Jonny Gleason

How Do People Type in Japanese?

We already know that Japan loves using older technology, but does that affect the way they type?

Well, maybe not too much, apart from still using the old white mechanical keyboards, I’m sure!

People from Japan normally type on a standard QWERTY (JIS) keyboard and use Hiragana and Katakana to phonetically spell out the word. The hiragana alphabet will normally be mapped to the keyboard in JIS layout making the typing of words far quicker. It’s also possible to type using romaji, but this is far slower and not ideal.

So! Do you want to find out the answer to the question ‘How do Japanese keyboards work?’ Read on, and I’ll tell you exactly how it’s done, and how you can do it yourself! (No Japanese keyboard needed!)

What’s the difference between Japanese and English keyboards?

how to type japanese on a keyboard — With 46 individual characters, they’ll spill over onto some of the other keys like numbers, and punctuation. By Darklanlan – Own work, CC BY 4.0

Contrary to popular belief, Japanese keyboards don’t look all that different. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news if you were after some kind of crazy-looking device…

Well… Kind of, anyway.

Keyboards in Japan, for the most part, look identical to the one in front of you right now, apart from one key difference.

This is how it works:

In the corner of each key will be a Hiragana character.

Each of those keys will be mapped to the corresponding character.

This is done to speed up typing and allow for a hassle-free experience.

You might be thinking ‘Why don’t they just type in Romaji?’, and you’d sort of have a point.

As you’ll find out soon, they absolutely can and do type in Romaji.

So if you’re in Japan and given a Western-style keyboard, you can still get the job done quite easily.

Typing in Romaji

By typing in Romaji, we are typing the phonetic sounds of each word.

く = K, U

み = M, I

If the computer is set up correctly, which it will be if it’s in Japan, it will change the two letters for the Hiragana equivalent.

This will almost certainly be the fastest way for someone used to the QWERTY layout to type Japanese.

Typing in Hiragana

In this situation, we would only need to press a single key for any of the 46 characters, rather than multiple keys with Romaji.

So if you’re learning for the long term, or have a significant amount of Japanese to type, it may be beneficial to take the longer route.

Slower at the beginning, but a lot faster after some practice.

Do I need a Japanese keyboard?

For a lot of people, unless you’re as bonkers about Japan as I am, you probably don’t need one. I’ll talk a bit about this at the end of the article, but for the most part, it’s definitely not necessary.

Specifically, some of the aesthetic-looking ones can be heavy on your wallet.

However, if you’re looking for an inexpensive alternative to buying a Japanese keyboard, I’ve got an idea for you!

Step 1: Grab some masking tape (or any kind of tape that you can write on)

Step 2: Cut out individual squares for each of the keys on your keyboard

Step 3: Map out the hiragana characters to your keys, depending on which computer operating system you have (Mac or Windows)

This is an easy way to type using hiragana characters rather than romaji, and far cheaper than buying a Japanese keyboard.

From there all you’ll have to do is map out the respective keys to the Japanese character.

Now, let’s look at exactly how to set up a Japanese keyboard on your operating system.

Setting your computer up to type in Japanese

How to type in Japanese on a Mac

how to type japanese on a Mac — By Yes0song – CC BY-SA 3.0

Setting your MacBook, or Apple computer, to type in Japanese couldn’t be simpler.

Step 1: Navigate to System Preferences > Keyboard > Input Sources

Step 2: From here, select the ‘+’ button in the bottom left hand corner and search for ‘Japanese’

Step 3: You’ll now be provided with two options, Japanese Kana and Japanese Romaji.

If you have a Japanese keyboard or a DIY Japanese keyboard with masking tape, click ‘Kana’ and you’ll be presented with a hiragana key map that shows you exactly where each character will go.

If, like me, you just have a standard English QWERTY keyboard, then select Romaji.

How do I type Katakana and Kanji on a keyboard?

Another fact about typing Japanese on a keyboard, autocorrect is constantly used.

So if I wanted to type ‘Mountain’ in Japanese I would need to write ‘yama’.

Without auto-correct, and with a Japanese keyboard, I would only be able to write it as ‘やま’. That’s fine, but not ideal.

Really, we want the kanji, too.

Luckily for us, most computers give us a drop-down menu as soon as we’ve typed those characters in.

All we have to do is navigate down to the correct option and our hiragana becomes kanji.

New Button on Mac M1 14inch & 16inch

If you own a new MacBook Pro, you can map the change language button to the bottom right function key (pictured above).

It makes things so much easier than having to constantly click the flag in the toolbar to change back to English.

I totally get that this will only appeal to a few people, but I am definitely one of them!

How to type in Japanese on Windows

Switching languages and typing in Japanese on Windows computers is Just as simple.

Windows 11:

Step 1: Navigate to start > settings > Time & Language >Language & Region

Step 2: Navigate to ** Japanese > Options **

Step 3: Finally, select Microsoft IME, and then Options
Now choose your desired options, and you’re good to go!
For more information, take a look at the official Microsoft language page.

Is typing in Japanese slow?

Nope, the average Japanese typist will be able to type just as fast, if not faster than their Western counterpart.

The reason for this is that autocorrect isn’t something many people are used to typing with on a full-sized keyboard.

So, in theory, if someone typing on a Japanese keyboard knows their system well and knows what they’re typing, I don’t think it’s a big stretch to assume Japanese typists could type faster.

Why is there no Katakana keyboard?

You may be wondering why you haven’t seen any keyboards with Katakana characters on instead of Hiragana.

Well, the answer is relatively simple.

If you’re typing in Romaji, the computer processes that and chooses the correct script based on your input.

If you’re typing in Hiragana, the computer recognizes the word you’re typing is taken from English (the most common reason for katakana) and changes it automatically.

Depending on what software you’re using and where you’re typing, you may have to manually select it from the autocorrect menu, but the process on the computer end is the same.

Which Japanese keyboard should I use?

So now you know how Japanese keyboards work, but which one should you actually use? That choice is a little harder to make than you might think.

First up, you need to consider where you’ll be using your keyboard and what you’ll be using it for. If you’re able to use a keyboard at a desk, I’d recommend using a mechanical one like the ones in the picture below.

This is a picture I took in Yodobashi Camera in Akihabara. You can see that many of the keyboards have a Hiragana overlay, and are pretty damn pricey!

Not only that, but they’re also all in the standard JIS layout. That means they’ll be in the classic ‘QWERTY’ layout, and most of the symbols are in the same places.

I’ve got a mechanical keyboard with cherry MX Blue switches which I honestly wouldn’t recommend. Way too clicky! Though, I would still choose them over typing on my MacBook keyboard, annoying…

If you don’t have room for a desktop keyboard or you only use a laptop, you’ll have to just follow the steps I’ve outlined above.

I’ve asked myself ‘Which Japanese keyboard should I use?’ many times, but when it came down to it my budget could only stretch to one thing: Cut masking tape squares, stick them on my keyboard, and write the Hiragana on top!

Hold up! If you’re interested in how Japanese keyboards work, I think you’d love reading about the rise and fall (and rise!) of PC gaming in Japan. And if you’re visiting Japan, make sure to check out Yusha Kobo Keyboard Specialty Shop in Akihabara for some of the coolest custom keyboards you’ve ever seen!

Visit

How To Experience Japan From Home

It’s an unfortunate truth that so many of us who want to travel to Japan every year, won’t be able to.

Whether it’s the cost of the flights, getting the time off work, or personal commitments, the thought of traveling to Japan sinks further and further into the back of our minds.

Whilst, sadly, I still don’t have the mind control powers I so desperately desire which I would use to almost force you to find time to go to Japan, I might have a solution meanwhile.

I’ve already talked about how to survive your plane journey to Japan, and how to prepare for your trip, but what if you didn’t need to leave your home to experience a taste of what Japan has to offer?

Before we start I’m just going to add in a bonus way to experience Japan from home. It would have been in the original list, but I only found it a few weeks ago.

Tokyo Treat is by far my FAVORITE way to feel like I’m in Japan without leaving home. I’ll let you read this article and find out if it’s for you. I think it might be!

1. Eat Japanese food

japanese ramen dish — Endless ramen is the best kind of ramen!

One of the best ways to experience Japan without going there is through your stomach!

Now, I’ll admit, I’m not the biggest foodie, but there’s something about train platform ramen that really gets to me.

Maybe it’s being in the presence of the best trains in the world, or perhaps it’s the sensation of carefully slurping your ramen as others rush to catch their next train.

Either way, food is a massive part of Japan’s identity.

Here are a few easy ways to eat experience Japanese food at home:

Make Sushi

Simple, easy, and perfect for lunch, dinner, or even just a snack!

Make Ramen

Shove some crispy nori in there, and you’re good to go!

Make Onigiri

The perfect pocketable Japanese snack!

I like to consider them to be the Japanese version of the pocket pasty!

Whilst currently I’ve only written an article about Japanese sweets and snacks, many of the online shops listed in the post are also great places to purchase Japanese groceries.

Advanced Tip

If you want to delve deep into the Japanese food culture at home, institute the flow of time into your meal preparation.

In Japan, people prize food that shows seasonal awareness.

For instance, the height of hospitality on a plate would include something that’s just past its season, something in the middle of its season, and something that’s just coming into season.

They only have to be trace amounts or minimal parts of the meal, and the evocation of the past, present, and future will all be on one plate for the guest to enjoy

2. Watch YouTubers in Japan

I literally love this guy….

I imagine a lot of you have done this already, especially if you’ve found my little website!

If not, or if you want to add to your growing YouTube subscription list, then let me help you!

Abroad in Japan has to take the medal for my favorite YouTuber in Japan, from both an informational and comical perspective.

Perhaps it’s just my deadpan British sense of humor, but with almost 3M subscribers, he’s clearly doing something right!

If you’re interested in watching YouTubers in Japan, I’ve written an entire article, including 14 of the absolute best!

Be prepared to lose a lot of your time watching all sorts of Japanese content, though!

Seeing people interact with Japan from multiple different viewpoints and situations is an incredibly valuable thing to do, especially if you’re interested in more than just the ‘Weird and wacky’ side of Japan.

Plus, it’ll also give you loads more ideas on how to experience Japan without actually going there.

And maybe they can convince you to make time to visit Japan, even if I can’t!

3. Study the Japanese language

best japanese textbook — I won’t lie, I love a good Japanese textbook!

Are you fluent in Japanese?

No?..

Well then, studying Japanese is a fantastic way to experience Japanese culture at home.

If you’ve heard anything about studying Japanese or perhaps even tried to before, perhaps you might be a little apprehensive.

Sure, it might be rated one of the hardest languages to learn for English speakers, but don’t let that put you off your goals.

Depending on your level of Japanese, you could be reading books, manga, watching anime, movies, or series. It opens up a whole world that was otherwise cut off to you.

Unsure where to start? I’ve written a list of the top online Japanese learning resources to get you started.

And once you’re finished there, here are several articles dedicated to learning Japanese that will hopefully be of some help to you!

4. Follow Instagrammers in Japan

It’s becoming more and more common nowadays to wake up, roll over, grab your phone, and start scrolling.

I’m not here to tell you that’s the wrong way to live, but rather to make the most out of it.

Cover your instagram feed in helpful, inspirational, and motivational Japanese-themed accounts so that when you inevitably do start scrolling, at least it’s beneficial.

Here is a list of my favorite Japanese-themed Instagrammers.

I can now feel less guilty when I find myself scrolling on instagram because maybe some of the content I come across is a little beneficial to me!

…and if they aren’t, at least they’re some flipping amazing content creators!

5. Include Japanese cultural traditions & concepts into your day

relaxing places tokyo — Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Tea ceremony

For a few minutes, each day, allow yourself to be fully present in the moment. You deserve it.

Instead of throwing the teabag and milk into the cup whilst thinking about everything you have to do for the day, keep your mind focused on the task in hand.

The sounds the kettle makes as it boils, the weight of the dry tea, the colour, and smell of the tea as it brews, and the sound of the spoon against the cup if you use milk.

By just giving yourself a couple of minutes each day to step away from the constant thoughts in your head, you’ll understand how much more focused and productive you can be throughout the day.

This is a great way to experience probably the most important aspect of Japanese culture at home.

Wabi-sabi

To me, the practical use of Wabi-Sabi is all about embracing imperfection.

Learn to appreciate the impermanence and imperfect things about life, and you’ll find life becomes a lot more humbling.

Ikigai

Mash together your passion, mission, profession, and vocation, and you’ve got your reason for being, Ikigai.

Actually finding it might be a little more difficult, however.

Kaizen

Activities and lifestyle changes that provoke continuous improvement like discipline, improving morale, being productive, and moving forward.

This started as a way to improve workplaces and employees but has quickly become a hit solution for self-improvement over in the west.

Mindfulness and meditation

Enjoyed focusing on making your cup of tea?

Now it’s time to take that idea and spread it to the rest of your day.

The feeling of the hot shower upon your skin, the sound of the cars on the road, the smell of the freshly cut grass, these are all things to become present with.

Whether the sound, sight, or smell provokes a positive or negative reaction, don’t judge it.

Understand that it’s your reaction, and move on.

I like to think of myself a crane perched in a river. The river and everything it carries moves around me, and unfortunately, I cannot stop it.

Instead of flailing about, I ground myself in the situation and only move to grab the fish when I need to.

The same is true about life, we can’t control many things that happen to us, but we can always control our reaction.

Mindfulness and meditation is a great way to explore this further, and eventually lead a more content life.

Advanced tip:

‘Zazen’ or Japanese zen meditation is the next step you can take after practising mindfulness.

It involves practising many of the same techniques as mindfulness, but sitting in silence instead of going about your day.

This is of course a lot more challenging than mindfulness, but the results can also be extensive.

Minimalism

You may have heard the phrase ‘Tidy home, tidy mind’ or something similar. It simply means that if your surroundings are clean and tidy, your mind is likely to be a lot more settled and focused.

Now imagine the effects of getting rid of things you don’t need, and becoming happier with a simple life, at least in a possessions sense.

Whilst it won’t work for all, those it does work for swear by it.

Take a look at my Japanese minimalism guide here.

Interested in learning more?

Here is a list of 7 Japanese life concepts to help you through the day. I hope they help! ^_^

6. Splurge at an online Japanese store

One of the best things about Japan for me was being surrounded by thousands of Japanese things every day.

It sounds completely obvious, which it is, but I really love it.

That becomes a little harder when you’re stuck at home with absolutely nothing.

So, how do we rectify this? A little retail therapy!

It’s beyond easy to order things from Japan now, not like it used to be.

You’ve got sooo many options that you’ll likely be spoilt for choice, which normally ends up bad for your wallet…

Take a look here for a list of the best online Japanese stores, and here for the entire section of the website dedicated to things that are made in Japan.

You don’t have to go too mad, but one or two things that you see every day in your house might give you the pickup you need. At least, that’s how it works for me!

It could even be as simple as some Japanese tea, or a book, or a little anime figurine you place on your desk as you work.

I know this is one way that gets me excited about the next trip to Japan, so I’ll continue to fool myself that spending hundreds on Japanese-based products is a good idea!

7. Take a virtual tour

japanese walk in cherry blossom — What I would give to be here right now!

Virtual tours, for some people, will be the single best way to experience Japan from home.

You name it, and there’s likely a virtual tour of your favourite place in Japan or the place you just didn’t quite get the time to visit last time you were there.

JRPass have an entire list of virtual tours you can undertake online, so I’ll leave the bulk of their list untouched with the exception of one.

Cute Capybara having an onsen! ^_^ So cute!

8. Stream Japanese series & Films

Japan movie poster — Vintage Japanese movie posters, anyone?

Another great way to feel as though you’re experiencing Japan at home is by streaming Japanese video content.

Movies, series, anime, if it’s Japanese, you should stream it!

Dubbed vs Subbed

A lot of the time, when people begin watching programs from Japan, they find themselves wondering whether to watch it with either subtitles or with the voice dubbed over.

I categorically sit on the subtitle side for two reasons.

The first, is this is how the director truly wanted the film to be viewed, and so to get the most authentic experience you should watch it with subtitles.

The other reason is that when something is dubbed, it will often get slightly changed to be more recognisable to a western audience.

So whilst the subtitles might be confusing in one or two points, they’ll be an almost direct translation, whereas dubbed videos will attempt to adapt to English speakers.

Hint, that never goes too well.

Also, if you’re watching anime or a film on Netflix, you may find you’re limited only to content from your country.

A simple way around that is to use a VPN, which will basically trick the platform into thinking you’re watching from another country (among other things).

I’ve never needed to use one, but I hear that NordVPN and ExpressVPN are the market leaders, so those are what I would check out.

9. Create a Japanese garden

Japanese zen garden — My kind of garden!

The Japanese as a people are incredibly connected to nature.

Forest bathing, Bonsai trees, moss gardens, shintoism, the list is huge.

The idea of a Japanese garden is to bring a sense of calm and nature into our busy lives. This is normally achieved through purposeful planting, understanding how you want the garden to feel before you start, using wood, water, stone, and plants to tell a story.

So if you’ve got any kind of outside space, or perhaps even a windowsill, creating a Japanese Zen garden is a fantastic way to experience the serenity of Japan without leaving your home.

Then every day, you can look at your garden or dedicated space and have it as a brief moment of escape.

10. Plan for when you will go

View of Mount Fuji through window — Potentially the best train window view in the world!

Even though it may seem close to impossible to think you can have a holiday to Japan with your current lifestyle or circumstances, it’s not.

Don’t think you have enough time to visit? I’d argue that two weeks is more than enough time to see some sites in Japan. And even one week if you’re feeling really brave!

Think it costs too much to fly out? I’ve seen budget flights to Haneda and Narita airpot (in Tokyo) for as little as $500 return. That’s from the UK as well as the US.

Think it costs too much once you’re there? If you are happy with not eating out every night and cooking a few times for yourself, you’ll be fine. I love tofu, and for the equivalent amount I can get for £3 in the UK, costs around 20p in Japan. That’s silly cheap!

Here’s a list of well prices airbnb’s you may consider travelling to instead of hotels!

Bonus: Attend a local Japanese event Bonus of going to events in your town/country

Technically, you won’t be able to do this one from the comfort of your home, but it’s still a great way to experience Japan without actually travelling there.

Here in the UK, all I have to do is type in ‘Japan events near me’ to google and there are more than enough places to keep me busy.

Language classes, cooking classes, national events, film/anime nights, Japanese gardens, Japanese museums. The list is practically endless.

Another benefit of attending local Japanese events is that you’ll probably meet people who are just a passionate about Japan as you are, if not more!

Conclusion

Whilst nothing, of course, can replace the act of visiting Japan, these 10 ideas might just tide you over until you can finally set foot on that plane again!

じゃまたね！＾＿＾

Culture

The Strange Truth About Japanese Washing Machines

In our house we’ve recently switched from a 40ºC to a 30ºC wash. It’s cheaper, and better for the environment whilst still washing our clothes well.

But what about Japan?

Almost without exception, Japanese washing machines only use cold water to clean clothing. This is due to no heating element inside the machine, and an attempt to save energy, money, and the clothing itself.

Before we get into why Japanese washing machines only use cold water to wash clothes, let’s learn some vocabulary:

English Word	Romaji	Kana	Kanji
Wash	arai	あらい	洗い
Soak	tsukeoki	つけおき	つけおき
Rinse	susugi	すすぎ	すすぎ
Automatic	omakase	おまけせ	おまかせ
Power	dengen	でんげん	電源
Stop	ichijiteishi	いちじていし	一時停止
Start	suta-to	スタート	スタート
Timer	yoyaku	よやく	予約
Cycle	koutei	こうてい	行程
Dry	dassui	だっすい	脱水

Washing Machine Keyword Table – Japanese

So why do washing machines in Japan only use cold water?

using a japanese washing machine — By bob walker – my first use of a Japanese washing machine, CC BY-SA 2.0

Upon hearing that Japanese washing machines don’t use hot water to clean clothes, you might be a little shocked.

However, if almost an entire country that’s technologically advanced and full of clever minded people are still doing it to this day, there’s got to be a reason.

I mean, they have tiny cars, indestructible backpacks, and still use outdated technology, so is it really a stretch to understand why they use cold water? It certainly isn’t!

1. Procedure

Japan is a country that enjoys the journey as well as the destination. Both in a metaphorical and physical sense.

One of the best examples of this is the tea ceremony, which I’ve had the privilege to experience a number of times.

From the simple art of preparing a cup of お茶 (Green tea), to the delicate creation of a cup of matcha, the drinking is only half experience.

Whilst preparing clothes for the washing machine is perhaps not as glamorous as any of this, the point still stands.

Before anything is placed in the washing machine, stains are taken care of first and given individual attention.

Only then are they placed into the washing machine for the cold water to deal with.

This ensures the garments come out looking and feeling clean, rather than smelling nice but still being stained

These life skills are something taught to school children from an early age in Japan, so much of the population will be aware of how to remove stains from clothing, since their washing machines probably won’t do it by themselves.

2. Saves Electricity

Heating up the water for the washing machines requires a lot of energy. It’s for this reason that even turning your machine down 10ºC can make a big difference to your monthly electricity bill.

By not including a heating element, most of the washing machines in Japan won’t contribute to a monthly electricity cost anything like what you or I may see.

Of course, the barrel still has to rotate, and if it’s a washer/dryer then it will heat up for that, but on the whole it ends up saving a huge amount of money each month.

3. Saves Clothing

Hot water may be fantastic for killing germs and cleaning most stains, but it’s certainly not favoured by your clothing.

Depending on it’s material and which colors are used, hot water can’t only cause those colors to run, but in some cases cause the clothing to shrink and ultimately damage a garments structure.

Though if you’ve bought minimal Japanese clothing, you’ll probably be fine as they’re extremely hardy and don’t really have any colours to worry about running.

Do they clean the clothes properly?

laundromat in Japan — By Hajime NAKANO from Tokyo, Japan – 熊本地震南阿蘇・益城町で災害ボランティア（援人）, CC BY 2.0

I’m sure that different people will have different views on what ‘properly’ is.

For some people, the thought of cleaning stains off the clothing before putting it in the machine will already qualify it as a loss.

As for the germs, I’ve always been taught that only hot water can properly get rid of them, so it’s a little more tricky.

Perhaps the cleaning detergent does everything that’s needed in this department, in which case the answer would be yes.

Unfortunately I can’t give you a proper answer to the question as I have no way of gathering fair results at home.

Though, as far as I’m concerned, if it’s good enough for an entire country then it’s more than good enough for me.

I’ve had my clothes cleaned in a standard household Japanese washing machine many times, and I’ve always felt thoroughly satisfied when they come out of the machine. That’s just my experience, but it’s enough to solidify my opinion on the matter.

Is it really as eco friendly as people think?

Japan washing machine advert — Vintage denso washing machine advert

As Japanese washing machines don’t use more energy to heat up the water, they are categorically more environmentally friendly.

But are there any circumstances that would make these machines less eco friendly?

1. Washed more than once

Improper preparation before using a Japanese washing machine may mean you try to wash the clothes more than once.

This obviously uses more water and electricity to power the machine and ultimately makes the original energy saved almost negligible.

2. Aggressive laundry products

Without the help of hot water, I would imagine the detergents may have to be stronger in some ways.

This has the potential to be an irritant to the skin, and even worse, harsh on the environment.

That said, I know that popular laundry detergent ‘Ecover’ have released their products in Japan so there’s at least some alternatives that may be better for the planet.

Can I buy Japanese washing machines online?

You absolutely can, and it’s probably easier than you think.

Unlike a lot of products in Japan, you can easily buy Japanese washing machines in almost any country around the world.

In fact, it wouldn’t surprise me if you already have one.

Hitachi is the most popular brand of washing machine in Japan, followed by Panasonic, Sharp, and Toshiba.

So, technically if you have one of these washing machines in your house, you’ve got a Japanese machine!

Top loaders are the most popular models in Japan, and a little less common in the west, though they’re definitely gaining popularity.

If you search around a bit on the above companies websites, you’ll certainly find one if that’s what you’re looking for.

Importing a Japanese washing machine with Kanji and Kana written over it, directly from Japan, is another matter altogether.

Send me an email and I’ll help you out if that’s something you want, but I won’t write about it here because I don’t think too many of you would be interested!

Closing thoughts

It’s rare, but there are still some (honestly I doubt you’ll ever come across them) hot water washing machines in Japan. Especially ones with ‘Luke warm’ settings, but if you’re ever over in Japan, don’t be shocked when you find out the vast majority of machines won’t give you the option to wash your clothes in hot water.

じゃまたね！＾＿＾

japanese school girl randoseru — By Nesnad - Own work, CC BY 4.0

Culture/Questions

What Are Those Japanese Backpacks Called?

I don’t know about you, but I have way too many backpacks. One for weekend getaways, one for hiking and adventuring, one specifically for photography…

The list goes on…

It was a little strange then, when I travelled to Japan and saw the majority of children wearing a single type of backpack.

Long story short, these Japanese backpacks are called ‘Randoseru’ (ランドセル) and are usually given to students in their first year of school and kept normally up to 6th Grade. They’re solidly built, able to carry papers, books, laptops, and food, without damaging anything. This makes them a very popular choice for younger and older school students alike.

Of course, as always, there are a few more questions I want to answer about these Japanese backpacks before I put the subject to rest.

So let’s get started!

What are Randoseru backpacks?

randoseru at school — These classrooms look far cooler than mine was…

Quick vocab lesson: Backpack – バックパック(bakku pakku)

Randoseru, or ランドセル in katakana, are popular backpacks in Japan, most often used by young school students.

They are commonly made from either leather, or a similar alternative, which ensures a robust design.

Perfect for adventurous children!

According to nttcom.jp the bags will usually be red for girls, or black for boys. Though this is always specific to the school at which they attend.

As of recent, there’s been a slight relax in the rules (in general), which allows many of the companies to produce a variety of colours. Of course this is still dependant on whether the school allows different colours, but if they do it’s a good way for students to express themselves whilst still adhering to tradition.

The history of the Randoseru backpack

The history of the Randoseru backpack is more than worth discussing as it sheds light on the few reasons why they’re cultural icons of Japan.

Around 1836, just before the start of the Meiji restoration which saw Japan adopt many western institutions, was also the first time the Randoseru were used.

Political, economical, and social reforms were all happening synonymously, but so was a military change.

A hard wearing and multi-use backpack called a ‘Ransel’ was introduced from the Netherlands and subsequently adopted by the Japanese army for their foot soldiers.

Fast forward to 1885, and the Japanese government promoted the idea of randoseru for new school students.

Though, for the next two years the bag still looked more like a normal backpack than it did the randoseru we know today.

In 1887, after the crown prince was given a randoseru once he enrolled at Gakushūin, the shape of the backpack was changed to look more like the Ransel to honour fallen soldiers.

A formal portrait of Emperor Taishō, Crown prince at the time he enrolled at Gakushūin

It’s popularity as schoolwear quickly increased, and later even as fashionwear for both students and non-students.

Why do Japanese kids use Randoseru ?

One of the main reasons children in Japan use randoseru as opposed to ‘normal’ backpacks is utility.

Japanese school children often have many text books, bento boxes, umbrellas, and school supplies to carry from a soon as first grade. So the bag they carry has to be able to cope with it.

The average size randoseru weighs around 1.2 kilograms when it’s empty, and obviously a lot more when all these supplies are in the bag.

But that weight comes with a bonus of strength and stability. Key for coping with the daily life of a school student.

Why are Randoseru backpacks expensive?

By Kanko* from Nagasaki, JAPAN – Flickr CC BY 2.0

So you might be wondering after all you’ve read, just how expensive are Japanese randoseru backpacks?

Well, I would say the absolute minimum you could look to pay for a randoseru would be around ¥20,000 ($170) but they could easily go up beyond $1000 depending on where you’re shopping.

I found the one for ¥20,000 on Nitori.net, a relatively cheap, but very good online Japanese store.

Utility & Comfort

As we’ve just gone over, the randoseru backpack is fit for purpose. You’ll be hard pressed to find any other rucksack that can carry all those supplies and still fit comfortably onto a child’s back without hurting.

Just like the many camera bags I own, when something is built for a purpose, it generally commands a premium price tag.

Durability & Construction

As I’ve said before, Randoseru are intended to survive throughout a childs school years.

That’s six years of abuse, so it’s vital they’re high enough quality to survive!

This ensures the children can be carefree and worry more about how to climb the tallest tree in the village rather than the state of the books inside their bag.

…Or whatever kids get up to nowadays, I have no idea!

To help prolong their life, the randoseru are made from leather (or equivalent hardy material), and great care is taken in their construction.

Add this on to the significance of the product, the fact that every child in Japan pretty much needs one for when they start school, and you start to understand why they’re so much.

Yes, it’s still a lot of money, but you’ve also got the possibility to pass the bag down to multiple siblings or family members. So when you look at the cost spread out over a few years, maybe it’s not so bad.

Randoseru’s popularity in the west

western randoseru — I dig this style, a lot!

Just like many old or vintage products, someone, somewhere, has (or will) try to reinvent it.

In this case, randoseru have been reinvented into high end fashion backpacks.

Most of them seem to be aiming at the luxury market, or at least targeting luxury product buyers in the west.

I’m yet to see them being widely adopted anywhere in Europe, but perhaps my bank account balance and sense of style doesn’t allow me to run in the circles that wear them… Who knows!

Who should wear a Randoseru?

As you’re about to find out, randoseru backpacks aren’t just available to Japanese school children.

So why would should you consider buying one?

Well, for many of the same reasons they’re so widely adopted in Japan.

Size

The average size of a Randoseru backpack should measure around 30cm high, 23cm wide, and 18cm deep. That’s plenty of room for even the busiest of uni, school, or work days.

Durability

These things can seriously take a beating, all while keeping their inner contents completely intact.

So, if your job or lifestyle requires you to transport things from A-B without damaging, these backpacks deserve some serious consideration.

Personally I like the idea of using them as picnic bags. You could store so much food in them and never have to worry about anything getting crushed.

Perfect for はなみ！

Style

The final reason you may consider buying and wearing a randoseru backpack is purely for fashion.

You know I love my minimal Japanese clothing, and these rucksacks wouldn’t look out of place in a minimalist wardrobe.

The moral of the story is there are hundreds of styles, both traditional and modern, so you’re bound to find something to suit your tastes.

Can a randoseru fit a laptop?

This depends on what type of bag you get. Some of the older versions won’t have a dedicated laptop compartment (but may still be able to fit one in), but a few of the new ‘Fashion’ style randoseru have got dedicated compartments to fit them.

One such bag is from Hako One, we’ll talk more about them in a minute!

Where can I buy Japanese school bags in Tokyo?

Screenshot of randoseru shops in Tokyo – Spoilt for choice!

Almost any department store in Tokyo, like Isaten, will stock randoseru and they’ll probably be the most affordable place to purchase one other than finding them second hand.

…Until Daiso bring out their own range! …Yeah, never going to happen…

If you’re looking for something a little more upmarket, you’ll find many boutique and independent stores dotted around the city.

Randoseru Sudo – Katsushika City

T suchiya Randoseru – Adachi City

Fit her school bag – Chuo City

Where can I buy Japanese school bags online?

I’ll give you three places to buy Japanese randoseru online, and then you can chose the one that suites your situation the best.

Tokyo Bags

Vegan, modern, and extremely fashionable Japanese randoseru to fit any style and any occasion.

You have the option to chose between ‘Classic Black’ and ‘Dark Brown’ which in my opinion are both equally as good looking. And they’ll ‘only’ set you back $328, not bad at all!

Well, for randoseru, anyway!

Tsuchiya Kaban

A wide selection of backpacks, but definitely more traditional than the other two websites. So it’s a great place to shop if you want to stick to the original design.

The price is a little on the high side, even getting up to over $900 for the premium bags.

I want a randoseru, but even that is a little much for me 🙁

Amazon

I can’t not include amazon in the list, even though I kind of don’t want to. It seems like it keeps popping up recently!

Anyway, you can buy them off amazon, pretty cheaply but probably with varying quality. Not the place to go if you want to buy a bag to last 6 years, but maybe the place to go if you want the style for as cheap as possible.

Conclusion

So that was a quick introduction of Japanese randoseru backpacks.

Extremely versatile, practically indestructible, and very fashionable (if you ask me!!)

Music

9 Japanese Music Artists You Should Listen To

A few months ago I wrote an article titled J-Pop vs K-Pop.

In hindsight, I should have realised it would have been… controversial, shall we say.

After receiving some cough*interesting*cough comments stating I was too hard on J-Pop, I thought it best to do an entire post dedicated to my favourite Japanese music artists.

Because I don’t hate Japanese music, on the contrary, I love it!

Who is the most popular music artist in Japan?

Trying to figure out Japan’s biggest pop start is a little difficult, but I’ll do my best!

According to the Oricon Charts (Top music charts in Japan), B’z are the biggest band in Japan by number of albums sold at 46.5Million.

However, AKB48, a band you’re likely more familiar with, are the best-selling artists by number of singles sold at 50.8Million.

Totalling both numbers of albums and singles together, B’z are technically the most popular and biggest pop-star in Japan right now.

So here is a list of Japanese music artists you should add to your playlist!

1. Yuuri

Nicknamed the ‘King of Shibuya’, it’s not hard to see why Yuuri is an outstanding singer and incredibly popular Japanese music artist.

I dare you to listen to the video above and say his voice is bad, even if you don’t like the style.

I only found Yuuri a few weeks ago, but I’ve had him on repeat practically 24/7 since.

He used to be a member of ‘The Bugzy’, but ultimately went his own way when they split up in 2019.

Since then he has been creating his own music in classic singer-songwriter style.

Like a Japanese version of Ed Sheeran, …only better. (IN MY OPINION!) Be kind…

If you’re a fan of the song above, I urge you to check out the song Dried Flower. It’s a pretty emotional song, and I can’t even understand half of it!

Listen Now!

2. ONE OK ROCK

One Ok Rock (Which I’ve only just found out is pronounced ‘One O’Clock’) were my first Japanese music artist (well, band I suppose) love.

As you can imagine from their name, the vast majority of their songs are rock based. It’s a nice throw back to when rock was far more popular than it is now, so it’s nice to see this kind of music still doing so well.

With an absolutely huge following, it’s no surprise that the group have collaborated with many other famous artists including: Avril Lavigne, Ed Sheehan, and Simple Plan, to name only a few.

In fact, Ed Sheeran even wrote their song ‘Renegades‘, and with over 11 million views, it’s clearly a fan favourite.

AND it featured as the official theme song for the upcoming Japanese film ‘Rurouni Kenshin’. If you like sword fights, you’ll likely love it!

Listen Now!

3. King Gnu

Annoyingly I can’t link to may favourite song, but this will do nicely!

King Gnu is a Japanese alternative rock band/J-Pop band formed in 2013.

They produce highly stylised videos (like this one, it’s my fave!), and have an extremely loyal fan base.

Is King Gnu popular in Japan?

2020 was the year the band scored their first number one with the song ‘Ceremony’.

As you can see, the popularity spiked in 2020 with the number one hit and then tailed off. Around mid 2021 until the present day has seen a steady increase in their popularity, at least from inside Japan.

Listen now!

4. Yoshida Brothers

If you haven’t heard of the Yoshida Brothers, do you even like Japan?!

With 8 internationally selling albums, you can start to understand just how popular this duo is. And from the last article I wrote about J-Pop vs K-Pop, we already know how hard it is for Japanese artists to break the international market.

Since 1989 they’ve played and perfected the Tsugaru-jamisen style of the shamisen, a sound that to this day they’re famous for.

You’ll notice, whilst listening to the song above, that it sounds far more westernised than a lot of ‘traditional’ Japanese music. That blend of east and west, modern and traditional, is what sets them apart from anyone else in the Shamisen scene.

How old are the Yoshida brothers?

As of 2022, Ryōichiro Yoshida is 44 years old, and his brother Kenichi Yoshida is 42.

Interesting facts about the Yoshida brothers

They allowed Norm Nakamura, a western YouTube I’ve talked about here, to study under them and learn from them. This led to Norm becoming probably the most famous non Japanese shamisen player in the world.

Listen Now!

5. RADWIMPS

Radwimps are the extremely talented Japanese musicians that did the music to Your Name./Kimi no Na wa, the popular anime film.

If you haven’t seen it yet, and you’ve enjoyed any of the studio Ghibli films, then put it on your priority list because it’s well worth the watch!

According to an interview done on the Forbes website, the name radwimps was chosen because ‘Rad’ means cool, and Wimp is like ‘Coward’. So the decision was made to put these two polar opposite words together.

Is RADWIMPS popular in Japan?

Even before scoring the music to ‘Kimi no Na wa’ RADWIMPS was a very popular Japanese band, but after the movie aired, their popularity increased exponentially.

The entire process took over a year and a half to create the entire soundtrack, but in the end both the anime and the music clearly compliment one another very well.

Listen Now!

6. Mrs. Green Apple

Mrs. Green Apple debut in 2015 with EMI Records, and are perhaps most well known for their ending theme to Yu-Gi-Oh! Arc-V.

That, and their incredibly catchy J-Pop, alternative rock style.

The Oricon Singles chat, Japan’s music popularity chart ranked Mrs Green Apple 10th for the album ‘Twelve’. So although perhaps not as well known as some artists on this list, they’re still extremely popular.

After a few members left the band, it was announced that Motoki, the bands lead singer, would go on to pursue a solo career.

It’s always sad when a band you love splits up, but Motoki has already released his first single on YouTube, and it’s a banger!!

Phase two, as it’s been called, will commence in the spring of 2022 with different members but hopefully the same styling and incredible song creation we’ve come to love over the last few years.

Listen now!

7. 川崎鷹也-サクラウサギ

At only 26 years old, Takaya Kawasaki has already achieved far more than most.

The most well known of all his songs would be ‘Magic Rug’. It has well over 300 million views and has been used in tens of thousands of other videos. On YouTube it has been played millions of times and won first place on Spotify’s ‘Viral Top 50’ for 14 weeks.

His musical vibes are similar to that of Yuuri, which means heartfelt and well written songs, often on acoustic guitar, and always well filmed.

If you’re looking to go down an emotional Japanese music rabbit hole on YouTube, then Takaya is a fantastic place to start.

Listen Now!

8. Hatsune Miku

Right, I’m not saying I actually enjoy Hatsune Miku, but I could hardly make a list of the best Japanese music artists to listen to without including this worldwide phenomenon.

So apparently, the concept behind Hatsune Miku was an ‘Android diva in a future world where all songs are lost’.

So what is Hatsune Miku?

Originally voiced by Saki Fujita (A famous Japanese voice actor), Hatsune Miku is a piece of Vocaloid software created by Crypton Future Media.

Vocaloids are a synthesiser type product that allows users to type in lyrics, add a melody and theoretically create their own piece of music.

As such, there aren’t any official songs. What there is, is over 170,000 community made songs.

It’s these songs that get played on the official YouTube channel and even at concerts.

What I don’t know is if I like the songs created by Miku, it certainly would be my regular listening anyway.

What I do know his the the people at Crypton Future Media are extremely intelligent for marketing a piece of musical software in the way they did.

That alone is enough of a reason for her to be on the list!

Listen Now!

9. Namewee (Bonus)

He’s not Japanese but I couldn’t create this list without including the ‘Tokyo Bon’ song.

I’ll let it do the talking for me, Enjoy!

Listen Now!

じゃあ、またね! ^_^

Made In Japan/Brands

6 Japanese Sports Brands You Should Buy From.

I don’t consider myself a sports fanatic. Well, except for skiing anyway… I could happily buy all of these Japanese ski brands and ski daily. Ah, the dream!

Anyway, before I wrote this article, I honestly couldn’t name even one Japanese sports brand. I have, however, heard of a fair few of them but have not realized their connection to Japan.

What makes Japanese sports brands special?

One thing all these companies have in common is continuous innovation. They’ve realised that they must keep adapting to stay at the top of the pack. And though the majority of this innovation may have happened in the 80s, many of the companies continue to push the boundaries of their respective fields.

1. Asics

Founded: 1949

Website: www.asics.com

Known For: Running Shoes

I would argue that if you haven’t heard of Asics, you’ve been living under a rock for most of your life.

As far as I’m concerned, it’s the most well known brand out of any of them on this list.

Asics is a Japanese sports brand that produces a huge range of sports equipment, most notably running shoes.

The name ‘Asics’ translates to ‘Sound mind in sounds body’, so it’s clear that health is always at forefront of their creation.

Created by Kihachiro Onitsuka in 1949, Asics actually began life as Onitsuka Co., Ltd creating basketball shoes. Whilst the company does still sell these shoes, the market for running trainers is a far more profitable path for the company to go down.

I can’t say how recent it was, but the Asics website now has an entire section devoted to sustainability.

I’m sure you know that some companies probably just jump on the band wagon of ‘Eco’ or ‘Sustainable’ because it’s the trendy thing to do, but Asics have some real numbers to back it up.

95% of the shoes it made in 2021 contained recycled materials and also donated over half a million dollars to communities.

Sure, it doesn’t mean the entire product is made from recycled materials or life changing sums of money are being donated, but it’s a fantastic step in the right direction for the healthy and positive future everyone wants to see.

A great reason to buy from Asics!

2. Mizuno

Founded: 1906

Website: www.mizuno.com

Known For: Running Shoes

Founded in 1906 in Osaka, Mizuno, then known as the Mizuno Brothers Commercial Firm, began life selling Japanese baseballs and western sundries.

A favoured saying on its creator ‘Rihachi Mizuno’ was “The best products for consumers” and looking at where the company is today it’s easy to see this is a motto the company have stuck to for decades.

Rihachi also stated that ‘By focusing on production, superior products can be made’. This is again something the company still adheres to over 100 Years in the future which enables them to continue producing high quality and desirable products.

1938 marks a particular date of importance for the company, the establishment of a scientific laboratory. This was done to once again aid production and also cemented Mizuno’s place at the forefront of scientific innovation for sports equipment.

You don’t need to look too far into the companies history to understand just how revolutionary they were for sports.

In 1990 they produced the worlds first ever pure titanium golf club, the Ti-110 and Ti-120, and in 1994 released a heat generating material called ‘Breath Thermo’.

Fast forward to the present day, and Mizuno continue to operate at the same level.

Their product line favours sporting shoes, presumably in an attempt to appeal to the widest demographic of people, but the range of sports they release products for is still very broad.

They include Ju-Jitsu, tennis, rugby, and Karate among others.

So chances are, if you’re looking to purchase sporting equipment or clothing, they’ll have you covered.

3. Shimano

Founded: 1921

Website: www.shimano.com

Known For: Cycling and fishing gear

If you’ve ever ridden a bike, you’ve heard of Shimano.

This Japanese sports company began life as ‘Shimano Iron Works’, based out of Higashi Minato, Sakai City. According to the Shimano website, rent at that time was 5 Yen.

1 Yen in 1920’s Japan was worth roughly 50cents, making rent at that time about $2.50. Calculating inflation for just under 100 years, Shimano Iron Works paid roughly $35 a month.

One year later, Shozaburo Shimano, the creator of Shimano began producing bicycle freewheels, an extremely technical component.

Over the next few decades, the company continues to innovate and in 1970 launches a fishing tackle branch as a way to promote public health and encourage outdoor activity.

Something the Japanese know all too well!

Shimano expanded it’s brand into America to crack the Western market, and continues to be a globally recognised company to their very day.

Part of their mission statement reads: ‘We will continue to support people to realise their dreams to create new lifestyles to bring them closer to nature and share the joy of life with each other’. It’s clear to see the company cares about connecting people with the outdoors and with nature as well as creating technically challenging products.

It seems in more recent years they have pushed the cycling components and gear far more than the fishing which I imagine is due to the larger demographic.

