Category Archives: To Sightsee

About Japan, Secret Spots, To Sightsee

Resumption of Shipping for Registered Small Packet

Posted on by omotenashi-japan
30
Oct

We have just added a new shipping option for registered small packet. This method was previously known as “e-packet” until 2020 and had been temporarily suspended due to the pandemic. However, as of 2023, Japan Post has resumed handling this delivery method. We are pleased to announce that the available delivery areas are now equivalent to EMS, and we are reintroducing affordable shipping options for small packages. When checking out, please select either EMS or registered small packet for your order. If your ordered items weigh 2kg or less and you have some flexibility in the delivery timeframe, please consider selecting this shipping method. However, please be aware that the […]

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About Japan, To Sightsee

Our recommended summer festivals in Tokyo 2023

Posted on by omotenashi-japan
20
Jul

Summer in Japan is synonymous with festivals and Bon odori dances. From local community gatherings to grand festivals at shrines and temples, there are events held almost every day. In the summer of 2023, the festivals that refrained from being held due to COVID-19 are making a comeback! We would like to introduce some recommended festivals and Bon odori events in Tokyo, so please consider participating. Tsukiji Honganji Bon Odori Tsukiji, a popular spot for foreign tourists, continues to thrive even after the fish market moved to Toyosu. At the iconic Tsukiji Honganji Temple, a four-day Bon odori dance event will be held. Let’s dance in front of the fantastical […]

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About Japan, Secret Spots, To Sightsee

Recommended Tourist Spot in Kyoto – Episode 1: Blood Ceiling

Posted on by omotenashi-japan
19
May

In the spring of 2023, Japan saw a resurgence of foreign tourists along with domestic travelers, resulting in bustling crowds at famous tourist destinations. Undoubtedly, Kyoto remains at the top of the list in terms of popularity. While places like Kiyomizu-dera and Heian-jIngu shrine are undoubtedly wonderful and must-visit locations, in this blog series, I would like to personally recommend hidden gems in Kyoto. First and foremost, I would like to introduce “Blood Ceiling”. Blood Ceiling refers to ceilings where boards stained with blood are embedded. There are many temples in Kyoto where blood ceilings can be found. These ceilings vividly preserve the handprints and footprints of fallen samurai warriors […]

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About Japan, Secret Spots, To Sightsee, Useful Information

The most powerful spiritual site in Tokyo

Posted on by omotenashi-japan
29
Mar

If you come to Tokyo for sightseeing, Asakusa is not the only Buddhisit temple you should definitely stop by. Be sure to visit Fukagawa Fudoson, a little further east than Asakusa. We affectionately call it ‘Ofudo-san’, but its official name is Naritasan Tokyo Betsuin Fukagawa Fudo-do. It is a Tokyo branch, so to speak, of Naritasan, an ancient temple near Narita Int’l Airport that is well known to overseas travellers. The temple offers daily Goma, fire ritual at 9am, 11am, 1pm, 3pm and 5pm, which we would like you to experience. Goma is derived from the Sanskrit word “homa”, meaning holy flame, and is one of the tools used by […]

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About Japan, Secret Spots, To Sightsee

Goryo-shinko , a folk religious belief of avenging spirits

Posted on by omotenashi-japan
03
Mar

Religion in Japan has been diverse since ancient times. Although national strategy has forced many changes in the direction of belief, today the majority of the population are atheists rooted in Buddhism. Nevertheless, we live our daily lives without being aware of it, feeling the soul and power in everything we see, not only in the gods and Buddha, but also in nature and everyday tools. In this country, both good and bad things have a soul, and if we worship them carefully and treat them with sincerity, they will guide and help us. The most characteristic of such a wide range of beliefs in Japan is the belief in […]

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About Japan, Secret Spots, To Sightsee

Hydrangea macrophylla – Japanese Ajisai

Posted on by omotenashi-japan
Hydrongea
11
Jun

It is so gloomy during the rainy season in Japan. The rainy season varies depending on a region but usually in mid-end June in most regions in Japan. In the rainy season, you can alternatively enjoy some indoor activities if you have to visit Japan in June, however, why don’t you look out for a famous garden for Ajisai flowers if the time is right! Ajisai flowers look so gorgeous when many bloomedat the same time at one spot. In Kanto areas, there are many famous gardens that you can see these Ajisai flowers. If you stay in Tokyo, we recommend “Hakusan Jinja”, a shrine-cum-park, “Hakusai Koen”. They have 3,000 […]

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About Japan, To Sightsee, To Stay

Nagano – Togurakamiyamada Onsen

Posted on by omotenashi-japan
11
Mar

Nagao is one of few regions in Japan that not facing the ocean. It is surrounded by 3,000m tall mountains and known as Roof of Japan. Nagano is also famous for winter sports and hosted the Winter Olympics in 1998. The most popular tourist spot in Nagano among the tourists outside of Japan must be ”Jigokudani Yaen-koen” where you can see wild Japanese monkeys soak in onsen hot spring! It is very hard to get there but many tourists from all over the countries visit there. If you are driving and want to have a relaxing time as well, we recommend you to stop by Togurakamiyamada Onsen on the way […]

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About Japan, To Sightsee, Useful Information

Free WiFi available on Shinkansen?? Yes, soon will be!

Posted on by omotenashi-japan
Shinkansen
26
Jun

JR (Japan Railway Companies) has decided to invest in providing free WiFi on all the bullet trains (Shinkansen) by the end of 2019 due to strong demand by international visitors. Free WiFi will be available on all the trains of Akita Shinkansen by the end of May 2019, Hokuriku Shinkansen by the end of September in 2019 and Tokaido, Sanyo, Kyushu and Yamagata Shinkansen will be ready by the end of 2019. Hokkaido, Tohoku and Joetsu Shinkansen will also increase this service gradually (no schedule is provided so far though). Currently, free WiFi service on Shinkansen is only available on some limited trains but it will be soon available on […]

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About Japan, To Sightsee

A brand new Giant Buddha revealed, Rokuya Daibutsu

Posted on by omotenashi-japan
kamakuradaibutsu
11
Apr

The Buddha seated in Kamakura is one of the most popular sightseeing spots in the Kanto region. Today, a brand new Buddha, who is even bigger than Kamakura Daibutsu was unveiled to public. Rokuya Daibutsu will certainly be a popular tourist spot for this holiday season. It is a part of HOUKOUJI, which is located in Hirai, Hinode-Machi, Nishi-Tamagun, Tokyo. Its height is 12m but if includes the base, the total height is 18m. The chief priest of Houkouji temple revealed that they particularly wanted the face of Buddha to look very beautiful from all the angles and the expression on the face to be welcoming and merciful. So why […]

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About Japan, To Sightsee

The DORAEMON Exhibition Tokyo 2017

Posted on by omotenashi-japan
domaemon 2017
23
Oct

Doraemon must be one of the most popular cat in Japan. He is a robot traveled from our future. Doraemon and his special gadgets from his “4th dimensional pocket” have saved Nobi Nobita and company and have always made us feel “if Doraemon is here with me…” every time we face a difficulty! Every Japanese child has grown up with Doraemon since ’70s but Doraemon is missed after we grow up. A number of famous modern artists therefore gathered for an act to “Create Your Own Original Doraemon” and will hold a unique exhibition at Roppongi Hills this autumn. From the official site: Organized under this concept, 28 artists and […]

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