Category Archives: About Japan

About Japan, News, To Sightsee

Tokyo, Summer Night City

Posted on by omotenashi-japan
tokyobay
13
Aug

We have lots of fireworks festivals and Bon Dance Festivals at the end of each week all over Japan. Both fireworks and Bon Dance have been held for the peace of the world and holding a service for departed souls including our ancestors. Thousands of people gather to see famous fireworks festivals such as Sumida River Fireworks Fes., Tokyo Bay Grand Fireworks Fes. and Jingu Fireworks Fes. in Tokyo. Very Luckily, we can see them at home without crowds. Also we have a huge Bon Dance Festival at the park near our place in late August. People repeat dancing with same action over and over regardless of age and sex. We […]

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About Japan, Secret Spots

No more than water, but gift from the god

Posted on by omotenashi-japan
matsuo-main
14
May

  Do you know the specialty foods of Kyoto? Tofu, yuba, sake, pickles, matcha, wagashi (artistic sweets), etc… Can you imagine what is the most important material for them? Yes, it’s water! There are so many active wells which have good quality water in Kyoto. I have ever been water spots a lot in Kyoto, but I think the spring water at Kamenoi in Matsuo Taisha Shrine is the best and really amazing! It is fresh, mild, magically sweet and very tasty. I understand why Matsuo Taisha is so-called “The Shrine of Sake”. This water must be the gift from the god!   Please visit there carrying empty bottle when you are […]

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To Sightsee, To Stay, Useful Information

ANA CROWNE PLAZA HOTEL KYOTO

Posted on by omotenashi-japan
ANA CROWNE PLAZA HOTEL KYOTO
10
Feb

I always stay ANA CROWNE PLAZA HOTEL when I visit to Kyoto. Easy to access but quiet location, great hospitality, various amenities, large bed and most delightful breakfast!! Please try Japanese style breakfast at the hotel restaurant, Unkai. You can choose boiled rice from 3 different types – Hakumai (plain boiled rice), Gokokumai (boiled rice with 5 sereals) and Okayu (congee). Try Okayu which is served with starchy thick dashi soup. Also, western styled buffet includes mini pancakes, belgian waffle and french toast with various topping. Coffee is so nice, too!!   Stayed 2 nights on February 2015 Non-smoking single room JPY12,500/per night (breakfast inclusive) Amenities: Room slippers, shoes dryer, Minus ion hair dryer, […]

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About Japan, Useful Japanese

Suimaseeen!

Posted on by omotenashi-japan

Suimaseeen!   is one of the most frequently used Japanese. “Sumimasen” usually means “I am sorry.” when you apologise casually but “Sumimaseeen” with the last syllable stretched means more like “Hello! Someone there for me?” or “Excuse me, please.”. You could say this phrase when you require an attention from somebody when you walk in a shop but there is nobody there, when you stop someone to press shutter for you, or ask directions, or some situation like that. The proper way to say is “Su-mi-ma-sen” but usually the first “m” is abbreviated. If you stretch “sen” like “seeeen”, it can be used when you draw attention from somebody a […]

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To Sightsee, To Stay, Useful Information

Kurashiki, Okayama Pref. A classy town.

Posted on by omotenashi-japan
Kurashiki
08
Jan

Pictures from left to right, top to bottom Kurashiki historical area / The entrance of the room in Ryokan Kurashiki / Ryokan Kurashiki’s one of the lobbies / Course dinner (Sashimi) in autumn presentation City: Kurashiki, Okayama-Ken Kurashiki Official website: English | 簡体中文｜Korean｜French Our recommendation to stay and eat: Ryokan Kurashiki (English) Ryokan Kurashiki is the must place to stay if you visit Kurashiki city. It is in the heart of Kurashiki historical quarter and very unique accommodation. They have an English speaking staff to explain all the customs to enjoy Ryokan. The Japanese Ryokan system is very unique and there are some “traditional rules” to follow, which we go […]

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About Japan, Useful Japanese

New Year’s greetings

Posted on by omotenashi-japan

Akemashite Omedetou Gozaimasu   is the most common greeting used by every Japanese for New Year. It is very polite but most commonly used between friends, family members, business acquaintances, etc. when we meet each other first time in new year. However, amongst young people or between very close friends, they say the abbreviation phrase such as “Ame Ome Koto Yoro” (which we do not recommend you to use it though). Koto Yoro is the abbreviation of Kotoshimo Yoroshiku Onegaishimasu (very polite), which means roughly “stay friendly this year too”. Enjoy speaking Japanese!!

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