4. Yonex

Founded: 1946

Website: www.yonex.com

Known For: Badminton, Tennis, and Golf Equipment

Yonex is a Japanese sports brand that is widely known for its high quality Badminton equipment.

This wasn’t the companies first products, however.

It might surprise you to know that in 1946, the year Minoru Yoneyama founded Yonex, he began producing wooden corks for sake bottles and also floats for salmon fishing.

It wasn’t until another 11 years went by that the production of Badminton racquets started. By focusing on this western sport, the revenue of Yonex began to grow exponentially.

According to the history page on Yonex.co.jp, another reason Minoru decided to focus on producing Badminton racquets was because he grew up in a cold part of Japan and wanted to start making products where people could play the sport indoors.

Though Badminton is the sport that brought Yonex global recognition, they also have very successful tennis, golf, running, and even snowboarding product lines.

I’m unsure if Yonex would be the first place I’d check for a new snowboard, but with it’s innovative product creating history, it’s certainly not something to be written off entirely.

5. Descente

Founded: 1935

Website: www.descente.co.jp

Known For: High Tech sports equipment

From a company that dipped its feet in the world of skiing, to one that practically invented it.

Descente started its sportswear production with cream-colored baseball Uniforms in 1953 and capitalised on the Post-War Baseball boom as a result.

Following this success, Descente broke into the skiwear market shortly after in 1954, potentially changing it’s landscape forever.

After partnering with Japan’s first professional skier, Kazuyoshi Nishimura, Descente firmly established it’s roots as a ski brand.

Fast forward 3 years to 1957 and the announcement of the ‘RWSB Jacket’. It was a portable windbreaker that could be self contained in a pouch, and was also Descente’s first self developed and made product.

The rest is history.

From self heating Jackets to clothing for Japan’s first ascent of Everest, Descente certainly knows how to keep people warm and dry from the snow.

And we all know how much Japan can snow!

‘Design that moves’

On first visit to the Descente website, I get the feeling they’re trying to appeal to a younger generation. Potentially an entire different audience than some of the other Japanese sports brands on this list.

They sell a lifestyle before they sell the product, and that’s the kind of marketing a lot of people can get behind.

6. Butterfly

Founded: 1950

Website: www.butterfly.co.jp

Known For: Table Tennis Equipment

Last but definitely not least on this list of Japanese sporting brands is ‘Butterfly’.

Known almost entirely for it’s production of table tennis equipment, ‘Butterfly’ specialises in creating a wide variety of table tennis equipment to suite an individuals playing style. This individuality helped them stand out from the competition in the early days, and continues token them as one of the worlds leading sports equipment manufacturers.

Once again, like many companies on this list, the secret to Butterfly’s success is through innovation. The greatest success of the company in it’s early days was in 1967 with the introduction of SRIVER, an extremely popular rubber (The skin on a table tennis bat’s face).

According to it’s about page, table tennis is a sport in decline but through, contribution to the sport, continued innovation, and forward thinking, Butterfly aims to stop this downward trend.

Entertainment/Creative

14 YouTubers In Japan You Should Be Watching

It’s time to celebrate another load of creators in the Japan space, something I absolutely love doing!

If you can’t get to Japan, what’s the next best thing?

Watching countless hours of Japanese content, of course!

In todays list, we discuss the 14 most binge-worthy YouTube channels based in Japan.

By the way, a couple of these are almost secrets I like to keep for myself. I’m not sure that’s possible with YouTube, but I like to think it’s a little corner of the platform that only a select few know about!

1. Abroad In Japan

Videos: 227 (As of February 2022)

Subscribers: 2.56M (As of February 2022)

Started: 2012

Who should watch it: People crazy for Japanese culture… Or British humour!

Chris Broad, the man behind ‘Abroad In Japan’ has to be one of my all-time favourite YouTubers.

His humor is perfectly British, often sarcastic, and always hilarious. Plus nowadays I’m fairly sure that some of his videos have a bigger budget than J-Dramas do!

What started out as just a way to document his experience on the J.E.T program has now become one of the top (top, in my opinion) Youtube channels in Japan.

If you’re planning on visiting Japan, the chances are high that you’ll come across one of his videos before your trip. And to be honest, even though his channel is necessarily a travel guide to Japan, a lot of the content is extremely informative and a very easy route to understanding Japan and its culture.

Hell, even if you aren’t planning to go to Japan I challenge you to watch one of his videos and not laugh… I’m honestly unsure if it can be done, but maybe I’m just a sucker for British humor…

Best Japanese YouTube channels — Screenshot of Abroad In Japan Youtube Channel

As you can see, a lot of the videos above are easy to watch and will likely appeal to a wide demographic of people.

If you’re looking for something a little more in-depth, Chris has produced a handful of extremely informative and well thought out documentaries about various issues and topics throughout Japan.

A personal favorite of mine is ‘Inside Fukushima: What Happened After the Nuclear Disaster’. Sadly I don’t think it did as well as Chris had hoped (at least in the beginning), but take it from me, it’s absolutely worth a watch.

Oh and if you prefer listening to watching, try the Abroad In Japan podcast. Just as funny, and perhaps more convenient for some people!

Watch Now!

2. CDawgVA

Videos: 377 (As of February 2022)

Subscribers: 2.61M (As of February 2022)

Started: 2014

Who should watch it: People who love to binge wacky Japan content (ME!)

CDawgVA, or Connor, started his Japanese YouTube Channel career in 2014 and quickly gained popularity for his voice-over videos.

Since then, the majority of his content explores the weird, wacky, and wonderful side of Japan. Basically, the side that keeps you guys interested in this blog, and keeps me extremely interested in writing about it!

In fact, as I write this blog post I’ve already procrastinated for about 40 minutes whilst watching a video of his about spending $1000 on at the worlds largest crane game facility…

I have a feeling this might be a recurring theme with this article…

Connor is also a part of a weekly podcast called Trash Taste with ‘Gigguk’ and ‘The Anime Man’, the latter of which we’ll be seeing later on this list!

Watch Now!

3. Sharmeleon

Videos: 541 (As of February 2022)

Subscribers: 705K (As of February 2022)

Started: 2011

Who should watch it: People interested in everyday life in Japan.

Born and raised in Canada but living in Sendai (North Japan), Sharla documents her daily life in Japan with classic vlog-style videos.

That’s not to say her channel doesn’t show the weird or ‘unique’ parts of Japan too, but it’s more about living in Japan as a country rather than a cultural oddity that some influencers like to take advantage of.

It’s a very refreshing view of a country that is ‘exploited’ for its ‘wacky’ side so frequently.

Sharla also owns another Japanese YouTube channel called ‘Sharla In Japan’ which is reserved almost entirely for streamed content.

It’s a great place to get to know her and maybe even have the chance to ask her a few questions about life in Japan!

Watch Now!

4. That Japanese Man Yuta

Videos: 450 (As of February 2022)

Subscribers: 1.16M (As of February 2022)

Started: 2014

Who should watch it: Those looking for an insight to the Japanese mind.

Yuta from ‘That Japanese Man Yuta’ claims to be one of the very first English-speaking Japanese YouTubers.

That makes sense to me, because he was the first English-speaking Japanese YouTuber I ever watched and I’ve seen a LOT of Japanese YouTube content!

Yuta’s most popular and well known videos seem to be his cultural videos, but the channel also discusses the Japanese language, Anime, and more recently Japanese pop culture.

The videos you’re most likely to have come across involve Yuta asking people on the street different cultural questions about Japan.

For example, ‘Do foreigners in Japan speak Japanese?’ and ‘Can Japanese actually write Japanese kanji?’ are only two of the binge-worthy videos on his channel.

He’s asking all the questions we wish we could!

Watch Now!

5. Rambalac

Videos: 1,158 (As of February 2022)

Subscribers: 497K (As of February 2022)

Started: 2007

Who should watch it: Anyone looking for a long and peaceful video of Japan. Particularly good whilst you’re working/studying.

I have a love-hate relationship with Rambalac.

Not the man himself, but more the channel.

You see, about 4 years ago when I decided to move to Japan, I had two ideas. One was a blog (This one), and the other was a YouTube channel where I would film long videos to help people (tourists) who couldn’t get out to Japan feel like they were here in spirit.

Then Rambalac had to come along and yes, he’s been recording since 2007 but the videos didn’t get extremely popular until recently.

Anyway, I can’t really complain because the content he produces is fantastic. Whether you want to walk Inami Taisha, stroll through some cherry blossoms, or wander through Tokyo at night in the rain, there’s a video for you.

With absolutely no talking, Rambalac lets Japan’s natural sounds take charge to produce atmospheric and extremely peaceful videos.

They’re perfect to have on in the background whilst you get some work done, or many you’re such a Japan addict that you’ll just watch them straight up from start to finish.

If that sounds like you, well done!

Watch Now!

6. Life Where I’m From

Videos: 177 (As of February 2022)

Subscribers: 1.57M (As of February 2022)

Started: 2015

Who should watch it: Anyone hoping to learn about daily life in a Japanese family

Started in 2015, ‘Life Where I’m From’ was created by Greg Lam, a Canadian who lives in Tokyo with his wife and their Japanese/Canadian children.

‘Life Where I’m From’, a lot like ‘Sharla in Japan’, seeks to break the stereotype that all life in Japan is weird.

For instance, you may look at the thumbnail for the video above and wonder what the hell that stringy stuff is and why do Japanese people eat it for breakfast?

Well, those may be your presumptions going into the video but there’s a high chance that once you’ve finished it, you’ll have a different view.

And if you can’t be bothered to watch the video, It’s a food called ‘Nattō’ which is basically fermented soybeans.

My partner who grew up in Japan says that it’s a little like marmite, you’ll either love it or hate it. And apparently, if you haven’t grown up eating it, you’ll probably hate it.

I believe the initial plan was to show life around the world, not just in Japan.

Greg has stated on the ‘Life Where I’m From’ About Page that he hopes to change it in the future.

But if that takes a little longer than planned, I don’t think anyone here will mind, Greg!

Watch Now!

7. The Anime Man

Videos: 1,258 (As of February 2022)

Subscribers: 3.17M (As of February 2022)

Started: 2013

Who should watch it: Otaku and Manga addicts

If you want to know anything about Anime or Manga, I honestly doubt you’ll need any other YouTube channel than ‘The Anime Man’.

Good friends with both CDawgVA and Abroad in Japan, Joey, who lives in Tokyo, make content on anime and Japanese-based gaming topics.

I’m pretty fond of any video he makes with Chris from Abroad in Japan, like when he visited Chris’s seriously cool Japanese studio!

I’ve also recently watched a video where he quizzes some of the top YouTubers on their knowledge of Japan.

Proud to say I got most of those questions right!

Anyway, a lot of his other content does explore the interesting and unusual aspects of Japan, which makes for some great easy watching just before bedtime!

I must warn you though, it’s extremely binge-worthy Japanese YouTube content!

Watch Now!

8. Tokyo Lens

Videos: 308 (As of February 2022)

Subscribers: 483K (As of February 2022)

Started: 2017

Who should watch it:

Not only is Tokyo Lens an incredible film maker, he’s also the worlds best (or most well known) non-Japanese shamisen player.

In fact, as well as starting his YouTube channel to document his photography Journey, it was also mainly to ‘show the life behind his Tsugaru Shamisen’.

So what makes him so well known?

In addition learning for over 7 years, he was also accepted as an apprentice to none other than The Yoshida Brothers.

Definitely the two most famous people behind the Shamisen!

And I’m pretty sure I’ve read somewhere that he’s been on international television a few times, so not quite your average YouTuber!

If you fancy learning more about Norm and his life, I urge you to read this interview by Japan-Forward. It’s extremely in depth and a very interesting read.

A large amount of Norm Nakamura’s videos are documentary based, exploring interesting cultural differences from the western world.

I could tell you all of them are very sophisticated and intelligently presented (which they are), but that upload from 2 weeks ago doesn’t help me too much…

Long story short, Tokyo Lens is well worth a watch and Norm is an incredibly talented man and an equally talented creator.

Watch Now!

9. Asu

Videos: 51 (As of February 2022)

Subscribers: 918K (As of February 2022)

Started: 2019

Who should watch it: People who love gardening and model making

Time to slow things down a little now.

I’ve already talked a little about Asu when I discussed the Top Japanese Instagrammers you should be following, and I’m very excited to include him again here!

For those who don’t know, Asu creates realistic miniature outdoor scenes which are extremely zen in all aspects of the word.

These scenes can include waterfalls, rock pools, lakes, and rivers. And lots of cute bamboo!

I don’t think I’m exaggerating when I say I’ve watched almost all of these videos. It’s that classic situation where you start with the intention to only watch one video and then suddenly you find yourself DEEP into YouTube rabbit hole.

I mean don’t get me wrong, I’m very glad to be in that hole, but it absolutely happens without me realising!

Watch Now!

10. Chocolate Cacao チョコレートカカオ

Videos: 225 (As of February 2022)

Subscribers: 2.62M (As of February 2022)

Started: 2014

Who should watch it: People who love chocolate and Japan’s intricate style.

Whilst not all the content on Chocolate Cacao is specifically Japanese food, each video presents Japanese intricacy at it’s finest.

As I scroll down the hundreds of videos in this channel I come across familiar Japanese themes and faces such as Gudetama, Japanese wagahsi sweets, Jiggly Cheese cake, and cherry blossom flavour treats.

Im honestly not great at cooking at all. There’s maybe 3 dishes I can make well…

And to add to that, I’m not particularly interested in it either. But even I can understand the skill and creativity in some of these dishes.

It’s easy to see why the emerald marine Chocolate mint tart is a favourite among YouTube viewers.

Watch Now!

11. Comprehensible Japanese

Videos: 110 (As of February 2022)

Subscribers: 23.2K (As of February 2022)

Started: 2021

Who should watch it: Anyone who wants to start learning Japanese but isn’t a fan of textbooks

Comprehensible Japanese might be the smallest YouTube channel on this list by far, but it’s easily one of the most helpful.

I wrote a list of the best online resources to help people studying Japan, but annoyingly that was just before I discovered this gem of a channel.

Yuki, a native Japanese speaker living in Fukuoka has built a YouTube channel to help beginners start their journey of learning Japanese.

To aid in their learning, she uses easy to understand (or, comprehensible) ‘drawings, gestures, repetitions and rephrasing.

The idea is that after going through the playlists from start to finish, you should start to gradually pick up vocabulary and pronunciation.

The lessons are extremely simple, but that’s exactly what you need when you start learning.

And yes, all the videos are in Japanese but after a few lessons you’ll hardly even notice it!

At the time of writing this, Yuki has 26 Complete beginner lessons, 66 Beginner lessons, and 18 intermediate lessons.

Plenty for the average beginner to be getting on with, and a great change of pace from a full on Japanese textbook!

Watch Now!

12. Hanabira工房

Videos: 86 (As of February 2022)

Subscribers: 791K (As of February 2022)

Started: 2016

Who should watch it: People who love cute videos and miniature Japanese themed DIY

So you like Japan aye?

Annoyed you don’t own a Japanese home or can’t travel to the country yet? (Join the club…)

Well you’re in luck!

From building mini Japanese vending machines, to replica mini Japanese apartments out of craft materials, Hanabira makes miniatures, dioramas, and dollhouses as a hobby.

Mini Anpanman, mini Totoro, mini rice cookers, mini Japanese houses, mini 7-Eleven, mini everything!

I’ve always wanted to be good at this kind of thing, but I’m actually pretty terrible at arts and crafts.

It all seems extremely peaceful, and with relatively long video times, Hanabira takes you through the entire process from creation, to building, to photographing the finished product.

They’re the perfect kind of videos to get lost in at 2AM when you really should be sleeping!

Watch Now!

13. Peaceful Cuisine

Videos: 457 (As of February 2022)

Subscribers: 2.44M (As of February 2022)

Started: 2010

Who should watch it: People who love the satisfaction of food without the mess

Started in 2010 by Ryoya Takashima, Peaceful Cuisine has to be one of the most beautifully filmed food channels on the whole of YouTube.

A little like Chocolate Cacao, not all the videos on the Peaceful Cuisine plate to strictly Japanese food.

That said, the vast majority are, and my word do they look fantastic.

Each of the videos is backed by beautifully peaceful music, and the only other sounds are the that of the ingredients and the cooking itself.

It’s almost like you’d watch the videos just for the experience, not to actually figure out how to make the dish.

Watching the Buddha Sushi Bowl video, it’s so beautifully filmed and edited that it almost makes me a little bit emotional… almost…

A lot of his videos as far as I can see are actually completely vegan. What a result!

Now all I’ve got to do is figure out how to cook this well (and cleanly) and maybe I can actually enjoy some of the food!

Watch Now!

14. にぎりっ娘。nigiricco

Videos: 722 (As of February 2022)

Subscribers: 1.11M (As of February 2022)

Started: 2014

Who should watch it: People looking for Japanese lunchbox ideas

If there was a way to niche down the YouTube food channel as much as possible, Nigiricco gets the award.

Instead of making YouTube content for Japanese meals whenever the inspiration strikes, Nigiricco does something a little different.

Each one of the videos on the channel are what she makes for either her husband or children lunch each and everyday.

It reminds me a little bit of @yuko.makotsu but in a little more achievable way!

Each video has instructions in both Japanese and English, so who knows you might even learn a thing or two!

Watch Now!

Conclusion

So there you have it, 14 of the best YouTubers in Japan you should be watching.

I honestly can’t tell you how many hours of my life I’ve given to these content creators, but one thing I can tell you is that I regret absolutely none of it!

If I’ve forgotten your favourite Japanese YouTube content creator, then please let me know in the comments below!

Until next time, またね ^_^

japanese sweets online — By wyinoue - Goodies

Made In Japan/Food & Drink/Websites

8 Best Websites To Buy Japanese Snacks and Sweets Online

My love for Japanese candy and snacks knows absolutely no bounds, like many of you, I’m sure!

So, I’ve decided to trawl every forum imaginable and every single website in existence (…probably…) to bring you the ultimate list of websites where you can buy Japanese sweets and Japanese snacks online.

At least until you can get to Tokyo, anyway!

Before we start, if you haven’t seen it already I’ve written a post discussing 20 of the best Japanese snacks you need to try.

So, if you’ve been wondering where to buy Japanese snacks from, here’s the list for you!

1. Japan Centre

Japan centre japanese snacks — I’ve spent far too much money in this store…

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again.

I flipping love this place!

It may only have stores in the U.K but thanks to it’s worldwide delivery, you can enjoy their huge selection of Japanese snacks (including cherry blossom snacks) and sweets no matter where you are in the world!

…With that said, they do offer free delivery anywhere in the U.K if you order over £50 with of items.

Like we needed an excuse!

From different flavour Mochi to Melon pan and whistle candies, The Japan centre is a fantastic place to order your weekly or monthly Japanese food shopping at as well as the snacks and sweets!

2. Amazon

Japan sweets amazon — Amazon, we love to hate it!

Surprise surprise, Amazon shows it’s face again!

If I had made this list a year ago, I doubt it would be on here but the situation seems to have changed.

By heading over to amazon and typing in Japanese Snacks, you’ll be presented with a huge selection of Japanese snacks and sweets.

Unlike some of the other websites on this list, there are a selection of different snack/sweet assortment bags for different budgets, tastes, and quantities.

Sometimes it’s nice to pick out the individual items of food, but other times it’s nice when someone arranges it for you!

3. Japanese Taste

japanese taste candy — Great website interface. It’s a yes from me!

‘Japanese taste’ offers international shipping and a big list of Japanese sweets and snacks for you to buy online.

Plus, if you’re feeling like spoiling yourself they also offer other grocery items, personal care items (like moisturiser etc), kitchen, and household products.

It’s these kind of websites that are most dangerous really.

You go there to buy a couple of snacks, and end up checking out with $500 worth of Japanese products…

What’s money for if you can’t enjoy yourself I suppose!

4. Gohan Market

snacks from Japan — The Calbee Potato Snacks are calling me…

With around 400 different snacks (If I’ve counted right!) you won’t be short of finding your perfect Japanese treat anytime soon!

If you’re looking for suggestion, I absolutely love the Calbee Potato Snacks in any flavour! …Well I did until I was vegan anyway!

As well as snacks and sweets, you’ll find other dry foods, Japanese speciality seasonings, drinks, and even a beauty/health section.

It’ll keep your brain interested, but your wallet light!

5. Neokyo

websites to buy Japanese snacks — Literally didn’t know wagyu beef jerky was even a thing until I started searching on here!

Neokyo is a Japanese proxy buying site that comes in handy if you’re after something extremely specific that the other sites on this list don’t have in stock, or don’t stock at all.

Of course, you can still find all the general Japanese sweets or snacks you want but it’s potentially not the easiest way to find them.

The reason I suggest only using this service for specialist items is because of the fees associated.

Normally if you’re buying products from Japan, they’ll probably be over $20 and worth it despite the fees as it might be a rare or limited edition item only available directly from the country.

However when it comes to food, unless you’re bulk ordering a single product then it’ll likely cost a bit too much.

Neokyo charges $2.18 for their services (buying the food from Japan and keeping it at their warehouse) per different item.

So unless you’re buying 40 packs of wagyu beef jerky, maybe take a look somewhere else.

6. OMG JAPAN

Japanese kitkat snacks — SO. MANY. KITKATS.

KitKat heaven!

With close to 48 (I think!) Kit Kats in their catalogue ready to buy, it’s a great place to try out some of Japan’s wacky flavours they’ve become so famous for over the years.

Couple that with some mad Pringle flavors, and you’ll certainly have your hands full for some time.

Like many of the options on this list, the site is full of really interesting snacks from Japan that literally come in all shapes and sizes.

I won’t spoil some of the items available because discovering them yourself is half the fun.

But I will direct you to Pokemon Curry because it’s just too fun not to share!

P.S It’s international shipping, so food for everyone! ^_^

7. Tokyo Treat

tokyo treat snack box — If I was a little richer, I’d subscribe to this thing for life!

A little different to the other shops, as with Tokyo treat you’ll be subscribing to a monthly box of goodies!

For some people who like this format, this will absolutely be the best way to buy Japanese snacks online, and if you have the money I honestly can’t blame you.

You’re guaranteed different Japanese candy each month as they’re hand-picked by a team to make sure you experience Japanese culture to the full.

Some months might be themed, some might not, but they’ll all be super tasty!

And you’ll get 15-20 items in a box, more than enough!

Here’s a full review of Tokyo Treat!

8. Japan Candy Box

Imagine the box above, and now imagine that it’s filled entirely with sweet treats.

Now you’ve got Japan Candy Box.

It’s roughly $10 cheaper than Tokyo Treat so have a look at both of them and figure out which is the best for you (If a subscription box is something that interests you)

The great thing about Japan Candy Box is that they offer a fully fledged Japanese snack store to go with the box which means if you find something you like, you can probably order 100s of them directly to your home.

Whether you should or not is another matter!

Explore/Visit

Is It Worth Seeing The Japanese Cherry Blossom? (Pros and Cons)

Chances are high if you’re visiting Japan in the springtime that you’ve got one thing on your mind, The Japanese Cherry Blossom. Japanese Cherry Blossom or Sakura (桜) is without a doubt one of the most popular ‘tourist attractions’ in the whole of Japan. But are they really worth traveling thousands of miles to see? Today we’re going to answer the question ‘Is it worth seeing the Japanese cherry blossom?’. Spoiler alert: The answer probably won’t surprise you!

Let’s take a look…

What month are the cherry blossom in Japan?

Trying to figure out exactly when the cherry blossom in Japan is going to bloom is often like finding a needle in a haystack. However, if you’re in the country from mid-March to early April you’re likely to be able to spot these incredible flowers.

What is so special about cherry blossoms?

Cherry blossoms aren’t just beautiful works of nature, they also hold extreme significance in Japanese culture.

To many people in Japan, Cherry blossom signifies Hope and renewal. The kind of impermanence that Wabi-Sabi so often talks about.

I’ve been to Japan a number of times and only been able to see either the end or beginning of their blooming. It’s only for around 1 week that they’re truly ‘perfect’.

Are cherry blossoms only in Japan?

Nope. So technically you don’t have to go all the way to Japan to see them.

In 1912, Mayor Osaka of Japan gave Washington D.C. 3,000 cherry blossom trees.

If you live anywhere near Washington D.C. and are struggling to get to Japan, this is one of the best places to see cherry blossom in America.

Just look how beautiful they are!

Cherry blossom in Washington D.C. — Who need Japan when there’s cherry blossom like this in Washington D.C.?? Well… I still do… :L

Pros of seeing cherry blossom in Japan

1. The cherry blossom are beautiful in full bloom

Cherry blossom by a Japan river — This is my kind of Sunday walk!

As I’ve said before, I’ve seen part of the cherry blossoms a few times in Japan and they were absolutely stunning.

Not only were they pretty much everywhere, but the colours completely overtook the Japanese urban landscape I was accustomed to.

And the craziest thing?

None of these times were the true full bloom everyone raves about!

I honestly struggle to imagine how much more pink these little flowers can get!

2. The weather

Yellow Japanese building — I literally love Japanese architecture…

If you’re visiting Japan for the cherry blossom, you’re going to be taking your holiday in the Spring, my favourite season.

One big bonus to having your Holiday in the spring is the incredible weather you’ll likely be given throughout your stay.

Not too hot, not too cold.

I’ve included a photo I took a few years ago whilst travelling through Japan that sort of shows how beautiful the light is in spring.

It’s a little hard to explain without actually experiencing it for yourself, but the light falls on the ground like nowhere I’ve ever been before.

I dunno, maybe I sound a little mad. But go and experience it for yourself before you call me crazy!

3. Sakura culture throughout Japan

starbucks cherry blossom drink 2021 — Copyright: Starbucks Japan

If it’s cherry blossom season, you can bet anything you like that the commercial side of Japan will be taking full advantage of the fact.

Last year Starbucks released a cherry blossom Frappuccino and other themed goodies to go along side it.

You can pretty much expect loads of themed menu items, clothing, adverts, food, etc throughout your stay in Japan if you visit during the sakura season. I absolutely loved it!

It’s like a ‘Secret’ side of Japan comes out for a couple of months a year and lets you try or buy limited edition versions of everything.

Right up my street!

4. Hanami – Flower Viewing

The Imperial Palace in Tokyo looks even better in Spring! – CC BY-SA 3.0

One of the biggest benefits of travelling to Japan to see the cherry blossom in Spring is that you’ll be able to partake in a yearly Japanese tradition called Hanami.

Hanami, or flower viewing, is the Japanese tradition of of admiring the cherry blossom during springtime.

It entails gathering under the cherry blossom with family and friends, and sharing food, drink, and happy memories.

If you have the chance to experience this when you travel to Japan, make sure you go to a local park for a slightly less busy experience.

It’ll be well worth your time!

Cons of seeing cherry blossom in Japan

1. Your holiday dates will have to be flexible

quiet Tokyo park — Any of your local parks look this chill?…

One of the most common problems of travelling to Japan purely to see the cherry blossom is that they don’t bloom at the same time each year.

Miss the full bloom by even a day, like I’ve done many times, and you’ll likely have to wait another year to see them at their best.

So even if you plan your holiday around the end of march, it isn’t guaranteed that you’ll see the blossom that year.

A little bit like the aurora, it’s sadly a possibility that you may never see the blossom as beautiful as nature intended.

2. Your plans when you’re in Japan will need to be flexible

Japanese street sign — At least the country is easy to get around!

Not only is the exact date of cherry blossom never certain, it also changes depending how far up or down the country you are.

So, if you’ve got to Japan a bit later than you planned, or the cherry blossom season is earlier than forecast, you may find yourself having to travel further up the country than you’d hoped for.

Of course, this is only something you’re likely to do if seeing the cherry blossom is the only reason you’ve come to Japan.

They’re beautiful, yes, but not worth ruining your itinerary over.

3. Other attractions throughout Japan will likely be busier

Crowds in ueno park — Still pretty, but a little busy! By Arisdp – CC BY-SA 4.0

At even the slightest sign of Cherry blossom, popular tourist attractions are likely to be packed.

Japanese residents and foreign tourists likely have the same idea of exploring during spring. Couple that with golden week at the end of April and it’s unfortunately quite a busy time.

If thousands of people at a famous attraction doesn’t bother you, then it’s not something you have to worry about.

But if your idea of Japan is a zen paradise that’s peaceful 99% of the time, it’s probably a time you should avoid.

Having said that, if you’re visiting a slightly more rural area this shouldn’t be a problem. You might spend your days in a busy city, but you’ll know you have a quiet base to come home to every day.

4. Everything will be more expensive

drink prices Japan — No one can stop me buying Ramune!

Unfortunately as you’ll be visiting Japan at the most popular time of year, you can expect it to be reflected in the price.

Japanese airbnb’s, convenience store snacks, attractions, and tours are just some of the things that are likely to have a price hike in the springtime.

This doesn’t have to be a huge holiday altering problem, but do make sure you’ve budgeted enough for the things you want and maybe a little extra just incase.

Still want to see the Cherry Blossom?

It truly transforms the Japanese landscape!

Springtime is beautiful in Japan but there are a few things to watch out for, like we’ve discussed above.

If you’re still determined to see them (which, let’s be honest you should be!) there’s a couple of things you should remember.

Here are my tips:

1. Don’t follow the crowd

Don’t lookup the best spots to see Japanese cherry blossom. This may sound counter intuitive but there’s a point to my madness.

If you look up the best places to see Sakura in Tokyo you’ll likely get suggestions like ‘Meguro River’ and ‘Chidorigafuchi’. Whilst they’re stunning examples of Japanese cherry blossom, they’re going to be absolutely packed.

Again, if lots of people don’t bother you then go right ahead. But if you’ve imagined Japan in a slightly different light, then it may ruin your image of the country.

What to do instead:

Ask a local and go for a walk

If you aren’t staying in central Tokyo, chances are that you don’t really know your way around.

Japan is full of extremely friendly people who genuinely want you to have a fantastic time in their country.

So make use of this by asking someone you meet.

Get your shoes on and go for a walk around a suburban area, ask a local where they normally view the cherry blossom, and you may even run into a secret location yourself if you walk far enough!

2. Don’t go just for the blossom

Don’t make the cherry blossom the main reason of your visit to Japan.

I know for some of you it will be the reason you want to go to, but Japan has so much to offer that even if you don’t get to see the flowers in full bloom I guarantee you won’t be dissapointed.

What to do instead:

See it as a bonus

Check out the visit section of the website for a load of ideas about how to plan your trip to Japan, fun things to do whilst you’re there, and how to make the most of your once in a life time trip.

Cherry blossom is just the beginning!

3. Explore the alternatives

Following on from the previous point

There are honestly so many different places to visit in Japan if you’re a flower or nature lover.

So many in fact that it’s absolutely worth me doing an entire blog post to show you!

Until that point, here are a few of the most famous cherry blossom alternatives in Japan that might be worth visiting.

Wisteria Tunnel – Kitakyushu

Admittedly quite a long way from Tokyo, but well worth the trek if you’re looking to explore a bit of the country.

Tickets for the wisteria tunnel in Kitakyushu are always ¥500 if purchased in advance, so it’s a pretty cheap day out if you manage to get down to Fukuoka.

Ashikaga Flower Park – Tochigi

Nice and close to Tokyo this time.

Ashikaga Flower Park in Tochigi is only 2hr 30mins from Tokyo by train so it’ll make and excellent day trip if you’re looking to avoid the hustle and bustle of the big city.

Hitsujiyama Park – Chichibu

Set in the foothills of mount Bukō, Hisujiyama Park in Chichibu is a great alternative to the cherry blossom in Japanese Springtime.

It’s quite a popular attraction with the locals at this time of year, but even so, I still think it’ll be less chaotic than some of the famous cherry blossom viewing locations in Japan.

Hitachi Seaside Park – Hitachinaka

Last but not least on our list we have Hitachi Seaside park, in April with its beautiful display of nemophila flowers.

This is a great location to visit in Autumn too as its flowers are planted to bloom in each of the four seasons, giving a different experience each time!

So are the Cherry Blossom of Japan really worth seeing?

Whether you’re planning to see the cherry blossoms down in Osaka or up in Sapporo (worth a visit btw!), Cherry blossoms in Japan are absolutely worth seeing.

You just need to be careful with your expectations and try not to follow the crowd!

Japan is always going to be popular and more expensive in spring, but that doesn’t need to stop you from having the holiday of your dreams.

A little preparation goes a long way!

Explore/Visit

Easily Avoid Jet Lag When Travelling To Japan.

If you’re anything like me, you get super excited before any holiday flights and struggle to get any sleep during the nights before. Unfortunately, with somewhere like Japan that’s likely a pretty long journey, which means you’re going to need to prepare! So, how do you easily avoid jet lag when traveling to Japan?

Getting into Japan’s local time as soon as possible and staying with it, as well as not booking stop-over flights is perhaps the best way to avoid jet lag. Do your best to stay up during the day and don’t go to bed too early – after a day or two you should be as close to ‘normal’ as possible.

Couple this with understanding how to survive your flight to Japan, and some of the other top tips on this page, and you’ll end up in the land of the rising sun ready to go out exploring! Let’s get into it!

Before the flight

1. Get on the time schedule of Japan

plane window cloud to Japan — This view makes me want to be on a plane!

This is probably the most repeated suggestion about how to reduce jet lag in Japan, and that’s for good reason.

If you’re in the US, Japan’s time could be anything up to 14 hours ahead so you really need to plan your trip well. Especially if you’re slightly short on time.

This is likely to be a lot harder to achieve if you have a busy schedule or are part of a large family with kids, so your routine may have to be adapted rather than changed completely.

Any amount of change will make a difference in the long run, even if for just a few preceding days of your holiday, you get up and go to bed slightly earlier or later depending on when your flight is.

2. Pick a flight that flies overnight (allowing you to sleep and wake up early)

night view out of plane window — A view from a plane window seems so romantic to me…

When traveling on a long-haul flight to Japan, I’m always a fan of one that travels overnight. Not only does this allow me to catch up on some sleep if I’ve switched around my schedule over the last few days (to get on Japan’s time), but it also helps the time pass a lot quicker.

Another great bonus of traveling at night is that by arriving in Japan early in the morning, you’ve got the whole day ahead of you to spend how you like. That’s another reason why I love Japan’s last sleeper train so much!

It’s also much nicer to be able to actually see the place you’re traveling to when you’re on a transfer. Even if that transfer is just a walk from the trainstation to your hotel, that’s not as fun at night!

But then again, I find it easier to sleep at pretty much any time than force myself to stay awake. You may think differently!

3. Pack comfy clothes… And perhaps this dog if they let you…

jet lag comfy clothes Japan — Is this amount of blankets an option on a plane?

This technically won’t help you prevent or reduce jet lag to Japan directly, but I highly advise packing extremely comfy clothing. There’s absolutely nothing worse than being uncomfortable on your flight to Japan.

Obviously, I do imagine this is something most of you do anyway on most journeys, but it’s still worth mentioning because it’s such a good idea.

The theory is this: The comfier you are, the easier it will be to sleep, the more rested you are, the quicker you ‘Recover’, and the more you can make the most of your time in Japan.

You’re much better traveling to Japan in your comfy clothes and maybe feeling a little silly walking through the terminal with a dressing gown on than being extremely uncomfortable for 12 hours on a cramped flight. t’s just not worth it!

Saying that I remember my Grandad and Nanny used to get dressed up for their flights (Suits and everything) because it was such a special occasion.

Oh, how times have changed!

4. Don’t book stopover flights (If you can afford not to)

jet lag japan — Looks like a funky place to go!

I get it. We’ve already talked about why flights to Japan are expensive (and how to get them cheaper!), but sometimes our only option to actually get to a place is the cheapest one.

In this case, that means possibly booking a stopover flight.

As much as I’ve promised myself never to fly with a budget airline again, I’m getting on a Ryanair flight in 3 days’ time…

But, if you have the money and it’s not going to impact your life too much, then I highly recommend booking a direct flight to Japan to reduce jet lag.

The first time I went to Japan I had the most disjointed flight I’d ever been on. I flew from the UK-Italy, then changed airports using a cab, and finally flew on to Haneda Airport in Tokyo.

Let me tell you now, trying to stay awake at 4 in the morning in an Italian airport to catch a delayed flight is really not ideal.

So the moral of the story is if jet lag is of huge concern to you and you have extra money to spend, choose the direct flight!

5. Get some exercise

how to avoid jet lag in Japan — You could try rowing this boat?…

Getting exercise before your flight to Japan is a great way to prepare your body for the long journey. You’ll prime yourself to be able to sleep when you need to, and feel much better when it comes to any potential jet lag effects.

So hit the gym, or exersise like the Japanese do. Either way, it’s a fantastic way to avoid Jet lag in Japan!

During the flight

6. Try to sleep

sleep on your trip to Japan — The amount of money I would pay to be this comfy on a plane doesn’t exist in the world.

If all else fails, trying to sleep on your flight to Japan is likely to be the best course of action.

Before you catch those Z’s, work out what time you’ll be arriving in Japan and try to work around it.

For instance, if you’re landing in Japan in the early evening then you probably shouldn’t sleep the entire flight away. A couple of hours here and there is fine, but if you struggle to get to sleep then technically you’ll want to be tired when you arrive at your destination.

I find wearing noise-canceling headphones (like these Japanese ones) (or earphones) works extremely well for me. Make sure whatever you wear, they are comfy and can be worn for hours on end.

Also, I’ve just got a set of Bluetooth earphones that cannot be used with the airplane’s system, so make sure you take that into account if it’s something that bothers you.

During my flight to Japan when I moved out here, we flew with etihad. The first plane was newer and had access to Bluetooth technology with our earphones, but the second plane required us to use the ‘old fashioned’ plug in style.

7. Don’t drink caffeine

don't drink caffeine jet lag — Matcha is more my kinda drink!

If you want to mess up your brain, circadian rhythm, and sleep schedule, the best way to do that is by drinking caffeine.

It takes anything up to 12 hours for caffeine to be completely gone from your system. That means it’s probably best to avoid the stuff from the moment you step out of your front door to the moment you arrive at your cute Japanese Airbnb.

If you’re looking for an alternative to coffee, I would suggest giving green tea a go. It’s relatively healthy for you, has less caffeine than a cup of tea, and rather than a short burst of energy, it works over a longer period of time.

And it’s keeping with the culture of Japan so it’s really a win-win!

Though, if you’re strongly affected by caffeine, I would give any drinks like this a wide birth until you arrive.

So when the drinks cart comes around, take a rain check on the coffee, but make sure you’ve packed your Tokyo Treat box!

After the flight

8. Stay with Japanese time

sunrise over Tokyo — If you’ve yet to see Japanese light in the spring, you’re in for a treat!

Don’t fall asleep. …or do, depending on the time you want to get there.

This is another reason I love arriving in Japan early, especially during spring. The sunrises are absolutely incredible so the ideal flight should land just before dawn and by the time you’re out of customs you should be presented with a beautiful golden glow.

It’s also a great chance to explore the city, even if you arrive at night.

Both airports are around an hour or so away from Tokyo with fantastic connections to the city with their world-famous train lines. Just be careful if you arrive too late, trains tend to stop just after midnight at the airport station.

Another great tip to get over jet lag (that can only be achieved once you’re off the plane) is grounding.

Grounding or ‘earthing’, is the practice of going barefoot as soon as possible to your destination to reset your internal body clock.

It works best with grass or dirt, but any outdoor surface should suffice. And there’s actually a lot of science to back this technique.

So it’s worth a try at least! ^_^

9. Visit an Onsen or Teahouse to help relax

If you know you’re highly affected by jet lag no matter how much you prepare, the only way to get over it is by resting.

Luckily you can rest and relax in Japan whilst still being culturally involved in the country.

There are a plethora of things to do in Tokyo (and the rest of the country) that are both extremely relaxing and culturally enriching at the same time.

I’ve written an entire post on the most relaxing spots in Tokyo to help you get over that first tiring day and make the most of your holiday to Japan.

At a glance, there are a few great options to choose from that can be found in almost any corner of Japan. And they’re perfect options if you have a day to kill but don’t feel like doing anything too active.

Tea Houses – Incredibly peaceful places all across Japan where you’ll experience a cup of tea like never before.

Onsen – Somewhere to rest your aching body after a flight a soak in the ancient waters of Japanese hot spring.

Parks – A place to rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul by connecting with nature on a Japanese forest bathing walk. Arriving in Osaka? This park is the one I recommend visiting!

FAQs about jet lag in Japan

1. Do you get jet lag flying to Japan

I’ve never really got jet lag flying to Japan, but then again I’ve never had it on any long haul flight.

However, a lot of people do experience jet lag when flying to Japan, particularly if they are travelling across multiple time zones.

The severity of jet lag symptoms can vary from person to person and can depend on factors such as age, health, preparedness, comfort, and the direction of travel.

2. How bad is jet lag to Japan?

Jet lag can be quite bad for some people, and my partner often experiences it quite heavily. With symptoms ranging from mild fatigue and difficulty sleeping to more severe issues such as headaches, nausea, and disorientation, it really does pay to be prepared.

However, perhaps the most important thing is that you’ll be wasting valuable exploring time if you have to deal with these affects!

3. How long does it take to get over jet lag from Japan?

It can take several days to fully recover from jet lag after travelling to Japan. Whilst I don’t think you’ll have this big of a problem, it’s always the reason that I suggest to people they should do something relaxing on the first few days of their holiday.

However, the exact duration and severity of jet lag can vary from person to person. Some people may be able to adjust to the new time zone relatively quickly, while others may experience symptoms for a week or more. My partner often falling into the latter of those two categories!

4. Do you lose a day flying to Japan?

Depending on where you are flying from, it is possible to lose a day when travelling to Japan due to the time difference. For example, if you are flying from the United States to Japan, you may depart on a Monday and arrive on a Tuesday, even though the flight itself may only take around 12 hours.

I’ve written more about this and how to survive your flight in detail!

5. When should you sleep on the flight to Japan?

Completely preventing jet lag on your journey to Japan is impossible, but there are ways to mitigate its effects. When to sleep on a flight to Japan can depend on a variety of factors, including the length of the flight, your usual sleep schedule, and the time of day you arrive in Japan.

If you’re doing your best to avoid jet lag (and we are!), if you are flying during the night, it may be a good idea to try to sleep on the plane so that you arrive feeling more rested. However, if you are flying during the day, it may be better to stay awake and adjust to the local time zone as quickly as possible.

It may sound like a bit of a hassle to work it all out, but the airline you travel with will usually adjust everything accordingly in the plane. So will it may be night time, they might turn the lights on because of the local time it is in Japan. Easy! And a great way to avoid jet lag without you having to think about it that much!

Culture/Questions

Does Japan Actually Love Cute Things?

Whether it’s cute clothing, food, or anime, it seems Japan and it’s people have a nationwide obsession with anything cute. But is that actually the case?

Cuteness in Japan is not just a subculture, but a huge part of many people’s lives. A big part of it is the desire of escapism, especially with the horrendously long hours most people are expected to work in Japan as well as increasing societal pressures for both men and women.

You may think you like cute things, but I reckon you’ll be surprised with the lengths some Japanese people go to, to fulfil their kawaii destiny!

The best place to buy cute Japanese products online

Kawaii Box

If you can’t get to to Japan but simply love the idea of having something cute or ‘Kawaii’ then this is easily the best option for you.

Kawaii box is a cute monthly Japanese subscription box that contains anything from plushies, sticker books, clothing, toys, sweets, and many more kawaii things!

Each month you’ll be treated to between 6 and 8 products and the shipping is always free no matter where you live in the world.

If you’re looking to Kawii-fy your life, it’s the perfect subscription box for you!

Kawaii-fy my life!

What does ‘Kawaii’ mean?

You’ll often find ‘Cute’ things in Japan being referred to in Japanese as ‘Kawaii’.

