of Tokyo definitely ranks among the top.It's the place where tradition meets modern Japan and where delicious food and exciting activities are enjoyed in one spot. In this article, I will highlight the must-do’s in Asakusa for first time visitors to Japan, as well as the things you should do when you are done with the traditional touristic things and want to look further. Things to do in Asakusa Kaminarimon 雷門。© C.L. Kao (eddie5150) The first step of your visit to Asakusa will probably start at the Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate), with its giant red lantern hanging from it.Kaminarimon is protected by two gods. Fujin, the god of wind on the right hand side, and Raijin, the god of thunder on the left hand side of the lantern. If you look carefully under the lantern, you will find “Matsushita Denki” (Panasonic) written there, indicating that it is a gift from the Japanese electronic giant. If you are planning to visit the Sensoji temple later (which is straight ahead from the gate), don’t forget to put your hands together in front of this gate and bow, as all the rituals you need to follow at the temple is a set with this one.Walking straight from Kaminarimon gate is the 250-meters Nakamise Dori shopping street, which has 89 shops selling popular gourmet snacks and souvenirs.Just Read the full article

So you’ve sat down and started planning your next fun-filled adventure in Japan! Great. What’s something you can do while you’re in Tokyo? You’ve likely come across Harajuku when looking around at places to go in Japan, and that’s for a good reason. Anyone interested in seeing the forefront of “kawaii” culture and tradition collide set against a backdrop of a bespoke combination of glitzy shopping centers and serene shrine grounds will love their time in Harajuku. What is Harajuku? Harajuku is commonly known around the world as a center of youth culture and fashion in Japan. Harajuku is actually just the common name given to the area surrounding Harajuku station, and is officially Shibuya City, Jingumae 1-chome to Jingumae 4-chome. Harajuku started to gain traction as the center of pop culture when fashion trends slowly migrated over to Shibuya from Shinjuku in the 1960’s. When you get out of Harajuku Station (JR), you will find yourself caught between a stark divide of gorgeous and glimmering shopping centers to one side, and a large swath of land that had been preserved for hundreds of years as the holy ground of the Meiji Shrine. Pick your own adventure. 1: Find Yourself Mystified by Takeshita Street Don't get lost! The most iconic spot in all of Harajuku goes to Takeshita Street (竹下通り), a long line of cutesy crepe eateries, fun fashion bargain stores, and little shops to get Knick knacks for your friends back home. Read the full article

Japanese Convenient Store is a multi-shop like a Mini-Mart, with an excellent selection of items, as well as the newest goods and various services in a small standard-sized store. Display in convenience store The Convenient Stores can be found everywhere in Japan, such as in office centers, residential area, urban communities and rural areas. In Japan, it is simply called "Konbini / Conbini", and in English it is written as "Convenience stores". The Konbini is like a small department store and a gate for all your hobbies. Most convenience stores are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so you can always experience the convenience! It's no exaggeration to say that Konbini has everything you need to spend in Japan! So what exactly are the things and services available at the convenience store?First of all, the common points, features, and advantages of each convenience store that are useful to know. MAIN ITEMS OF CONVENIENCE STORES DAILY FOODS Developed through market research by Convenience Store Headquarters to reflect the seasons and the latest trends, these include delicious lunch boxes and side dishes called OBENTO, ONIGIRI (Rice ball), Noodles such as Pasta, Ramen, and Udon, Bread, Original sandwiches and tasty sweets. For OBENTO and Snack Foods, if you wish, shop staff will heat them up in the microwave for you. Read the full article