Explain what it means, the Japanese letters, how it’s used, where it’s used etc

Quick Vocabulary Lesson: Kawaii / かわいい – Cute

It’s a term that’s usually used to describe a broad section of Japanese ‘cute’ culture.

What I mean by this is that it’s a word often used to celebrate Japan’s love of ‘cute’. Anything adorable, charming, sweet, or endearing would usually wear the Kawaii badge with pride.

The history of Kawaii Culture

To fully understand Kawaii Culture, we need to go back to the beginning when the word was first defined by Lady Murasaki in the 11th century.

In her book ‘The Tale of Genji’, Kawaii was referred to as ‘Pitiable qualities’.

Fast forward about 100 years to the shogunate period and this is where we see women included or referred to under the kawaii term.

The older definition and word still survives today in modern Japanese. Kawaisō, which has a rough translation of ‘pitiful’ or ‘sad’ or ‘poor’. I like to think it’s similar to someone saying ‘aw, you poor thing’.

Marui Ji – The cute handwriting of the 1970’s

The 1970’s is the first decade we truly see the ‘kawaii aesthetic’ take a physical form.

This cute handwriting was a style of handwriting used by many teenage girls throughout the decade and often made it extremely difficult for teachers to read.

The main differences between Kawaii handwriting and normal writing were as follows:

Written horizontally, not vertically
Exaggerated letters
‘cute’ designs throughout writing

Because of it’s difficulty to read, it was eventually banned in schools. It was a trend that spanned the entire country though, which meant it was far from gone.

During the 1980s, several teenage magazines adopted the writing style as well as comics, toy packaging, and clothing.

Now the kawaii aesthetic had been pushed into the mainstream and commercialised, there was no stopping its influence around not only the country but also the world.

Why do people enjoy kawaii culture?

There really are quite a few reasons why kawaii culture is still popular in Japan to this day, not least because it’s (rightly or wrongly) become a relatively big part of their national identity.

The reason that I would like to talk to you about is escapism.

Whilst working days are supposed to only be 8 hours long in Japan, it’s often the case that people work an extra few each day.

It may not seem like a lot, but it’s the work culture that’s the main problem. Constant pressure to perform at 100%, not to let your company or family down, and to stick to the status quo.

It’s no surprise then, that the younger generation look for ways to escape the system, even just for a moment.

So as well as their form of escapism, it’s also a way for many people to express themselves that they are unable to do in other ways.

The aesthetics of Kawaii Culture

With Kawaii being used to describe many things in Japanese culture, it’s hard to pin down an exact visual style linked to the word.

Much of what you’re likely to see in the Kawaii landscape will have some variation of the colors below.

Pastels are usually the most prominent colors with white playing a leading element in empty space. It’s also common to see a reduction in shadows to ‘increase’ positivity and happiness

The cutest things in Japan

Let’s talk a bit about specific things in Japan that fit the Kawaii definition.

PuriKura Machine – プリクラ

kawaii purikura machine — Pixelms, CC BY-SA 3.0

Purikura machines are dotted all around Japan and are aimed largely at teenage girls. They are similar to the passport photo machines you might be familiar with, but also include the ability to add stickers, frames, and effects to the photo.

If you come across one in your travels, you’ll likely see lots of girls prepping at the makeup station (yep, that’s a real thing) before hand to make sure their pictures are absolutely perfect. Normally they’ll include hair dryer, straighteners, and huge wall mirrors.

Cars

Tiny cars for tiny spaces.

Not necessarily for the ‘Kawaii’ aesthetic, but I still think kei cars are cute!

Similarly to the trains below, you’ll often find cars wrapped from roof to tire in some sort of crazy or cute pattern. Often that’s for promotional and commercial purposes, but there are a few exceptions to the rule.

Trains

hello kitty train Japan — Testshawn, CC BY-SA 4.0

Riding on the Hello Kitty train is a big Japanese bucket-list item for me, and I’m not even ashamed to say it…

Not only is it covered in Hello Kitty pictures on the outside, it’s also completely themed on the inside as well.

And it’s not only the bigger trains that look cute, you’re often going to see themed trains on the subway and local rail system too.

Food

Incase you haven’t read the article on incredible Japanese instagrams yet, let me explain.

The above photo is of Japanese bento boxes created by @yuko.makotsy on instagram. She recreates famous Japanese scenes and culture, and my word do they look tasty!

To me, this is the epitome of kawaii food, and it’s honestly not too far off what you’ll. regularly find in Japan.

Anime

Big BIG eyes, airbrushed skin, and over emphasised emotions like crying or blushing.

It’s potentially the most well known part of Kawaii Culture that people don’t realise is a thing, if that makes sense?

Clothing

Technically this girl is wearing lolita clothing which is a subset of Kawaii fashion. It doesn’t have to be this overt, it’s just this photo helps emphasise the point a little more.

If you’re interested in seeing this kind of fashion when you go on your trip to Japan, head to Takeshita street in Harajuku. Having been their myself I can happily let you know it’s well worth a visit!

Conclusion

I think it’s extremely clear that, Yes Japan does love cute things. In some cases this may only be for commercial purposes or a smaller demographic of society, but kawaii culture is still a widely accepted and loved sub-culture of the country.

Explore/Visit

10 Things You Need To Know Before Skiing In Japan.

As an Amazon Associate, I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post. At no extra cost to you! ^_^

I’ve been looking forward to starting a series on skiing in Japan. My top two favorite things! But let’s get one thing cleared up straight out of the gate. If you’re thinking about planning a ski trip to Japan, let me save you the trouble of reading this article.

DO IT!

It will without a doubt be the greatest ski trip of your life. Especially if you’re riding on one of these 11 Japanese snowboard brands, or these Japanese ski brands!

Sure there’s likely to be an increased expense due to its location and it’s probably a little more logistically challenging to arrange than North America or Europe, but that extra effort will pay dividends when it comes to skiing.

Do I need to learn Japanese?

I’m gonna have to level with you, sadly it’s not possible to become fluent in Japanese over the course of a few months or even a year. (HA! I wish…)

BUT! That doesn’t mean you can’t learn the basics of the language.

Most of the larger resorts will be properly set up to cater to foreign guests and will speak a good amount of English, but even trying to speak a few words here and there will go a long way to helping you get the most out of your trip and purely out of kindness to the locals.

If you’re venturing a long way out to a slightly smaller resort, take your phrasebook with you!

I’ve also got an entire section on the website devoted to learning the basics of Japanese, so check it out if you want to get prepared early!

Quick vocabulary lesson:

Both ‘Ski’ and ‘Snowboard’ are inherited from their English counterparts, hence the use of Katakana.

Skiing – Sukī (スキー)
Snowboarding – Sunōbōdo (スノーボード)

1. Don’t plan your trip around New Year

ski queue Japan — Ski queues really aren’t fun when the temperature is below 0°…

This is almost a universal truth with skiing, New Year is a busy time.

However, in Japan, it’s even more of a reality.

You see, in Japan New Year is a far bigger time for celebration than Christmas. And what does that mean for the slopes? They’ll likely be a LOT busier.

New Year’s day (January 1st) is a prime culprit as it also falls under a national holiday.

With New Year being a big celebratory time in Japan, people are more likely to take the time off from work, as opposed to other times in the year.

And with full-time employees in Japan only able to take 10 days of paid leave in their first year, you can bet they’re bound to make the most of it (by skiing!) rather than just sitting around.

Don’t let me stop you if you have your heart set on skiing in Japan around New Year, but it will likely be the busiest time during the ski season.

Remember, back-country is always an option if you’re up to the challenge. There’s even an option to Ski on Mount Fuji!

2. Japan is the snowiest place on earth

Deep snow on a Japanese house — It’s like they’ve taken this image directly from my dreams!

One great thing to know about Japan is that no matter when you book your trip for, it’ll be DUMPING the entire time.

If you’re interested in learning why that is and where the snowiest place in Japan is, take a look at this article.

Of course, not every year will be record-setting, But you can be confident there will be enough snow on your trip as the average amount is between 300-600 inches each winter season.

So what does this mean for your skiing holiday in Japan? It means you need to have the right gear.

It’s likely your all-mountain skis won’t cut it if they aren’t wide enough underfoot. By all means, take them with you if you can, but be prepared to hire out a set once you’re here. Even if it’s just for a day, it’ll be the best day of the holiday!

Also, make sure your clothing is up to scratch. At the very least that should mean a powder skirt in your jacket, quality gloves, great socks, and no holes in any of your clothes!

Ideally, you should have some bib trousers, but I understand if that’s not possible because they can be a little expensive.

Japan’s snow, often referred to as ‘Champagne Powder’ is normally extremely dry which should make the whole experience and lot more pleasant. Nothing worse than being soaked through after a day on the mountain.

So grab some fat powder skis, and a snorkel, and charge through those trees!!

3. Taking an Onsen is a right of passage

Onsen after ski in Japan — Okay, maybe not with monkeys, but you get my point!

Whilst you may be used to taking a dip in a hot tub after a hard day skiing, in Japan they do things a little differently.

I’ve been lucky enough to ski in the alps a number of times and had access to a hot tub from the chalet. However, I’ve been a number of other times where that isn’t the case and I realize it isn’t exactly the norm.

In Japan, everyone has access to an Onsen!

Public Onsen:

Often less than $10 per person to access
Many different options throughout your local town
Pretty much anywhere throughout Japan
Definitely the most authentic Japanese experience
Often separate baths for men and women
Normally no bathing suits are allowed

Private Onsen:

Probably best for families
Clothing allowed
Men and women allowed in the same baths
Prices are often higher than public Onsen
Sometimes harder to find in smaller (or sometimes any size) towns
It may be more suited to the experience you’re looking for

Whichever route you chose, make sure you have one after you go skiing.

I would recommend going for a public Onsen if you get the chance because it’s honestly unlike anything you’re likely to find around the world.

Plus, most of the larger ski resorts in Japan understand that tourists from the west may be uncomfortable bathing without clothes and around strangers so they’re set up accordingly.

Just type the name of the ski resort you’re in (or planning to go to) to google and then either ‘Public Onsen’ or ‘Private Onsen’ after it.

Hopefully, it’ll show a few results for each and you can make your decision.

Make sure to double-check with your hotel because it’s likely you’re closer to a Japanese Onsen than you think!

One day soon I’ll write an entire guide on visiting Onsen in Japan, but until such a day, that’s your best bet.

4. Apres ski is likely different from what you’re used to

soba après ski japan — Contemplating turning this entire blog into one about Japanese food because DAMN that looks good!

Your mileage may vary, but Après Ski in the Alps consists of French beer, Cheese fondue, and wine!

Side note: If you love Après Ski and happen to be in France, take the time to visit La Folie Douce. They’re the purveyors of incredible Après Ski.

I hear it’s slightly different in the U.S and Canada, but having yet to ski there, I can’t comment.

Japanese Ski resorts take it a slightly different way… Well, very different!

As we’ve already discussed, Après Ski in Japan almost always starts with an Onsen no matter who you are or where you’re staying.

After your Onsen, you’ll probably head out to one of the local restaurants for some Japanese cuisine. It’s extremely likely that the food options you’ll have here will be very different from those you’d have at a European or North American ski resort.

Even if you aren’t too adventurous with food, I urge you to try your best as Japanese cuisine is absolutely incredible.

If you’re headed out to Niseko or another Japanese resort with a group of friends or family, Shabu Shabu is a great meal to share.

Think of it like a hot pot. It’s a broth served with meats, vegetables, and other things like udon, rice, and dumplings on the side (to dip in). It’s an easy way to experience Japan’s food culture and not too daunting!

After the meal, you’ll be heading to an Izakaya (Japanese pub) where the rice wine and saké will be flowing freely into the small hours of the morning.

If you’re lucky, you’ll have stumbled into a Karaoke club. A venue extremely popular with people from Japan on a night out.

So get your singing voices ready!

P.S You’re likely to be put in a karaoke club with a group of strangers if there aren’t enough of you. A great way to make friends!

5. It’s incredible for those chasing off-piste tree-skiing

deep japanese powder skiing with trees — Get your snorkels out, folks!

We’ve already established that Japan has a huge amount of snowfall every year, and that’s great news for you powder hounds!

Whilst you’ll probably be greeted with incredible amounts of the stuff no matter where you go, there is one place that year after year proves to be the best.

Niseko in Hokkaido.

As someone who recently made the trip from Sapporo to Niseko by train for an epic ski trip, I can attest to the fact that it truly is an awesome place to go riding!

So make sure to book your trip there if you really want the best chance of great ski conditions!

Due to its topography, Japan also benefits from thousands of trees on its slopes. Perfect for those of you who have mastered the art of tree skiing.

6. It’s equally incredible for beginners learning to ski

beginner ski runs in Japan — They look like pretty chilled-out runs!

3 years ago I took my partner for her first ski holiday in Chamonix. Those of you who know anything about that resort will know that maybe it’s not entirely ideal for beginners.

A popular resort that’s easy to get to from many countries nearby, high difficulty runs, and no ski in-ski out facilities. In hindsight, it probably wasn’t the best idea I’ve ever had…

Japan on the other hand is somewhere I would 100% recommend for beginners IF you are able to get out there.

Pros for beginners learning in Japan:

Quieter slopes – For lots of people, Japan is a bucket list destination and that’s largely due to its location. I imagine lots of people from America would rather opt for an internal ski holiday due to the convenience, especially if traveling with family. The problem is that most people have the same idea and slopes inevitably get more crowded.
Beginner-friendly terrain – Very few of the slopes in Japan top 2,000 meters which means a lot of the time you’re skiing on a flatter gradient than in many places in Europe.
Great Conditions – Even though Japan isn’t home to the highest of resorts, it doesn’t need the altitude for the extreme amounts of snow it gets every year. Siberian winds blow in the snow from the northwest which means less ice, more snow, and an all-around more pleasant skiing experience for beginners.

Of course, I can’t guarantee this will be your experience, but it’s absolutely more likely that other ski destinations.

7. A ski guide might be worth the money

Bluebird days are PERFECT to go touring!

Less steep mountain faces make the perfect conditions to give ski touring a go.

In fact, it’s likely you’ll probably be at the level to ski off-piste far before you think you are. And the main reason for this is easy gradients and friendly conditions.

Of course, only you know if you’re truly ready, but it’s something you shouldn’t just outright rule out before you go.

Almost all of the resorts in Japan will offer some sort of off-piste tour with varying difficulties depending on who is in the group.

If you can fork out enough for a chalet, some of the top ones in Hokkaido even include a cat skiing tour.

That’s an absolute dream of mine so if you do end up going, make sure you send me a picture!

Even if you don’t think you’re at the level to be touring, Japan offers the perfect landscape to give it a try.

8. You’ll need to carry cash

Carry cash skiing in Japan — Hopefully, cards will become more popular in the future, but it’s not happening for a while.

You don’t need to learn every small detail about Japanese culture to go skiing in Japan (You can do that here if you want to!) but there are a few things to remember that will make your life a lot easier.

The first, and likely most important thing to keep in mind is that Japan is a cash-centric country.

There are quite a few reasons for this, but as far as you’re concerned it just means you need to exchange some cash before you fly over.

You can take it out of a cashpoint when you’re here, but they don’t operate like other places and it’s all a little confusing so probably best to do things beforehand.

9. The smaller resorts ooze charm and culture

small japanese ski resort — bigger isn’t always better!

Let me start out by saying that when you plan a ski trip to Japan, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to resorts.

Take a look at this list of Japanese ski resorts and tell me you aren’t impressed.

Sure, you’ve probably heard of the big few like Niseko, Rusutsu, and Hakuba, but some of the most intimate and authentic experiences can be found in the smaller towns.

And yes, you might not get the best nightlife or the most incredible terrain, but it will give you the feeling that you’ve truly immersed yourself in Japan’s culture.

Some of the best and smallest resorts are:

Seki Onsen: One double chair lift, one single chair lift, and a whole load of powder! It’s a family-run ski resort with a hell of a load of old-time character for those of you who just want to ski.

I’ve skipped this video to 5:20, such an incredible documentary about an amazing resort.

Hakkoda: With only 5 marked ski runs, this is absolutely going to be one of the smallest resorts you’ve ever visited. Most of the terrain is geared towards intermediate skiers, but the resort’s main pull is the stunning backcountry. Best to visit in January and February, when there is the highest chance for some deep pow!

10. It’s a snowboard heavy country

Japan snow is perfect for boarders — With snow like that, are you surprised?!

Whilst I don’t have conclusive proof that snowboarding is more popular in Japan than skiing, it’s certainly a destination that’s well suited to the borders.

Skiing down icy mountain faces in the alps is something I strangely enjoy, but it’s not so easy to enjoy it on a board.

We use fat skis to give us more ‘float’ in the snow, so the extremely wide snowboards are truly at home only when they’re drowning in powder.

And as we’ve seen previously, Japan is the snowiest place in the world and has some of the best quality snow for powder skiing making it the perfect hangout for snowboarders.

Almost all of the Japanese ski accounts I follow on Instagram are pretty much entirely boarders. Maybe that’s some evidence of its popularity, or perhaps I’ve got stuck in an Instagram rabbit hole…

Here’s a list of my favorite Japanese Instagram accounts you should be following!

11. It’s Just special.

skiing in Japan is special — It’s like being on another planet

At the end of the day, skiing (or boarding) in Japan is just undeniably special.

If you’ve never visited the country before, it’s likely to be a culture shock. And that’s before you’ve even got the slopes.

It may be an over-romanticized view that I have, but it honestly feels as though you’re in a completely different world. Extremely kind people, the snowiest place on the entire planet, incredible food, and hot springs.

What more could you honestly ask for on a ski trip?

If you get the opportunity to go, take it with open arms!

Made In Japan/Websites

9 Best Japanese Stationery Websites To Buy From

As an Amazon Associate, I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post. At no extra cost to you! ^_^

I won’t lie, I love Japanese stationery. Sadly the closest I ever got to it was a few fruit-smelling erasers during primary school. I mean, granted, they were absolutely amazing, but after a little look at the list below it’s bound to make any stationery lover have a meltdown!

Anyway, now that I live in Japan I have access to some of the most impressive stationery I’ve ever come across. But for people who don’t (yet!) live in Japan, what are the best places to buy Japanese stationery online?

I’ve taken the time to personally vet each and every one of these sites to make sure they have the best stock, service, and experience you could ask for while buying Japanese stationery. So get your wallets at the ready, these places are awesome! Additionally, many of these sites offer exclusive deals and unique finds that you won’t easily see elsewhere. If you’re looking for a convenient way to discover amazing products, consider exploring the best japanese subscription box 2023; it’s a fantastic way to stay updated on the latest trends in Japanese stationery. Get ready to elevate your collection and indulge in the delightful world of stationery!

Is Japan famous for stationery?

Quick Vocabulary lesson: Stationery – Bunbōgu (文房具)

Japan is a country that prides itself on perfection, in some ways at least.

Handwriting is still seen as an important skill in today’s digital landscape, and as we’ve seen before, analog bureaucracy is here to stay for a while yet. I’m sadly reminded of the time I had to wait over 3 hours for a signature at my local government office here in Japan…

Because of this, stationery companies continuously compete for consumers’ attention and money. This means they have to be at the top of their game in terms of innovation, marketing, and user experience (especially because Japanese people prefer shopping in actual shops than they do online).

All you have to do is visit Itoya in the Ginza district of Tokyo to see how incredibly seriously these stationery companies take their job.

Itoya Ginza farm japanese stationery online — Yup, this is a picture from Itoya (the stationery shop in Ginza) and YES that is a lettuce farm… By RachelH_ – Lettuce growing at the top of Itoya stationery store, Ginza, CC BY 2.0

With that said, as we’ve seen with the rest of Japan’s Outdated Technology, the shift towards digital working has seen Japanese stationery sales continue on a downward trend for the last decade. So, many of these shops now provide a website and offer their products to a wider audience.

Why does Japan have the best stationery?

Its innovative, quality designs have stood the test of time and its cute designs have garnered a worldwide appreciation and an almost cult-like following.

As we learned in the $22,500 melon article, Japanese citizens have come to expect the best, so there’s really no other possible way for the companies to operate other than providing the absolute best stationery in the world.

Is stationery cheaper in Japan?

Whilst it’s honestly not that expensive to order high-quality authentic Japanese stationery from the comfort of your sofa, it will tend to be cheaper in Japan.

This is largely because of shipping fees, Japanese proxy buying platforms, and ‘convenience’ tax.

To buy quality stationery in Japan, you need only to venture to the nearest Daiso shop (¥100), or even a local convenience store!

japanese stationery in convenience store — Perfectly organized stationery and fresh white shirts in a local FamilyMart – Kyle Taylor, CC BY 2.0

Japanese stationery websites to buy from

This is a photo I took from my local family mart, packed full of Japanese stationery. You could enter any family mart and you’ll always find a load of Muji bits. I’m pretty sure they have a collaboration with them?

Unfortunately (or not?) when you buy online, you’re stuck with specialty buyers.

How can I order stationery from Japan?

One of the simplest and quickest ways to order stationery from Japan is to use Amazon. It’s not technically a Japanese stationery store, but they stock a lot of bits from Japanese sellers and resellers. It is possible you’ll pay a bit of a premium for that convenience, so that’s something you’ll have to weigh up.

Simply type ‘Japanese Stationery’ into the search bar and you’ll be presented with a page that looks like this. More on that later!

Now, onto the list!

1. The Journal Shop

Website: thejournalshop.com <- 15% off your first purchase when you use this link!

‘The Journal Shop’ is an online Japanese stationery store based out of the UK that ships worldwide.

According to its creators, the entire site is ‘Deeply inspired by our trips to Japan and our affection for their craftsmanship and culture’ and it’s extremely easy to see this when browsing the many items for sale.

They do, however, have a specific section on the website entirely dedicated to Japanese stationery.

That’s what I’m interested in!

Once you’ve navigated yourself toward this section, you’ll be greeted by a large page filled to the brim with stationery from Japan.

If you’re looking for genuine quality stationery used in Japan and you don’t want to mess around with third-party buyers, this is the site for you.

Having said that, it does still feature one or two Kawaii items, namely the Convenience Store Erasers. I don’t write very much on paper anymore, but damn I want these!!

2. Amazon

Website: Amazon – Japanese Stationery

Once again Amazon rears its face in one of my Japanese shopping lists, yet it’s not the Japanese version I’m talking about here.

All you have to do is type ‘Japanese Stationery’ into the amazon search bar and you’ll be given a page like this.

That’s the US page, but I’m sure if you type it into the search bar if you live somewhere else that you’ll more than likely to stumble across something similar.

SO MUCH CUTENESS!!!

In fact, Amazon has recently made its very own Japanese shop. Not specific a specific Japanese stationery store but extremely interesting to look around if you’re as interested in products from Japan as I clearly am!

It’s a fantastic curation of Japanese products from bigger companies as well as small, boutique craftspeople.

Have a look around and you’re bound to find something you fancy.

At least, I know I am!

3. TOKYU HANDS

Website: hands.net

Tokyo hands Japanese stationery store — Sadly this is the only Tokyu Hands I’ve been to, and now they’ve changed the design so it doesn’t even look like this anymore – By DeepSkyBlue, CC BY-SA 3.0

Yes, I know I know. This isn’t a picture of a website to buy Japanese stationery from, but it is a Japanese chain store that does have a great website to buy from! Although I’m still a little bitter about their rebranding to ‘Hands’ due for completion in 2024, I can’t have this list without the Tokyu Hands Japanese stationery store.

To make things a little more simple, I’ll link you to the search page for stationery.

If that doesn’t work, you’ll have to type ‘stationery’ into the search bar in Japanese (文房具)

You’ll need to translate the page to English, but not through the website (because that takes you to a different page for some reason). I use Safari which comes with an in-built translation tool that works most of the time. On the rare occasions that it doesn’t, Chrome comes to the rescue.

After it’s translated, it’ll look a little something like this:

It might sound a little confusing, but the site does offer some easy ways to pay.

As you can see from the popup it’s a similar situation to the other online Japanese stores where they work with a proxy company to deliver around the world.

That means there’s no need for a Japanese address, though one day I WILL have one! (As of 2023, I have one! ^_^)

A bonus of ordering somewhere like this is you’ll always be getting the newest gear that typically won’t be available anywhere else.

Unless you live in Japan, but if you’re reading this list then I doubt that’s the case!

4. Muji

Website: muji.us/collections/stationery

Ahhh Muji, my favorite online Japanese store.

Come to think of it, it’s probably my favorite physical Japanese stationery store too (in the UK), after the Japan center in London. That place has so much tasty food…

Muji is a great place to shop if you’re looking for a simple ordering and delivery experience that’s available pretty much anywhere in the world.

The shop sells a lot more than just stationery, but they do have a specific stationery section that’s nothing to be sniffed at.

While there may be a few more ‘authentic’ stationery products from some of the other websites, Muji is the place to shop if you’re looking for that minimalist Japanese style.

And let’s be honest, I know that’s why most of you are here!

I’ve done a full (or at least more in-depth than this one) write-up of the online Muji store and clothing department if that’s something of interest to you.

5. Tofu Cute

Website: tofucute.com/kawaii-stationery

I imagine the reason a lot of you clicked on this search result was that you hoped to find a quintessentially Japanese stationery store.

Well, we’ve already gone over the minimalism approach, now it’s kawaii time!!!

We already know Japan loves cute things, but what about stationery?

Well…

Just look at those erasers!

Not only do they stock an incredible amount of interesting and unusual stationery items (Like these ultra on-theme pencils!), but they also have cute plushies and a range of oiishi snacks!

And whilst the shop offers free UK delivery, it also ships to anywhere in the world so my friends from across the pond won’t feel left out! 😉

6. Japan Stationery

Website: japanstationery.com

If you’re looking for the best of the best in Japanese stationery, this is the website you need to visit.

‘Japan Stationery’ is (believe it or not) a Japanese stationery store devoted to sourcing bespoke and luxury stationery products exclusive to them.

They also work with small independent Washi paper masters that literally grow their own plants to make the Washi (Japanese Paper) from scratch.

Take a look at their about page if you’re interested in learning more.

Among other things, you’ll find the most prominent item on the website is, of course, the Washi Paper.

In all the colors and designs you could think of, they stock some truly incredible pieces of work that are bound to fulfill your needs, whether for a gift or just because you love handmade Washi paper!

7. Oshoppu

Website: oshoppu.com

A cute yet sophisticated online Japanese stationery store that imports products from Japan, Korea, and Europe.

One thing I love about this site is the variety of items it stocks.

It has a load of cute products, but they aren’t as ‘cliche’ as some of the other options on the list.

I mean don’t get me wrong, I love clichéd items as much as the next person, but a lot of these have more of a ‘refined’ cute Japanese feel rather than a crazy one.

They have a wide selection of Washi tape, notebooks, stickers, journals, and other stationery essentials that are begging to decorate your home office with their sweet designs!

8. Notebook Therapy

Website: notebooktherapy.com

Everything you’ll find at ‘Notebook Therapy’ is extremely aesthetically pleasing.

I mean sure, it’s more important to have high-quality products (which I’m sure these are), but who doesn’t love buying Japanese products purely for the way they look!?

As well as having an incredibly beautiful portfolio of products to offer in their catalog, this Japanese stationery store also has things like bags, diffusers, and phone cases.

It’s truly a website that caters to everyone!

Not only do they have a following of over 1M people on Instagram, they also employ an extremely eco-conscious working policy that helps make a difference around the world.

Just take a look at this page to see everything they’re doing for the planet.

If that’s not reason enough to buy from them, then I don’t know what is!

9. Tokyo Pen Shop

Website: tokyopenshop.com

I’ll give you three guesses about what this shop stocks…

Nope, it’s not noodles!

It’s pens!

Tokyo Pen Shop is a Japanese stationery store online that was created with the intention to bring fine Japanese stationery to those who can’t readily access it.

If you’re a Japanese language beginner or have been studying it for a while, you’ll know how precise some of those annoying kanji can be.

So what does a complicated Kanji need to be properly written? A fine and precise pen.

And as it says on the website, ‘The quest for the perfect pen began’.

So if you’re after a technical or specific sort of pen from Japan (or for your Japanese studies) Tokyo Pen Shop is probably a good option.

You can also purchase notebooks too, so no excuse not to be studying!

P.S. If you’re on a computer, (or a Japanese laptop) hover your mouse over the little hedgehog in the pen pot, it’s the cutest little animation!

Questions/Food & Drink

Do People In Japan Use Forks?

As an Amazon Associate I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post. At no extra cost to you! ^_^

Some topics on this website takes hours of research to come to a conclusion. This was not one of those posts!

In almost all cases, people in Japan use chopsticks and not forks, knives, or spoons.

Let’s take a look at why the vast majority of people in Japan would prefer to use chopsticks rather than knife and fork.

How many people use chopsticks around the world?

According to Pagoda Projects, around 33% of people worldwide use chopsticks on a daily basis.

So it’s clear that chopsticks are very popular around the world, now let’s find out why!

Why do people in Japan still use chopsticks?

Quick vocabulary lesson: Chopsticks – Hashi (箸)

Japan is a country that, by many, can be considered high tech.

As we’ve seen before though, it’s a country that likes to hold onto its traditions and even uses retro technology to this very day.

So for some people it might seem a little strange that they eat with (mostly) wooden chopsticks and not metal cutlery.

There are two reasons I believe people in Japan still use chopsticks and haven’t (and won’t) change over to knife and fork.

1. It’s not broken, so why change it?

A similar reason to Japan clinging onto their fax machines, because they work.

In fact it’s actually a lot simpler than the fax machine quandary because one is neither better or worse than the other.

It is purely a matter of personal choice to use chopsticks or not. And it seems everyone prefers using them over western cutlery.

2. Deeply routed in Culture

Let me pose a question to you:

Is it cheaper to create two small straight sticks from the fastest growing plant in the world, or to craft two separate and more intricate implements from metal (that has to be found)?

Cheap, quick, and effective. Those are three reasons Japan originally adopted the chopsticks from its neighbour to the West, China.

And even before they were widely used, chopsticks were used as a way to connect to the gods.

Hashi (はし) means chopstick (箸), but it also means bridge (橋).

According to JapanVistor, chopsticks were offered to deities and would then become inhabited by that god. When they were eventually used to eat with, it could be suggested that the chopsticks were the ‘bridge’ between god and man.

What are the benefits of eating with chopsticks?

health benefits of eating with chopsticks

Perhaps surprisingly, the humble chopstick has a few hidden benefits over is larger metallic brothers and sisters.

Many of these benefits are likely big reasons that Japan continues to use them and why everyone else should give them a try!

1. Mindfulness of the situation

By using chopsticks to eat food, it’s likely (unless you’ve grown up using them) that you’ll have to concentrate.

I’ve known how to use chopsticks for as long as I can remember, and it still takes an active effort from my brain to pick up food.

Especially anything that isn’t sticky!

The great thing about this is that your mind has to centre itself in the moment and won’t be allowed to wander off to the worries and problems of the day.

You’ll stay grounded in the moment and and enjoy the entire experience a lot more.

2. Appreciation of the food

Using chopsticks to eat your meal doesn’t only help centre you in the present moment, it also allows you to appreciate the food in-front of you.

You’re consciously thinking about how to use the chopsticks, eating smaller amounts, and eating the food more slowly.

If you need some help understanding how to increase your appreciation of the food, try the following:

Examine the taste and texture of the food as you eat it. You’ll be surprised how often we eat food and take the flavours and texture for granted. When was the last time you really truly thought about the food on your plate?
Contemplate where your food comes from. It’s all too easy to pick up anything from the shops, ignoring its origins. Instead, it’s important to to realise whether the food you’re eating sits correctly with your morals in life.
Find appreciation for the person who has cooked it. This applies no matter where you are or who’s cooked your meal.

Most of these principles come from Zen: The art of Simple Living – A book I highly recommend that talks about the intricacies of Japanese Zen.

3. Slower eating means improved digestion and a happier body

The smaller each mouthful and the slower you eat your meal, the easier your stomach will be able to digest the food.

Another benefit to eating slower is you’ll end up listening to your body more so than you would if you were to eat with a knife and fork on autopilot.

Slower eating means you’ll feel full far more quickly than you would normally, which in turn means a healthier relationship with food.

4. Lower the G.I (Glycaemic index) of your meal

Let’s make it extremely clear that I am in no way a doctor and I’m pretty much figuring this all out at the same time you are!

Studies have shown that just by using chopsticks, foods end up having a lower number on the GI scale.

I’m not entirely sure what this all means, (This is a Japanese blog, not a health blog!) but as far as I’m aware, it’s a more healthy way to consume food that with a fork or spoon!

Do I have to use chopsticks in Japan?

Japanese gyoza and chopsticks — I really enjoy food… Especially Japanese food…

Technically, no. But that does depend on where you are in the country.

If you’re in the middle of nowhere and enjoy exploring off the beaten track, then the likelihood of finding western style cutlery dramatically reduces.

If you’re travelling in some of the more touristy areas or are near to any of the bigger cities in Japan, you’ll probably be able to find knives and forks. But again, this is always at the discretion of the owners as to whether they’ll actually ever have some.

Forks are by far the least common of the three western cutlery pieces.

Spoons are often found in Ramen bowls, and knives will come with certain meat dishes.

Im always extremely humbled by the polite and accommodating attitude of Japanese workers, so there’s no doubt that if you ask for knives and forks, you’ll likely be given them with absolutely no judgment.

Don’t worry about feeling rude or offending your hosts. And it’s not some unspoken taboo where you’ll be whisked off to the police station.

The most important thing for them is that you’re having a good time!

Should I use chopsticks in Japan?

Whether you have to use chopsticks is out of your control and simply depends on where you decide to eat. Whether you chose to use chopsticks when you dont necessarily need to is entirely up to you.

Im one of those people who loves exploring small independent food options, rather than worldwide chain brands.

…Though if you’re stuck for WI-FI or want to catch a few ZZZs at a moments notice, McDonalds can be invaluable!

I dont judge those who chose to eat western food in a Far Eastern country, but I feel like if you have the opportunity to try something different then you should give it a go.

takoyaki with sauce — To be fair they actually look pretty good here…

I tried Takoyaki the first time I went to Japan and honestly it was a big no from me…

Okonomiyaki was far more my kinda food!

So just in the same way I think you should try as much Japanese food (and all the snacks!) as you can, I think it’s important to try and learn how to eat with chopsticks.

Not only is it a great skill to learn, but its also extremely polite when you’re in a different country to learn as much about their culture before you go as you can.

Plus you can always do some Radio Taiso afterwards if you eat too much!

Culture/Questions

Why does Japan still use outdated technology?

On the surface, it’s easy to write off-Japan as a country of flying cars and robot butlers.

However, as with countless things surrounding Japan, the actual situation is a lot more complex.

Today we’re going to discuss Japan’s unusual and perhaps surprising relationship with technology.

Let’s get started!

History of Japanese technology

The basis most people have for Japan being a technologically advanced country does have some truth to it. Well, actually quite a lot!

We’ll talk about it in a little more detail further on in the post, but for now, let’s discuss what makes Japan such a

What old technology does Japan still use?

Let me show you a few pieces of retro technology still very much in use over in the land of the rising sun.

1. Fax machines

fax machines Japan — Mr.ちゅらさん, CC BY-SA 4.0

Ahhhh, fax machines.

Japan’s guilty pleasure of old tech.

In 2019, the Japanese government did a study to see just how heavily used these machines are.

It turns out basically all Japanese companies and at least 1/3 of households own and use a fax machine.

That’s quite astonishing when you realise it’s a technology from over four decades ago.

Why does Japan still use fax machines?

Well, this can be put down to a few interesting reasons.

The first reason Japan still widely uses the fax machine is because they worked

What I mean by this is between 1970-1990, Japan’s economy grew extremely well. Part of this was because of America’s intervention, which led to a ‘Technology focused’ vision from the Japanese government over many years.

And what piece of equipment flourished as a result of that success?

The fax machine!

Since that time, fax machines and economic (as well as business) success have pretty much gone hand in hand.

Numerous companies are still under the mindset of ‘If it ain’t broken, don’t fix it’, which may partly be to blame for Japan’s current technology plateau.

So even to this day you’ll likely find many Japanese companies where fax machines hold pivotal roles in their infrastructure.

With that said, the last couple of years may have triggered a nationwide attitude shift.

As a wave of ‘work from home’ jobs start to appear, Japan is just as likely as other countries to be a part of that movement. Even if it might adapt a little slower, it’ll still get there in time.

With a complete working environment switch, Japan has realised it’s not set up well enough to cater for its workers to work from home on a full-time basis

That’s why, over the next 5-10 years, I wouldn’t be surprised if email and other productivity and messaging services boom.

The second reason fax machines are widely used is because they’re extremely secure. Though, this is a vision that’s becoming less and less supported.

It’s not that fax machines aren’t secure, it’s just that other equally safe options are popping up every day.

But as we know, Japan is a creature of habit, so will they make the extremely needed change?

The third and final reason why fax machines are still used in Japan is because the ‘individual’ doesn’t technically exist.

Put another way, the little man doesn’t have a voice. And if he did, he’d make sure not to use it.

Though switching from fax machines to modern technology is possible (given enough time), a wide shift is still likely to cause someteething problems.

Nobody wants to be responsible for those difficulties, not even the big companies.

When you realise that simply getting something wrong at work is often a cause for extreme shame in Japan, if starting a countrywide shift of outdated technology had even one small issue, it’s likely to be life changing.

2. DVDs

With over 200 streaming services available around the world, it’s hard to believe a country whose favourite hobby is watching online videos would still use DVDs.

In fact, revenue of dvd sales in Japan was $580,551,510 in 2020.

That’s ‘billion’, not ‘million’.

Though that number has been steadily declining over the last few years, it’s still far higher than the US.

In the same year, Americans spent only $32.5 million on DVDs. That’s a huge difference.

Why does Japan still use DVDs?

Let’s attack this problem from two directions.

The first reason many people in Japan still buy DVDs is a cultural one.

Here in the UK, I’m often met with a miserable face as I hand over my money to a shop assistant, and they throw my item back at me like I’ve caused their terrible day.

Service and customer happiness is definitely an afterthought in most shops, that’s for sure.

But if you’ve ever shopped in Japan, you know it’s the polar opposite.

Not only do the majority of shops have a designated greeter that proudly exclaims ‘いらっしゃいませ！’ (Irasshaimase!) meaning ‘welcome’, or ‘come in!’, but the entire customer journey is often different.

Everyone I’ve ever encountered in a Japanese store goes above and beyond what is expected of them, and yet never seems to pester.

My debit card (if the shop accepts them) is handed back to me with two hands, and my item is wrapped up and finished off with a beautifully decorated piece of Washi tape.

It’s an experience that not even people who have grown up with will take for granted, and that means shops aren’t going anywhere for a long time yet.

Consumers typically take this appreciation into unboxing, using, and storing their purchases, potentially a reason for Japan’s thriving and immaculate second hand market.

The next reason DVDs are still used and bought in Japan is a slightly more technical one.

For many of us here in the west, we take streaming services for granted.

Whilst lately Japan has seen a rise in the usage of these sites, there are still a huge amount of CD and DVD rental shops around the country that are extremely popular with the regulars.

Similarly to CDs, it’s also the case that many people don’t really know these streaming services exist.

It’s not to believe when you realise that broad consumer usage of the internet is still a relatively new things in Japan.

And damn do those websites look like they were made in the 90s…

3. CDs

CDs, much like DVDs, are still extremely popular in Japan.

I won’t repeat myself too much, but most of the reasons are extremely similar to DVDs

Are CDs popular in Japan?

CDs have seen a steady decline over the last few years with the strong influence of streaming services, but they aren’t out of the game yet.

However, when you compare the numbers to those of countries across the world, Japan still sits very high.

Physical media, it would seem, still holds a spot in the hearts of many Japanese people.

It’s actually quite refreshing to find a nation not entirely overcome by digital services when the rest of the world has gone mad for them.

Why are CDs still popular in Japan?

Let me answer this question with another question.

Do you know of anywhere in your home town, or country, that actively sells CDs?

No?…

Well in Japan, there’s a place called Tower Records which does exactly that.

It’s a shop that used to have outlets in several other countries around the world, however with the introduction of digital media they all ended up closing.

That in itself should show you just how popular CDs are in Japan.

If you’re interested in learning more, take a look at the most popular hobbies in Japan post I recently wrote. It explains in detail why people in Japan prefer CDs to streaming services like Spotify and Tidal.

4. Retro Phones

retro phones Japan — Takashi Hososhima from Tokyo, Japan, CC BY-SA 2.0

As far as outdated technology goes, old phones are probably my favourite.

Does anyone remember having that really chunky blue Nokia phone that had ‘Snake’ on it?

The one that if you dropped it on the floor, you’d have to check the condition of the floor before you checked the phone?

Ahhh, good times…

Are flip phones still common in Japan?

Flip phones are probably the most common type of ‘Garakai’ phone used on the market today.

These ‘Feature phones’ are popular in Japan because of their practical uses for everyday life.

For example, we already know Japan’s work culture can see people working upwards of 50 hours per week, which means they need a phone that can operate for an extended number of hours at any one time.

Smartphones, though ‘smart’, cannot keep up with such a schedule reliably.

Plus, without the inclusion of data in a phone contract, you’ll end up paying far less of a premium than usual. And Japanese phone contracts are steep at the best of times.

So what does this look like in terms of countrywide adoption?

Well back in 2015 a smartphone market penetration survey was conducted, and it found 88% of people in South Korea owned a smartphone, 58% of people in China, but only 40% in Japan.

The rest of each population own a standard non-smart phone.

Do Japanese high schoolers use flip phones?

Japanese high schools are probably one of the most popular places to find people with flip phones.

Many students are likely to either have older phones passed down to them or to be bought new phones due to their cheap costs, practicality, and robust exterior.

When a child first makes his or her way to the nearest high school, they likely have no need for the full features of a smartphone, but instead need a way to contact their parents in case of emergency.

Of course, the cheaper smartphones become, the less you’ll start to see smartphones in Japanese high schools.

But for now, they still have their place.

5. Newspapers

Are newspapers still popular in Japan?

Well, according to the NYTimes Japan ‘maintains the largest circulation of print newspapers in the world’ so that’s a resounding yes!

According to Reuters institute and the University of Oxford, Japanese newspapers still sell over 40M copies each day as of 2016. That’s a country with an internet penetration rate of 94%.

And almost 40% of the population get their news from printed media, quite an impressive statistic in this day and age.

Again, as with many of these 5 outdated technologies, it is slowly being overtaken by digital services. Though when I say slowly, I really do mean slowly.

Until Japanese websites become more consumer friendly and their services are advertised more frequently to readers, I think physical newspapers will continue to be as popular as they are today

Is Japan falling behind in technology?

Despite its shiny exterior, Japan isn’t necessarily the futuristic city it’s consistently portrayed as.

Whilst Japan is home to some huge tech corporations, it’s been falling behind in the technology race for quite some time now.

The World competitiveness Center Rankings placed Japan at number 28 in 2020, that’s a drop of 4 places.

In my opinion, this decline in technology competitiveness can be put down to a highly underdeveloped digital administrative system (Bad digital solutions and continued use of fax machines in important places), and a relatively low startup budget when compared to the rest of the world.

Like we’ve already discussed, Japanese people tend not to praise those who go out on their own.

So you’d have to imagine starting a company where almost 90% are doomed to fail is a giant leap of faith.

Why does Japan still use outdated technology?

Hopefully, the last 2,000 words or so have shown you why Japan still uses outdated technology and their attitudes towards them.

If not, here are 4 of the main reasons that Japan has continued to use outdated technology:

1. A society and culture that simply doesn’t want to make a change

Lots of people are just ‘comfortable’ with how things are. Technically nothing is broken, so why bother fixing it?

2. Less access to digital availability

Though it’s likely to change in the near future, Japan has been one of the slowest countries to adopt digital living in the same way western countries crave it daily.

3. A love and pride for objects of history

All you have to do is take a look at the second hand markets available both online and offline to see how absolutely incredibly they treat their retro or antique objects.

There’s a reason why almost everything you buy from Japan on Ebay is in mint condition!

4. A culture that doesn’t praise those who go it alone

With a culture that doesn’t encourage people to take risks and take the untrodden path, it’s unlikely to promote the constant innovation needed to keep up in today’s competitive market.

Conclusion

It’s clear things in Japan are changing. I would imagine in 20 years, or even 10 years, the digital-old technology market will look vastly different than it does today.

Yes, they may hang on for a while longer than most places because of cultural differences and technical challenges, but nothing lasts forever.

Culture

Exercise The Japanese Way (Without Going To The Gym)

If you live in the United States or United Kingdom, as most of you do, it’s likely you’re constantly bombarded with gym culture on social media.

But maybe not so if you happen to live in Japan.

So, in a country that has the highest life expectancy in the world, how do people stay fit in without hitting the weights?

Let’s find out!

Do Japanese people really not go to the gym?

do japanese go to the gym — Unsure I’ve ever seen a gym this empty…

Quite honestly, not really.

Whilst you or I may think it’s fairly normal to attend the gym 3-4 times a week, this simply isn’t the case in Japanese society.

From a study conducted in March 2020, Japan had around 2.57M active gym memberships. That’s around a 5% market penetration rate.

Compare this to a country such as the US where the penetration rate of gym memberships is over 20 percent and you start to see how low Japan sits in the list.

Let’s spend a few moments looking at the reasons behind Japan’s less than busy gyms. (change sentence)

Gym Prices in Japan – More Expensive Than Most

japanese boxing gym — Hiroki Ioka Boxing Gym

Back when I was a student I managed to get away with paying £8 ($10) a month for the local city gym.

Whilst it was nothing to write home about, I felt for such a cheap price there really wasn’t anything to lose.

In Japan, however, you should expect to pay anywhere from ¥10,000 to ¥20,000 a month for a private gym. That’s $90 to $180 every month for a gym that might not be top quality…

So why are they so expensive?

Simply because there just isn’t the demand for it like there is in western countries.

Whilst many people in the west idealize the muscular body type, it’s not as widely worshipped in Japan.

There is the possibility of going to a public gym which costs around $5 (depending on exchange rate) ago but the difference between quality at public gyms can be incredibly large.

Besides, if you ended up going more than a few times a month it would probably be worth paying the extra to attend a private venue.

So if people don’t go to the gym, then how do they continue to be the fittest country in the world?

Let’s find out.

Why are people in Japan so fit?

So if the participation in ‘working out’ or going to the gym is so low, then how come Japan is constantly touted as the healthiest and fittest place on the planet?

Because fitness is an integral part of their lifestyle, not a separate activity.

For instance, almost all children in Japan commute to school on their own. And though this might include a few forms of Japanese public transport, you won’t find a car in sight for the morning school run.

That means that from a young age, children in Japan are not only encouraged to think for themselves but also to rely on their own form of transport.

Legs!

Whether that means biking, walking, or skipping, it’s a far healthier alternative than almost any other country.

japanese school children walk to school on own

And this has been going on since the 1950s so it’s extremely well ingrained into public opinion.

So as well as (in general) one of the healthiest diets in the world, Japan has the fittest population primarily because of walking.

Do Japanese people walk a lot?

A large number of Japanese people walk pretty much everywhere.

To the shops, to school, to work, and more.

And if it’s a little too far for the feet to handle, they’ll likely just pop onto Japan’s world-famous public transport system.

Of course, that’s not to say people don’t own cars in Japan.

In fact, driving is one of the most popular hobbies in Japan. But that’s from a hobbyist approach, not practical.

What we do know about Japan and cars is that they’re a little different, practically speaking, from a lot of cars in the west. Especially larger countries like the United States

Kei cars are tiny, boxy, slow vehicles that get people from A-B. They work well for their designed purpose, but not much else.

If we dig a little deeper, we can see that as of 2019 just over 69% of people in Japan own a car.

In that same year, the US reported a far higher number of 91.3%.

We can surmise this shift in thinking from other countries is down to a few things.

Firstly, as we’ve previously read, it’s deeply ingrained within most Japanese people to walk from a young age. This habit not only promotes physical health but also fosters a strong sense of discipline and community. Understanding how to maintain motivation in Japanese culture often intertwines with these values, as group activities and social support play significant roles in encouraging individuals to stay committed. As a result, walking becomes not just a physical activity but a cultural practice that reinforces social ties and personal commitment.

When surveyed about exercise habits, a large portion of people stated they didn’t exercise despite having the highest average steps per day of any country in the world.

(Insert graph of average walking steps in the world)

And finally, the idea of walking and keeping fit has always been backed up by officials and the government. They’ve even created thousands of miles of walking routes just for that reason.

Daily exercise every morning

Can you think of any other ways people in Japan may have been exposed to ‘Exercise’ as a part of their daily routine?

If not, let me introduce you to something very special.

Radio Taiso

Radio Taiso is an exercise routine that’s broadcast several times a day on the radio and television, and it’s extremely popular.

It doesn’t take a genius to work out video consumption has sky rocketed since the start of 2020, but Radio Taiso has been popular since its release 100 years ago.

Even to this day around 27 million people participate in the stretching routine at least twice a week, that’s more than 10 times the amount that have gym memberships.

Trust me, it’s harder than you think!

It may look a little silly, but it’s an extremely healthy way to start your morning that only takes a few minutes and can be completed in the comfort of you own home.

As far as I’m aware the only way to watch these workouts is through NHK Radio.

So unless you have a radio satellite dish and tuner, download their free app and listen along!

Unfortunately I’m not sure on the exact time of the Radio Taiso broadcast, but just remember early morning in Japan probably doesn’t mean early morning where you are!

The healthiest place on earth – If you like vegetables…

why are japanese so fit and healthy — Those vegetables look good enough to eat! …Obviously!

Although this is an article about the exercising habits of the people in Japan, it wouldn’t be complete if I didn’t mention their diet.

As well as exercise, the majority of Japanese people also eat extremely healthy food. That’s something that goes hand in hand with fitness and should not be forgotten.

The few staples of Japanese food are Rice, Fish, and vegetables.

They eat very little dairy and meat, maybe once or twice a week.

And the food portions are far smaller than their western counterparts.

Healthy food (Use photos from folders or Unsplash

Yes, of course, people do like sweet treats and believe me when I tell you, Japanese snacks are some of the best in the world.

But if we take a broader look at the Japanese diet as a whole, it’s vastly superior for one’s health than almost anywhere else.

Conclusion

So yes, exercise like the Japanese do and incorporate as much walking as you can into your day but if you’re upgrading your fitness regime, then consider spending some time fixing your diet, too.

Made In Japan/Brands

7 Minimal Japanese Clothing Brands.

Japan is well known for it’s …’Overt’ fashion trends. *Cough, Harajuku, Cough*

Don’t let your assumptions of Japanese fashion fool you, though.

The country is home to far more than you often see on the T.V and in pictures.

It’s clear that Japanese fashion can sometimes get a little ‘Loud’ but one branch has stayed the same, and that’s minimalism.

Why is minimalist clothing popular in Japan?

Quite simply because minimalist clothing is timeless, especially in a fast paced country such as Japan.

And even though Japans washing machines have a strange secret, they’re still easy to wash!

What does minimal clothing?

The minimalist style can be achieved with any type of clothing but it must adhere to a few rules.

Keep it simple.
Muted Colours
No branding

Building the perfect Japanese minimal wardrobe, or in fact any minimal wardrobe does involve some work on your behalf.

There is no one shop that will stock everything you’re after. Instead you’ll need to bounce around a few different stores and until you find what you’re after.

Of course there are certain stores like the ones on this list that will specialise in a minimalist design in one way or another. Technically though, you can find minimal clothing at just about any Japanese clothing brand.

If you’re here just for the inspiration then by all means read on but you’ll also have huge amounts of success by typing ‘Minimal Japanese Clothing‘ into Pinterest.

That’s how I find my next outfit anyway… Ha!

1. MUJI – More Than Just Clothing.

Website: m uji.com

Physical Stores: 1,029 Worldwide

Year of Launch: 1980

Concept: Kanketsu

Muji minimal clothing tokyo — The huge flagship MUJI store in Tokyo – Yanfogum 2322, CC BY-SA 4.0

The first offering on the list is MUJI, and it’s much more than a minimal Japanese clothes store.

Founded in 1980, MUJI is the epitome of minimalism and practicality in every aspect of life.

Not only do they have an extensive collection of high quality clothes, but also food, housewares, Health and beauty, a car (not even joking, take a look!), and everything else in-between.

I’ve stepped inside the doors of MUJI in more countries than I care to remember, and the experience is still as refreshing and calming as it was the very first time.

And the same can be said for their website experience.

It’s cool, clean, and an absolute joy to click around.

Of course you came here to find minimal Japanese clothing brands, so let’s take a moment to understand what MUJI has to offer in that department.

At their stores you’ll find a variety of cotton, linen, and organic clothes. You’ll also find a lot of clothing in earthy colours, following the concept of Wabi Sabi (Metals, woods, Earth materials, as much organic as possible)

A couple of the entries on this list may be a little hard to navigate or get your hands on, but I’m confident in suggesting MUJI is the most accessible Japanese minimal clothing brand no matter where you’re located on the globe.

2. UNIQLO – Casually Compelling.

Website: uniqlo.com

Physical Stores: Over 1000

Year of Launch: 1984

Concept: ‘Made For All’

minimal clothing Japan — UNIQLO in Alberta, Canada – Photo by Rowanlovescars, CC BY-SA 4.0

UNIQLO takes the medal for being the second most accessible and widely available Japanese clothing store world wide with a total of 1000 stores and a big online presence.

Founded in 1949, Yamaguchi, Japan, UNIQLO is a clothing brand that focuses on quality, simplicity and casual clothing.

What I specifically like about UNIQLO is how their clothing range seems to fit for almost any occasion and yet it stays understated and natural.

Lots of clothing brands these days seem to focus on standing out and being unique. Whilst I won’t deny that UNIQLO certainly achieves this, they seem to have gone back to basic designs and focused on upgrading the quality of them.

They aren’t reinventing the wheel, rather… improving it.

Tadashi Yanai, the owner and founder of UNIQLO has had a huge impact on the companies success. He encourages employees to suggest improvements to the company and their respective stores, and keeps the company hierarchy completely flat.

That’s not to say there are no managers, but the process of suggesting and having influence over parts of the company is achievable for anyone no matter their job role.

Anyway I digress…

Moral of the story is, it’s a quality company that definitely deserves some of your time!

3. GU – Fast Fashion?

Website: gu.com

Physical Stores: 422

Year of Launch: 2006

Concept: ‘Your Freedom’

gu clothing store Tokyo minimal clothing

I’m going to start this section off by saying I don’t have a lot of money. That wouldn’t usually be too much of a problem, but I flipping love Japanese minimalist fashion and I’m very happy to buy some bits when I’m out here.

As such, I’m doing everything I can to find affordable Japanese fashion brands like Muji, because I think they’re a little too expensive for me.

Luckily enough, GU is just that. I would imagine one reason why it’s so cheap is because it’s fast fashion, something that makes Japanese clothing brands affordable.

Owned by the same parent company as UNIQLO, GU cheaper yet perfectly acceptable alternative that specializes in minimal clothing

If UNIQLO was the epitome of high-quality minimal clothes, GU is the less luxury, though still totally fine for what I’m after.

That’s not to say if you buy from GU you won’t get high-quality minimal clothing, but the materials used are different from their sister company.

Due to it’s substantially lower price point, GU may appeal to a younger generation of shoppers who frequently change style or fashion.

They understand this is a large portion of their customer demographic and so use slightly more ‘disposable’ materials to make their clothing.

UNIQLO, the sister shop, focuses on high quality materials that are likely to last a lot longer.

We can assume that UNIQLO will target older (Not old, just not teenagers) customers with bigger wallets and a specific style, whereas GU focuses on younger people and stocks a larger variety of clothing yet still has a minimal vibe throughout.

If you’re wondering where to start looking if you’re in a store on online, take a look at their cult favorite ¥990 ($8.70) Jeans! Affordable Japanese minimalist fashion is incredibly popular across the world, and GU really fills that gap in the market.

4. LOWRYS FARM – Freedom of Expression.

Website: lowrysfarm

Physical Stores: 134

Year of Launch: 1992

Concept: ‘She Follows Her Own Feelings’

MEIAFU Haomsa, CC BY-SA 4.0

Lowrys Farm is a Japanese clothing brand that provides a minimal style for women in their 20s to 30s. (Of course, anyone can wear the clothes, but that’s the companies demographic and target audience.)

It was created to juxtapose the often eccentric Japanese fashion scene in Shibuya and Harajuku, but still retain a sense of personal expression and fun.

Lowrys Farm is a clothing company that helps women all over the country feel young and free with a large selection of casual clothes without a hint of pretentiousness.

In store and online you can expect loose fitting clothes, relaxed fits, playful photos and shop designs, and an all round friendly atmosphere.

The company frequently interacts with it’s customers on an active blog and continuously asks for feedback to improve customer experiences. This adds to the laid-back and relaxed atmosphere of the brand as a whole.

Buying products online from Lowrys Farm is definitely harder than some of the other minimal brands on the list, but not impossible.

The website now uses something called ‘Worldshopping‘ which is pretty much a proxy buying company from Japan that will buy it on your behalf and send it over to you.

It’s great because navigating a fully Japanese website when you dont speak Japanese or have a Japanese bank account can end up causing a whole load of problems.

I’ve written an entire post about Japanese proxy buying services, so take a look here if you’re interested! Incidentally it’s the same post that shows some really interesting online Japanese stores you may want to purchase from!

5. Blue Blue Japan – Indigo Madness.

Website: bluebluejapan.com

Physical Stores: N/A

Year of Launch: 1996

Concept: N/A

Quick Vocabulary Lesson: Blue = Aoi (青い)

Blue Blue Japan is a minimal clothing company in Japan that specializes in, you guessed it, Blue!

Of course, it’s a little more in-depth than that, but at the same time maybe it isn’t?

Let me explain…

Unlike some of the other Japanese brands on this list, Blue Blue Japan focuses on one thing and absolutely perfects it.

I don’t know if ‘Takumi’ can refer to more than one person (or a company in this case), but it’s an extremely appropriate term to use with Blue Blue Japan.

In case you don’t know, Takumi refers to someone (usually a craftsperson) who has honed their skills for many years (usually over 25) and is unrivaled in whichever field of work they’re in.

They dedicate their entire lives to the pursuit of absolute perfection and usually pass their skills down so the craft continues to live on.

So what is it that Blue Blue Japan specializes in?

Hand dyed Indigo clothing, hand-stitched material, and traditional Japanese techniques like Sashiko (刺し子 – Embroidery).

Even just a quick browse on the website shows you how much effort is put into each one of these garments.

Because the process is more handmade than machine-made, you can expect this to reflect in the price, but thankfully not too much.

6. MR. OLIVE – The Luxury One.

Website: mr-olive.net

Physical Stores: N/A

Year of Launch: 2003

Concept: Stylish & Simple

At number 6 on our list we have MR.OLIVE, is a luxury Japanese clothing brand with a minimal style.

Whilst MR.OLIVE doesn’t have its own stores, their clothing is available from many different stores around Japan and also online at ZOZOTOWN.

If you’re looking for minimal clothes to wear on a special night out, or just something with a sense of grandeur, then MR.OLIVE might be for you.

Having said that, if you dig a little deeper on the website, you’ll find a few funky designs that resemble a toned-down version of Harajuku street fashion.

But still, the prices of these clothes are likely to put off a lot of people that could find similar designs somewhere else.

7. BEAMS – Cultural Mashup.

Website: beams.co.jp

Physical Stores: 150

Year of Launch: 1976

Concept: ‘Life as a Journey’

Last but absolutely not least in this list of minimal Japanese clothing brands is BEAMS.

Now, unless you’re a fashion addict or extremely well-researched in Japanese clothing brands then you probably haven’t heard of BEAMS. And I wouldn’t blame you if that’s the case.

Luckily, unlike many online Japanese stores you can quickly and easily order from their website to just about any country in the world.

As you browse through the online shop (Or physical shop if you’re lucky enough to be in Japan) you’ll notice a heavy American vibe to a lot of their clothing.

It’s this mashup of cultures that have helped BEAMS rise to the heights it’s at today and create an incredibly unique minimal clothing line.

Though the company was launched in 1976, the first women’s label didn’t release until 1984. Partly due to location, and partly to popularity.

BEAMS also made a name for itself with cross-brand collaborations from specially designed mobile phones to clothing that could accommodate specific digital devices.

Conclusion

So there you have it. 7 minimal Japanese clothing brands that you can buy right now!

I’m constantly on the hunt to make my wardrobe a little more minimal but before I did the research for this post, I didn’t look any further forward than UNIQLO and MUJI.

Whilst those are absolutely fantastic clothing brands and will continue to make up the majority of my wardrobe, it’s clear there are other brands that definitely deserve some time on your next shopping trip!

Culture

10 Most Popular Hobbies in Japan.

I have 3 main hobbies.

Well, to be fair I’m interested and love learning about everything on the planet BUT…

If I had to narrow it down it would be: This website (and Japan), Photography, and Reading.

I frequently bounce around and enjoy exploring other activities I’ve never heard of. Not from fear of missing out, Just because I LOVE exploring whatever is available to me.

So it got me thinking, What are the most popular hobbies in Japan?

Having researched this country and its culture for many years, I had a rough idea about what would appear on the list.

Some of the entries, though, I really wasn’t expecting. Have a think now and see if your guesses end up on the list!

Oh and just so you dont think I’m plucking these hobbies out of the air, this entire list is backed up by Statista and their incredibly detailed sources!

10. Shopping – 買い物

Japanese shopfront — Might just be me, but Japanese shops look so flipping aesthetic…

In at number 10 on our list of the most popular hobbies in Japan is shopping.

From the outside, it’s easy to pigeonhole Japan as a technological metropolis from the future.

For those of you that have spent any extended amount of time in the country, you’ll know it’s actually a cash-centric country.

In a lot of the stores in bigger cities, you’ll probably still need to withdraw your yen before any purchase you make. And if you’re located further afield, not having cash handy will make things extremely difficult.

One big impact of Japan’s reluctance to pull away from physical cash is people often tend to shop in Brick and Mortar stores rather than online.

I mean, damn… Have you seen some of those website designs?! I wouldn’t input my financial data into something that looks like it was created on a potato!

So with the majority of an average households monthly expenses coming from physical shops rather than online, shopping at stores is something set to stay around for a good while yet.

Hint: Click here if you’re looking for the best online Japanese stores to buy from

9. Digital Communication (Twitter, messenger, LINE)

LINE app in Japan — I may or may not have downloaded LINE purely to look at stickers…

If you’ve been to Japan (Or literally just seen it on tv), it probably won’t be a surprise to you that messaging made it into the top 10 list of most popular hobbies in Japan.

Maybe I wouldn’t call this one a hobby, but it’s for sure an activity that millions of people in Japan (And lets be honest, the world) spend hours doing each and every day.

Next time you’re in the country, I challenge you to step into a train carriage that doesn’t have everyone staring down at their phones.

LINE is by far the most used messaging platform in Japan, and that can be put down to a few basic reasons:

It’s designed by Japan for Japan – Whilst platforms like WhatsApp are designed for a western audience, LINE is created to be as useable as possible for a Japanese audience. You’ll also have to imagine that the majority of advertising for LINE will be domestic and likely more frequent than WhatsApp
STICKERS! – In a nation that LOVES anime and cute emojis, it’s not hard to see why the stickers from LINE quickly became a national love.

People can even create and sell their own! So if you consider yourself arty, it could be worth a go ^_^

There are of course many other reasons this social media platform does so well, but those can wait for another article!

8. Watching Movies (Cinema) – 映画

retro japanese star wars poster — Where do I buy these!? Take my money!

Even though a large majority of movies dont tend to release in Japan as early as they do in the west, the Cinema continues to be one of the most popular hobbies in the country.

Though cinema admissions aren’t as high as they were in Japan in the 1950s, over the last few years (2019-2020) there has been somewhat of a resurgence.

Anime’s such as “Your Name”, “Demon Slayer – The Movie” and “Weathering With You” have all been a hit with the younger audience and have kept cinema alive, especially through the tougher years.

It’s a great way for people to socialise, especially the younger generation who would instead just be watching tv or movies at home by themselves.

7. Walking – 歩く

japanese man walking — If you haven’t seen the way light falls in Tokyo during spring, put it on your bucket list!

I attempt to get 10K steps a day, but usually average around 3K instead.

Not great, I know…

Japan as a nation has a huge walking culture with the average adult walking 6,500 steps every day.

Men in Osaka placed first with an average of 8,762 a day, and it’s the prefecture of Kanagawa where women walk the most at around 7,795 steps.

They must be doing something right, because they’re the longest living people on earth!

6. Eating out – 外食

Japanese man eating in a ramen shop — Ramen, Anyone?…

Eating out may seem like a treat (at least to me it does), but the citizens of Japan tend to do it frequently.

Let me clarify that when I say ‘eating out’ I mean anything from buying pre-made food from a convenience store and heating it up at home, to dining at an Izakaya or ramen takeout on a station platform.

A study from Statista shows that as of February 2021, 71.4% of people had eaten out since the start of the year. And that’s based on specifically eating out at major restaurant chains.

This may be down to small living spaces or perhaps social and work culture.

Either way, it’s a vital and positive part of Japanese society.

5. Driving – ドライブ

JDM scene Japan — I dont actually drive, but that’s absolutely a cool looking car!

I’ve already talked at length about Japanese Kei Cars, and the country’s fascination with interesting cars doesn’t end there.

If you’ve seen any of the fast and furious movies, you know Japan is home to some incredibly skilled Drifters, street racers, and beautiful four-wheeled machines.

Whilst the 80’s and 90’s were the peak years for street racing in Japan, if you’re in the right place at the right time (Honestly no idea where that could be, sorry!) you’ll still catch the odd race or two!

Tip: If you’re happy enough seeing these beautiful cars in a legal way, head over to the Daikoku Parking area in Yokohama. Do yourself a favour and dont look it up online if you plan to go!

There is literally so much I could say about Japan’s obsession with cars but it really would take an entire article.

If you really wanna see something ‘Japan Crazy’ type in ‘Dekotora Trucks’ to google images.

I dare ya!

4. Domestic Travel – 国内旅行

Japan river boat trip — If this was my daily commute, I might actually get a proper 9-5!

Domestic travel comes in at number 4 on our list of most popular Japanese hobbies, and rightly so.

According to these sources, the most popular form of domestic travel in Japan is overnight travel.

Apparently the expenditure of overnight travel is also slightly more than same-day travel. Then again, that’s not too shocking to believe if you’ve ever stayed in a Traditional Ryokan or incredible airbnb.

Those places are literally stunning!

Domestic travel has taken a hit since early 2020 (Because of the event that shall not be named…) and has likely had a negative impact affect on the Japanese travel economy.

Since this time, however, I’ve seen numerous internal travel advertising campaigns, so I’m sure those numbers will inflate again fairly soon.

3. Listening To Music – 音楽

Japanese vinyl music — Tenno, listen to Tenno and thank me later!

Listening to music in Japan is extremely popular.

But maybe not in the way you think!

Take a moment and think about where you’ve listened to music over the past year.

I’d wager the majority of you would probably say an audio streaming platform like Spotify, and that’s totally understandable.

They’re easy to use, can be listened to anywhere, and have a huge library of music.

In 2017, the Recording Industry Association of Japan showed the second most popular way to digest music in Japan was through CD’s.

Just me that remembers carrying a CD walkman? What an awesome blast from the past!

Youtube was the most popular at 42.7% of people using it to listen to their favourite artists. And Spotify came way down the bottom with a measly 6% of people listening to the streaming platform.

Why is music streaming not popular in Japan?

According to the RIAJ, people just dont know about it. Take a look at these figures from a survey of 2,216 people:

15.5% of people knew they (streaming services like Spotify) existed

Of those people, only 11.2% said they would consider paying for it.

As the second largest market in the world for recorded music, there’s clearly a space for streaming services to boom, but that all depends on whether people want to adopt it or not.

For now, physical music like CD’s and vinyl are still king!

2. Reading (For Pleasure) – 読む

deer in Japan reading — Even Deer like to read sometimes!

Though you’ll mostly catch people on trains etc on their phones messaging and gaming, take a little closer and you’ll likely see a large number of people reading throughout the country.

Quite a few of these people may be reading on digital devices, but they’re reading none the less.

According to Statista, in 2018 84.5% of people read paper books, and 35.6% read E-Books. Honestly a much higher percentage for books than I first thought.

I have a kindle and absolutely love it, but something has to be said about turning physical pages in a book.

Kindle’s really can’t compare on that front!

1. Watching Videos – ビデオ

To be fair, this could probably be anywhere in the world…

Did you guess it?

I’m pretty certain some of you did, because it’s honestly not that much of a suprise.

Everywhere you go in Japan, you’ll see tons of people on their phone.

Often they’ll be gaming, or messaging, but apparently watching videos is by far the number one most popular hobby in Japan.

From a survey conducted December 2020, 38.9% of people stated they watched online videos (on YouTube, Social Media, or TV) at least once per day.

It also states at least 73.1% of people watch videos online at least once per week.

With the way the world is headed, I dont see that number slowing down any time soon. In fact I’d love to check in again around 5 years time to see how high that number has climbed.

If we take a look at this old NY Times newspaper from the 1980s it says that people in Tokyo watch on average ‘8 Hours 12 minutes a day’ compared with ‘6 Hours 44 minutes’ in the US.

This put Japan WAY ahead of any other country, and that was over 40 years ago! So it’s clear Japan has quite an obsession with watching videos, just the medium they’re watched on may have evolved.

Culture

Japan’s Reverse Valentines Day.

Ahhh, holidays.

Love them or hate them, they come around every year without fail.

And for some reason (to me) it seems as though they are a little more commercialised each time, at least in the west.

So whilst valentines day here in England is supposed to be about showing those who you care about how much you love them, it can sometimes feel a little like those who spend the most money love the most instead.

And what about Japan?

Japan absolutely celebrates valentines day, but it also celebrates a reverse valentines day…

Curious about what that is?

Let me tell you, it was a rabbit hole I wasn’t prepared to venture down…

The origin of Valentines day in Japan

old couple in cherry blossom season — My kind of valentines day ^_^

Surprise Surprise, Valentines day was imported from the west. And almost definitely to commercialise another aspect of Japanese society.

After a little digging, it turns out that Valentines day was initially introduced to Japan in the 1930’s through the confectionary adverts of Morozoff Limited, a Kobe Confectionary Company.

This was done with the idea of attracting foreign interest and bringing money into the country.

It was a failed attempt.

After not catching on the way Morozoff had hoped, the citizens of Japan had to wait another 4 decades until the thrills and love drenched atmosphere of valentines day became a popular yearly occurrence.

They did start creating heart shaped chocolates in the later half of the 50’s but it didn’t do much in the way of helping the popularity of the holiday.

Valentines Day culture in Japan

old couple valentines day Japan — Although some traditions seem to die out with older generations, valentines day in Japan (with some tweaks) seems set to stay.

It’s no overstatement when I say Japan is a patriarchal society.

So it should come as no surprise that valentines day started (and to some extent still is) as an opportunity for women to show their love to men.

Whilst western countries may see valentines day as an opportunity for both parties to exchange special gifts, that’s not typically the case in Japan. (More on this later!)

In Japan, women buy men chocolate on valentines day, not the other way around.

What is the Valentine chocolate known as in Japan?

On the 14th of February, there are two types of chocolates exchanged in Japan.

Honmei choco (本命チョコ, “true feeling chocolate”)

This type of chocolate is something women give to their special someone.

It’s often a premium chocolate, and means all the more to the receiver if it’s hand made.

You wouldn’t catch Honmei Chocolate being exchanged between friends. It’s purely for those who have a romantic interest.

Giri Choco (義理チョコ, “Obligation Chocolate”)

giri obligation chocolate — Ooops, You just got friend-zoned!

Ahhh, is it really Japan without a little social pressure?

Giri Choco, roughly translated as “Obligation Chocolate” is a gift given from women to men purely out of politeness to co-workers, and friends. There are absolutely no romantic connotations with such a gift.

We all know that Japanese society as a whole hates causing offence. So how is that supposed to make women feel whilst deciding who to buy friend chocolates for?

Colleagues, bosses, friends?

As it turns out, more and more women (and men) seem generally opposed to this tradition considering it outdated and not needed.

Japan Today reported that up to 40% of male and female office workers considered the practice ‘Power Harassment’

Tomo Choco (友チョコ, “Friend Chocolate”)

A relatively new offshoot of Giri Choco, Tomo Choco (translated as friend chocolate) is marketed towards women buying chocolate for close friends, especially other women.

I cant find any photos of chocolate specifically marketed like this, but it can be assumed they look similar to the obligation chocolate.

Of course, they’ll no doubt come with differing quality depending on your budget.

White day – A second valentines day?

White Day Cake Japan — Classic ‘White Day’ Cake in Japan

What is White day in Japan?

To my utter surprise, it turns out Japan has a day where men are expected to repay the favour of the previous month. I suppose that’s a step in the right direction for Japan’s gender equality!

Welcome to White Day.

Celebrated on March 14th, White Day was created in the 1970’s by Fukuoka based company Ishimura Manseido, a small confectionary company.

Whilst browsing through a magazine, one of the executives of Ishimura Manseido came across a woman questioning why women had to give so generously to men on valentines day but the thought would never be returned.

She then went on to suggest gifts she would be happy to receive, and that list included marshmallows.

After bringing up his finding during a board meeting, that executive along with the women at the company agreed on the 14th March to be the day that men would return the favour.

And they’re likely expected to times any gift’s value by around 3.

三倍返し, ‘triple the return’

Those marshmallows that were originally suggested become a component of the very first gift marketed on ‘Marshmallow Day’.

Chocolate stuffed inside white marshmallow paste.

As soon as the next March 14th rolled around, the company agreed to change the name to the slightly broader term ‘White Day’.

Final thoughts on valentines day in Japan

Why are there so many pretty lakes in Japan?!

Honestly, with ‘Obligation Chocolate’ and potentially humiliating social pressures for women, my first thought about Valentines day in Japan was ‘I can’t imagine it’s particularly fun for either parties’.

That said, we shouldn’t cast such sweeping statements on a national holiday that’s probably experienced differently by many different people.

Plus with an entire day, one month after valentines, devoted to repaying women’s generosity (三倍返し, ‘triple the return’), I suppose everyone get’s their fair share.

After taking a look at some google data, it actually seems as though White Day is the more searched for topic in Japan.

On the whole, both search terms seem to be somewhat increasing over the last 5 years, but valentines day is absolutely lagging behind as far as internet searches go.

Yes, valentines day is an extremely commercialised holiday in Japan just like in the west, perhaps even more so, but in a country that often struggles with social interaction I wouldn’t deem it impossible that it actually benefits a lot of people too shy or scared to speak their mind.

Jinsei Game — By Tam Tam from Shizuoka, JAPAN, CC BY-SA 2.0

Made In Japan

20 Japanese Themed Board Games You Need To Play.

As an Amazon Associate I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post. At no extra cost to you! ^_^

Any time I get to dedicate a large portion of my time to researching Japan themed things and call it work, is a flipping great time.

Today we’re taking a look at 20 of the most interesting examples of Japanese themed board games.

You can expect to see both board games set in Japan and board games that take inspiration from Japan. And then pretty much everything in between (this is Japan we’re talking about, after all!)

That reminds me, if you’re interested in finding a list of video games set in Japan, check it out here!

Modern vs Themed Games

Whilst the traditional Japanese board games could potentially be seen as coming from anywhere, the modern Japanese games all tend to have a theme involved.

Perhaps this is because the Japanese board game scene isnt that large, at least by European standards, or maybe it’s because the cult following of Japan themed products has grown exponentially over the last decade.

Either way, it’s a treat for any Japan loving board game enthusiasts like me! (And you, I hope!)

How popular are board games in Japan?

To be honest, not quite as popular as they are around other parts of the world. But the scene is still active.

Take a look at this graph created on the google search term ‘Board Games’ for people based in Japan:

'Board Game' Search Term In Japan — ‘Board Game’ Search Term In Japan

As you can see, it’s not a sustained interest.

Compare that to ‘Shogi’ (A traditional Japanese variant of Chess) and you get a completely different result:

'Shogi' Search Term In Japan — ‘Shogi’ Search Term In Japan

Though not consistently searched for, Shogi is still a far more researched search term in Japan than ‘Board Games’

So why is this the case?

Well from what I can gather, most of the games coming out of Japan are either relatively small scope and indie, or extremely experimental, even for the gaming community.

Whilst we do have some big publishers like Oink games that produced the astonishingly good ‘Deep Sea Adventure‘, the majority of games seem to stay local and off the international radar.

Even though the board game scene in Japan isn’t too huge (to the levels of Europe of America), it’s still worth a look if you’re interested in doing a few deep dives on the Board Game Geek Forum.

Plus, they have a whole host of children’s games that may be a great way to help you learn Japanese!

Without further ado, let’s get into the list!

Here are the top 20 Japanese-themed board games…

1. Tokaido – A Zen Experience

japanese theme board games - Tokaido — The next game on my bucket list!

Players: 2-5

Average Experience Time: 45 Minutes

Fun Fact: The Tōkaidō road was a real route in Japan during the Edo period. It connected the two biggest cities in Japan together, Kyoto and Edo (Modern day Tokyo). Commonly known as the ‘East Sea Road’ (東海道), Tōkaidō was by far the most important connecting route in the entire country.

Tokaido may just be the most beautifully designed zen board-game on the market today. And it’s quintessential Japan!

Players must travel through the famous ‘Tokaido Road’ whilst immersing themselves in Japanese culture.

Your chilled out and relaxed journey will include: Eating Japanese food, Relaxing in Onsen, Painting the landscape, collecting souvenirs, and becoming one with Japanese culture.

With no dice and little (on the surface) in the way of rules, it’s very easy to see ‘Tokaido’ as an experience rather than just another Japanese themed board game.

If you’re looking for an almost meditative gaming experience and miss (or massively want to) travel through Japan, Tokaido might just be for you!

Play Tokaido

2. Takenoko – Care For a Giant Panda

japanese board games takenoko — Ever wanted to care for a giant panda? Now you can!

Players: 2-4

Average Play Time: 45 Minutes

Fun Fact: Giant pandas have six digits on their hands. 5 fingers, and a thumb (that’s technically an enlarged wrist bone)

Sometimes I think my life is missing a certain element of cuteness.

Up until now I had no idea how to remedy it, but Takenoko is just what I needed!

No list of Japanese board games would be complete without at least one of them being about giant pandas, so here we go!

Takenoko (Meaning bamboo shoot in Japanese) is a game about building a bamboo garden with the help of the resident giant panda, a gift from the Emperor of China.

Players take turns moving the panda and gardener as well as choosing a number of different actions that affect the games trajectory.

These actions include laying down new garden plots, drawing objective cards, building new irrigation channels, and of course moving the characters. There’s also a separate die that controls the weather on each turn, also affecting what you can and cant do during your action stage.

The aim of the game is to keep your giant panda happy by building the three types of bamboo and keep them irrigated.

We wouldn’t want to disappoint the emperor now, would we!

Play Takenoko

3. Kanagawa – Paint the Japanese landscape

japanese style board game — Become one of Master Hokusai’s disciples.

Players: 2-4

Average Play Time: 45 Minutes

Fun Fact: Deer walk around freely in a town called Nara, very close to Osaka. Check out this interview I did a while back with photographer Yoko Ishii, aptly based in Kanagawa but often photographs this strange phenomenon.

Just like Tokaido, Kanagawa is another beautifully illustrated Japanese themed board game.

Kanagawa is a collection based game which sees players under the watchful eye of the legendary painter ‘Master Hokusai’ (Yes, the person who created that wave drawing you probably have in your head) all trying to prove themselves as worthy apprentices.

As the game progresses, each player will chose his or her preferred subjects to paint and begin collecting them.

But watch out for the changing seasons, and remember to increase the size of your studio to fulfil your dream of becoming Master Hokusai’s favourite apprentice.

Play Kanagawa

4. Onitama – A Game of Martial Arts

japanese themed board games — Lead a group of monks to martial arts victory

Players: 2

Average Play Time: 10-20 Minutes

Fun Fact: One of the oldest temples in Japan is Hōryūji (法隆寺) Temple in Nara. It was found in the year 607 by Prince Shotoku and happens to contain the worlds oldest wooden structure. A definite must visit for anyone travelling near Osaka!

Deep in the ancient mountains of Japan lies the mysterious temple of Onitama.

Masters of martial arts travel across the country to prove their worth and be crowned the ultimate warrior.

Along the way, you’ll summon the power of animal spirits and apprentice monks to help them on their journey to defeat any opponent that comes their way.

A quick and simple game, Onitama is the perfect game to dip in and out of with a minimum setup time and easily explained rules to newcomers.

It’s also small enough to take with you if you’re traveling, unlike some of the more in-depth themed board games on the list.

Play Onitama

5. Machi Koro – The City Builder

Japan themed board games — Be the Mayor of your own city

Players: 2-4

Average Play Time: 30-45 Minutes

Fun Fact: With around 32.5 million people, Tokyo is the largest and most populated area in the world!

Ever fancied building your own city? Well, now you can! …Kind of!

To start off with, players’ cities are nothing but a wheat field and a bakery. It’s time to gather resources, steal some coins, and hope you manage to build four landmarks before your opponents.

And you thought building a city would be hard! 😉

Play Machi Koro

7. Jinsei Game – The Game of Life

Players: 2-6

Average Play Time: 90 minutes for both junior and standard stages, 30 minutes for Junior only and 60 minutes for standard ages

Fun Fact: If you’re lucky you might be able to find the PS2 version of the game on some Japanese auction sites. Take a look here to find out how to do it.

It’s that family favorite game, the game of life! This time, however, it’s in Japanese.

Jinsei (人生 – Human life) game is the Japanese version of the North American classic ‘Game of life’.

Unlike many of its international counterparts, the Japanese board game starts when you’re a toddler and features Elementary school, junior high school, and high school, mirroring the paths of many children in Japan.

An example of some of the various events from ‘Jinsei Game’:

$3,000 for cold treatment
$25,000 for a lost mobile phone
$3,000 reward for repairing UFO

Pretty standard life costs… right!? Ha!

In the end, the format remains vastly similar to the original American version of the game and the player with the most money at the end of the game is victorious.

Unfortunately, the trickiest thing about this game is getting your hands on a copy of it.

My recommendation is to either visit the Japanese Amazon, or attempt to find it on Rakuten.

For more information on both of these strategies, take a look at my guide on buying from online stores in Japan.

Play Jinsei Game

8. Shogun – Strategy Board Game

Players: 3-5

Average Play Time: 120 minutes

Fun Fact: The Sengoku period of Japan which lasted around 148 years was a period of pretty much constant civil war among the states at the time.

Take on the role of a Daimyo (Japanese feudal lord) and lead your armies to victory during the Sengoku period of Japan’s history.

And the victor? Become Shogun of Japan.

Shogun is an in-depth ‘Risk’ like a simulation of ancient Japanese warfare.

I won’t go into too much detail about the rules and instructions (there are quite a few) but if you’re interested in learning more before you buy then you can take a look at the board game geek website here.

The most interesting and unique mechanic this game offers is how the victor is decided during battles. Cubes (which represent troops) from each opposing army are thrown into the tower and whichever has more is the winner, and fewer is the loser.

It’s a nice touch that helps differentiates itself from other war strategy games and makes the entire experience more interactive, which can’t be a bad thing!

Play Shogun

9. King of Tokyo – Live out your Kaiju dreams

Japan board games — Fight your way to victory in the streets of Tokyo.

Players: 2-6

Average Play Time: 30 minutes

Fun Fact: The literal translation of Kaiju is ‘Strange beast’

King of Tokyo sees you play as monsters, giant chickens, and terrifying robots. And with a number of expansion packs, pretty much everything in between as well.

You must chose your play style (which may be offensive or defensive), whilst balancing your health, special abilities, and equipment choices.

Should you chose to take victory points over these other options, you’ll be on your way to becoming the undisputed king of Tokyo.

…Or if you like, you can just destroy every other monster.

The choice is yours!

Play King of Tokyo

10. Godzilla: Tokyo Clash

Players: 2-4

Average Play Time: 45 minutes

Fun Fact: There’s a Godzilla statue on display outside the Hibiya Chanter building in Tokyo.

From one Kaiju board game to another, Godzilla Tokyo Clash has you playing as the most brutal and formidable monster of them all, Godzilla!

And also his rivals: King Ghidorah, Mother, and Megalon, but if you have the choice and you aren’t picking Godzilla, your’e doing something wrong!

As a game of tactics and strategy, throw trains, destroy buildings, and dominate your opponents in an all out war.

Play Godzilla: Tokyo Clash

11. OH! Sushi Game – Chopstick Jenga

Players: 1-6 depending on variation played

Average Play Time: 15-30 minutes

Fun Fact: Sushi rice was originally not eaten. It was instead used to create Umami , a distinct Japanese taste.

Taking a trip to Japan?

Well, it’s about time you brushed up on your chopstick skills!

OH! Sushi Game is, at it’s core, a Japanese themed Jenga game.

Players must use the provided chopsticks in order to build a tower of sushi.

But the creators have also included another 9 variations of this game and others making it the perfect all in one Japanese board game.

OH! Sushi Game

12. Ticket to Ride: Japan Expansion

Japanese style board games — Ride on the best railway system in the world!

Players: 2-5

Average Play Time: 30-60 minutes

Fun Fact: Japanese trains are often exactly on time. Right down to the second!

While technically not a standalone board game, this is a Japanese expansion pack to one of the most renowned and famous board games ever made, Ticket to Ride.

Not only will you be able to play ticket to ride throughout the entire Japanese rail system, but the other side of the board allows you to play through Italy as well.

The aim of ‘Ticket to ride: Japan’ is exactly the same as the base version.

Claim as many routes as you can. Connect multiple cities to create longer routes and ultimately score the most points, leading you to victory.

Play ‘Ticket to ride: Japan’

13. Ohanami – Build a Zen Garden

Players: 2-4

Average Play Time: 20 minutes

Fun Fact: The original purpose of a Japanese zen garden was to help monks meditate and to encourage inner reflection. Whilst this is still the case, they’re often used purely for aesthetics though still deeply routed in Japanese mindfulness culture.

Sadly I’ve never had a space big enough for my very own Japanese zen garden (Other than my Japanese animal crossing island), but maybe this game can fulfil at least some of my garden dreams.

Ohanami is a card based points game in which players attempt to finish with the highest score and intern the ‘Most Zen’ Japanese garden.

Each game consists of just three rounds and only takes around 20 minutes each time making it the perfect game to pick up at a moments notice and soak yourself in Japanese themed goodness!

Play Ohanami

14. Sushi Go! – Sushi Card Game

Players: 2-5

Average Play Time: 15 minutes

Fun Fact: Trainee sushi chefs go through many years of difficult and rigorous training. In fact, it takes on average 10 years before one can call themselves a ‘Master’ sushi chef.

A simple pick and pass card game with an extremely cute illustration style.

Collect a the most points by choosing the correct cards to keep each round and become the ultimate sushi master in only 15 minutes!

It’s simple, cute, and easily portable.