One of the major reasons people travel abroad is for food. Traveling to Japan is no different—Japanese restaurants, eateries, and yatai alike boast some of the best cuisines in the world. What will you be looking to eat on your next hungry adventure to Japan? Here’s a list of the top 9 Japanese traditional foods, plus a bonus (Japanese rice) at the end. For our readers with certain dietary restrictions, please see our post about useful phrases in Japan that includes ways to say what you can’t eat! Ramen (ラーメン) Piping hot, firm noodles, satisfying broth. A traditional Chinese dish that came to Japan many many years ago, ramen is a staple of Japanese cuisine that has grown roots in all the corners of the land, from Shoyu (soy sauce) ramen as famous in Yokohama, Miso ramen the go-to for the people of Sapporo, Tonkotsu (pork bone marrow) ramen a must for a night out in Fukuoka, and Shio (salt) ramen well-known and well-liked in Hakodate. While authentic ramen restaurants can be on the pricey end in Western restaurants, a good hearty bowl of ramen can go for as little as 500 yen ($5 USD)! Whether you need a quick lunch or a good end to a good night out, ramen is there to give you what you need. Soba (そば) Cold, refreshing, and perfect for a hiking day. Soba, or noodles made of buckwheat flour, is a great way to experience a lot of what many Japanese dishes boast—a pure dedication to one particular dish, its flavor profile, textures, and temperature. Read the full article

The reason I say 2021, is because we are now under a pandemic that we have never experienced before, and we have never been so far away from traveling.  But surely it will be a great time to plan some explicit vacations after this pandemic comes to an end. Vaccines are under development at a rapid pace, and we are hopefully going to see some come to completion by the beginning of next year. After you have decided you want to visit Japan, that is great! But planning is not just a fun task. Read the full article

The year 2020 has not been a great year for tourists or having any real fun, for that matter. But fear not! Times will change and soon many tourists will have that itch to go to Japan. No matter if it’s your first time or 20th time making the cross-ocean trip to the Land of the Rising Sun, you’ll need some good phrases to get you around and to make the best of your time.  These phrases are your gateway to Japan! Japanese Travel Phrases Look no further for a comprehensive list of words and phrases you can use on your next trip to the great island nation. The words are written in both Japanese and in romaji (phonetic English spelling of the Japanese), so make sure to practice the phrases out loud! The Essentials Sorry/Excuse me: すみません (sumimasen) One of the most useful phrases that you will likely use. Whether you need to get the attention of a shopkeeper or apologize for slightly bumping into someone on the train, this phrase is a great catch-all. Hello: こんにちは (Konnichiwa) An easy-to-learn phrase to say hello at any time of the day. Good morning: おはようございます (Ohayou gozaimasu) Good evening: こんばんわ (Konnbannwa) Good bye: さようなら (Sayonara) This is the slightly formal version. Good bye: バイバイ！ (Bye bye!) Easy to remember, and works in most situations My name is____:わたしのなまえは____です。 (watashi no namae wa ____ des.) Thank Read the full article

Ginza is known as the most stylish city in Japan. “To get to know GINZA” is “To get to know Tokyo and Japan” !! What Do You Want To Do In GINZA? Shopping? Art appreciation? Meals? Walking around? or do you play with something? There is also plenty of food information for Vegetarians, Vegans, Families and Single people! ①　FOODS FOR VEGAN AND VEGETARIAN ! There are many delicious vegan and vegetarian restaurants in GINZA.　Lunches, Dinners, Snacks, Sweets and Take-out are all available, so which one will you choose today? Of course, all restaurants are perfectly prepared for COVID-19! T's TanTan １）T's Tantan T's Restaurant serves up a Delicious, Animal-free Menu! Even popular Japanese curry, Fried chicken - Karaage, Hamburgers, Ramen-noodle, and Gyoza are served to vegans. Amazingly, instead of meat, these menus are made entirely of nutrient-rich vegetables, including soy. Enjoy a vegan menu that's safe, delicious, and one your gods will want to eat! ２）AIN SOPH. GINZA It's a very tasty restaurant with a pop look. You can have vegetarian and vegan lunch and dinner as well as sweets at Ain Soph GINZA. Ain Soph GINZA is a great place to come with someone special for you! ３）ANNAM INDIAN RESTAURANT GINZA The most popular authentic Indian restaurant in Japan! Annam GINZA has a wide variety of delicious menus, from a la carte dish to full- course meals. Read the full article