What’s not to love!

Play Sushi Go!

15. Yahtzee Cup Noodles

Players: 2-5

Average Play Time: 15 minutes

Fun Fact: Trainee sushi chefs go through many years of difficult and rigorous training. In fact, it takes on average 10 years before one can call themselves a ‘Master’ sushi chef.

Here we have an example of a classic game with a modern Japanese twist!

Yahtzee, the dice shaking game has been repacked into the iconic Japanese Cup Noodle pot!

Fancy trying some instant noodles from all over Asia? These are my recommendation! This way you get to try 10 at once before you bulk order your favourite flavour.

…If you dont have a bulk supply of instant noodles, who even are you!?

Play Cup Noodles Yahtzee

16. Maki Stack – Sushi Stacking!

Players: 2 or 4

Average Play Time: 15 minutes

Fun Fact: International sushi day is the 18th of June each year!

From one sushi themed board game to another, Maki Stack shakes things up.

Players must play in pairs where one describes the sushi to stack and the other must build the sushi tower whilst blindfolded.

It’s always nice when board games are slightly more interactive than a standard card game.

And Sushi stacking is a great idea for a Japanese theme!

…maybe I’ll be a little more successful at this than actually making sushi… …Maybe.

Play Maki Stack

17. Miyabi – A Japanese Garden game

Players: 2 – 4

Average Play Time: 45 minutes

Fun Fact: Traditionally the elements of a Japanese garden are rocks, trees, ponds (bodies of water) and waterfalls.

Back to zen gardens now with the next entry on our list, Miyagi.

Miyagi is a 2-4 player object placing game with a fairly intricate set of rules.

The aim of the game is for each player to collect the most points by placing the most elements of a traditional Japanese garden as they can.

It’s not just as simple as placing rivers and stones wherever you want, though.

Only the best designed zen garden with manage to accrue the most points to win the game.

One thing I absolutely love about this game is that it has a (small) height element to it. As I’ve said before, any game that attempts to break the mould of a 2 dimensional card game is always worth a look in my opinion.

Play Miyagi

18. Four Gardens – 3D Garden Building

Players: 2 – 4 (Best with 2)

Average Play Time: 45 minutes

Fun Fact: Traditionally the elements of a Japanese garden are rocks, trees, ponds (bodies of water) and waterfalls.

A Japanese themed board game with a 3D rotating pagoda? Now you’ve got my attention!

Four Gardens is a board game that has you compete for the queens crown by creating the most pristine and beautiful garden around the base of the pagoda.

Collect your resources, lay the ground work, and build a beautiful panorama below the pagoda!

Only the gods can decide on the winner… Will it be you?

Play Four Gardens

19. Niya – A Game of Conspiracy

Players: 2

Average Play Time: 10 minutes

Fun Fact: The imperial palace in Tokyo has around 379 acres of land including a moat, gardens, and a forest.

Help position your clan in the correct place at the imperial palace and win control of the garden.

Each turn of Niya has players replacing one of the tiles on the board with one of their clan tokens.

The player on the following turn will have to replace a tiles with a similar set of symbols to continue playing.

The goal of the game is to achieve 4 in a row (diagonal, vertical, or horizontal) or in a square.

It’s a simple Japanese board game for any aged player and can be picked up and set up extremely quickly making a great board game to have in your arsenal!

Play Niya

20. Sekigahara: Unification of Japan – Fight In The Most Pivotal War Of Japan’s History

Players: 2

Average Play Time: 2 hours

Fun Fact: Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu were the three Daimyo (feudal lords)that eventually unified Japan by 1590.

It’s time to talk about the heaviest (literally and mentally) game on the list.

Sekigahara: The unification of Japan.

Sekigahara is an relatively in-depth war game based upon the unification of Japan. Playing this game will see you fight in backcountry skirmishes as well as all out war.

As there is no dice in the game, movement is decided through playing cards (110 of them).

The entire game is full of uncertainty but also sees gameplay mechanics like battles complete themselves fairly quickly.

This keeps the relatively in depth game constantly moving and keeps each player interested right from the outset.

Prices can be a little steep, but if you’ve got the cash and a fair amount of time to play this beauty then you absolutely won’t be disappointed!

Play Sekigahara: Unification of Japan

Bonus: Traditional Japanese Board Games

Traditional Japanese Game — Traditional Japanese Board Games Are Fantastic!

If you’re looking for something truly different than the options I’ve given you, why not try some of Japan’s traditional board games?

They often offer low barriers of entry and are fairly simple to setup and play.

Take a look and let me know your favourite (mine is Go!)

Conclusion

So that was 20 (and a bonus) Japanese board themed and inspired board games that you might like to play!

I hope it’s given you a little bit of insight into the world of board games as well as Japan.

Until next time!

I’m off to put my hands in ice from all this typing….

Entertainment/Creative

11 Japanese Instagram Accounts You Should Be Following.

These are always my favourite posts to make. There’s nothing better than collaborating with people who love the same things as you do and if I have the opportunity to promote those people, you can bet that’s what I’m going to do!

One of my guilty pleasures in life is finding niche or secret Instagram accounts that post incredible content but aren’t too widely known.

This got me thinking that perhaps I knew of a few Japanese instagram accounts that needed to be shared with you all.

Turns out, I do! (though sadly, lots of them aren’t as secret as I might have liked…)

Whether you’re looking for inspiration before your trip, or you’re just bonkers about Japan and it’s many fascinating subcultures, these are the Japanese instagrams you should be following.

1. @yeuuuum – Perfectly Timed Ghibli Highlights.

Ahhh, yeuuuum… By far the most relaxing Japanese instagram account I currently subscribe to.

Run by @th.ngn98, @yeuuuum is an instagram page that shows only the most heartwarming moments from Ghibli movies.

Whilst they may only be just a couple of seconds long, the videos perfectly capture the mood we know and love from Studio Ghibli.

Watch enough videos and you’ll likely come across my favourite ones, the food!

Without saying too much, I never thought I understood ASMR until I watched these… HA!

So all I can suggest is cosy down in your bed, slap on a chill out playlist, and have a good old rummage around the videos on Yeuuuums instagram!

2. @naaa_japanese – The Best Way To Learn Japanese, Probably.

If anyone could make learning Japanese a little easier and less intense, it’s this guy.

I first featured Dai on the site many months ago with an exceedingly large list of resources to help you learn Japanese online.

Since then, my Japanese hasn’t honestly improved as much as it should have done. And be honest with yourself, have you studied as much as you said you would through lockdown?

Yeahhh, thought not…

But if there’s one thing that will continuously bring me back to the Japanese language in a fun and light hearted way, it’s Dai from Casual Nihongo.

I find it way too easy to get bogged down in hard to understand Japanese study material, and sometimes I honestly can’t find the motivation to open up a fat textbook and start studying.

Even though there is a time and a place for those kind of things, make sure you’re subscribed to @naaa_japanese on instagram so your head doesn’t melt from the sometimes way too confusing task of learning Japanese!

Top Tip: Watching Japanese game shows probably isn’t the best way to learn Japanese! …But damn are they funny!

3. @zerowaste.japan – Japan, But No Waste.

Let’s be honest, Japan doesn’t have a great reputation for plastic free living.

Just look at this article from a few years ago on VICE which details the sometimes laughable packaging used for everyday items.

And yes, that’s absolutely a banana in plastic wrap…

Introducing @zerowaste.japan, run by a Japanese mother of two, Ran Nomura, attempting to live an eco and #zerowaste lifestyle in Japan.

On @zerowaste.japan you’ll find daily zero waste ideas that not only work in Japan, but can be implemented anywhere to ensure you live as Eco friendly as possible.

To attempt a zero waste lifestyle is one thing, but to attempt it in Japan? That’s pretty damn brave.

For me, this is exactly what social media is for. It’s progressive, inspirational, and has the ability to influence thousands of people to take care of the world they call home.

With over 166k people and climbing, I truly believe Ran is having an outstandingly positive impact on the world around her. Hopefully we’ll see more instagram accounts like this in the coming months and years.

4. @asu_green11 – Miniature Garden Landscapes.

I try not to get envious of other people, but looking at asu_green11’s instagram, I start to struggle.

Quite simply, Asu creates realistic miniatures of zen like scenes.

This can include waterfalls, rock pools, lakes, rivers, etc.

You name it, he’s probably created it.

Not only does he have a thriving instagram account, but also a YouTube channel with close to 1 million subscribers.

It’s that kind of content where you realise you’ve watched an entire hour of a man building little trees and absolutely think your time was well spent.

And before you ask, yes, I found his account whilst inside the YouTube rabbit hole. Totally worth it!

5. @tokio_kid – Shooting The Best Parts of Japan.

Ideally I wanted to be in Japan just under 2 years ago (as of writing this post in October 2021) but sadly something global meant that couldn’t happen just yet.

Whilst I dream about putting my photography degree to good use, I like to live vicariously through other extremely talented creators in the area.

And who’s one of my top choices? @tokio_kid

Japan’s landscapes almost always have to be experienced for you to be able to appreciate their full beauty, but Yuto Yamada is one such creator that seriously does them justice.

Oh, and did I mention he’s a Lightroom ambassador?

Pure talent!

I just hope that the next time I manage to visit, the cherry blossoms are in full bloom like they are in some of his photos. PLEASE!!

6. @marutaro – Japan’s Most Popular Dog.

Is there anything greater than tapping onto instagram in the morning only to be presented by a fat Shiba bum?

I think not.

Welcome, Maru! Possibly the most famous and popular dog in Japan.

Not only is Maru cute, fluffy, and oh so smiley, but he’s also a national star.

In 2015 it was announced that he would become the tourism ambassador of Mie Prefecture. He’s also been on tv, advertising campaigns, and has his own shop.

This little guy has been everywhere!

And at 2.5 million instagram followers, he won’t be leaving us any time soon.

So whilst your instagram feed might already be full of cute insta dogs (I dont blame you), save a little room for Maru and his owner Shinjiro, because boy do they deserve it.

7. @bonpon511 – The Best Dressed Couple in Japan.

Bonpon511. Potentially the most stylish couple on instagram. (Japan, certainly)

Tsuyoshi and Tomi Seki, both in their 60’s, used to live a quiet life in Sendai.

But one day in 2016 when their daughter posted photos of them on instagram, that all changed.

The couple now have 842k followers, have launched their own clothing line, and have become world wide viral sensations.

It’s honestly extremely refreshing to see accounts like this that have really taken off. It definitely restores my faith in social media, that’s for sure!

If me and my partner can look like this in our old age, then I’ll certainly be happy!

P.s If you’re looking for similar style clothing, you should find what you’re looking for right here!

8. @kokoronotane – Tasty, Tasty Food.

If you’re a foodie, you’re gonna love the next two Japanese instagram accounts on our list.

Kokoronotane posts immaculate examples of oishii Japanese food.

Couple this with perfect lighting conditions, original surroundings, and fantastic presentation, and you’ve got yourself one of the top Japanese food instagram accounts.

With over 2000 posts, I find myself continuously scrolling in search of meal ideas, and that idea is never too far away.

One way I would enjoy my flight to Japan even more, is if the plane food looked as good as this!

Oh well, one can only hope! Haha.

9. @yuko.makotsu – Beautiful Bento Boxes.

@yuko.makotsu – If this doesn’t scream ‘JAPAN!’ I dont know what does!

I mean, do I even need to write anything for this?

Just look at that design!

Yuko Makotsu creates outstandingly realistic and intricately designed bento boxes. So good in fact, I dont know if I’d want to eat it! …Can I hang it on my wall?…

From Anime to GBA, and from bullet trains to pandas, Yuko has captured almost every facet of Japanese culture in her meal art.

Whilst I have talked about food on this site before, none of them have come close to what you can find on @yuko.makotsu instagram.

As much as I would love to be able to create some of these at home, It’s widely beyond my culinary skills. But if you’re considering giving it a go, email your results to adayofzen@gmail.com because I’d love to see them!

10. @japanoninsta – The Biggest #Japanese Community.

If you’re a long time reader of this blog, then you probably understand how easy it is for Japan to continuously blow your mind when you thought it couldn’t get any cooler, stranger, cuter, or weirder!

@japanoninsta brings you multiple (That’s dedication!) daily posts about all things Japan. This could be in the form of facts, pictures, how to guides, and trip planning tips.

As I’ve mentioned before, I like to think I know a thing or two about Japan but following instagrams like this just proves to me that there’s always something else to be surprised by.

So if you’re looking for a quick and easy to access place to find out almost everything there is to know about Japan, give @japanoninsta a follow!

I won’t lie, I’m pretty jealous my own instagram doesn’t look like this, I’m sure it would do the world of good for the blog… Ha!

Oh well. One day, maybe!

11. @okinawa.island

We’ll close off this list with an old favourite.

If you haven’t already seen the absolutely incredible Japanese inspired animal crossing towns (and most of you have!) you should really check them out!

The creativity and originality of some of these places never ceases to amaze me, and none more so than @okinawa.island

It’s a beautiful little island incorporating Japan’s countryside and urban style, whilst still retaining a sense of originality from the creator.

Whether you play animal crossing or you dont, It’s easy to be inspired by the amount of work these creators put into their designs.

So check out @okinawa.island and the rest of the creators, and give em some love!

Conclusion

Well, there you have it!

A list of my current favourite Japanese instagram accounts. Whilst they may never be a replacement of actually visiting Japan, they’ll be your best friend until that day arrives!

Know of anymore Japanese instagram accounts that should have been on my list? Let me know in the comments below, I’m eager to find out!

Culture/Questions

How many mountains are in Japan?

Quite often I find myself pondering strange questions about Japan. In the past, that’s led me to find out why Japanese cars are so boxy, why Japan is so clean, and why it snows so much. But today, we’re going to find out just how many mountains there are in Japan.

In short, there are in between 16,667 and 18,032 mountains in Japan. The discrepancy between these two numbers depends on the classification used at the time. For example, the JAC (Japanese alpine club) suggests that there is 16,667 mountains but only classifies those listed on a 1/25,000 topological map.

In this article we are going to take a deep dive into Japans mountains including the countries smallest, largest, most famous, and best to visit on your holiday.

The tallest mountain in Japan

It should come as no surprise to most of you what the name of the tallest mountain in Japan is…

Standing at 3,776 metres tall (12,388 feet), Mount Fuji is bar far the tallest mountain in Japan.

Not only is Mount Fuji the tallest mountain in Japan, but this giant rock situated on the island of Honshū is also the second highest volcano on an island in Asia.

How does Mount Fuji stack up against the rest of the mountains in Japan?

As you can see from the table below, Mount Fuji is almost 600 metres higher than the second highest mountain in Japan, Mount Kita.

Mountain	Height (Meters)
Mount Fuji	3,776
Mount Kita	3,193
Mount Okuhotaka	3,190
Mount Okuhotaka	3,189
Mount Aino	3,180
Mount Yari	3,141
Mount Warusawa	3,120
Mount Akaishi	3,110
Mount Karasawa	3,106
Mount Kitahotaka	3,101

A table of the top ten highest mountains in Japan

How big is Mount Fuji compared to other mountains in the world?

So you might be thinking that Mount Fuji is a damn big mountain, and relative to your local hill you’re probably right.

But comparing Fuji to the other mountains around the world, it’s nowhere close.

With some mountains in the world reaching over 8,000 metres (14 of them, to be exact), little old Mount Fuji doesn’t even make it into the top 100.

What is the smallest mountain in Japan?

We’ve just found out that the biggest mountain in Japan is Mount Fuji. Surprise surprise!

But what about the smallest mountain?

Well, once again that depends on how you classify a mountain vs a hill.

In this case we are going to be using the classification used by the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan.

It cites that the term ‘Mountain’ is used only when a level of elevation is shown on a topographic map published by the GSI.

So with that in mind, what is the smallest mountain in Japan?

Located in Minato-Ku, Osaka, standing at only 4.53 metres tall is Mount Tenpō.

Yep, you read that right, just over 4 and a half metres.

And that picture above? No word of a lie, that’s the summit.

So you might be asking yourself, why is Mount Tenpō so ridiculously small?

Let’s take a look at it’s history and find out exactly why that is.

The history of Mount Tenpō

As you can see from the photo above, Mount Tenpō is situated in front of a river called the Ajigawa.

In 1830, this river was the main river into the then capital of Japan, Osaka, and was in dire need of upgrading to accomodate bigger ships as well as to prevent flooding.

After piling up the earth from the dredged river, it amounted to a ‘Mountain’ the height of about 20 metres.

Fast forward to 1868, and the fall of the Tokugawa Shogunate. Part of the mountain had to be levelled to accomodate an artillery unit.

This levelling, continued industrialisation, and overuse of ground water made the mountain roughly the same height as it is today.

Unfortunately, this continued lowering led to the mountain being taken off of topographic maps thus removing it’s classification of ‘Mountain’.

However after protests by much of the local population, this was quickly reinstated and has remained that way ever since.

Three Holy Mountains – 三霊山

Japanese culture and tradition holds three mountains in extremely high esteem.

One of which you’ve heard of, but the other two you probably haven’t.

1. Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji shot from the International Space Station in 2001

The first and probably most famous of the three holy mountains that has been worshipped for it’s entire existence.

It doesn’t seem like much of a stretch to understand why Mount Fuji is one of the the Three Holy Mountains.

Due to Mount Fuji being the tallest mountain in Japan, a pilgrimage up to the top will allow you to walk amongst the clouds and reflect on how small you are and how big the world really is.

It’s a great place not just for the stunning views, but also the inner reflection it allows you to achieve.

2. Mount Haku

Mount Haku – By Alpsdake – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0

Situated on the borders of Gifu and Ishikawa, Mount Haku (Hakusan) is one of Japans dormant volcanoes.

Mount Haku is also home to a shrine where people have come to for years for prayer (Hakusan Shinkō).

According to matcha.jp it’s also been worshipped as a god of water due to it being a source of the Kuzuryū, Tedori, and Nagara River.

3. Mount Tateyama

The third and final mountain from the holy trio is Mount Tateyama in Toyama prefecture.

This is a mountain that people worship as a place where spirits of the dead come back.

This is likely because many years ago, people believed the spirit of ones dead body would travel to the top of high mountains.

Does Japan have any mountain ranges?

It certainly does!

In the lower half of Honshu you’ll find the Japanese alps.

Encompassing over 36 mountains, the ‘Nihon Arupusu‘

Hida Mountains (Northern Alps)

Hida Mountains – By Alpsdake CC BY-SA 3.0

Elevation: 3,190m

Prefectures: Niigata, Toyama, Nagano, Gifu

Fun Fact: Northern Alps in Japanese is ‘Kita Arupusu‘

The Hida Mountains is is the only mountain range in Japan to hold a glacier.

Three of them, in fact.

These small glaciers exist in Mount Tsurugi and Mount Tate.

Kiso Mountains (Central Alps)

Elevation: 2,956m

Prefectures: Gifu, Nagano

Fun fact: Central Alps in Japanese is ‘Chūō Arupusu‘

The highest peak in the Kiso Mountains is Mount Kyō sitting at 2,296.25 m.

The range also features four foothills called” Mount Nenjō, Mount Nagiso, Mount Kazakoshi (Kiso), and mount Kazakoshi (ena).

Akaishi Mountains (Southern Alps)

Elevation: 3,193m

Prefectures: Nagano, Yamanashi, Shizuoka

Fun Fact: Southern Alps in Japanese is ‘Minami Arupusu’

If you’re lucky to visit the Southern Japanese alps at the right time of year, you might just be able to spot some of the local wildlife including: Rock Ptarmigans, Sika Deer, and spotted nutcracker.

Let me know in the comments if you have any other questions about the Japanese mountains and I’ll do my best to answer them! ^_^

Culture/Made In Japan

A Complete Guide To Traditional Japanese Board Games.

As an Amazon Associate, I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post. At no extra cost to you! ^_^

I won’t lie, I love a good board game.

In fact, it surprised me when I realized I haven’t yet spoken about Japan’s history with these tabletop marvels.

If you’re planning a trip to Japan and are looking for a few ways to connect with the locals and soak up the culture, try finding an opportunity to play a few classic and traditional board games.

You’re likely to find these opportunities in parks, game parlors, or if you stay with a host family for a few days (Highly recommended).

Board games are, for the most part, a universal language. Especially once you’ve learned how to properly play!

About the list:

Just because these games are classed as traditional Japanese games, doesn’t mean they’re popular. In fact, many of the games on this list did not originate in Japan but have since become extremely popular around their time of discovery.

This is a list of 8 of the most influential and famous traditional Japanese board games throughout the country’s history.

But first, a commonly asked question about traditional Japanese board games:

What is the most popular traditional Japanese board game?

According to Buyee Blog, the most popular traditional board game in Japan Is Shogi. Slightly similar to chess in some ways, Shogi is a timeless board game that’ll undoubtedly stick around for a long time.

However, if we’re talking about the most popular traditional Japanese board game based on my own experiences of visiting Japan then I’d have to say Mahjong. Over the many times I’ve visited the country, Mahjong has been the prevalent board game of pretty much everyone in Japan.

Japanese Mahjong is just as popular outside of Japan, too, with plenty of online variations that let you enjoy what is arguably one of the most interesting solo board games out there. But it is inside its home country that the game has a cult status.

Most Ojiisan (Grandpas) are partial to a game or 20, and whilst it may not be as popular with the younger generation, they don’t tend to play board games all that much anyway.

When I visit my partner’s childhood home in Japan, If I don’t see her grandad smoking in the courtyard you can bet anything you like he’ll be in his room playing Riichi Mahjong!

So to sum up, Shogi is the most popular game according to what I could find on the internet, but Mahjong is the most popular from my own experience.

Are traditional Japanese board games hard to play?

As you read through this article, you’ll likely come across some board games you have heard of and some you haven’t.

Some of those games, like Sudoku, are as simple as they come. But others like Riichi Mahjong may well take a little longer to learn.

Whilst I wouldn’t necessarily suggest all traditional Japanese board games are hard to play, from the first and second-hand research I’ve conducted it seems quite a few of them are very hard to master.

GO, for instance, is a Japanese game you’ll find that’s easy to learn the basics but will take years and years to call yourself a master (if ever).

A final reason you may assume that traditional Japanese games are hard to play is because of the language barrier. The Japanese language is formed of three separate alphabets, making it an intimidating language at best.

The truth is, few of these games actually require you to know any Japanese. And even in those cases, there are English versions, so you can be sure you won’t miss out on any of the fun!

Contents:

1. Shogi – Japanese Chess / Game of generals

2. Japanese Mahjong (Riichi Mahjong)

3. GO

4. Gomoku – A Japanese variation of Go

5. Sudoku – The game you all know

6. Daifugō – The Grand Millionaire

7. Karuta – The Japanese poem game

8. Sugoroku – The Japanese propaganda machine?

1. Shogi – Japanese Chess / Game of generals

shoji board game japanese chess — By Oliver Orschiedt – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0

Number of players: 2

Average game time: Up to 2 hours

Fun fact: The longest known game of Shogi was 538 moves long between Piket and Lautier

How do you play Shogi?

Basic rules:

As with a lot of the games on this list, Shogi is rather complex to sum up in a few brief sentences.

But I’ll do my best!

Players start with 20 pieces with the main aim of the game being to capture or kill an opposing teams king.

Each piece on the board can only move in a specific way. (A lot like regular chess)

The players take turns moving their pieces and attempt to place the king in a position where he cannot escape. (Again, much like the regular variant of chess)

Where Japanese chess, or Shogi, differs from the chess that you or I may be more familiar with is that pieces can be captured and turned into an ally to accompany you on your quest for victory.

Though the western version of chess and Shogi do share a few similarities, it’s this espionage ‘esque’ element that truly sets the games apart.

I’m yet to play Shogi, but after figuring out the rules it’s definitely on my to-do list!

Incase my rules aren’t in-depth enough for you (or lets be honest, if I’ve totally butchered them) then you should take a look here for the written rules or underneath for a video explanation.

Commonly asked questions about Shogi:

Is Shogi harder than chess?

To learn the basic rules of it? Probably not.

But to master? Technically, yes.

To put this into perspective, a Shogi professional told the New York Times in 1999 that chess has around 10^120 moves whereas chess has 10^220 moves.

That’s the number 10 followed by either 120 or 220 zeros depending on the game. So whilst chess is clearly a tough game to master, Shogi takes it one step further.

A final way Japanese chess could be deemed harder than regular chess is that pieces can swap side which might make for a pretty confusing end game.

But if you ask me, that’s all part of the fun.

Is Shogi older than chess?

old photo of men playing shoji — Men Playing Shogi in Japan (1916-1918) By A.Davey – CC BY 2.0,

Unfortunately this isn’t such a simple question to answer.

Records state that chess is the older of the two, but not it’s current form.

It wasn’t until around the 15th century that both games become the recognisable versions we see today.

Where can I buy Shogi?

You can grab a simple Shogi board from amazon here!

2. Japanese Mahjong (Riichi Mahjong)

Number of players: 3-4 (Though can be fewer with slight game variations)

Average game time: Up to 2 hours

Fun fact: After more research, it turns out there is a factual backing to my original assumption about Mahjong being the most popular game in Japan. As of 2008, there were around 7.6 million Mahjong players in Japan with another 8,900 mahjong parlors to satisfy their cravings. In the same year, these parlors did over ¥300 billion in sales. Then in 2010, it became the most popular board game (or table game) in the country according to Metropolis, a monthly Japanese newspaper and guide.

About Japanese Mahjong

Japanese Mahjong is a variation of the original Mahjong that was first brought over in 1924.

It was at this time that a soldier named Saburo Hirayama introduced Japan to the game of mahjong by starting a club, parlor, and school.

To make the game open to the most amount of people, a few of the Chinese rules were removed and as time went on, a new set of Japanese rules were added to further develop the game.

This formed the basis of what we now know as Riichi Mahjong. (Japanese mahjong)

How do you play Japanese Mahjong?

The answer to this question is extremely specific to the variation you’re playing. As such, we’ll stick to the basic version of Japanese Mahjong. (A variation in itself from standard mahjong)

As I may not do justice to the game, it’s best you hear the instructions from someone with a little more knowledge.

Maybe one day soon I’ll be able to eloquently write out my own set of rules, but that day is not today!

Though it might be a little tricky to pick up at first, I urge you to stick with it!

Take a look at The Cool Old Games explanation if you’d prefer not to watch a video.

Commonly asked questions about Mahjong:

Is Mahjong hard to learn?

I downloaded a simple variation of Mahjong onto my Nintendo switch in the hope to play it during journeys or just before I fell asleep.

Immediately, I was bombarded with thousands (that might be an exaggeration on my part, but you get the idea…) of unending rules about how to play the game.

Now whilst I don’t entirely blame the traditional game of Mahjong for what was probably the video game’s fault, it still didn’t seem like an easy game to get into.

Bear in mind, that’s all the experience I have with properly trying to learn the game. If you were to get taught by a competent player or learn from another source then I’m sure you’d be absolutely fine with a little patience.

Is Mahjong harder to win than chess?

Let’s compare it to chess. Just like most of the games on this list probably will be, haha!

Technically chess would be considered the harder of the two games to win, and this comes down to only one reason.

Luck.

Whilst Mahjong does have an element of luck involved, there is absolutely none in chess.

That means if you have a good grasp of the rules of Japanese Mahjong, you’ll likely stand a better chance of defeating more seasoned players than you would in chess.

Where can I buy Japanese Mahjong?

You can grab a basic Mahjong board from Amazon!

3. GO

Number of players: 2

Average game time: 20-90 minutes (A lot longer for professionals, and a lot shorter for someone as bad as me…)

Fun fact: Go is the oldest game in the world to still be played in its original form. It’s at least 2,500 years old, with some estimates putting it as high as 4000.

About Go

My favorite traditional Japanese game! (That’s technically Chinese, but I’m still counting it.)

‘Go’ or ‘Igo’ is a traditional Japanese tabletop game that originated in China, but found its way over to Japan in the 7th century CE.

By the 8th century, it became extremely popular in the Japanese court, and by the 13th century, it was finally popular with the general public.

How do you play Go?

Go is a game that pits one player against another in a battle for territory, victory, and the ultimate bragging rights.

Players will start on a 19×19 board, one will take the roll of black and the other white.

The player using the black stones makes the first move by placing his or her stones at an intersection of two lines.

The aim of the game is to capture as much land as possible. This is done by touching two separate sides of the boards, interrupting enemy chains, and capturing pieces.

Once again, below is a video example of how to play Go.

Commonly asked questions about Go:

Is go harder than chess?

It’s a game that’s pretty easy to learn, unlike some of the other entries on our list, but that doesn’t mean for one minute it’s an easy game.

It’s incredibly hard to master and one reason for this may be the simple movement of the pieces and the large board size. It means more experienced players can still be challenged by amateurs meaning they’ll always have to keep on their toes.

I like to think of it as the dark souls of board games, haha!

Is Go a fun game?

That really depends on your personality.

If you struggle to keep your attention in one place for more than half an hour, then it may not be for you. Check out these video games set in Japan for something that may be more up your street!

If however you enjoy meditative experiences and challenging your brain over an extended period of time, then it might just be for you!

I like to think of each game as two armies going against each other in a battle for territory. It helps me stick with it through the slow games…

What is the hardest board game in the world?

Technically this isn’t a question asked about Go, but it’s one with Go as the answer!

When you’re talking about a game that has more moves than there are atoms in the universe, you know you’re taking on a beast.

Where can I buy Go?

Your friendly neighborhood amazon should have you covered here! If not, just type in ‘Go Board’ on the amazon search engine and you should be good to go!

4. Gomoku – A Japanese variation of Go

Number of players: 2

Average game time: 20 minutes

Fun fact: Gomoku translates to ‘Five Pieces’ in Japanese. ‘Go’ means 5, and ‘Moku’ is the counter word for pieces (Oh how we love Japanese counters!)

About Gomoku:

‘Gomoku’, sometimes known as ‘Five in a row’ is a strategy board game commonly played with the same pieces as the previously mentioned ‘Go’.

Unlike Go, Gomoku is traditionally played on a 15×15 board instead of a 19×19.

Gomoku has been played in Japan since the Meiji Restoration, an event that restored imperial rule to Japan in 1868.

emperor meiji and the procession — The palanquin (where the emperor sits) and procession of Emperor Meiji.

Since then, the game has become popular in Korea, China (unusually for the games on this board, after it was introduced in Japan as it is a Japanese variation), and also Britain where it was named Go Bang.

How do you play Gomoku?

Finally! A simple traditional board game that I can explain!

The basic rules of Gomoku are as follows:

1. One player is assigned to black, and the other is assigned to white.

2. Players then take turns placing their pieces one by one on the intersections, similarly to Go.

3. The winner is the player who manages to place exactly 5 stones in a row either horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. It must be no more than 5, otherwise, the game continues.

Commonly asked questions about Gomoku:

Is Gomoku harder than chess?

Similarly to Go, Gomoku is relatively easy to learn but near enough impossible to master.

In fact, the game is so new that many of the top players are easily able to beat the best computer programs out there. Something chess players could only wish to be able to do.

Where can I buy Gomoku?

As Gomoku is a variation of Go, you’re unlikely to find any dedicated boards. I would instead advise you to buy a Go set from here, and then section off a 15×15 area to play Gomoku!

5. Sudoku – The game you all know

Number of players: 1

Average game time: 10-30 minutes depending on skill and difficulty

Fun fact: There are 6670903752021072936960 possible Sudoku grids. Good luck trying to solve all of them!

About Sudoku:

Sudoku is a Japanese… Well, is it Japanese?

Technically (unfortunately for Japan) it isn’t.

Modern Sudoku (The type you and I know) was actually originally created by a gentleman called Howard Garns.

Howard was a 74-year-old retiree from Connersville, Indiana, who designed and published the first ‘Sudoku’ puzzle in a 1979 Dell magazine.

By 1984, the puzzle had made its way over to Japan through Maki Kaji, the then president of the Nikoli puzzle company.

It was in April of 1984 that Sudoku was first shown to the Japanese people and become a nationwide hit.

How do you play Sudoku?

Another game that I personally know the rules to, who would have thought!

A standard sudoku board is formed of 3×3 big squares, with 3×3 smaller squares within them.

To win the board and complete the game, a player must fit the numbers 1-9 in each 3×3 square, along the horizontal rows, and the vertical rows.

All small squares must have only one number in them, and no number must be repeated in the medium squares, the verticals, or the horizontals.

Commonly asked questions about Sudoku:

Is sudoku good for your brain?

Anytime you challenge your brain, you build up its mental reserves. Just as you would exercising your body, exercising your brain should be no different.

But can Sudoku help with that?

Well, yes!

A 2007 paper titled ‘Exercise on the Brain‘ by Sandra Aamodt and Sam Wang suggests that practicing Sudoku can certainly ‘Make people better at sudoku puzzles or help them remember lists more accurately’.

Where can I buy Sudoku Puzzles?

It’s likely you can buy a simple Sudoku book from any of your local convenience stores.

If you’d prefer to stay at home to work on your Japanese, you can find a whole range of S udoku books on amazon.

6. Daifugō – The Grand Millionaire

Number of players: 3-8

Average game time: 10 minutes+

Fun fact: Daifugō also translates to ‘Very Rich Man’

About Daifugō:

Daifugō (Grand millionaire/very rich man) is a traditional Japanese card game that is played with 3-8 players.

It falls under the category of a ‘climbing game’ meaning each player must beat the previous player by playing a higher (or better) card.

The game was introduced in China in the 1970s and became popular in Japan around the 80s and 90s.

How do you play Daifugō?

Another Japanese board game (or card game in this case) that I don’t understand!

Here is my extremely basic understanding of the game.

The end goal of Daifugō is to get rid of your cards as quickly as possible by placing an increasingly better hand into the middle of the table.

For instance, if I am to play second and my opponent has just placed a single 5 then to stay in the game I will have to place a higher number card.

You must play the same amount of cards as the leader (the person who goes first). For example, you must play a 2 of a kind or more if that’s what the leader has placed.

Jokers can act as any card, meaning it can trump any card placed on the table and help you get two of a kind (or more) in situations where it’s needed.

If you cannot place any more cards, you must pass the round.

In case that description of Daifugō made absolutely no sense (don’t worry, I won’t be offended… much…) then here is a great little video that goes over the rules of this traditional Japanese card game.

Commonly asked questions about Daifugō:

Is Daifugō hard to play?

Nope.

Contrary to my diabolical explanation, Daifugō is a simple and easy traditional Japanese card game that everyone in the family can understand. Well at least, the parts that I understand of it anyway.

It honestly wouldn’t surprise me if there was an entire other part to this game I’ve never heard of…

Where can I buy Daifugō?

No need to buy it, Just use a regular set of playing cards and you should be good to go!

If you don’t have a set of playing cards, these guys should absolutely be on your wishlist!

Yep, that’s right. Studio Ghibli playing cards.

I don’t need them, but damn, do I want them!

And if Studio Ghibli isn’t your thing, how about a set of playing cards that help you learn Japanese whilst you play? Again, I absolutely don’t need them, but I have to have them!

7. Karuta – The Japanese poem game

Number of players: 2+

Average game time: 5-10 minutes

Fun fact: There are both Portuguese-derived karuta, and original Japanese Karuta.

About Karuta:

Karuta stems from the introduction of playing cards to Japan by Portuguese traders in the mid-16th century.

It wasn’t until the end of the 16th century that the initial version of Karuta was born in the town of Miike in Chikugo Province.

How do you play Karuta?

One nominated player will act as the reader of the Yomifuda ‘Reading cards’.

The others will all be going after the appropriate Torifuda ‘Grabbing cards’.

Shuffle both the reading and grabbing cards.

The reader then reads the reading cards which in turn give the grabbers a clue as to which card to grab!

If a player grabs the wrong card, they must forfeit the next turn by placing their hands on their head.

The person with the most cards at the end of the game is deemed the winner!

Commonly asked questions about Karuta:

Is there an English version of Karuta?

Yes!

Ogoola offers two versions of Karuta for English-speaking players:

Ogoola English Karuta – A fully original English-style Karuta with English poems and quotes.

Hyakuninisshu English Karuta – An English version of Japanese Karuta that has been translated

Where can I buy Karuta?

You can buy this version of Karuta called ‘Whack a Waka‘ which is both English and Japanese, and original Japanese versions (for helping you improve your Japanese in a fun and unique way) from amazon.

8. Sugoroku – The Japanese propaganda machine?

suguroku painting — Ban-Sugoroku (The one similar to Backgammon!)

Number of players: 2

Average game time: 5-60 Minutes

Fun fact: Ban-Sugoroku is pretty much identical to Backgammon, and e-Sugoroku is almost identical to snakes and ladders.

About Sugoroku:

‘Sugoroku’ is a term that refers to two separate traditional Japanese board games.

The first is called ‘Ban-Sugoroku’ meaning Board-Sugoroku, and the second is ‘e-Sugoroku’ which translates to Picture-Sugoroku.

Ban-Sugoroku was brought to Japan through China (surprise surprise) around the 6th century.

It was actually made illegal several times during its introduction because of the luck elements in the game which pretty much categorized it as gambling.

E-Sugoroku surfaced a lot later in the 13th century and featured picture block cards with things like religion, politics, and actors.

In today’s day and age, Ban-Sugoroku is near enough obsolete. So if you ever hear the word ‘Sugoroku’ being mentioned, it’s almost always referencing E-sugoroku.

How do you play Sugoroku?

Ban-Sugoroku

The first of our two games is Ban-Sugoroku, and it’s practically identical to Backgammon.

To that end, you’re best off first learning how to play backgammon properly and then following the 4 differences as set out by this wikipedia page (Yes I know, not a great source, but it’s the best I can find at the moment!)

E-Sugoroku

e-suguroku board — A 1925 E-Sugoroku board.

To play e-Suguroku, players will need access to a die and figures or characters to play the game with (think similar to monopoly characters).

Everyone participating in this game will start on a square called the furidashi and aim to finish on a square called the agari.

Each platform on the game board stipulates where a player must move to next which may include rolling a specific number.

If a player fails to roll the stipulated number, they must miss that turn out and wait until the next one to try again.

Commonly asked questions about Sugoroku:

How did the Japanese government distribute Sugoroku games?

As we’ve previously learned, e-Sugoroku games can cover all manner of topics and this is something the Japanese government used to its advantage.

During the early 1900’s, the Japanese government released e-Sugoroku games free in the daily newspapers which served the educational purpose of instructing civilians how to be good members of society.

This would also have included games about national pride, war propaganda, and any other messages the government wanted to release to a large proportion of Japanese society.

Where can I buy Sugoroku?

Possibly the most elusive board game on this list!

Other than a few handmade options on Etsy (one for e-Sugoroku and one for Ban-Sugoroku), your options are fairly limited.

One way to have your pick of e-Sugoroku boards is to take a look at the Japanese Amazon. They have absolutely loads of them, but the language barrier may be a bit intimidating to some.

To find out what options you have when ordering from Japan and other Japanese stores that might be of interest to you, take a look at this article where I discuss the 7 best online Japanese stores.

Conclusion

Well, there you have it!

A pretty thorough look at the traditional Japanese board game landscape. Let me know below if you’re planning on learning one of these old games, or maybe you’re already a master at them all!

Until next time, またね! ^_^

Questions/Entertainment/Music

J-Pop vs K-Pop: Which is more popular?

As an Amazon Associate, I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post. At no extra cost to you! ^_^

I like to think I have a pretty varied musical library. One moment I could be listening to French rap and the next it’ll be Japanese lo-fi or classical. I even have a few J-Pop songs mixed into my Spotify playlists here and there.

But you never seem to hear about J-Pop unless you’re actively searching for it. K-pop on the other hand is all over the place whether you like it or not.

That got me thinking, which is more popular and why?

In short, K-Pop is far more popular and has a much larger fan base. This is due to multiple reasons including reinvention, struggling economies, approachability, and international investment.

Also, in case you’re interested, here are 9 of my favorite Japanese music artists you should absolutely listen to!

The history of J-Pop

J-Pop (Japanese popular music) is a musical genre that’s been established in Japan since the early 1970s and eventually went mainstream in the 1990s.

It came about through the heavy influence of 1960’s rock music (like the Beatles, beachboys, Rolling stones, etc) and culminated with a live performance by Happy End in 1971 which took the first step in introducing a new wave of pop music to the people of Japan.

Wanna see the performance?

Here you go then!

J-Pop vs K-Pop: Interest in Japan

One of the more interesting revelations I discovered through my research is that K-Pop is vastly more popular in Japan than its own domestic music.

We can see from the graph that in around May of 2011, K-Pop overtook J-Pop and has stayed that way ever since. J-Pop on the other hand had been steadily declining for around 2 years before this date, adding to the clear and decisive win by Korea.

If I delve a little deeper and compare the two genres of pop music by sub-region in Japan I can see just how widespread K-Pop’s popularity is in comparison.

In every prefecture, K-Pop’s popularity sits at around 65% or over making it a clear victor.

If this isn’t a sign that J-pop needs to reinvent itself, I don’t know what is…

J-Pop vs K-Pop: Interest worldwide

Is K-Pop currently more popular than J-Pop worldwide?

Absolutely!

Looking at the graph above we can see that K-Pop overtook J-Pop in terms of popularity around the world at roughly the same time as Japan.

This time, however, their popularity has soared far higher than it did in Japan.

The map above shows how much more popular K-Pop is around the world. K-Pop is red and J-Pop is blue.

Is there even any blue?…

Reasons J-Pop isn’t as popular as K-Pop

So we’ve seen the facts, now let’s find out what’s led to the ‘downfall’ of J-Pop and the widespread popularity of K-Pop:

1. The industry isn’t targeted to an international audience

One of the biggest reasons that J-Pop is nowhere near as popular as K-Pop is that the Japanese music industry as a whole has little to no international investment.

I wouldn’t be surprised if you’ve never actively searched for K-Pop music but still seen it on TV.

Mega K-Pop Idols ‘BTS’ have been on pretty much every talk show known to man, penetrated global music markets, and have worldwide fame for more than just their music.

Don’t get me wrong, there are some Japanese pop groups you’ll probably have heard of (AKB48, Babymetal) but their fame is almost entirely constricted to Japan.

Although saying that, we’ve already seen from some of the above graphs that J-Pop has been steadily declining in popularity (in both Japan and worldwide) since 2009.

Whilst J-Pop is popular in Japan, it’s nowhere near like it once was.

2. J-Pop doesn’t adapt

Japanese pop was once extremely popular. Especially when bands like AKB48 put on regular shows at their theatre in Akihabara and did meet and greets, photos with fans, and generally did a lot to be inclusive of their fanbase.

At the time, it was something no other bands or types of music did but now times have changed.

Many bands have adopted the same style of ‘Advertising’ and that’s led to J-Pop losing its sense of mystery and what once made it unique is now just expected by everyone.

Instead of reinventing themselves and finding other ways to push the boundaries of the J-Pop music scene, most managers and producers have stayed with what they know and failed to adapt.

Go onto youtube and search through a few J-Pop songs from different artists.

99% of them sound so similar, and it’s because virtually no one is willing to adapt to what’s being produced (and is popular) elsewhere in the world.

Ahhh, that classic stubborn Japanese attitude!

It’s not even necessarily a bad thing, especially if the artists are performing the music they love. But it’s a fact that may stop them from becoming incredibly popular overseas.

Obviously, Japan isn’t as insular as it once was, but it’s times like these that make me feel it still has a ways to go.

3. You’ll probably listen to K-Pop, but won’t like J-Pop

A lot of J-Pop is weird, like really weird. And that’s coming with someone who has an unhealthy obsession with Japan.

It’s almost an unwritten rule that a large majority of J-Pop bands wear apparently ‘Cute’ clothing, act childishly, and sing less-than-relatable songs.

Of course not every J-Pop band is this way so that’s quite a huge sweeping statement, but still I struggle to take anything like that seriously, and those artists often take the spotlight away from the other incredibly talented Japanese music artists.

K-Pop on the other hand is, on the whole, relatable, normal(ish), and the vast majority of the time just has a general appeal to a wider audience than its home country.

Let’s take two songs as an example:

The first is by Japanese pop singer Kyary Pamyu Pamyu.

Annoyingly I can’t embed it but you can open it in a new tab by clicking here.

I’m not saying it’s not fun to watch, but I just don’t understand it. Like, does it have a point?

Why is she running down the road with toast in her mouth?

What the hell is “chewing love”?

And why are they in such weird costumes?

Annnnnd why are girls always portrayed as young and cute?

It seems as though it’s been produced for an extremely specific audience and potentially has a ‘shock’ value for westerners but for the vast majority of people that’s as far as it goes.

Although I must stress that not all J-Pop is this weird, I just chose it because it proves my point.

There are actually a few fantastic J-Pop songs (like this one by King Gnu), but they Consistently get overshadowed by stuff like this.

…PONPONPON gets a free pass. That song is untouchable!

Here we have a song by ‘Stray Kids’, a South Korean pop band.

Its video is still a little weird, but definitely not unreasonably so.

Lyrics are provided by the band in English (subs) and they make a lot more sense than someone running with toast in her mouth.

The beat is also a little more recognizable for western audiences and it’s easy to say something like this could be on the charts without much problem.

Again, this isn’t the case with all K-Pop, but it’s the overwhelming feeling you’ll get if you listen to a few of them.

4. Fans are insular

Obviously, this is also quite a big sweeping statement but stick with me.

Japan isn’t exactly the most open or free-spirited country in the world, and this often rubs off on the people who live there.

As we’ve already figured out, the J-Pop music industry was specifically catered to Japanese people.

And it’s an industry that’s probably far bigger than we realize with over 3,000 idol groups currently active, each one of them fighting for devout Japanese fans’ attention.

In fact, people are so loyal to their group, that even the implication that they could listen to another band is unheard of (for a lot of fans).

Couple this with the increasing competition from newly emerging groups, and you’ve got yourself a country that’s fighting with itself to determine the most popular group.

It wouldn’t be a stretch to consider this a reason that J-Pop doesn’t do well in other countries around the world.

5. It’s not approachable for a western audience

Japan is famous for having an extremely stubborn entertainment industry.

As such there’s very limited fan activity online, especially on YouTube where songs are often taken down or copyrighted.

That means no lyric videos, no translations, and sometimes no covers.

It’s quite clear from this that the foreign market is something Japanese band producers and managers just aren’t interested in conquering.

It also means you might not even be able to listen to your favorite J-Pop artists’ new songs if they’ve region-locked it in your country.

Sure you can grab a VPN and change your location by that’s a lot of extra effort to go to when it’s obvious they won’t be going to the same amount of effort for you.

Conclusion

So, Japanese pop music just isn’t as popular as K-Pop.

And potentially not even in Japan, that’s absolutely mad!

Let me know in the comments below what your favorite J-Pop and K-Pop band are, I need some new material to listen to whilst I write these posts!

Explore/Visit

18 Important Ways To Prepare For Your Trip To Japan

As an Amazon Associate, I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post. At no extra cost to you! ^_^

Going to Japan might seem like a big logistical ordeal.

I’m here to tell you that it really doesn’t have to be that way. In fact, I think it could be quite enjoyable but maybe I’m just a research nerd!

This article is part one of a (currently) two-part series on how to prepare yourself for your trip to Japan.

The second article is all about the best ways to survive your flight, something often overlooked by a lot of bloggers!

So be sure to check it out if you’ve booked a flight ^_^

Enough of the waffle, let’s get to the travel tips!

1. Plan your trip based on seasons

The very first thing you need to do before anything is choose when you want to travel to Japan. Whilst I think you’d be happy traveling to Japan at pretty much any time during the year, you may have some requirements that are only possible at a certain time.

One of the biggest deciding factors on when you should travel to Japan is the seasons.

Here in the U.K, we have pretty, ‘Mediocre’ seasonal weather. The summers aren’t that hot and the winters aren’t particularly cold.

But in Japan, this really isn’t the case.

Here’s a summary of what you can expect during each season and reasons why it may appeal to you:

Spring (March-May)

Japanese translation: Haru

Kanji: 春

Best for: Sightseeing both natural and man-made Japan

Traditional Japanese garden Yokohama — Sankei-en, Yokohama, Japan. BEAUTIFUL!

This is without a doubt the most popular time to visit Japan and for good reason, too. Springtime in Japan is the stuff dreams are made of. You’ll feel as if you’re in your very own anime!

To start with, Springtime in Japan is when the Japanese cherry blossom starts to bloom.

Unfortunately, they are notorious for being hard to catch in full bloom, but as a rule of thumb, you should expect them somewhere in Japan from Mid-March to early May. If this is especially important to you, you may want to check the available cherry blossom forecast for the year you plan on going, like this one for the 2022 season.

Undecided on whether to travel during cherry blossom season? I’ve made a guide to help you figure that out!

Spring sees the best weather out of the year in Japan when it’s playing nice. I’ve been to several different places around Japan at this time of year, and let me tell you that weather conditions will absolutely vary.

Don’t be surprised if one day you’re in the city and it’s a beautifully hot 20°C allowing you to wear short sleeve tops and shorts, and the next day it plummets back down to as low as 5°C.

The moral of spring weather in Japan is indecisiveness. So pack accordingly!

Aside from the Sakura (cherry blossom) and the perfect weather conditions, spring is considered the low season in terms of plane travel.

The cheapest month to travel to Japan is usually April with return flight tickets averaging just under $1000, but cheaper tickets are available if you are willing to compromise on air carrier and flight times.

Summer (June – August)

Japanese translation: Natsu

Kanji: 夏

Best for: Relaxing near water, definitely not city exploration!

Hot, Humid, Muggy, Sweaty, Gross, I can’t breathe, It’s way too hot, I miss bad weather.

These are all things I’ve said whilst wandering around Tokyo in the height of summer.

If however, you’re looking for a summer holiday destination (and preferably aren’t wandering around the streets of Tokyo) then Japan in summer is an absolutely fantastic choice!

From crystal clear waters to sand dunes, and even world-class surfing, Japan is a great choice in the summer if you’re looking for a specific type of holiday.

Autumn (September-November)

Japanese translation: Aki

Kanji: 秋

Best for: Sightseeing of the natural landscape and cities

If you’re looking for an alternative to the Japanese cherry blossom season, Autumn might be an ideal time to visit Japan.

Temperatures and weather conditions are all-around more stable than in spring and summer making exploring cities, towns, and the countryside a nicer experience.

Autumn is also a time for viewing Japan’s stunning red leaves, almost as famous as the pink cherry blossom earlier on in the year.

Winter (December – February)

Japanese translation: Fuyu

Kanji: 冬

Best for: Snow activities, skiing, winter festivals

I recently experienced Winter in Sapporo, and my goodness it was cold!

As a country that plays host to the snowiest place on earth, Japanese winters are sure to satisfy even the pickiest of winter holiday enthusiasts.

There are over 500 ski resorts all over the country and plenty of snow festivals to make it a winter holiday to remember. There are a few things to remember if you’re planning a ski holiday in Japan, but once you’ve got them down, it’ll easily be the best trip you’ve been on!

2. Check the visa requirements of your country

^ Your damn cool passport when we can all travel again

Sometimes, visiting Japan isn’t just as simple as turning up. Be sure to check the visa requirements before you plan your holiday, and especially before you board the plane!

The earlier you get this done, the less stress you’ll feel during the run-up to your holiday.

Do I need to apply for a visa before going to Japan?

Passport holders from all EU countries, the United States, Australia, Canada, Iceland, and 61 other countries do not need to apply for a visa before going to Japan.

Upon landing in one of Japan’s airports, you will be issued a landing card. You’ll then fill it out with some travel info, take that through to customs, and have your passport stamped.

Technically you’ll now be traveling with a tourist visa, but there’s no need to apply for one before leaving.

If you are in doubt or have any concerns about traveling to Japan with a visa I suggest contacting your local Japanese embassy.

They should be able to clear up any trouble you might have and set you on your way to a destination of a lifetime!

3. Book your flights early

sunset out of a plane window Japan — What I wouldn’t give to see that view now!

Due to the constant changing of flight prices, it’s hard to give you an exact time to book flights for your trip to Japan. However, if you want a rough answer I would say around 6 months before your intended holiday is when flights will be at their cheapest.

I’ve written an article detailing why flights to Japan are so expensive (and how to get them cheaper!), so check that out to make sure you’re getting all the best deals!

That shouldn’t stop you from checking earlier though, especially if it’s a holiday you’ve been planning for a while. I would suggest signing up for a travel notification email via one of the comparison sites.

That way, you won’t have to stay up until 3 in the morning to get the best prices. Instead, you can stay up until 3 in the morning playing animal crossing on your Japanese island.

Priorities, people!

4. Grab a pocket Wi-Fi or sim card

Finding free Wi-Fi in Japan is notoriously difficult.

I remember coming out of an Airbnb in the middle of Shinjuku one time and for some stupid reason completely forgetting to use the available Wi-Fi to look up our route for the day.

After about half an hour of walking in random directions in the hope of finding an internet café (do those things even exist anymore?!) we stumbled across a Mcdonald’s, which thankfully had free wifi for us to plan things for the day.

Although I honestly love getting lost in Tokyo and would even actively encourage it, sometimes you have a destination you want to get to and time restraints can apply.

The point of the story is if I had prepared for the holiday in the first place, I would have known that getting a pocket Wi-Fi or sim card before the trip would have saved a load of time.

This is especially important if your holiday to Japan is a once-in-a-lifetime trip and you only have a couple of weeks, but equally important in any situation.

I recommend using Sakura Mobile.

They’re simple to use, give great service, and offer a variety of options to suit your travel needs.

Click on the image below if you’re interested in finding out more!

5. Don’t travel without travel insurance

cancelled flights Japan — No one want’s a delayed or canceled flight, but sometimes it can’t be helped.

Probably the single best way to prepare for your trip to Japan.

DO NOT!

I REPEAT.

DO NOT TRAVEL WITHOUT INSURANCE!!

Yes, it can be an annoying expense that you’d rather forget about. And maybe you don’t plan on bungee jumping out of a moving plane, but no one can predict the future.

We’ve talked before about how safe Japan is as a country, but even the safest parts of the world aren’t free from crime.

Besides, you don’t just get travel insurance for Japan in case something happens to you on your trip.

Other reasons you should get travel insurance before you go to Japan include:

Cancellations

This could include (depending on the type of travel insurance you have) flights, hotels, car hire, tour companies, transport, and events.

Normally the higher tier travel insurance you purchase, the more you’re illegible to claim for if something was to go wrong.

Delays

Japan is a long way from a lot of countries.

As such flight times are normally pretty long, especially if you’ve got a stop or two on the way.

In fact, whilst we’re on the topic of stopovers you should seriously consider flights with 12 hours+ stops in other countries. If you don’t need visas to enter you could make it part of your holiday to Japan and consider it a mini holiday.

Though you’ll probably be super tired if you attempt it, it might save you a few bucks if you work things out properly.

Anyway, my point about Japan being so far away from other countries (a good 12 hours for most) means you’ll really want to enjoy every last second of your time there. It’s especially hard if you’ve put months into planning your dream holiday only to have a 12-hour delay that severely messes with your itinerary.

By booking travel insurance before your go to Japan you may be able to claim back the time you lost. While you cant literally recoup the time, any money you get towards it may ease the inconvenience.

Lost items

We all know the drill.

Get in the car to the airport, check your passports and tickets are in the bag about 684 times.

But, sometimes they may get lost or other items may be stolen during your trip. With travel insurance, you know you’ll always be able to get home no matter what happens.

Air carrier goes bankrupt

This isn’t normally something you need to look out for when booking travel insurance, but the events over the last few years have shown us that things like this can and do happen.

So whilst you may not need it, it could be nice put your mind at rest

Final thoughts on travel insurance for Japan:

Many different travel insurance companies will also cater to your situation and the time you intend to stay in the country for.

For instance, if I’m heading out to Japan for a year then I’ll search for a specialized travel insurance company rather than if I’m going for 2-3 weeks.

Other important factors would be who I’m traveling with (whether it be by myself, with a family, or with a spouse) my age, current health, and history)

Search around for the best Japanese travel insurance for your circumstance so you can enjoy yourself whilst you’re over there and not have to worry about the repercussions if anything was to happen.

Hint: If you pay house insurance, own a credit card, or work for a company, check to see if you’re already covered for your trip. It’ll make the already easy task of finding travel insurance even easier!

Well, this turned out to be a long point… Onto the next one!

6. Grab a Japanese box

I’m one of those people who get massively excited before a holiday.

As in, can’t sleep the night before, and can’t stop talking about it to literally everyone I meet.

With a holiday destination as big as Japan, the chances are high that you’ve booked a fair amount in advance (a good idea if it’s possible!)

That leaves months or longer where you’re stuck in your hometown, gazing out of windows whilst imagining the place you’d rather be.

Unfortunately, I can’t fast forward time to bring your trip to Japan forward, but I can offer something of a compromise!

Introducing the Japanese kawaii box!

Probably the cutest way to experience Japan at home, probably.

This kawaii Japanese gift box comes Jam-packed with snacks, plush toys, and other cute Japanese souvenirs.

You can expect about 8-10 gifts in each of the monthly boxes. So you can be sure that by the end of the year your house will be filled to the brim with Japan-related goodness!

Interested? Click here to read about their latest monthly box!

And if cute Japanese gift boxes aren’t for you (who even are you!?) then maybe you’d prefer one with entirely Japanese food.

The best way to prepare yourself for your trip to Japan might well be by trying all their food before you go!

bokksu Japan box — The best way to experience Japan from home!

Inside ‘Bokksu‘ you can expect only Japanese snacks which is the perfect way to give you a taste (pun intended) of Japanese cuisine without scaring you off!

Or, if you’re looking for ANOTHER Japanese subscription box, click here for my favorite one! (It’s literally amazing…)

7. Read these travel guidebooks

Another great way to get excited about your upcoming trip to Japan is by reading a travel guidebook.

Not only will this prepare you for certain situations you wouldn’t have otherwise thought of, but you’re also extremely likely to find places to go that you haven’t heard of before.

For this reason, I like to be as specific as possible with guidebooks.

For example, a general book about Japan is far less likely to provide you with secret hidden gems than a book specifically relating to the area you’re staying in or specific to your interests.

Here are 3 of my favorite:

A Geek in Japan

A geek in Japan gives an informative overview of all aspects of Japan. Culture, history, technology, and more, Hector Garcia decodes thousands of years of mystery into a concise yet incredibly interesting book.

He’s also someone who isn’t under the illusion that Japan is ‘the perfect country’. So if you’re after an unbiased opinion, this might be for you!

Tokyo Maze

An extremely practical for the explorers among you. If you happen to find yourself in Tokyo, a little strapped for cash, but still want to search out the local culture then Axel Schwab’s Tokyo Maze could absolutely be the book for you.

I’m a big fan of hopping on a train in the city and then traveling to a random local stop in the suburbs. Though, I’m also a big fan of riding Japan’s last sleeper train. What an experience that was!

I would highly suggest doing this in all countries, but the stark difference between central Tokyo and some of the suburban neighborhoods is quite impressive.

If you love the idea of exploring in this way but don’t know where to start, grab this Japan travel guide!

Super Cheap Japan

Super Cheap Japan is a favorite of mine!

Tokyo (and Japan in general) is unfortunately not the cheapest place in the world, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your trip to Japan on the cheap.

Learn how to budget your Japan holiday in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, and Hiroshima.

Hint: Stay in a capsule hotel to save those pennies!

8. Learn some basic phrases

Potentially the best way to prepare for your trip to Japan is by learning some of the local lingo.

Now it’s important to mention that I’m not fluent in Japanese but I do have a range of thoroughly researched and checked articles here.

They should help point you in the right direction and start your journey into the exciting world of the Japanese language.

If you’re looking to delve a little deeper than a few holiday phrases, I would recommend tofugu, a blog based entirely on the Japanese language and one that can explain the nuances of the language far better than I can.

9. Survive your flight to Japan

plane flying to Japan — It’s been a long time since I’ve been on one of these… :'(

Less significant than learning some survival phrases but no less important is surviving your probably very long flight to Japan.

And what’s the best way to survive it? To prepare!

Luckily for you, I’ve written an entire article dedicated to helping you survive your flight to Japan.

It’s part two of our series and well worth a read for when you’ve booked up your flight!

…or maybe you’re just a massive Japan nerd and love dreaming about that future flight.

You’ll get there one day!

10. Stay somewhere different

Please please please do not go all the way to Japan and just stay in a chain hotel.

Prepare your dream trip to Japan by planning some of your accommodations before you go.

I say some, not all. We’ll get to why in a bit.

Look, I understand how convenient chain hotels might seem but you’re truly missing out on an entire side of Japanese culture.

The easiest way to do this is through Japan’s Airbnb network. The country is filled to the brim with traditional, unique, and sometimes truly weird places to stay and it’s super easy to book.

Take a look here for my top Airbnb recommendations in Japan ^_^

If you’re feeling even more adventurous, you may consider staying in a traditional Japanese ryokan or maybe staying a night in an ancient Japanese temple.

Japanese ryokans are by far the best way to experience traditional Japanese culture and they don’t have to cost your entire budget either.

If you did want to splurge a little, you could book yourself a night in Tokyo’s very first ryokan. It’s an urban oasis!

11. Consider the Japan Rail Pass

I won’t lie to you, sometimes transport costs can add up a little. Especially if you want to fit in as much as humanly possible during your stay.

Whilst Japan’s network of trains is considered the best in the world, it can be easy to forget how much you’re spending each time you hop on and off.

I always find that whenever I go traveling that I spend more freely than I would do if it was my own country’s currency. Almost like it’s ‘play money’ rather than actual hard-earned cash.

If like me, you plan to travel pretty much nonstop during your trip then you may benefit from a Japan Rail Pass.

The best way to prepare yourself for the cost of transport in Japan is to buy it before you go from here (their website).

But if you aren’t sure whether it’s right for you, you can use their fare calculator to see how much you could save.

It might turn out that it wasn’t as much as you’d think or maybe it’s nothing at all, but it’s still worth having a look beforehand.

Though you can buy it directly from the airport when you land, it’s always nicer to have everything before you set off so you’ll know there’s nothing to think about when you’re there.

They also offer a regional pass in case you’re thinking about traveling specifically in one area.

This could save you more money than the nationwide JR pass and end up being far more convenient.

12. Understand the culture

If you want to make the most of your trip to Japan, you’ll stand the best chance by learning about the Japanese culture before your trip.

I’m not going to tell you what you should or shouldn’t learn because that depends on what you’re looking at getting out of your trip in the first place.

Instead, I’ll point you to a couple of posts I’ve written that shed light on some of the cultural aspects of Japan you may not be familiar with.

13. Read through some Japanese blogs

Another way to get you prepared and let’s be honest, excited, is by reading through a few different blogs about Japan to find out what you’re in for.

Here are a few of my favorites:

http://adayofzen.com – Who’d have thought it, my own blog about Japan is one of my favorites!

https://tokyocheapo.com – Great for location guides, and lots of free ideas

h t tps://tofugu.com – Mentioned earlier in the article, a great place to learn the intricacies of the Japanese language

14. See more by seeing less

deers at Miyajima island — Miyajima Island

Obviously, you’ll be going to Japan completely hyped up and I wouldn’t be surprised if your itinerary for the trip was overly Jam-packed.

Whilst I do understand that you’d want to fit in as much as you possibly can during your (potentially) once-in-a-lifetime trip, sometimes by seeing less, you’ll understand and experience more.

Lots of Japanese tour operators will advertise the complete opposite of what I’m suggesting.

The usual route taken would be Tokyo->Kyoto->Osaka->Hiroshima->Tokyo.

I’m not saying this isn’t something you should do during your first trip to Japan, but there are some Pros to seeing less.

	Pros	Cons
Seeing More	You feel like you’ve seen more of the country	You’ve rushed your way through the sights over a few weeks
Seeing Less	You can spend longer in a certain place and immerse yourself in the local culture	Maybe you can’t do everything you originally planned

The pros and cons of seeing more or less on a Japanese holiday

Unsure what to see and where to go?

That’s why I’ve created the Ultimate Japanese bucket list for Osaka and Tokyo including accommodation options, food options, and things to do for every budget!

15. Schedule time to get lost

Japan is a big place.

Following on from the previous point, whichever direction you chose to take your trip in, make sure you have at least some time to get lost.

Getting lost in Japan has brought up countless interesting experiences and also led me to some truly awesome locations like impromptu vegan restaurants (somewhat of a rarity in Japan) and even the biggest manga shop in the world!

So, give yourself enough time to wander around without purpose because you might just find something you didn’t expect.

Hint: As a foreign tourist in Japan you, you are required to carry your passport with you at all times.

16. Take cash with you to most places

As futuristic-looking and technologically advanced as Japan is, it’s primarily a cash-based society.

That means you’ll still have to convert your current currency into JPY (Japanese yen).

You can do this through a currency exchange in your hometown or if you’re feeling brave you can wait until you’ve passed through customs after you come off the plane.

In the past, this was the best way to secure the best rate possible through currency conversion. However the rates seem to be getting closer together, so do your research beforehand!

17. Use public transport

If I got 1 yen for every time I’ve mentioned how amazing Japanese public transport is… I’d probably have about 50 yen…

BUT it honestly cannot be stated enough.

My two favorite methods of getting around in Japan are walking and getting the train. Taxis are also handy for getting to those hard-to-reach areas, but can quickly eat into your holiday budget.

Why is the Tokyo subway so crowded?

Contrary to the title, the above blog post shows you how (almost) perfect Japanese transport can be!

18. Consider your souvenirs carefully

Japan is a country full of wonder and mystery, so don’t be surprised if you come away with more than a few souvenirs.

I hope that your trip to Japan will inspire you to bring some of the cultures back home to you more than some cheap plastic toy.

Whilst this is something you’ll only be able to decide once you’re in Japan, it might help to take a sneak peek at your options before you go to Japan.

That way you’ll know what to look out for when you’re out there!

Hold on! Don’t close this tab just yet! I’ve got one more piece of advice that can make a huge difference in your travel experience to Japan: How to avoid jet lag. Trust me, I’ve had my fair share of sleepless nights and grumpy mornings due to jet lag, and I don’t want the same to happen to you!

Entertainment

10 of the Weirdest Japanese Game Shows.

As an Amazon Associate, I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post. At no extra cost to you! ^_^

Japanese Game shows: A Complete Guide

I don’t know about you, but British (and I’m sure American) game shows can sometimes get just a little too repetitive.

Yes I know, you’re all better at answering general knowledge questions than I am, well done!

Oh you’ve picked a box and won some money! Thrilling television!

Today though, I want to divert your attention to by far the craziest, wackiest, and weirdest game shows in the entire world.

Japanese Game Shows of course!

Note from the editor: Interested in other weird and wacky parts of Japanese culture?

From five figure fruit, to indestructible backpacks, Japan is certainly a country that pushes limits.

Click here to learn more!

A brief history of Japanese game shows

The first Japanese game show showed up in around 1950, and all things considered, it was pretty tame by today’s standards.

It was called ‘Gesture’ and was literally just a televised version of charades.

No crazy stunts or lubricated stairs in sight, just a simple game of Japanese charades.

It probably wasn’t until another 36-40 years until the ‘Weird’ game shows in Japan started to become more frequent and popular.

And what gameshow led the way?

Takeshi’s Castle. More on that one later!

Why are Japanese gameshows so weird?

As you’ll learn from this list, Japanese game shows are certainly a far cry from programs like who wants to be a millionaire.

But are they really as weird as they get credit for?

Western media loves anything a bit different, and that’s exactly what these shows are. But don’t get the impression that everything on Japanese TV is like this so everyone in Japan must think this is normal.

A lot of these ‘Gameshows’ are just small segments from variety shows designed to be outrageous and a little weird.

So keep in mind that the shows on this list you’re about to see aren’t an everyday occurrence and are designed to be crazy. They aren’t designed to be ‘normal shows’ that everyone else thinks all Japanese people must all like.

Here are a couple of things I need to clear up before we get started:

What are punishment games?

Featured on a lot of the variety shows, ‘Batsu games’ are punishments that a loser must accept following a lost bet or competition.

They often happen relatively infrequently but are most definitely the videos that get shared around most on social media.

They might not be gameshows:

Remember that most of the videos you’ve seen before about crazy Japanese gameshows are probably just small sections or segments of a variety show meaning the chances of more footage being available is low.

It’s not about your brain:

In some Japanese gameshows it’s probably necessary to use your brain, like on ‘ Dasshutsu Game DERO!’, but on the whole physical elements play a far larger part in a Japanese gameshow’s makeup than mental.

Helpful resources

I’m confident enough to write this article on Japanese gameshows as I’m sure I know more than someone who happens upon a video from one of the shows. If however, you want to know more information about any of the titles on this list the people of the Japanese Game Show subreddit are who you should ask.

1. Slippery Stairs

Actual name: Nuru Nuru Treasure Hunter

Variety Show: All-Star Thanksgiving

slippery stairs weird Japanese game show — Is this slippery stairs or a return of the Power Rangers? (Screenshot of YouTube video below.)

First on the list of weirdest Japanese game shows we have ‘Slippery stairs’.

Slippery stairs, or as it’s actually called ‘Nuru Nuru Treasure Hunter’ went viral a few years ago when a clip from the show was posted on YouTube from an unknown source. Fast forward 5 years and it’s on pretty much every social media platform and every top ten list, including this one!

Before we dive into what makes this game so hilariously perfect, lets clear up a few misconceptions. The Japanese game show called ‘Slippery stairs’ by westerners isn’t actually a game show at all. In fact, it’s a minigame on a bi-annual variety show called ‘All star thanksgiving’.

And its name ‘Slippery stairs’ isn’t actually its true name. I would hazard a guess that its fake name took off because it’s easy to remember and works in the mind of a non-Japanese speaker.

Its real name is ‘Nuru Nuru Treasure Hunter’.

Quick Japanese Vocab Lesson:

ぬるぬる (nuru nuru) : Slimy / slippery

But for the google gods, I’ll be referring to it as the stair game as I doubt many people type in Nuru Nuru Treasure Hunter game!

What is the goal of Slippery Stairs?

Everything you need to know about slippery stairs is in the title.

Contestants make their way up the slippery and slimy stairs attempting to retrieve the treasure at the top.

There is absolutely nothing to grab onto, no friction, and a high possibility of injury. Hence the protective clothing!

The video at the bottom shows it takes around 10 minutes for a victor to be crowned, and unsurprisingly they look absolutely shattered!

What are the stairs made of?

I’ve read some suggestions that the stairs are made of ice, but that’s simply not true. After a fair bit of research, I’ve discovered it’s possible the stairs are coated with Propylene Glycol which makes them almost impossible to climb up, much to the pleasure of viewers.

Where can I watch the slippery stairs gameshow?

As the slippery stairs minigame is part of a bi-annual variety show, it’s unlikely you’ll get to watch this live unless you live in Japan.

If you do live in Japan or have access to the Tokyo Broadcasting System (The channel all-star variety show is on) then be sure to tune in sometime in April and October. Exact dates within the months where the variety show is on are announced nearer to the time.

Can’t get TBS or want to watch slippery stairs online?

2. The wall of boxes

Actual name: Bokkusu no kabe

Variety show: Downtown no Gottsu Ee Kanji

wall of boxes weird Japanese game show — Comedy duo ‘Downtown’ in one of their earlier shows ‘Gottsu Ee Kanji’ (Screenshot of YouTube video below.)

The wall of boxes was a ‘Batsu’ or punishment game in the variety show ‘Downtown no Gottsu Ee Kanji’.

Quick Japanese Vocab Lesson:

罰ゲーム (batsu gēmu) : Penalty Game

The aim of ‘wall of boxes’ is to outlast your opponents and stay on your tower of boxes for as long as possible. Contestants (or comedians as they are here) chose a number from the panel in front of them and are surprised by one of 20 creative ways of knocking the boxes down.

I won’t spoil anything for you, instead, you should just watch the video below. It’s only 20 minutes long and is honestly incredibly funny to watch.

The show premiered on the 8th of December 1991 and continued until November 2nd, 1997. In the meantime, Hitoshi Matsumoto and Masatoshi Hamada worked on their more well known show and one that’s still running to this day, Downtown no Gaki no Tsukai ya Arahende!

Where can I watch the wall of boxes gameshow?

The wall of boxes formed one of their ‘Batsu’ or punishment games for the year. As such, these are probably the only clips you’ll ever see of the game unless they revamp it. But I don’t think they’ve run out of crazy ideas just yet!

https://youtube.com/watch?v=sGsgSJ5ZQaY

3. Marshmallow Rubber Band

Actual name: Marshmallow Rubber Band (sometimes called ‘Funny Face’)

Variety show: Downtown no Gaki no Tsukai

weird Japanese marshmallow game show — I mean, marshmallows probably are that tasty… (Screenshot of YouTube video below.)

The simply named ‘Marshmallow Rubber Band Game’ is another Batsu punishment game on the extremely popular Gaki no Tsukai variety show run by the Downton duo.

What is the goal of the marshmallow rubber band game?

Contestants were split into blue and red teams.

One by one, each ‘player’ attempts to eat a marshmallow whilst having their head strapped to the back wall via a rubber band causing some truly ‘Funny’ faces. (see video for clarification)

Where can I watch the marshmallow rubber band game?

Once again, this is a ‘Batsu Gēmu’ which means it’s sort of a one off. As such, the best place to see this funny Japanese mini-game is probably on YouTube, just like the video below!

https://youtube.com/watch?v=t3TcLTQuSE4

4. Human Tetris

Actual name: Nokabe (Brain wall)

Variety show: Tonneruzu no Minasan no Okage deshita (Though later became an individual gameshow)

weird hole in the wall Japanese game show — This is like yoga with extreme consequences… (Screenshot of YouTube video below.)

What once started off on the Variety show ‘Tonneruzu no Minasan no Okage deshita’ has now become it’s own standalone game show. Brain Wall has spread around the world to such a degree that there are now 45 different versions of the show from other countries.

Quick Japanese Vocab Lesson:

脳カベ (Nōkabe) : Brain Wall

How do you win the Japanese gameshow ‘Human Tetris’?

The contestant (or contestants, depending on whether it’s a team round or solo) stand in a predesignated area whilst waiting for the count of three.

On three, a moving wall of Styrofoam appears from the end of the hall with a specific shape cut out of it. In the beginning rounds, these may be fairly easy to recreate but as the game progresses the shapes get more and more ridiculous leading to some ‘interesting’ shapes.

Rounds with both team members are often more funny as they spend much of the time arguing between themselves trying to find the best solution.

If the contestants are unable to make the shape allowing the Styrofoam to pass over them, they’ll end up in the pool of water at the end and lose points for their team (or themselves).

How can I watch the Japanese version of Human Tetris?

As stated before, the show originally aired as part of the ‘Tonneruzu no Minasan no Okage deshita’ (Tunnels thanks to everyone) variety show, but has since passed into its own game show.

That variety show stopped broadcasting in 2018, but the new gameshow is still going on today under the name Nōkabe on Fuji TV (Channel 8 in Japan).

Unfortunately, I can’t find its broadcasting schedule so unless you live in Japan or have regular access to the Fuji TV channel, you’ll have to rely on older versions from YouTube.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=UY9axBEJy8s

5. Candy or Not Candy?

Actual name: Sokkuri suītsu

Variety show: Tokio Vs Arashi Ultraman Dash

candy or not candy weird Japanese game show — Shoe or chocolate? You be the judge! (Screenshot of YouTube video below.)

Known by many names, Candy or not candy is/was a small segment on the annual gameshow Tokio Vs Arashi Ultraman Dash.

Other known names for Candy or not candy:

Sokkuri suītsu – The original name it was given.

Sweets or not sweets – Popular western version.

Chocolate or not chocolate – I found this one in a few subreddits, you may or may not have heard it referred to as this.

Quick Japanese Vocab Lesson:

そっくりスイーツ (Sokkuri suītsu): Spitting image/Look-alike sweets

What is the aim of Candy or not candy?

Sokkuri suītsu (candy or not candy) is definitely one of the more gentle or less chaotic Japanese game shows. Though that’s not to say the entire premise is still absolutely, yet perfectly ridiculous.

Contestants must guess which out of several objects are and are not edible. Once they have guessed, the host will move the object towards them and the contestant must take a bite.

As you can see from the above picture and the video below, you’ll likely to end up with some pretty strange things in your mouth like shoes, picture frames, and maybe even a whole table.

This takes Japanese food to a whole new level!

Where can I find “Candy or not candy”?

Unfortunately, like a lot of the shows on this list ‘Candy or not candy’ is only a small segment on an annual variety show. This means that the clips you’ve found online are potentially the only ones that exist and there’s no guarantee next time the Tokio Vs Arashi Ultraman Dash variety show rolls around that candy or not candy will be a part of it.

Too much of a good thing could be a bad thing!

6. Don’t eat noodles in a washing machine

Actual name: N/A

Variety Show: Downtown no Gaki no Tsukai

Don't eat noodles in a washing machine weird Japanese game show — Is he about to laugh?! (Screenshot of YouTube video below.)

Is this the weirdest thing I’ve ever seen on a Japanese game show? It very well could be.

What’s the aim of the noodle washing machine Japanese gameshow?

This is a segment from the Gaki no Tsukai gameshow, a batsu game. The aim of these games are to make the main cast in the studio laugh so they get punished. And if you think you’d pass, the games are 24 hours long so chances are there’ll be one or two segments that tickle you!

So, no contestants actually take part in the game but instead watch it as you can see in the top right.

I’m unsure if I would laugh at this or feel really sorry for the poor guy. At least he got some noodles, though…

Of course, it goes without saying, DONT TRY THIS AT HOME!

Where can I watch it?

Can you guess yet?

If for some reason you haven’t read the other editions on the list then let me tell you again.

They’re just tiny segments on a bigger variety show, so this video below is likely the only one you’ll ever see.

And for some reason, this one just repeats itself and plays some very annoying music on top…

7. Takeshi’s Castle

Actual name: Takeshi’s Castle

Variety show: N/A (Individual gameshow)

takeshis castle Japan game show — Be honest, have you actually ever seen anyone win Takeshi’s castle?… (Screenshot of YouTube video below.)

Finally! An actual gameshow on this Japanese gameshow list! Who’d have thought!

The game show that put Japanese gameshows on the radar of westerners, and probably the only one you’ve ever fully watched on the list, welcome to Takeshi’s castle.

How do you win Takeshi’s castle?

The Japanese episodes of Takeshi’s castle would feature 86-142 contestants that would have to pass a series of hard obstacle course style challenges in an effort to reach the final showdown.

General Tani (played by Hayato Tani) or General Lee as he was known if you lived in the UK was the man that led these people to their rather frequent demise.

Once the general had put the contestants through these challenges, he would be left with a few people ready to take on Count Takeshi and his Gundan troops. In earlier seasons the contestants would ride around in mini cars and used a water pistol to try and penetrate the enemy paper ring on the car. If they failed to stop the count or were taken out themselves, the game would be lost.

Fun fact: Many people believe only 8 or 9 contestants have won Takeshi’s castle, however in Takeshi’s Castle Rebooted it was confirmed the number was actually 36.

Where can I watch the UK Takeshi’s Castle?

I’m talking about the UK version of Takeshi’s castle not just because it’s what I used to watch growing up, but because Craig Charles does a fantastic voiceover. DO NOT mistake this with the newer Jonathan Ross episodes. Those are beyond terrible…

All these episodes used to be on repeat on the UK tv channel ‘Challenge’ but sadly their contract ended in 2019 and it’s unlikely they’ll be reshown.

Luckily, by simply typing Takeshi’s Castle full episodes into YouTube, you’ll probably come across loads of similar videos like the one below!

https://youtube.com/watch?v=jaCDjZ3l_Fg

8. Dasshutsu Game DERO!

Actual Name: Missitsu Nazotoki Variety Dasshutsu Game DERO!

Variety show: N/A (Individual gameshow)

weird Japanese game show no floor — I haven’t watched it yet, but I’m 99% sure they’re all gonna fall… (Screenshot of YouTube video below.)

In Dasshutsu Game DERO!, contestants are led into a number of puzzle rooms and must work together to find an exit.

For instance, in the room pictured above contestants have to find their way up to the top of the room whilst navigating a slowly inclining floor.

Fun fact: For a long time, people in Japan and those who had seen the gameshow online (specifically this room and the Beam room) actually thought people were gone forever in the game show. The ‘Bottomless pit’ is actually just a greenscreen with mats at the bottom to protect them from the fall.

The show has 7 types of challenge rooms so instead of reading about them here, you can take a look at them below if you’re interested. Just imagine a slightly more intense version of the crystal maze and you’re on the right track!

Where can I watch ‘Dasshutsu Game DERO!’?

The show itself is on Nippon TV (NTV Channel 4) but unless you live in Japan you won’t be able to catch the full episodes. America has also released their own version of the show titled ‘Exit!’ but I’m not interested in it and I don’t think you should be either. The utter lunacy of Japanese game shows comes from more than just an idea, and it’s certainly not something that’s easily replicable.

For now, it’s short clips on YouTube for your Japanese gameshow addiction!

9. Silent Library

Actual Name: Silent Library

Variety show: Downtown no Gaki no Tsukai ya Arahende!!

japan silent library game show — This may look innocent, but take a look at the video below to see why it isn’t! (Screenshot of YouTube video below.)

Silent Library is a game show that originates in Japan but has had a few international reboots.

The premise is simple. Contestants (comedians in the Japanese edition) are sat in a library and given a deck of six cards between them.

5 of those cards are safe, but 1 has a skull on. If you pick the card with the skull then you’ll be next for the challenge.

Most of the challenges the contestants will be exposed to involve pain and humiliation, and through the entire ordeal, they have one goal.

Don’t make a sound!

And if you laugh or make a sound that’s too loud, you’ll lose a point.

Quick Japanese Vocab Lesson:

頭蓋骨 (Zugaikotsu): Skull

Do they still do silent library?

The Japanese version of ‘silent library’, the original version, has the possibility to come back now and again as it’s part of a weekly variety show. The American version which is possibly more popular aired for a total of 2 years and 89 episodes before being cancelled.

Is ‘Silent library’ a real library?

According to the research I’ve carried out, ‘Silent library’ was conducted in a real library to add to the atmosphere of the show.

I’m unsure how far I believe this, though. In both version American and Japanese versions you have a presenter and lots of camera gear.

It seems far more likely that everyone in the room is a paid actor or at least told way beforehand what’s happening, even if the contestants are not.

Where can I watch silent library?

Once again, as this is part of a variety show the segments may be few and far between. Gaki no Tsukai is fairly frequent though, so you’ll have better luck finding this one online than some of the annual Japanese variety shows.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=hFS0vWJFGws

10. I survived a Japanese game show

Actual Name: Majide (the Japanese gameshow within the show)

Variety show: N/A (Individual gameshow)

For our final Japanese gameshow, I have something a little different from the rest!

‘I survived a Japanese Game show’ was an American game show that attempted to emulate the Japanese gameshow experience by bringing American contestants to Japan and having them compete in a show called ‘Majide’. Kind of like a show within a show.

Still with me? Good!

Quick Japanese Vocab Lesson:

まじで (Majide) : You gotta be crazy!/Are you serious!? (rough translation)

Where can I watch ‘I survived a Japanese game show’?

Do you live in America and want to watch ‘I survived a Japanese game show?’?

Well, you’re in luck!

Even though the show stopped many years ago, and sadly isn’t being renewed, ABC has a catalogue of both seasons with full length episodes!

So it’s pretty clear that Japanese gameshows are incredibly popular all over the world, but what about Japanese dramas? Unfortunately, they aren’t held to the same standard, and it’s fairly easy to see why!

Culture

63 facts about Japan you probably didn’t know.

Japan is a country known for its bright lights, innovative technology, and beautiful scenery. But in this article, I aim to show you some of Japan’s lesser-known facts that prove how truly interesting it is as a country.

On this list you’ll find a couple of facts you may have known, a load of facts you didn’t know, and a few more facts about Japan that will blow your socks off.

Let’s get to it!

1. There are 6,852 islands in Japan

Believe it or not, Japan consists of 6,852 islands.

Just look at how far the archipelago stretches out, it’s not just the main island everyone thinks it is.

The five main islands (that you’re likely to visit) are:

Hokkaido – Located right at the top of Japan, Hokkaido is the second largest island and is filled with ski resorts and other snow related activities.
Honshu – The largest island with Tokyo as the capital.
Kyushu – Kyushu is the third largest island and is also nearest to the rest of Asia.
Shikoku – Shikoku sits between Honshu and Kyushu and is the second smallest island. It’s also home to the most famous pilgrimage in Japan, but more on that later!
Okinawa – The smallest island, but also the most tropical. Visit here if you fancy including a summer beach holiday in your trip to Japan.

2. Marco polo discovered Japan

Do you think I can get one of them if this blog gets popular enough? 😉 …Me neither.

Despite the fact that it’s very unlikely he ever actually visited Japan, Marco Polo was the first European to discover its existence.

The first people who actually stepped foot in Japan were two Portuguese traders by the names of ‘Antonio da Mota’ and ‘Francisco Zeimoto’, and possibly a third named ‘Antonio Peixoto’ but that’s unconfirmed.

Interested in learning more? I’ve written a whole article on the discovery of Japan.

3. Tokyo is the most populous city in the world

I’ve spent a lot of my life walking around the busiest streets in London, and that’s not a pleasant experience.

In Japan, it’s just something you’ll have to get used to, especially around rush hour, in popular tourist spots, or in financial districts.

I’m more of a countryside person, to be honest, and even spending a couple of days in the capital can be quite an overwhelming experience.

Having said that, Tokyo’s population (along with Japan’s) has been decreasing since 2018:

Year	Population
2015	37.3 Million
2016	37.3 Million
2017	37.4 Million
2018	37.5 Million
2019	37.4 Million
2020	37.4 Million
2021	37.3 Million

Tokyo’s declining population, Data from World Population Review

4. Shibuya crossing is the worlds busiest intersection

Must be one of the only places in the world where a road crossing is a tourist attraction!

Turns out that the most populous city in the world has the busiest crossing in the world. Who’d have thought?

More interesting facts about Shibuya crossing:

According to JRAILPASS, over 2.4 Million people cross Shibuya crossing every single day. That’s around 2,500 people every single time!

It’s also played host to multiple famous movies including Lost in Translation, Tokyo Drift, and Resident Evil: Afterlife.

If you ever find yourself around Shibuya crossing, I urge you to grab a coffee at the Starbucks located in the Tsutaya building.

It’s the perfect place to watch the masses of people cross the intersection whilst you’ll be enjoying a Matcha!

5. You must take off your shoes before going inside someone’s house

Why do you have to take your shoes off in Japan?

Simple!

To stop the inside floors from getting dirty.

This is something I’ve done literally my whole life so it’s really no big deal. It’s good manners, and you’ll be asked to do it in any house (and sometimes public building) you visit whilst you’re in Japan.

So if it’s not something you’re used to, start now before your flight to Japan.

6. Japanese trains are the world’s most punctual.

Japan train in front of fuji — The most punctual and *definitely* some of the most beautiful views on the way.

Public transport ever let you down?

I remember running to school as the bus would speed past me and not even acknowledge my existence. AND it was raining… -_-.

Anyway, enough about my misfortune… Let’s talk trains!

Japanese trains are so legendary, the average delay is only 6 seconds.

In fact, I’ve even read about a rail company in Japan that apologized for leaving just 20 seconds early. For some reason, I just can’t see that happening here in the UK or in the US.

Also, if a train is more than 2 minutes late you’ll receive a stamped letter you can bring to your boss excusing you of your lateness.

Absolutely mad!

But why are the trains sometimes seen to be SO busy? This is why.

7. Square watermelons are a thing

Japanese watermelons do in fact sometimes come in the square form you see above.

In fact, even if you aren’t as much of a raving Japanese culture enthusiast as I am, I’m pretty sure you’ve heard of these melons before!

Normally, they’ll be used as gifts or souvenirs called ‘Omiyage’ due to their extremely high prices.

You’ll often see square watermelons go for $60 and sometimes that number rises as high as $1000.

But hey, stackable watermelons are probably priceless to some people! Haha!

8. Japan is home to the world’s only underwater post-box

I’m sure that like me you often find yourself in need of an underwater post-box. Daily occurrence, am I right!?

Well, Japan has you sorted!

Susami bay in the Nishimuro district of Wakayama is home to the world’s only underwater post-box.

The postmaster of Susami, Toshihiko Matsumoto, came up with the idea to build an underwater mailbox as a way of attracting more tourism.

Whilst I love this idea (and let’s be honest where else would this happen other than Japan??), I’m unsure quite how many people will actually see the underwater post-box.

But hey! Maybe the scuba community will prove me wrong!

9. There are over 5 million vending Machines

Japan single drink vending machine — Super handy having these bad boys around every corner in Tokyo’s humid summer!

I’m pretty convinced this could not happen anywhere else in the world.

Japan is home to over 5 million vending machines coming in all sorts of shapes and sizes.

This is partly due to Japan’s love of automation but also due to the respect shown to these machines by the rest of society. If this isn’t a reason to romanticize Japan, I don’t know what is!

I don’t have the figures available, but I would estimate that very few of these Japanese vending machines purposefully get damaged each year.

10. Sleeping on the job is happily tolerated

It’s not just tolerated, it’s sometimes also actively encouraged.

Whilst you or I would be penalized for sleeping at work in any western country, Japan sees it as a positive reaction.

Japanese society is very much about putting other people before yourself which means the majority of workers put the priorities of the company they work for far in front of their own wellbeing.

Japanese bosses see sleeping whilst you’re at work (Inemuri) as a sign of great devotion and dedication to the company.

Clearly, you’ve been working so hard you must have fallen asleep!

I discussed Inemuri in a little more depth a while ago, but if you’re looking for the short version it’s basically the practice of falling asleep at work. A phenomenon only found in Japan!

12. Pets outnumber children

Whilst this isn’t unique to Japan (Despite what you may read online), Japan’s relationship with their pets is ‘special’ to say the least.

Take the picture above, for example!

According to the Japan pet food association in 2020 there were 17 Million children under 16, but over 20 million cats and dogs.

13. Slurping your noodles is polite

Slurping Japanese noodles — A very young me slurping noodles to my heart’s content!

But not slurping your noodles isn’t necessarily considered rude.

The main reasons people slurp their noodles in Japan are:

Slurping enhances the flavor of the dish – Taking in air with your noodles oxygenates the food and helps you taste the food better than without.
Helps eat the meal faster – Certain forms of ramen were originally designed as a type of fast food, and slurping may help you finish your dish faster.

That second reason may sound silly, but I remember the first time I visited Japan and I ended up having to eat a giant bowl of ramen on a station platform in the space of about 7 minutes.

It all seemed very normal to everyone else in the group, but to me, it was a great way of burning every part of my mouth and getting indigestion at the same time.

Having said that, if you visit Japan or happen to have ramen in the near future give it a slurp and let me know how you find it haha!

…Maybe don’t give yourself a 7-minute timeframe, though.

14. There’s an entire village of foxes

In the heart of Shiroishi, Miyagi prefecture, and home to over 100 foxes is Zao fox village.

Though it has been dubbed by some as ‘The cutest place on earth’ there’s no denying it’s here for the money.

By all means, visit if you want to but remember it’s a tourist attraction, not a sanctuary.

…They are cute though, I must admit!

15. There’s a place where monkeys chill in onsen.

monkey onsen Japan — If I had as much time as these monkeys, this is how I’d be spending it!

By far one of the top three animal attractions in Japan (or at least most well known), Jigokudani monkey park is located in the Shimotakai District of Nagano.

These monkeys descend on the hot springs every day during the winter to help warm them up.

Unlike Zao fox village, this is not a place driven by money. The monkeys are in the wild and free to come and go as they please.

Obviously, this means if you do end up going to see them, they may have taken the day off from lounging around in the hot pools.

But hey!

If they’re happy, then so are we!

16. Japan sells more adult diapers than baby diapers

No idea why Anpanman is here, but look how cute he is!!

This is another fact you’ve probably heard of, one that went viral a few years ago.

As of 2016 there were more adult diapers being produced than diapers for babies.

That was over 5 years ago and birth rates have only continued to go down since.

This is an indicator of both declining birth rates and a high percentage of people over the age of 65.

To understand the severity of this fact in Japan, let’s look at the declining birth rate for the past 8 years:

Year	Japanese birth rate per 1000	Percent Change
2013	8.401	-0.650%
2014	8.219	-2.170%
2015	8.038	-2.200%
2016	7.856	-2.260%
2017	7.675	-2.300%
2018	7.493	-2.370%
2019	7.397	-1.280%
2020	7.301	-1.300%
2021	7.205	-1.310%

Declining Japanese birth rate. Source: MacroTrends

So is Japan now the oldest country in the world? Let me know what you think!

17. Fake food is a 90 million dollar industry

fake Japanese food — Looks good enough to eat!

I was always taught never to eat in a restaurant that has pictures on the menu, let alone an entire stand dedicated to showing models of the food.

Fake food (Sampuru サンプル) is displayed in cabinets or in restaurant windows as a way to show potential customers what they can expect.

Each meal is made to scale and often looks hyper-realistic. It’s the only place in the world something like this happens and you can be sure that if a restaurant has invested in buying these, they care about what they’re serving you.

Asakusa is probably the best place to buy them in Tokyo if you’re looking for a souvenir to take back home. If you can’t get out to Japan yet, your best bet is to browse Fake Food Japan.

Fake Food Japan is an online Japanese store that makes fake food for a load of different situations including magnets, phone cases, life-size replicas, business card cases, and more!

18. You can’t visit most onsen if you have tattoos.

Hmmm, this one might be a little hard to cover up!

Tattoos in Japan often signify links to the Yakuza (Japanese organised crime). At least, that’s what Onsen owners believe.

Whilst it’s true that members associated with the Yakuza are known for having intricate whole body tattoos, it’s unlikely that 82-year-old Barbara from Cornwall is part of the Japanese mafia.

In 2015, the Japanese tourist agency sent surveys to 3,700 onsens including public baths, and got back 600 responses. There were two questions asked:

Do you refuse admittance to people with tattoos? 56% refused entry to anyone with tattoos. 31% allowed them entry.

2. Would you accept someone with tattoos if they cover them with stickers? 13% would permit them to enter if covered up.

If you’re considering a trip to Japan take a look at this list by GaijinPot Travel that shows you 30 tattoo-friendly onsen in Japan.

And if Onsen bathing isn’t your thing, there are still a lot of relaxing places in Tokyo you can go with or without tattoos!

19. Rice cookers are far more common than ovens in houses, and they sing to you

japanese rice cooker — mmmm, fluffy rice <3

Chances are low that you’ll see an oven on your trip to Japan, even if you stay in a local Airbnb.

The main reason for this is that Japanese cuisine simply does not employ roasting or baking. At least not often enough to have a massive oven, especially with space being at a premium in Japan anyway.

But, there are a few other reasons why ovens aren’t used in Japan, too.

You are however very likely to see either a microwave oven (great for space-saving) or a rice cooker (great for convenience)

And let’s be honest, the main reason anyone would want a rice cooker is because it sings to you when it’s ready…

20. Japanese toilets are extremely high tech

high tech japan toilet — (Flickr © LHOON) **Can I get one of these toilets in the UK? Or even the US? PLEASE!**

The Japanese toilets are without a doubt the best in the world.

I remember using one in Haneda airport that as well as having a built-in wand to clean your bottom, you also had the ability to:

Control the water jet temperature
Control the water jet pressure
Control the temperature of the seat
Use a privacy mode that played sounds of a forest (Volume controllable)

This was of course a very high-tech model and not every toilet you find in Japan will be like that.

Some of the older toilets, however, may have a sink on top which allows you to wash your hands with clean water before it’s recycled back into the toilet.

Genius!

21. Their game shows are absolutely mad

Remember Takeshi’s Castle?

You know, the one where people run at doors as hard as they can hope they’re fake?

Well, that’s just the tip of Japanese gameshow iceberg.

From eating chocolate-covered shoes to jumping through stupidly awkward holes in a wall, Japanese game shows are by far the stupidest and funniest things shown on TV.

My personal favorite is slippery stairs which is why I’ve chosen to use it in this example, but have a little click down the YouTube rabbit hole (or take a look at this article I wrote about Japanese game shows) and I’m sure you’ll find the rest of them.

Painful is an understatement!

22. They fix broken pottery with gold

Kintsugi is a repair process used in Japan to join broken pottery back together.

The pottery is held together by a mix of lacquer mixed with powdered gold.

The philosophy behind this method of repair is to have the breakage as part of the history of the item rather than signify its ending.

If you want to try your own hand at Kintsugi, you can do so with this DIY Kintsugi kit!

23. Japan has the worlds longest life expectancy at 84.3

old man standing on train platform — Hope I can look at smart as this guy when I’m older!

According to the W.H.O, as of December 2020, Japan had the world’s highest life expectancy at 84.3 (combined men and women).

Here’s a quick graph to see how those compare to the most popular countries of the readers of this blog:

Country	Combined Life Expectancy (Years)	Position
Japan	84.3	1
Australia	83.0	7
United Kingdom	81.4	25
United States	78.5	40

World Health Organisation, December 2020.

What’s the main reason Japanese people have such a high life expectancy?

The main reason is that the average Japanese diet is extremely low in saturated fat and relatively high in carbohydrates.

Also, most people from Japan exercise without going to the gym!

Evidence of this can be seen in the BMJ.

24. Gambling is illegal

pachinko japan — By Tischbeinahe, CC BY-SA 3.0,

Although the concept of gambling is illegal in Japan, there are a few exceptions.

Pachinko (the activity you see above) is thought of as more of a hobby or way to pass the time. You’ll find a lot of salarymen (city workers) will spend most of their free time in pachinko parlors. The noise at these places is insane!

Once you’ve won a load of metal balls, the currency the machines reward you with, you’ll take your baskets to one of the staff to have them counted.

At this point you’ll be given a receipt, asked to go to the exchange shop which is normally down the road somewhere, and there you’ll be able to claim your winnings.

It’s all a little bit of a grey area within the law but it seems to be widely tolerated.

Other accepted forms of gambling include:

Horse racing (Keiba)
Bike racing (Keirin)
Boat racing (Kyotei)

25. The Yubari melon sold for $22,500

yubari king melon — $22,500 worth of taste? I think not!

Yep, you read that right.

A set of two melons sold for $45k making the Yubari melon the most expensive fruit ever to be sold.

I’ve written a whole article on the most expensive fruit s in Japan which is well worth a look if you’re interested!

$1,000 dollar grapes, anyone??

26. Aomori City is the snowiest place on earth

With an annual snowfall of 312 inches, Aomori City in Japan comfortably claims its place on top of the leaderboard as the snowiest place on earth.

Take a look at this article I wrote a while ago that explains the crazy reasons that make it such a winter wonderland.

27. It’s where the worlds most famous beef is produced

wagyu kobe beef — By Orlando G. Calvo, CC BY-SA 3.0

I would imagine you’ve heard of Kobe beef, no matter what your food preference is.

Kobe beef is a type of Wagyu beef that comes specifically from the Tajima strain of black cattle in Hyōgo.

The cows must further be raised in a way that complies with the Kobe Beef Marketing and Distribution Promotion Association.

Only then can it earn the title of Kobe beef.

28. They feed cows beer

Japan feeds beer to cows — They probably have a better diet than any of us…

Some Wagyu beef cows are fed beer to help stimulate their appetite and also massaged to help release stress.

A few people think this toughens up the meat and therefore leads to a sub-standard product.

But hey, if the cow likes it I’m all for it!

29. Deer walk the streets of Nara freely

deer next to vending machine — Give us a kiss!

About 30 minutes outside Osaka is a place called Nara.

Hint: Take the Kintetsu-Nara Line for some spectacular views!

What’s so special about this place you ask? Deer wander freely around the entire city.

Exit Nara station, turn right and prepare to be overwhelmed by bowing deer vying to get your attention.

A while back I interviewed Yoko Ishii, someone who’s made it their career to photograph these creatures in Nara!

30. It’s home to the Kanamara Matsuri

Japan has thousands of Matsuri (festivals) every year (in fact no one knows quite how many), though some are a little more… unusual than others.

The Kanamara Matsuri in Japan celebrates both male and female fertility in a pretty bold way, as you can see above.

Held each year in April, this is bound to be one of the strangest celebrations in the world, right?!

31. The fortune cookie was made in Japan (19 century Kyoto)

Contrary to popular belief, the fortune cookie was in fact made in Japan.

It’s a little bit like solving a riddle to find out where they originally came from, but one researcher in Japan is confident she can prove that once and for all these little fortune-telling delights came from Japan.

Take a look at this article in the New York Times to find out more.

32. One of the Pokémon episodes caused seizures and was banned

banned pokemon episode japan — Seems team rocket blasted off a bit too high this time!

“Dennō Shi Porygon” was the name of the Pokémon episode that got banned after viewers complained of:

Seizures
Convulsions
Temporary blindness
Dizziness
Headaches
Blurry vision

This is the link to the video if you’re so inclined to watch it.

WARNING, it can cause seizures, duh!

33. KFC is eaten on Christmas

KFC Japan — Seems turkey took a step back in Japan…

K.F.C. is extremely important to Japanese culture, especially around Christmas time.

Around 3.6 Million families in Japan celebrate the Christmas season by grabbing a bite to eat at KFC.

Why do they do this you ask?

Takeshi Okawara, the country’s first KFC manager, overheard a couple of foreigners saying they missed having turkey for dinner.

Takeshi decided to market a ‘Party barrel’ of chicken around Christmas time in the hopes it would be an acceptable substitute for people.

Soon after, this campaign was adopted nationwide. The rest is history.

34. Japan is home to the world’s oldest company – Kongō Gumi (1,428 years)

Japan is home to the world’s oldest independently operated business in the world, Kongō Gumi, a Japanese construction company specializing in carpentry.

It was founded in the year 547, that’s 1443 years ago.

Unfortunately, the company fell on hard times around 2006 and had to be parented by the Takamatsu Construction Group.

So whilst the company is no longer operating independently, it’s nice to know the world’s longest-operating company is still alive and well today.

35. There is an island where no woman has ever set foot

Just off the coast of Fukuoka is the sacred island of Okinoshima.

What’s so special about the island, you ask?

The island is completely off-limits to women and has been since its existence.

The island is home to only one priest for ten days at a time who prays and guards against any unwelcome guests.

Don’t expect to put this onto your Japanese itinerary though, because you won’t be able to go! 😉

36. It has futuristic architecture

From a highway that goes through a building (I’m not kidding) to a kindergarten (Yochien) built around a tree, Japan’s futuristic architecture is innovative, fresh, and constantly pushing the boundaries of what is and isn’t possible.

Bored Panda has a great article about Japanese architecture, check it out here, but be sure to come back. Pinky promise!?

37. Coffee is far more popular than you’d think

Pictured: Onibus coffee, one of Tokyo’s best and most popular boutique coffee spots!

For a country with a history steeped (pun almost definitely intended ;)) in tea, you’d be surprised to know Japan has an almost equally interesting relationship with coffee.

Japan has an extensive network of boutique coffee shops and cafés all over the country.

Interested in finding out more? Take a look at this article.

38. Home to over 10,000 love hotels

Fancy having a waterslide in your room? Check!

Jacuzzi? Check!

Massive bed? Check!

All for a reasonable price? Not normally, but Japanese love hotels can do it all and won’t break the bank!

Built to give people either a rest stay (4hrs) or a night stay (overnight), they’re a great alternative to Airbnb or chain hotels.

39. Over 300 limited edition Kit-Kat flavours

Yep, I’m not Joking.

Japanese snacks could rival any country and win as far as I’m concerned.

They always seem to be experimenting with flavors and textures, pushing the boundaries of what is and isn’t possible.

And sure, sometimes that might mean something like wasabi-flavored KitKats, or marmite flavor squid (i made that one up..), but every once in a while they come across something that’s absolutely jaw-droppingly good.

40. They have tiny cars

They’re tiny, they’re slow, and they’re tax-efficient.

What more could you want?!

The only problem is, that the crumple zone is more than likely going to be your forehead…

But why are Japanese cars so small and boxy? This is why!

41. Most people sleep on the floor

japan futon on floor — ^ This is literally my perfect bedroom

When you go to Japan, you’ll have the option to sleep on a western-style bed. I urge you to try a futon if your health allows it.

It’s a remarkably grounding experience and in my opinion, it’s pretty comfortable, too!

These are the reasons Japanese people sleep on the floor. I would write them all down here but it’s a very long post as it is!

42. They have capsule hotels

A little like love hotels in their uniqueness, capsule hotels were originally built for businessmen who needed a room at a moment’s notice for a very cheap price.

Here a five of the best in Tokyo that you should definitely consider booking a room at!

Don’t expect five-star luxury, expect a capsule as you see above! That’s it!

43. Four is an unlucky number

When counting as a number, 4 has two pronunciations in Japanese:

Yon

Shi

Whilst they technically mean the same thing, ‘Shi’ is also the same word used for death. Because of this similarity, the number 4 is often pronounced ‘Yon’.

You’ll also find that hospitals will not have rooms with a 4 and many buildings will skip level 4 because of this negative connotation.

44. It has surprisingly good surf

Shonan beach Japan surfing — People surfing in Shonan under mount Fuji © Philip Cotsford/Flickr

I mean, you don’t even need to like surfing to realize how beautiful the above picture is.

Japan is not often associated with the best surf conditions in the world, but it’s more than capable of hosting the Olympic event as we’ve seen in 2021.

As far as I’m concerned, surfing in Japan is an absolute bucket list activity!

45. 67 percent of Japan is forest

For a country where we frequently see busy cities, bright lights, and technology, Japan has a very green secret.

Well over half of Japan is lush green forest. This is due to its mountainous landscape and uninhabitable areas.

46. 14 percent is agricultural land

This number tends to fluctuate from 14%-20%, but the point is it’s tiny. Compare this to England’s 70% and you can start to see why vegetables and fruits are so expensive.

One main reason for this is that a large amount of Japanese land is mountainous making it not fit for growing any type of food.

Ronald Dolan wrote in his book ‘Japan: a country study‘ that up to 70% of Japan is mountainous meaning the entire population of Japan is concentrated at around 27-28% of what’s left.

That’s one why Japanese cities are so packed!

47. People withdraw from society

A nationwide phenomenon known as Hikikomori is where people are shut in their houses (or in extreme cases, their rooms) for years on end. People may seek withdrawal from society for a number of reasons like social anxiety, personality disorders, or perhaps depression.

A study in 2018 estimated the total amount of people suffering from Hikikomori in Japan to be around 613,000 between the ages of 40 and 64. This obviously doesn’t account for the younger demographic that is likely to be heavily influenced by media and technology which means the total number of Hikikomori throughout Japan is likely to be in the millions.

48. There is an entire island of rabbits

Just off the coast of Hiroshima is a small island called Ōkunoshima, home to hundreds of rabbits!

Why is Ōkunoshima so overrun with rabbits?

The main reason people think the island is overrun with rabbits is that the island was a gas weapon testing facility during WWII, leaving all its test subjects (the rabbits) behind. Though this is a possible reason for the nearly 1000 rabbits that inhabit the island today, experts have claimed they were euthanized before the program was shut down.

The other possible reasons for rabbit island (or perhaps rumors) are:

A few rabbits were brought over and set free by a British couple in the 1970s
Rabbits were released by a nearby school in the 1970s

Whatever the case, if you’re looking for an interesting and unique holiday experience when you go to Japan, Ōkunoshima should be on your list!

49. There is also a cat island

Not quite as well known as Okunoshima, Ao Island is a small island in Ozu where cats have literally overrun the entire area.

With Aoshima filled with elderly citizens, estimates are that these feline friends of ours outnumber people by as much as 36:1

So, if bunnies aren’t your thing take a trip to Aoshima instead!

50. …and a sheep island

sheep island Japan — These look the cutest, for sure!

But what if rabbits and cats really aren’t your thing?

Take a trip to Yagishiri, where Suffolk sheep once again outnumber the locals on the island!

51. There’s a desert

tottori sand dunes japan — Sahara Desert, is that you?…

Well… more dunes than deserts. But it’s still cool!

On the coast of Tottori sits a two-kilometer beach full of sand dunes (called the Tottori Sand Dunes). It’s honestly like you could be anywhere in the world, but it’s southern Japan!

They also offer camel rides and have a sand sculpture museum.

Turns out you could definitely have your summer holiday in Japan! That’ll make it way easier to convince your family to take a trip there 😉

52. The earthquakes are intense

earthquakes in Japan — By matanao – 私, CC BY-SA 3.0

The country might be built and equipped to handle over 5000 earthquakes every year, but that doesn’t make them any less devastating.

Out of those 50,000 earthquakes that happen each year, around 160 of them go above a magnitude 5 meaning, they have the potential to cause some life-changing damage.

I remember the first time I went to Japan and felt my first earthquake.

Granted it was nothing like what would have caused the image above (more of just a rumble, really), but was a little bit of a surreal experience. Though, to everyone else, it seemed like just another Monday.

53. It’s an incredibly safe country

Despite the earthquakes, Japan is an incredibly safe place to live and visit.

Crime rates are always far lower than in the US and most of Europe, so you shouldn’t feel worried when coming here on holiday.

Of course, crime does still happen here, mainly in the bigger cities though. I’ve walked around most parts of Tokyo in the middle of the night and not once have I felt threatened, scared, or uncomfortable.

In London, that’s a different story…

54. The woman who inhabits an island with scarecrows

This is a cute one.

There’s an elderly woman who lives on Nagoro Island and spends her days creating dolls of previous residents that have lived in her village.

To put it into perspective there are now more dolls than people, which is actually a little sad.

It shows once again how the Japanese population is declining and this is heavily felt in more remote corners of the country.

In fact, I remember reading one article that stated they were selling houses for as low as $100 in these countryside villages in an effort to repopulate dying areas.

There are a few other reasons for such a low price, but I’m unsure if Japanese people have the inclination or desire to move somewhere with few job opportunities and away from the places they know and love.

I, on the other hand, will consider it 😉

55. The shopping malls go up

We’ve already talked about the limited space in Japan, and this is one effect of that.

If you walk through any big city, you’ll notice lots of the buildings have signs all the way up them noting each business on an individual floor.

I remember searching out a Japanese language book shop and I ended up searching for hours as I forgot this was how most businesses operated. Unfortunately this time there was no sign and only after guessing which building it was located in did I take the elevator up to the 8th floor.

Tip: If you’re going to Japan and searching out a specific place, remember the likelihood of it not being on the ground floor is very high!

56. They have regular Pikachu parades

We already know Japan loves Pokémon, but did you know they love it this much?!

I could have embedded the really informative and sensible video that would have given you an understanding of why this event regularly happens, but instead, I decided to go with a song that you’ll never be able to get out of your head. Enjoy! ^_^

57. Japan was once shut off to the world

Japan wasn’t always a tourist destination like it is now. In fact, from 1639 to 1853 Japanese citizens weren’t allowed out of the country, and foreigners weren’t allowed in.

This was called ‘Sakoku 鎖国’ meaning ‘Closed Country’.

I could write an entire post on this but in short, Japan imposed Sakoku to ‘Protect’ itself and its citizens from outside religious influences from countries like Spain and Portugal.

And for a time, it worked. The country experienced political stability, internal peace, and huge growth in its economy. But like all things, it wasn’t without its struggles. Take a look here if you’re interested in learning more.

58. Cat cafes are a thing

Fancy enjoying a cup of Japanese coffee with a feline friend? Well in Japan, you can!

And don’t worry if cats aren’t really your ‘Cup of Coffe ;)’ Japan also plays host to a plethora of other animal-based drinking establishments:

Owl bar
Hedgehog cafes
Penguin bar
Snake cafes
Bunny cafe
Micropig cafe
Dog cafe

So pretty much any animal you can think of, Japan has a café for you!

59. Maid cafes are also a thing

maid in tokyo — By Gdore – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0

But maybe animals just aren’t your thing altogether, and that’s ok too!

Introducing the world-famous, Maid cafés of Japan!

Do you love being put on a pedestal and being worshipped so much so that it becomes massively awkward? Well, this is probably the place for you!

Women dressed in maid outfits will serve you drinks and food with a laugh and a smile and pretty much make you feel like you’re the only person in the world.

I’ve never personally been into one of these because of all the cringe-worthy videos I’ve seen of them, so I don’t intend to either.

But if this sounds like your thing, go for it!

60. They have the Hadaka Matsuri

Another weird festival in Japan is the Hadaka Matsuri.

This is an event that happens all over Japan with the biggest and most popular of the lot happening in Okayama with around 9,000 people.

Festival goers turn up wearing a fundoshi loincloth and celebrate prosperity and fertility together.

Fun fact: Sometimes participants won’t wear any clothes at all for the festival, though this is a rare occurrence.

61. School children regularly clean their school

Maybe I would have enjoyed school more if my classroom looked like this!

Japan is an extremely clean country, and one reason for this is that responsibility and pride are taught to Japanese citizens at a very early age.

Schoolchildren regularly clean both their classrooms and school buildings, and rarely have help from outside cleaners (though it does still happen).

If you’re interested in finding out more, this is the article for you!

62. It’s home to a 1200km pilgrimage through Shikoku

I love a good hike, but even this might be a stretch for me!

As you can see from the map, there are 88 temples on the island of Shikoku and each one of them should be visited to complete the pilgrimage.

Some people chose to use public transport, others use cars, and some even walk the entire distance.

If walking is something you would consider, you can expect to dedicate 6-8 weeks for completion!

Want to know more? Take a look at the Shikoku tourism website to plan your trip.

63. Sazae-San is the world’s longest running cartoon

With over 2,500 full-length and 7,500+ short episodes, Sazae-san is the world’s oldest and longest-running animated show.

New episodes are still being made to this day!

Conclusion:

Well, there you have it! 63 facts about Japan that you probably didn’t know. This has taken me a really long time to write and research, so I would be very grateful if you shared it with friends or family that love Japan.

I hope you enjoyed the article (if you made it this far, well done!), and let me know in the comments below which one was your favorite, or maybe you know something I don’t!

またね! ^_^

Questions/Entertainment

How popular is Pokémon in Japan?

Update: I’ve written a massive guide to finding pokemon cards in Tokyo, so check that out if you’re interested!

The Pokémon trading card game (ポケモンカードゲーム) or Pokémon Kādo Gēmu, was first published in October 1996 by Media Factory in Japan.

Since that time, the entire Pokémon franchise has grown exponentially year after year and become an international phenomenon.

This expansion is most apparent in none other than Japan, with hints of Pokémon in everyday life and a subculture deeply rooted in society as a whole.

In this article, we’ll discuss the best place to buy Pokémon cards in Tokyo, show you where the biggest Pokémon center is in Japan, and prove to you that it’s more popular in Japan than in western countries.

Let’s start by answering some of the most frequently asked questions about Pokémon in Japan:

What’s the biggest Pokemon center in Japan?

Japan is home to about 16 Pokemon centers (more added all the time!) with literally anything pokemon related you could ever want…

But, if you want the biggest pokemon shop in Tokyo, Head to Ikebukuro and to ‘Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo’ inside sunshine city mall.

sunshine city japan — It’s a massive mall called Sunshine City, home to the biggest pokémon center in the world!

Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo

Address: 〒170-6002 Tokyo, Toshima City, Higashiikebukuro, 3 Chome−1−2 サンシャインシティ専門店街アルパ 2F (Type me into google!)

The first thing you’re likely to notice about this Tokyo Pokémon store is its superb location. It’s a quick 10-minute walk from Ikebukuro station, making it easy to get to no matter where you are in the country.

Once you step inside the store you’ll be greeted by a massive pokémon statue, as well as a few of the base set characters nearby.

As you venture further inside this Pokémon paradise you’ll find items from the first generation all the way up to the latest. So you can rest assured that whatever you’re looking for, you’re bound to find at Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo!

My favorite part about all of the Pokémon centers in Japan as a whole is they have Pokémon merchandise you never knew you wanted. For instance, the first time I went there I saw Pikachu in a cute little Yukata! Who could resist?!

Aside from way more merch than you’d ever really need (or be able to pay for) the Pokémon center also features a Pikachu café. You can expect to find an entire menu of Pokémon-themed foods and drink to really immerse you in this famous franchise as much as humanly possible.

The prices seem to be pretty dam expensive but It’s not a surprise due to its location and branding.

If you’re only in Japan once and you love Pokémon, you’ve got to give this place an hour or so of your time. Nowhere on earth has such a massive supply of Pokémon-themed items! Just watch your wallet, you’re bound to spend more than you realize!

Why is Pokémon more popular in Japan than in the west?

Pokémon Yellow gameboy game — Who remembers Pokémon on the Gameboy!?

This was one of the most asked questions that I came across whilst clicking through the Japan subreddit and forums.

This is a question that has two main answers.

Let’s take a look:

1. Scheduling

In the UK (and I imagine the US), Pokémon has never had a set channel where regular viewers know to watch the show. It’s also never greatly advertised and if you asked most people if they thought it was still going on, the most common response would be ‘No’ or ‘I have no idea’. As well as this, I would say it would be relatively hard to follow the show after specific seasons. If you could find a few episodes of Pokémon on English TV, they’d be few and far between and there’s no telling what seasons they’d be from.

In Japan, however, Pokémon has its own channel (TV Tokyo) and a regular viewing each Sunday. This is something that’s happened year after year and wouldn’t be unusual to think the majority of people living in Japan knew of this arrangement even if they didn’t watch it themselves.

2. Cultural

Japan loves cute, and it loves anime.

Whilst in many western countries Anime may fall under a ‘Childish’ or ‘Nerdy’ subculture, in Japan, it’s far more accepted and consumed on a regular basis. You’ll find a lot of advertising, whether on or off the TV, uses anime because they know it’s a way to get through to their target audience.

Japan also loves all things cute and sometimes completely strange. Next time you’re in Japan, flick on the TV and you may just come across a game show where people are running up oiled stairs or making absolute fools of themselves. That’s still not considered “normal” tv, but game shows can definitely get weird.

The point is, Pokémon in western countries may seem slightly ‘taboo’ or have a heavy childish emphasis on it. But in Japan it’s just another program (With a massive following, however!)

The best place to buy Pokémon cards in Tokyo

If you’re really looking for the ultimate guide on finding pokémon cards in Tokyo, check out that article! If not, here’s a fun little place to pop into if you’re nearby one of the stores.

If you happen to find yourself wandering around Tokyo, no doubt being bombarded with Pokémon memorabilia at every corner, where’s a solid option to buy Pokémon cards?

Mandrake, Shibuya

Address: 〒150-0042 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Udagawachō, 31−2 渋谷BEAM B2F

A short 5 minute walk from Shibuya station will bring you to to the biggest manga shop in Tokyo (possibly the world, I think?). It’s here that you’ll find some of the rarest, limited edition Pokémon cards you could want.

Of course, you’ll also find an eye watering amount of manga if that’s your thing (I like to use it for finding beginner graphic novels to help me learn Japanese), but search a little further and you’ll find an entire section devoted to TCG (Trading card games).

So whether you’re looking for new sets, a few decks to beef up your collection, or specific cards, Mandrake Shibuya is the place to find them.

How popular is Pokémon in Japan?

I think to answer a question like this we need to look at how popular Nintendo is in Japan as well

HUGE!

There’s no other way to describe the Pokémon fan culture in Japan than astronomical.

The first thing you’ll notice if you’re lucky enough to be wandering one of Japans streets is how big they are on themed things.

As well as the previously mentioned Tokyo Pokémon Center café, Japan plays host to an absolute myriad of Pokémon themed attractions.

Pokémon GO store – As we all know, the Pokémon GO phone game was an absolute hit and people went mad for it (especially this Taiwanese grandad!) Even thought now the buzz has somewhat died down, there are still loads of people wandering round with their head deep into there phone trying to catch them all!

There’s also a newly opened Pokémon GO store in Tokyo where you can buy merchandise related to the game like team shirts, egg incubators, and facilitates Pokémon exchanges between players. If you’re interested in checking it out in detail, have a look at the article written by Sora News.

Pokémon Hotel Room

If your trip happens to take you to Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka (which it should), You’ll have the possibility to stay at a Pokémon themed hotel.

Mimaru hotels which have franchises located in three of Japan’s popular cities have Pokémon rooms with massive Snorlax cuddly toys.

Each room also comes with a kitchenette, dinning area, and a hell of a load of Pokémon based items!

Interested? Read more here.

Pokémon Wedding

From 2019, a Japanese wedding company by the name of Escrit began to offer Pokémon themed weddings. I suppose that’s one way to have a unique special day!

Pokémon Parade – How often does the Pokémon parade happen in Japan? Go onto google and type in ‘Pokémon parade Yokohama’. You’ll find that giant Pikachu’s walking down the road is actually a fairly common occurrence, at least a few times every month, maybe more!

Pokémon Popups – You’ll ALWAYS find Pokémon popups around the bigger towns and cities (Especially Tokyo). You can expect collaborations and new merch to be on almost every street corner as soon as any new form of Pokémon generation or show is released.

Pokémon themed everything

pokemon vending machine Japan — Potentially one of the coolest vending machines in Japan? I think so!

Pokémon themed, ramen, sweets, drink, food, clothing, cars, books, buildings, need I go on!?

It’s clear that Japan Pokémon is extremely popular in Japan and takes on a much higher prestige than any other country in the world. What’s also evident is that even if you aren’t a fan of Pokémon, Japan will probably serve it up to you in the form of food, drinks, events, or clothing at least once during your stay.

Culture/Questions

Why does Japan have small boxy cars?

If you live in America, chances are that you’re used to pretty big cars. Well, big everything over there because of how much space there is, but some of those cars are absolutely huge!

Here in the UK our roads are smaller purely because we don’t have the space. The thought of driving an S.U.V through some of the streets around here is not one Id like to carry out…

And then we come to Japan. Home of the smallest and most boxy looking cars in the world.

Or as they are known in Japan, Kei cars.

What are Kei cars?

A Japanese Kei car is essentially a really small or micro vehicle that is still highway-legal in Japan.

The Category of ‘Kei’ was originally created back in 1949 that specified vehicle regulations such as size, engine, and power. This ensured the owner of the car would still be able to receive tax breaks when making the purchase and continuously running the car.

Why are Kei cars popular in Japan?

If you can’t be bothered to read the whole page, the main reason why these small cars are so popular in Japan is maximum practicality in a small space. Of course, the situation is a little more complicated than that so do read on if you’re interested!

Are Kei cars legal in the United States?

If for some reason you want to go completely against the grain in the US and drive the smallest cars in the world on the biggest roads in the world, then technically it is possible if you can jump through a few hoops.

Whilst this mini cars are usually only seen in Japan, in rare instances you may see them floating about the US and other countries if they’ve been imported.

Normally, the United states forbids any import of cars that arent at least 25 years old and that includes Kei cars and trucks.

However, in 21 of the 50 states in the US the importation of Kei trucks (and cars) of any age is legal. Once they’re in the US they’ll have to be registered as an ATV and most of these states allow ATV’s to be driven on bigger, public roads.

So if you reaaaaaaly want one, it’s possible but a little more complicated that smacking that ‘Buy it now’ button.

Are Japanese Kei cars safe?

No…. Just…. NO!

I mean, sure some of the more modern small cars may have improved safety features but in a car that’s beyond tiny, the crumple zone is more likely to be your face than the hood.

Just look at them! Your entire body makes up the front 40% of the car…

This is absolutely my biggest gripe with the Kei car. Whilst I don’t know much about car safety standards, I would imagine that’s partly the reason they aren’t widely used in other countries around the world.

Having said that, I have seen some used as a mini snow plow in ski resorts.

That’s my kind of driving! And honestly seems like a perfect use for these mini Japanese cars!

1. Limited space

Small Japanese cars in a narrow Tokyo street

We’ll start with the most obvious one. Kei cars exist to function practically in the extremely limited spaces Japan has left.

If you’re planning a flight to Tokyo, take a look at the vehicles you see on the road. I guarantee you’ll see more Kei vans and cars than the lorries you’re used to seeing in your local city.

At a population of just over 37 million people, Tokyo is the worlds most populous megacity. It’s also in a country where space is a real premium so you can expect to find tightly packed cities, suburban areas, and small roads.

All of these reasons mean Japanese citizens need smaller cars to navigate cities and companies require smaller comercial vehicles to transport good to and from locations.

So if you’re weaving your way through the tightly packed streets of old Tokyo, the chances are you’re going to want a very small car.

Most Kei cars and micro trucks have completely flat panels on all sides of their body to assist with parking in tight spaces and to take up the least amount of space possible for the other drivers. This is what gives them a boxy or cube like shape.

2. Tax incentives

close up japanese yen bills — Japanese tax rates for Kei cars is still better than regular vehicles

Another reason most of the cars in Japan are micro-sized is because of tax incentives.

Standard Japanese vehicles have a tax rate of 3% whereas Kei car tax is 2%. That means you would pay 2 or 3 percent of the purchase price of the car as tax. Now, this might not seem like much (and in some cases it probably isn’t) but the automobile market in Japan has recently be slammed with tax increases.

Original Kei car tax price: 3%

Original standard car tax price: 5%

Japan has a high cost of living, so any saving (especially on a car that may only be used on the weekends) is welcomed by the majority of people.

The smaller car also mean it has a smaller engine, 660cc in most cases.

And what does a smaller engine mean? Smaller insurance payments.

You can start to build a picture of why these cars appeal to so many people.

3. Efficiency

boxy Japanese car on road — At 6ft, would I even fit in there?!

Whilst doing some research on this post, I realised one of the reasons these boxy cars are so popular with Japanese citizens is because of the relatively low speed limits on most roads. I mean it’s all well and good having a Ferrari but if you can only drive it 30mph, what’s the point?

However, upon a more in-depth dive of Japanese speed laws, this article from Japan times suggests you can actually drive as fast as you want. Now I don’t claim to know a whole lot about Japanese driving laws, and I’m not stating that Japan Times have given out false information, but I don’t believe it. The heading of the title is ‘In Japan, drive as fast as you want’. Make sure that if you’re driving in Japan, you follow the proper procedures and don’t drive as fast as you want!

Anyway, I digress…

We’ll continue this point under the assumption that Japan road speed laws arent infinite, so it’s quite understandable that people just want their car for practical reasons.

Since their initial release in 1949, the guidelines for what it means to be ‘Kei’ have drastically changed. In their most recent regulation change in 1990, the Japanese government have allowed the following:

Kei car regulation	Old	New
Engine size	550cc	660cc
Car length (total)	3.2 Metres	3.3 Metres (3.4 Metres in 1998)

Kei car regulations, 1990

Are Japanese Kei cars good on fuel?

As a generalised answer, I would say yes.

Manafacturers often suggest numbers upwards of 70mpg, but from what I read throughout researching Kei cars that number is closer to 30/40.

You have to take into account that:

They have smaller engines so will require more revving (using more fuel)
They will likely be completing smaller trips around the city which isn’t as great for higher mpg
You probably can’t load them to the brim and still expect such a high mpg

Having said that, the cars themselves are designed to be small and light, and it’s quite incredible to get numbers as high as they are.

I think the key point is that, it’s just enough. People are happy with how far they can get and how cheap they are to run. That’s what makes these cars so popular has almost half of Japan owning them.

Through simple supply and demand we can see that car factories are likely to continue producing them at a quick rate which means they aren’t going anywhere anytime soon.

4. Less desire for cars in general

Empty Japanese subway train — I would 100% rather be here than trying to navigate Tokyo in a car! HA!

I think this is one of the most important points in trying to find out why small cars in Japan are so popular.

As we’ve already talked about a great deal, Japan (especially the cities) is a country of practicality.

If you live anywhere near a city, the chances that you’ll take your car into work are fantastically slim.

With a subway system that issues written apology letters if it’s more than 2 minutes late, there’s no reason to take your car to work and risk a traffic jam.

And this train system runs to all corners of the country. So as far as transport is concerned, the trains are often the best bet no matter where your end destination is.

So with a country wide mindset like this that tends to focus on the practicality of travel, the automobile market of Japan has to adapt too.

Selling practical, small, fuel efficient cars is the best way to advertise to a nation that probably has less desire for cars in general.

So, would you buy a Japanese Kei car?

After all this research we know the following:

We know the square or ‘Boxy’ look is to aid parking and driving in tightly packed areas

We know they’re small so they can easily manovoure around small Japanese streets

We know they’re popular because they’re tax efficient and normally have good mpg if driven sensibly

Honestly, other than their pretty terrible safety I think I’d grab one. They’re small, pretty cute, and minimal. Everything I love about Certain aspects of Japanese culture!

I also wouldn’t be adverse to renting one out for a few weeks or days when I’m back in Japan, though the thought of driving in central Tokyo isn’t a particularly fun one…

Let me know below if you’d be up for driving one of these J-Wagons, or maybe you already have and can shed some light on these micro machines for the rest of us!

Culture/Questions

Why is Japan called ‘The land of the rising sun’?

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If you’re from the Western world, chances are high that you’ve heard Japan referred to as the ‘Land of the rising sun’. But why is this the case?

Well in short it’s because in China the sun rises from Japan, the Kanji for ‘Nippon’ means ‘suns origin’, and finally because some sailors told Marco Polo it was the land where the sun rises from.

In today’s short post, we are going to take a look at the many names of Japan, exploring in depth the question “Why is Japan called the land of the rising sun?”, and a whole host of other questions you’ve been asking!

Why is Japan called “Japan” in English instead of “Nippon”?

This is a slightly complicated one, but hang in there and we’ll get through it!

The first Europeans to arrive in Japan were the Portuguese (though as we will later find out, the Italians technically discovered it). After a while, a base was set up in Nagasaki for envoys, trade, and most importantly study to be completed from.

One interesting thing about Nagasaki is its tonal accent system, at least at the time anyway. If you’re interested in learning more about the N-Kei accent system and other regional dialects from around Japan, you can take a look here.

After some time, the Vocabvlario da lingoa de lapam was completed. The first Portuguese-Japanese dictionary.

why is Japan called the land of the rising sun — Vocabvlario da lingoa de lapam (Portugese-Japanese dictionary)

If we study the title, we see the word ‘Lapam’. This was the (at the time) the Nagasaki ‘translation’ of Nippon.

Still with me? Great!

The word ‘Lapam’ was then brought back to the largest Italian city at the time, Padua, and due to the type of Italian spoken then it was further translated to ‘Giapan’. Possibly an easier way for Italians to recognize and pronounce the country’s name.

Given that in Italian the letters ‘GI’ sound like ‘J’ in English, it’s not a massive leap to suggest that the English will have swapped the two over to have a final pronunciation of ‘Japan’.

Why does the sun rise so early in Japan?

The sunrises and sunsets are both influenced by Japan’s position in the northern hemisphere.

Practically this means long days in the summer, but extremely short days in the winter.

The longest day in Japan: About 14 hours in June.

The shortest day in Japan: About 9 hours in December.

Is Japan called anything else in other countries?

Of course, the story we’ve just read is just the way Nippon is translated to English, but there are many other names that Japan has been given over the years.

Japan	Translation
England	Japan
Korean	IIbon
Vietnam	Nhựt Bổn
Irish	An tSeapáin
Italian	Giappone
French	Japon
Finnish	Japani

The names of Japan in different countries

Japan’s discovery and the origins of ‘The land of the rising sun’

It’s time to find out why Japan is so often called ‘The land of the rising sun’ and to do that we’ll have to go back to the very beginning when Japan was discovered by Marco Polo.

In the beginning half of the 13th century, Marco Polo visited southern China. Whilst in the south, he met a group of sailors that told him of a land that existed in ‘the sun’s origin’ or ‘the rising sun’.

It’s not 100% known that he actually visited Japan himself (in fact the likelihood is that he didn’t) but he still wrote of it in his book ‘The description of the world.‘

Fast forward to the beginning of the 7th century, a Japanese sovereign was sent from Japan to China. They used ‘the land of the rising sun’ in their message as a sign of respect and possibly to build a relationship with their neighbors.

A century or so after this, Japan’s official name was changed from ‘Yamato’ to ‘Nippon’.

And what does the Kanji for Nippon mean? ‘Sun origin’ or ‘Rising sun’

And Nippon is the name we know today and it’s the name that finally stuck.

The problem with Japan’s rising sun flag

Japan flag mount fuji — Japan’s recognizable red circle flag

Pictured above is the flag of Japan. Nobody has any problem with it and its simple and understated design reflects Japanese culture very well.

Fun fact: The Japanese flag is called ‘Himomaru’ (日の丸) which literally translates to ‘The sun’s circle’. You’ll often find schoolchildren drawing a red circle for the sun instead of yellow for this exact reason.

This is the rising sun Imperial flag.

A controversial and polarizing flag of a dark time in Japan’s history.

What does the Japanese rising sun flag mean?

The imperial rising sun flag was used from the 1868s to 1945 by the Japanese Army and Navy. Due to the war crimes committed by Japan in WWII and throughout their ‘expansion’ it has negative connotations.

For many Korean and Chinese people (if not, much of the world) it’s a reminder of a time better forgotten, or at least not still paraded on the Japanese Navy ships to this day.

The land of the rising sun

So in closing, Japan is called ‘The land of the rising sun’ because that’s where the sun rises from the point of view of China, Its name ‘Nippon’ means Sun origin, and because some sailors told Marco Polo it was the land where the sun rises.

Culture/Visit

Surfing: Japan’s best kept secret

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Last week I went surfing for the first time in Cornwall. It got me wondering (as always) about Japan and whether it was even possible to surf over there?

As it happens Japanese surf culture and infrastructure is one of the biggest in the world. With more spots than you could surf in a lifetime, surfing in Japan is something you absolutely have to try if you find yourself over there at the right time of year.

When you think of Japan, I imagine you think of the stereotypical few things that everyone else does.

Samurai, Noodles, politeness, trains that run on time, anime, cute things… You get the idea…

But have you ever heard ‘Japan’ and ‘surfing’ in the same sentence? I already knew that Japan is great at baseball, but surfing? I didn’t know anything about it until I researched it a few days ago.

Let’s take a look at what makes surfing Japan’s biggest secret!

The history of surfing in Japan

When did surfing start in Japan?

Believe it or not, ‘Surfing’ in Japan dates all the way back to the Edo period (1603-1868). In 1821 a Japanese Haiku poet by the name of ‘Dokurakuan Kanri’ describes a beach scene where young children play in the waves with Itago.

Itago (板子, いたご) are wooden planks or boards originally meant to aid non-swimmers in the water for a safe experience. So whilst we know that in 1821 the idea of surfing may have surfaced, it’s a far cry from what you or I know it as today.

Fast forward to the 1950s, and the true immersion of surf culture finally begins to penetrate its way through Japan’s insular society.

This came in the form of initial exposure to Western media as well as soldiers based in Japan (specifically Yokosuka) that began to bring their longboards over to surf at Shonan and Chiba.

Couple this with the increasingly rising economy of Japan in the early 80’s and the again increased exposure to Western culture, and surfing began to be seen as commonplace amongst the Japanese people.

Surfing in Japan – Modern day

Does Japan have good surfing?

In short? YES!

Though the words ‘Surfing’ and ‘Japan’ may not frequently find themselves together, the country has enough coastline for more than just a few fantastic spots.

29,000km worth of coastline to be exact. That’s more than enough for some good surf!

In fact, it could be pretty overwhelming for Japanese surfers due to the nearly 7,000 islands to chose from.

So let’s take a look at some of the best choices they have when it comes to finding the best places to surf in Japan:

Hint: If you’re planning to try your hand (or feet!) at surfing in the near future, grab this beginner friendly surf board to make sure you have the best time possible! Or if you’re looking to take it a bit easier, this paddle board should be what you’re looking for. And if neither fit your current situation because you just can’t get out to the water yet, there’s no harm in improving your balance (for when you eventually shred Nazare’s 100ft wave) with this balance board!

Best places to surf in Japan

Kanto region: The closest place to surf from Tokyo

1. Shonan – Kugenuma beach

There are some particularly spectacular places to surf across the world, no doubt. But perhaps none are as awe-inspiring or grounding as Kugenuma beach.

Only an hour away by train, and even less by car, kugenuma beach is a must-visit location if you’re visiting the country during summer and want a couple of days on the water away from the big city.

I’m really not much of a surfer (at the moment, world championships 2050 pending ;)) but to stand up on a couple of waves with a backdrop of Mount Fuji is an absolute bucket list dream!

The surf opportunities stretch out over almost half of Sagami Bay so you shouldn’t be short on accommodation options or beach space!

2. Chiba – Kujukuri line

chiba surfing japan — Surfing in Katsuura, Japan.

Chiba is another destination that’s only a stone’s throw away from the country’s capital of Tokyo.

Unlike many of the other surf spots on this list, all the areas are more or less in a row. That means if one spot doesn’t have the conditions you’re after, you’ll be able to easily move on down to the next one until you’re satisfied.

Kujukuri – The longest stretch of beach in Chiba is Kujukuri. It’s here that you’ll find most of the surf spots, surfers, and rental shops.

According to Tokyo Creative, some other great beaches on the Kujukuri line worth checking out are Katagai Beach, Shirako Beach, and Ichinomya Beach.

Apparently, these spots are hit head-on by waves from the Pacific making them suitable for experienced surfers only, or those who want to push themselves (safety first, kids!)

A little further down is Ohara Beach. Smaller than Kujukuri but well worth the drive!

Hebara and Ohara Beach – Great for families and beginners. These spots don’t have the same harsh conditions that some of the above beaches do. If you’re just looking to take it easy for the day or you’re with family and friends that haven’t surfed yet, this is the place to be.

If you’re interested in surfing this area, I urge you to read this article to make sure you can make the most of your trip.

The Islands – How to surf Japan any time of the year

Japan is at the best of times, muggy as hell!

It’s no surprise then that the southern tip of Japan which plays host to many islands gets extremely hot each year.

So hot in fact, that you can comfortably surf all year round without too much hassle.

Let’s take a look at the best places to surf in Japans southernmost point:

3. Amani Island – Kagoshima

At around 5 hours away from Osaka (if you’re spendy enough to take the plane), it’s unlikely you’ll stumble upon Amani Island unless you’re purposefully aiming for it.

Aside from decent surf, Amani Island seems to offer similar beaches, landscapes, and activities as mainland Okinawa but is likely to be a lot less busy as people just don’t know about it.

If you’re considering a holiday to the south of Japan, take a look at this video by Currently Hannah which takes you on a whistle-stop tour of the island. It might just be that quiet and tropical summer escape you’ve been after!

Though its surf schools and shops might be more limited than mainland Okinawa (and Kanto), you’ll likely have a far more private experience here than you will in any other surf location in Japan. And luckily enough they’re pretty much all on the north side of Amani nearest to the airport, so no need to hike across the entire island if that’s not your thing!

So if you aren’t too worried about riding the best waves and just want a casual place to learn, Amani Islands are probably your best bet.

4. Okinawa

okinawa surf — Reckon I could move my house here?…

Where is the best place to surf in Okinawa?

Unfortunately, I don’t know… But I do know someone who does!

Scott Ellison writes for Oki Island Guide so if there’s a question about Okinawa, it’s very likely he’ll know the answer!

According to this article, he wrote about surfing in Okinawa, there are a couple of fantastic spots on the island to jump on a board.

Cape Kyan 喜屋武岬 – The most reliable surf spot on Okinawa. Also known as ‘Suicide’ as it’s a spot where many Okinawans committed suicide during the battle of Okinawa.
Ikei – Another extremely reliable surf spot on the island where the swell can get absolutely huge in the right conditions.

Caution: Whilst surfing in Okinawa and the surrounding islands can feel like surfing in a tropical paradise, many of the waves are reef breaks. This means wiping out becomes more dangerous and the risks of badly injuring yourself are greater. Aside from surfing with an experienced boarder I advise wearing a wetsuit or body protection and ideally a helmet if you can find one.

Shikoku – The best place to surf in Japan

Shikoku is the smallest of Japan’s islands but quite possibly the best place to surf in the entire country.

Ikumi 生見 – A popular beach for beginners with great seasonal activity

Niyodo 仁淀 – The mouth of the river Niyodo, perhaps not as spectacular as Kaifu in the right conditions but still nothing to pass off.

Shishikui 宍喰 – An easily accessible beach that’s great for beginners or those looking for a challenge

Kaifu 海部 – Maybe the best wave in Japan. Located at the mouth of the river Kaifu, when conditions are right this spot can produce an absolute world-class wave.

Interested in learning the best places to surf in Shikoku but want more detail? Head over to Low Pressure for all your Shikoku surfing-based needs!

Wave height at Kaifu – Japan’s biggest wave

A quick check on Magic Seaweed reveals the waves at Kaifu often get up to 9ft. It’s no wonder national and international surf competitions are regularly held here.

Will Tokyo olympics 2020 have surfing?

Although the games have been delayed a year, they’ll still be the debut of surfing at the Olympic Games. Japan isn’t known for it’s surfing, but by the end of the olympics, it will hopefully shed light on the miriad of surfing spots Japan has to offer.

Where will they be held?

The Tokyo Olympics 2020 will hold its surfing event in Shidashita Beach, Chiba. It’s a stretch of beach that’s no stranger to hosting surf events due to its continued consistency to provide good surf.

It’s this consistency that ultimately made it the favored destination for the 2020/21 Olympics. Due to it’s position on the map (the Far East side of Japan) Shidashita Beach falls prey to the conditions from the North, East, and South of the Pacific Ocean making it almost guarantee it’ll catch some good swell.

Update: I watched the surfing on TV when the olympics finally got around to being shown, and it was epic!

So, Japan has a pretty big surf culture then?

I think it’s clear to see that after everything we’ve looked into, Japan has some astounding surf spots and an equally interesting surf culture history.

Although the country isn’t instantly associated with such sports, it’s always great to delve into a part of Japan’s history and modern culture that few people probably know about.

If you’re looking to travel to Japan, is surfing something you’ll give a try? I hope so, because I surely will do!

Made In Japan/Websites

The 7 Best Online Japanese Stores

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I’m lucky enough to live in Japan which means I only have to take a short walk to pretty much any shop I want. Crazy, cute, minimalist, hyper-technical, it’s all at my disposal. For those of you who don’t live in Japan, I’ve compiled a list of some of the most popular Japanese online stores to buy from!

Fortunately, there are ways to experience Japan from the comfort of your own home. Browsing online Japanese stores is one of the most fun ways!

So, if you’re wondering what the best websites to buy Japanese products online are, I’ve got you covered!

Quick note: If you’re looking for an entire section of the site devoted to exploring Japanese-themed products and websites, we’ve got one!

Should I buy products from online Japanese stores?

I won’t lie to you.

Out of this entire list of Japanese online shopping sites, one of the simplest and easy ways to find Japanese-themed things or even things directly from Japan is on Amazon.

Simply head over to Amazon and type in something like ‘Japanese Gifts‘ into the search bar and you’ll be met with a whole host of gift options. (I’m assuming you’re from the US, but this works in pretty much all countries)

Click here to be taken directly to Amazon’s Japanese gift page

But, if you’re a little more adventurous than that (and I bet you are!), let’s learn about some of the way more interesting places to get your Japan on! ^_^

For any self-respecting Japanophile, having a room (or even better, a house) stocked with Japanese products and memorabilia is probably rather high on their bucket list.

Sometimes however it’s not easy to pop over to the other side of the world when you feel like it just to bring a few souvenirs back.

Many Japanese items are available exclusively in Japan which makes acquiring them without going to the country or having friends there, a difficult task. This might include retro consoles, fashion brands, skincare, or traditional handcrafted goods. For the latter of which, I highly recommend BECOS. A fantastic online Japanese store to buy authentic and handmade items!

One thing you may have noticed if you’ve ever bought anything from Japan on eBay is how immaculate its condition is. I could write an entire post on the exceptional care Japanese second-hand sellers and collectors take with their items, but that’s a story for another day! (Update: I wrote that article!)

The point is, you can rest assured that if you buy something off a different Japanese auction site that you don’t recognize, the same care and attention will likely be taken with the items and you should have nothing to worry about!

In fact, the same can probably be said for almost all online Japanese stores. I recently purchased some coffee from my good friend Kei over at the Japanese coffee company and was greeted with a handwritten note, a beautifully packaged parcel, and a little origami crane.

It’s little touches like this that clearly represent Japanese customer service as some of the best, if not the best in the world.

Here are a few questions you might have about buying products from an online Japanese store:

Can I buy from any Japanese website and have them ship internationally?

Japan is well known for being a pretty insular country, or at least it was for a fairly long time. Unfortunately, the problem most people come to when buying gifts or items from Japan is that most of the shops don’t ship internationally.

There are also other problems when buying from Japan such as:

Non-translated websites
Foreign payments not accepted
Auction sites may favor Japanese people. This is particularly prevalent when selling limited edition or pre-ordered merchandise.

But fear not my Japan-loving friends! Hope is not lost!

Most of the first-hand online shops will offer shipping to pretty much any place in the world. But with limited edition and second-hand items, things get a bit trickier. But not a lot trickier!

What are proxy companies? How can they help me buy things from Japan?

Proxy buying services are companies that help you get past the problem of no international shipping. For instance, if you are looking to buy from a Japanese online store in USA, these companies will allow you to do so even if that specific Japanese website/company won’t ship to America.

How it works:

You purchase the item from a Japanese website and have it shipped to the proxy company located in Japan, or you purchase directly on the proxy website (normally they are already in contact with major companies making the whole process a lot smoother).
The proxy company receives the items from your order and waits for you to pay for them.
Once payment from you has been secured, the Japanese proxy company will ship your item to you.

When buying from these proxy e-commerce sites, you’ll usually have access to a wealth of products from other Japanese suppliers which will make your Japanese online shopping a far more seamless and bearable experience than using google translate to attempt to buy things from Japan.

1. Tokyo Treat – Best for those who like surprises

Tokyo Treat Japan box — All of this is delivered each month without fail. THE DREAM!

I’m going to start this list with what I believe to be possibly the greatest online Japanese store. Technically it’s a little different from the others, but it HAS to be on this list. Let me explain…

After subscribing to one of their plans, either monthly or annually, you’ll be treated to a hand-curated Japanese snack box each and every month.

Not only is it a fantastic way to experience Japanese culture at home, but it’s also up to the professionals to give you the most diverse look at Japanese snacks. I normally choose anything that looks cool when I order mine, so it’s nice to have a real representation of some of the best sweet treats! They also have a sister box called Sakuraco which I prefer, but that’s just a personal preference.

One thing that sets Tokyo Treat apart from the rest is that they give a true representation of Japanese culture through snacks. A lot of the other boxes on offer only seem to include the “weird” and “wacky treats, but Tokyo Treat is different.

Each box comes filled to the brim with 15-20 snacks each time, that’s bigger than any other box available!

They also offer worldwide delivery, a 24-page culture guide, and, for me anyway, the feeling of Christmas every time I see the box turn up at my door!

You can also take a look at this beginner guide they’ve created to show you just how awesome the idea is. I’ll be honest, I was hooked from the moment I saw their past boxes, haha!

I truly cannot recommend these guys enough. It makes everything super easy and instead of scrolling through pages and pages of food, wondering what you will and won’t like, it’s all done for you!

P.S. If you’re still undecided, I’ve reviewed Tokyo Treat thoroughly so I know how happy you’ll be with it!

Check it out!

2. From Japan – Best for limited edition and second-hand items

Japanese buying service — From Japan website

From Japan is perhaps the most well-known Japanese proxy buying service, so it’s the one I’ve chosen to talk about today.

Why should I buy from From Japan?

Members can regularly enjoy 10% discounts from big Japanese retailers.

These include but are not limited to:

Rakuten – The Rakuten shop is a little like amazon with thousands of products for pretty much anything you could ever need.
ZOZOTOWN – Japan’s largest online fashion store.
Rakuma – An online marketplace similar to eBay, run by Rakuten.
Amazon Japan – Amazon’s Japanese website

2. Shipping discounts of up to 10%

Shipping can really sting your pockets if you’re not careful, especially from a country as far away as Japan. Fortunately ‘From Japan’ offers up to a 10% shipping discount depending on your member rank tier.

Basically, the more you spend and buy through them, the less you’ll have to spend on shipping fees.

So if you don’t want the fuss of going to multiple online Japanese stores to make your purchases, picking a proxy service and sticking with them for a few years whilst you rack up points seems like a sensible idea.

3. Shop Safely

Even with the best will in the world, online shopping isn’t always safe.

Luckily for only 300 yen per item, From Japan will ensure your orders against non-delivery and loss or damage during shipping.

No matter the value of the item!

4. Free consolidation

Absolutely no extra charges for combining multiple sites or sellers’ items into one order. Pretty handy if you get carried away with your buying!

5. Get access to auctions and marketplaces only found in Japan

If you’re after a one-off or one-of-a-kind item in mint condition, this is the place to find it. Unfortunately, lots of these marketplaces aren’t available to anyone that lives outside of Japan which makes securing the items next to impossible.

To sum up, if you want any limited editions or one-off items from Japan you need to sign up for a buying service.

In fact, even if you don’t think you want any of that, sign up anyway and have a look at what’s on offer, I bet there’ll be a few things to tempt you!

What can I buy at ‘From Japan’?

Literally, anything you can think of.

I’m not kidding.

It even features in another article I wrote about the best places to buy anime figures online, and some of those things are incredibly rare.

From pet supplies and watches to fashion and antique collectibles, I’m honestly not sure any other shopping categories exist outside of this website.

Take a look at this page and click around. If you can’t find what you’re looking for here, well then you’ve clearly got some very unique tastes!

It’s an especially good website if you’re looking for anything second-hand or limited edition as they connect directly to several auction houses and marketplaces.

As it’s so easy to navigate through, does it give me an excuse to spend way too much money on an anime figure?…

It doesn’t?…

…Well, I’m doing it anyway!

Check it out!

3. OMG JAPAN – Best for Study Materials and Snacks

Ships to: Everywhere other than North African countries and snacks cannot be sent to Brazil

japan study material shop — The OMG JAPAN website

OMG Japan is a personal favorite of mine and I’m about to show you why it should be a personal favorite of yours, too.

In fact, in my opinion, it’s one of the best Japanese online stores on the list because it has something for everyone if you’re interested in Japanese culture.

When I first traveled to Japan, I made it my mission to buy as many children’s books and study materials as possible as I knew they would be easy to find and cheaper to buy.

But now I’m back in England and the only place that has a somewhat decent selection of books is Amazon. The trouble with that is I honestly don’t know which books will benefit me and which won’t. Whilst I could look through the many reviews most of them have, my time is limited and I’d rather my shopping experience was a little more streamlined.

OMG Japan’s study book collection is beyond crazy.

At the current time, I’m writing this (July 2021), they have over 800 books! (that’s 34 pages)

Update 2023: It’s still exactly the same!!

Beginner, intermediate, advanced, JLPT study, specific series, brands, they’ve got it all!

The two most impressive ways to filter through the vast selection of books are by subject or by type. The following is a list of both of them which will prove to you that no matter what area of Japanese you’re studying, you’re covered!

Product types:

Business, children’s books, dictionaries, discounted set, flashcards, graded reader, manga, mock tests, posters, textbooks, vocabulary, and workbooks.

Subject:

Business, Business Japanese, Communication, Computers, Conversation, Customer Service, Gakken, Grammar, Hiragana, Hospitality, IT, kana, kanji, Katakana, Listening, Nursing, Reading, Science, Speaking, Tour Book, Travel, Vocabulary, Writing.

As you can see, there are more categories than you could imagine which means you’ll never be left wondering what to study next!

Plus, it’s much nicer to be looking through a website designed specifically for people who want to buy Japanese items. So once you’ve bought your study material, you can grab some Japanese snacks to treat yourself!

OMG JAPAN also has hundreds of Japanese-only snacks, drinks, candy, chocolates, pringles, etc. (It’s a really long list…) as well as beauty, fashion, lifestyle, stationery, toys, figures, and several other shopping categories for you to browse through.

One benefit of buying from OMG JAPAN instead of the above proxy services is that there are no other fees and quicker delivery time. Whilst OMG JAPAN is technically a subsidiary of White Rabbit (Which is a proxy service) the website acts like a normal online shop so you don’t have to worry about where your items are coming from.

You simply change the currency button at the top, order anything you want, and it’ll arrive pretty dam fast!

Don’t forget to order some Japanese stationery to write in those new exercise books!

Check it out!

4. fake food Japan – Best for… fake food?

If you’re looking to buy unique Japanese items online, this is the store for you! (Well, you might have to like food too!) (Fake Food Japan Website)

I’ve always been told never to eat in a place that has pictures of the food on the menu, let alone giant models of the food in the restaurant window! But it’s actually an incredibly normal thing in Japan, and absolutely not something to be worried about.

The fake food industry in Japan is worth an estimated $90 million. Madness! and it’s all made in the little town of Gujo Hachiman.

If you’ve ever been to Japan you know it’s a staple of Japanese culture, and the folks at ‘Fake Food Japan’ have caught onto this and made a completely unique online Japanese store that sells fake food for pretty much any occasion you can imagine!

Fancy a Katsu curry smartphone stand? You’ve come to the right place!

What about a sushi wall clock? Yep, they have that too!

Or maybe you’re after an octopus outlet cover?

Whatever Japanese food model you desire, chances are that ‘fake food Japan’ will have it in a variety of strange and interesting mediums!

And whilst Fake Food Japan won’t appeal to everyone, it certainly wins the prize for the most unique store to buy Japanese items from online!

Check it out!

5. Japan Centre – Best for the weekly shop!

If you like Japanese food, the Japan center is the best online store for you!

If you happen to live in England and you love Japanese food, you’ve probably heard of the Japan Centre.

A stone’s throw away from Leicester Square, the Japan Centre has hundreds of food products from Japan as well as books, tableware, gifts, and its own food hall!

So what I’m saying is that if you live near London you probably don’t have much use for this list.

However, 90% of my audience here is from the US so why is the Japan Centre on the list?

They have an almost incomprehensible amount of items on their website (by far the most food) and they deliver to 99% of the world. So if you’re planning a Japanese banquet in the near future then this is the place to be!

Oh, and invite me to it? Please!

A quick look around the site will reveal just how much the Japan Centre offers as an online Japanese store.

We already know it’s the perfect choice for ordering your Japanese groceries, but what else does it offer?

Drinks and Sake

Over 260 varieties of Sake, 170 different teas, 150 soft drinks, and 120 different alcoholic drinks.

I remember the last time I was in Japan (Update: I live here now!^_^) I got to try Sake for the first time and absolutely loved it. Unfortunately, that trip was only three weeks long and I bought the sake near the end so wasn’t able to try anything else.

That’s what makes the Japan Centre such a good online store, I don’t even have to be in the country and I can continue to eat and drink like I was!

No more post-holiday blues!

Bento and kitchen

Get original Japanese kitchenware and start building the kitchen you’ve always dreamed of!

My favorite is this cute Cuckoo Rice Cooker! So Kawaii!

It’s likely that some of the things in this section will be completely new to you, but that’s all part of the fun! You can even find wooden Masu cups to drink that limited edition Sake you’ve just bought.

And then there are the standard strange items that you’re more than likely accustomed to now if you’ve stuck around here for a while.

Square omelet pan, anybody?!

Gifts

A collection of items from all over the store that makes perfect gifts for family or friends! Or let’s be honest, for yourself!

Magazines, books, and crafts

As I’ve already said, this website is best for food, but it still has a collection of study materials, stationery, and books to satisfy your Japanese reading. In addition to these offerings, the site also provides a variety of online resources for learning Japanese, making it a valuable tool for language learners at any level. Whether you are a beginner or looking to sharpen your skills, these materials can enhance your understanding of the language and culture. This seamless blend of food and education creates a unique experience for users.

I’m particularly a fan of these samurai sword-style scissors. A little over the top maybe, but at this point, I’m so far into Japanese culture that it probably doesn’t matter!

DIY Kits

A great selection of DIY food kits with a few Japanese cocktails thrown in, too!

Check it out!

6. Kokoro Japan – Best for skincare, cosmetics, and beauty

Kokoro Japan’s online Japanese store prides itself on stocking the absolute best in Japanese skincare and cosmetics.

I wouldn’t be surprised if you’ve already heard about how popular Japanese skincare routines have become in the Western world, but the problem is sourcing the products.

Kokoro Japan is a Japanese store that has literally hundreds of Japanese skincare products for you to try. It’s absolutely the best way to get cosmetics and other healthcare products from Japan when you can’t get to the country.

If you want a good place to start, I suggest looking at the list of the top 100 best sellers.

OR if you want a far bigger write-up on the best places to buy Japanese skincare online, I’ve done that too!

Check it out!

7. UNIQLO – Best for Japanese fashion

Perhaps one of the most popular online Japanese stores in the world is UNIQLO. It’s a brand that also has stores in several of the world’s biggest capitals and makes Japanese fashion accessible to millions.

Uniqlo believes everyone can benefit from simple yet well-designed clothing. So you can expect to see signs of minimalism, zen, and simplicity in their clothing range.

I love keeping my wardrobe simple and to have something like that with influence from Japanese culture is pretty much a dream! (And I’m not talking about Harajuku street fashion!)

It even made it onto my list of top Japanese minimal clothing brands to buy from!

So there you have it, a few of the best online stores to buy Japanese products from. Obviously, the ideal situation is to be in Japan and go searching around one-of-a-kind vintage charity shops, but as always Japan is more than a 10-minute walk away for a lot of us!

Let me know what your favorite online Japanese store is and where you buy your Japanese memorabilia from in the comments below!

Check it out!

じゃまたね！＾＿＾

Food & Drink/News

The edible Japanese face masks made of bread.

Over the past year and a bit, the demand for face masks has shot up almost exponentially. This has led to a whole host of innovative and interesting face coverings, but non as strange (or unique?) as the melonpan facemasks.

Whilst we know that Japan is more than famous for it’s outrageous food experimentation, can anything beat the bread mask?

What is Melonpan?

melon pan bakery — Japanese bakeries are BEYOND cute!

After you’ve seen the video above, you might be wondering ‘What is melonpan?’ So before we get further into this novelty project, lets talk about the bread itself.

Melon bread (or Melonpan) is sweet Japanese bread that has a fluffy and airy inside with a hard, cookie like crusty top.

It’s quite simply the best bread in Japan, or, the world maybe?

Who knows…

But what’s completely non negotiable is everyone needs to and deserves to try it at least once in their life!

What does melon bread taste like?

You’d be forgiven for thinking that melon bread actually tastes like melon, at least in it’s traditional form. It gets the name ‘Melonpan’ first from it’s crust shape (resembling a muskmelon) and ‘Pan’ meaning bread in Japanese.

Japanese melon bread traditionally tastes like sweet buttery cookies, so you can see why it’s extremely moreish and tempting every time you venture into a 7-Eleven… I’ve definitely eaten too many… -_-

Where can I try melon bread?

The absolute best place to try Melonpan is in Japan. If you’re on a trip over there and are feeling a bit peckish, pop into any convenience store and you’ll find a selection of melon bread for an affordable price.

Sadly I know it’s not possible for everyone to get over to Japan so your next best option is to make it at home!

If you’re looking for an authentic and tastey recipe to make your own Melonpan then I advise you to look at the chopstick chronicles and follow their instructions to get your very own Japanese sweet bread at home!

If you’re more of a visual learner, take a look at the video below and follow along (There’s also a chocolate version!):

Who made the ‘Mask Pan’?

Designed and made by three college students, the melonpan edible face mask looks absolutely ridiculous and is probably highly impractical.

But, It’s Japan so I’m more than intrigued about the idea to have an edible face mask!

Pros & Cons of the Melonpan Mask:

PRO:	CON:
Zero waste (Apart from the head straps)	May deteriorate with natural elements and prolonged use
It’s completely edible	You may end up eating your only protection from the virus
Scientific tests show it actually works	You have Melonpan on your face…

Would you wear and edible face mask?

The masks actually work

Despite the fact this was inherently a novelty food stunt, it seems the masks might actually be a fun alternatives to other options.

Not that I’d particular like to walk around with a piece of melon bread strapped to my face, but if they work like surgical masks, they’re a tasty and fun alternative I’d try at least once!

As we can see here, there were three separate tests conducted to test the efficiency of the Mask Pan against other methods.

The first ‘Splash prevention performance test’ is done without a mask and we can see a number of droplets spraying from the mouth illustrating no protection.

The second test is done with the melon bread and we can see almost immediately that all the cough droplets have dissapeared!

The third is conducted with a traditional mask offering a similar result to the melon bread.

Can I buy one?

If for some reason you actually want to buy a mask you’ll need to be in Japan to actually use them.

Whilst you can buy 5 of them for 1,800 yen here, I would imagine the expiry date and travel time wont work well together.

But you could always make your own by following the instructions above and then DIY it into your own bread mask! Why not!?

Conclusion

Although Japan is a pretty ‘Out there’ kind of country with things like this, I think even there you’ll get interesting look if you have a piece of bread strapped to your face!

But of course, it’s because of novelty stunts like this that makes all of us love the crazy side of Japan and intrigued to see what the country will bring out next!

Culture/Questions

Why is the Tokyo subway so crowded?

If you’ve ever seen a documentary about Japan, chances are that somewhere along the line you saw a video (or 10) of people squished into train carriages like sardines. But can’t one of the most advanced and populated countries in the world fix this problem?

It turns out that whilst the Tokyo Metro does get extremely busy, it’s often only at rush hour. Japan is also home to the busiest station in the world and also a highly dense population in Tokyo. So while the Tokyo Subway might seem extremely busy from time to time, it’s nothing out of the ordinary for the number of people that live and work in the capital.

Let’s take a look at some of these reasons in a little more depth.

Quick Japanese vocabulary lesson:

Japanese Train Station Vocabulary

Station: Eki 駅

Platform: Ho-mu ホーム

Subway train: Chikatetsu 地下鉄

Train: Densha 電車

Getting around Tokyo: Forms of transport

To get a better idea of why the Tokyo subway always seems (or is) busy, we should first understand the options of transport available in Japan’s capital.

Trains and Subway

Trains are by far the best and most popular way to get from points A-B in Tokyo.

They’re cheap, quick, and relatively easy to navigate for a first-timer in the city.

Be warned though, some train stations are huge and you’ll absolutely be walking around them for a long time if you don’t know where you’re going.

Even leaving the station via the wrong exit can set you back a good 15 minutes by re-routing.

Taxis

If you’ve got the money, traveling by taxi in Tokyo is a great way to see the city.

They’re comfortable, incredibly clean, and air-conditioned.

Prices normally start at around 400-700 yen before you’ve even started moving. Think of it as a callout charge of sorts.

Each cab has a meter that will continue running even when the cab is stationary. You can see how in the busiest city in the world this might begin to add up…

But you can rest assured your taxi is there for you and you alone.

That said, I very much doubt that the average office worker travels around in taxis all that often. At all, in fact! Unless you have a specific reason to do so in the more remote areas, I’d give them a miss, especially in the bigger cities.

Buses

Much cheaper than taxis, but probably not as pleasant to ride in. They’re also great for longer journeys as you’ll regularly see overnight or ‘long haul’ coach rides. Though, I must admit my bus trip from Tokyo to Osaka didn’t have me raving about them…

If you want to stay in Japan on a budget, those long-haul coach rides will save you time and money. But if you’re looking for a quick and hassle-free way of getting around Tokyo, buses aren’t your best bet. Apart from the Ike Bus in Ikebukuro, that thing is awesome!

I can imagine commuters using buses if they live in a remote district or prefecture and need to get to the local train station, but other than that I’m almost certain a train would be their first choice.

Now we know the ways people can get around Tokyo, let’s find out why this makes trains so busy.

Punctuality

Why would you take any other form of transport in Tokyo when the cheapest way of getting around is also the most reliable and punctual?

As some of you may already know, Japan is famous the world over for its timekeeping.

This is so evidently true that in 2017 the management of the Tsukuba Express line between Tokyo and the city of Tsukuba issued a written apology for leaving the station 20 seconds early.

In the issued statement they said they ‘sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused’.

I doubt you’d get that over in the U.S and I’m certain it wouldn’t happen in the U.K

It’s clear to see that a transport system apologizing for leaving at 9:44:20 with a scheduled departure of 9:44:40 has gained the trust of millions of commuters in Tokyo.

The busiest and most highly populated city in the world

CITIES:	UN 2018 POPULATION ESTIMATES:
TOKYO	37,400,068
DELHI	28,514,000
SHANGHAI	25,582,000
SAO PAULO	21,650,000
MEXICO CITY	21,581,000

Top 5 most populated cities in the world

With approximately 9.5 Million inhabitants (just in its metropolitan area), Tokyo tops the charts as the busiest city in the world.

That not only means more trains, but also a system run well enough to accommodate such an amount of people.

With roughly 3.5 million people passing through its doors every day, Shinjuku is the busiest train station in not only Japan but also the world.

When we are talking about such a high number of passengers, it’s clear to see that some of those trains are bound to be busy. I don’t think Tokyo or anywhere else for that matter has the resources needed to transport 3.5 million people without a single busy train, Especially during rush hour.

Passenger pushers

What are train pushers?

Passenger pushers or oshiya (押し屋), are staff (Usually students employed on summer break) whose main job is to ensure each and every one of the passengers on the platform gets on the train.

Sometimes, especially in rush hour, their job includes physically pushing passengers into the train to make sure the station ensures a timely departure for everyone on board and allows them to get to work on time.

Take a look at the video below to see the ‘oshiya’ in action. It’s quite something!

Is this a Japanese subway train or is it a clown car?!

It’s not the greatest quality video in the world, but it shows a great example of Japanese passenger pushers in action.

Train pushing is something you’re only likely to see if you’re coming into Tokyo at rush hour, but it does still happen at other busy times.

By pushing as many commuters onto the trains as possible, you start to understand why Tokyo trains might seem busy 24/7 to the outside world. It’s likely because these kinds of videos or photos make for the best story, but it’s not the case every hour of every day.

At the end of the day, yes the trains definitely can be busy and cramped but that’s what makes the Japanese train service the most efficient and punctual in the entire world.

The platforms are left empty

An empty and somewhat aesthetic Japanese train station

One quick way to understand the efficiency and speed of the staff at any given Japanese train station is to look at the platforms once the train has left.

Put simply, if you wanted to get on the train that just turned up but it looked too busy, you’ll be on the train.

Yes it probably will be uncomfortable and unpleasant, but you can be sure you’ll end up at your destination on time.

It’s these small sacrifices at peak travel times that ensure the productivity and work ethic stays at the top for the entire country and it’s economy.

Delayed rush hour

As stated above, the Tokyo subway system is by far the quickest and most efficient way of getting around the capital.

Not only do they connect to every major district in Tokyo, but they also get there bang on time, every time.

It’s no surprise then that trains are the most popular method of transport for Japanese salarymen and workers to get to and from work

One reason Tokyo trains and subway may seem extremely busy is because of the somewhat extended rush hour time frames.

For most countries (I can only speak about London from experience) the normal rush hour may be anywhere from 7-9 in the morning and 5-7 in the evening.

In Tokyo, the morning rush hour is usually 8-9 and from 5 PM onwards in the evening. Morning rush hour tends to be a little heavier and more extreme because of similar starting hours but clocking out time in Japan is a little different.

According to Japanese Labor Law, employees are only allowed to work for 8 hours a day and up to 40 hours a week without getting special permission. From what I’ve seen, this is a treaty that is often broken.

With social and work pressures as well as cultural discipline ingrained into a lot of Japanese people from a young age, it’s extremely easy to see why so many people break these laws and work for hours over their contract.

The Japanese practice of Inemuri (居眠りis the ‘art’ of sleeping while on duty. It means if you’re caught napping on the job, in meetings, or in public, you are considered to be dedicated to your Job.

Without getting too much into the practice here, sleeping on the job and often working longer than your contracted hours will mean you clock out later than your finishing time.

This leads to an elongated evening rush hour which in turn leads to busier trains.

Can’t they just run more trains? or just run 24/7?

Bullet train driver — A bullet train conductor look out the window to check for passengers

Unlike in certain places in the world, Japan doesn’t run trains throughout the night.

And why is that?

This might lead you to think that the subway in Tokyo closes too early, but the truth of the matter is, there simply isn’t enough demand. The city would end up having completely empty trains working throughout the night which is a waste of resources and manpower.

As of 2020, Japans unemployment rate was 2.34%. It means there simply wouldn’t be enough people to operate the stations overnight and the ROI would not be high enough to keep people on.

Reason 1: Maintenance

We’ve already talked about how clean Japan can be, and Tokyo subways are absolutely no different.

By shutting the subways and train stations down at 12, they can be cleaned and maintained to the high-level Japan is so famously known for.

Reason 2: Politics and History

Historically, Ginza nightclubs would close at around 11 in the evening and the people who frequented these places were the only ones who had any power to change subway times. But with the last trains home at 12-1, why would they need to?

Taxis ranks are also a hugely powerful and large organization within Japanese society.

As we’ve already established from the bulk of this article, traveling on trains is likely the cheapest and most convenient option for most people in Tokyo. Especially when certain cab companies charge up to 30% more after 11 PM.

By extending the hours of the Tokyo metro you’ll likely be destroying another integral part of Japanese society and financially running them into the ground.

Conclusion

So whilst the Tokyo train system is a busy one no doubt, it’s relative to the amount of people and the work culture Japan is so famous for.

Yes, Tokyo has the busiest subway stations in the world but I would argue that they are the best country to handle so many people. With an astonishing (yet probably unhealthy) work ethic as well as a vast cultural understanding of ‘The greater good’, Tokyo ensures each and every one of its passengers get to their destination exactly when they planned to.

If you’re planning to go to Japan in the near future and want to experience this for yourself, get up in the morning and travel on pretty much any line into Tokyo during rush hour and it’s likely you’ll experience a very busy train.

Good luck with that!

japanese futon room with view — Hand vector created by pikisuperstar - www.freepik.com

Culture/Questions

Why do Japanese people sleep on the floor?

If you’ve only ever slept on Western-style beds your whole life, the prospect of sleeping on the floor may sound strange to you. However, after sleeping on a futon in Japan for the best part of a year, I no longer need to ask the question: Why do Japanese people sleep on the floor?

For Japanese people sleeping on the floor is and has been a proud cultural tradition for thousands of years. It also helps save space, is safer in natural disasters, and does a world of good for your back.

Of course, even though many people enjoy sleeping like this, it won’t suit everyone. So let’s take a deeper look at this practice and improve our understanding of why Japanese people sleep on the floor.

Understanding Japan’s unusual floor culture

Japan sleep system — A simple, yet traditional Japanese living space

To truly understand the reasons Japanese people sleep on the floor, we first have to understand their relationship with the floor in other areas of life.

For example, people in Japan will traditionally eat on the floor and sit on the floor while watching tv or simply relaxing.

This practice is called ‘Floor culture’ or ‘Tatami culture’.

I’ve always enjoyed sitting on the floor because of how grounding the whole experience feel to me, though after so many months, I do miss a comfy sofa every once in a while.

But what reasons could they possibly have to not use a chair or sofa?

Tradition

Tradition is potentially the biggest reason Japanese people sleep on the floor, and sit on it for other occasions.

We already know from this article about Japanese concepts that tradition is an extremely strong part of Japanese culture, so it’s no surprise that it’s something they continue to do to this day.

It may surprise you to know however that the tradition of sitting on the floor (and sleeping) didn’t come from Japan in the first place. It actually came from a similar ‘floor culture’ in China but was later adapted into ‘Tatami Culture’ in Japan.

However, this tradition is still so deeply rooted in the heart of Japan that it’s commonplace to go to a five-star restaurant in the capital and sit on the floor. Likewise, you’ll find that almost all hotels catered towards tourists have Western-style and traditional-style rooms available.

I must clarify that you will almost always have a cushion or floor chair to sit on in such places. You’re most likely to find this setup at traditional restaurants, but it’s fairly common

Damage

Tatami floors are not solid like wood or concrete. Instead, they are made from compressed rice straw.

Whilst the use of tatami helps regulate the interior temperature of a Japanese home, they don’t support weight nearly as well as other floor types do.

For this reason, Japanese homes tend not to put furniture such as tables and chairs on their tatami due to the very high chance of damage.

Instead, you’ll find low furniture, chairs without legs to help dissipate weight, or no furniture at all.

Space

Japan sit on the floor — People in Japan often sit as well as sleep on the floor.

In case you haven’t realized already, Japan is a very small country.

The total space of all the Japanese islands is about 142,000 square miles. To put that into perspective, that’s smaller than the state of California.

Although Japan’s population is expected to plummet over the next decade, the vast majority of cities are still extremely overpopulated. Hence the reason for such a high number of tiny flats in urban areas.

It’s also extremely rare to find a house anywhere near the city that includes any outside space.

Because of this space shortage, the people of Japan had to adapt to ensure their quality of living remained acceptable.

For many, this means having only a single room to eat, sleep, relax, and prepare meals in. None of which would be possible with a western style bed. They weigh an absolute ton and are far to big to allow anything but sleep in the room they’re placed in.

The solution?

Small lightweight beds and furniture.

Including tiny ovens, and Japanese washing machines

Safety

Japan is a country that frequently experiences natural disasters, and the most dangerous of those are earthquakes.

According to JRAILPASS, Japan experiences around 1,500 earthquakes per year. That’s just over 4 per day!

The reason for this is clear. The country is home to ten percent of the world’s active volcanoes and is positioned over 4 tectonic plates. An absolute recipe for disaster.

But being in such a precarious position means they’re also the most prepared for any situation likely to come their way. Most notably, earthquakes.

Take a look at this video by Bloomberg to see just how Japanese architects are building structures designed to take the high demands of these earthquakes.

This is one way they cope with the effects of earthquakes, but another more simple way is by choosing the correct furniture inside their homes.

By sticking to only low-profile furniture (including beds), you cut out the risk of further damage by having fewer things that could collapse and survive the shaking from earthquakes. This also ensures a faster and safer escape should they need to evacuate their homes.

How do they sleep on the floor?

It’s easy to imagine after reading that, that when we say sleeping on the floor we mean literally sleeping on the floor. But let me assure you that’s simply not the case.

The solution to finding somewhere (and something to sleep on) that is safe, space-saving, won’t damage the tatami, and keeps in line with tradition was simple.

A Japanese futon.

Japanese low table and seats — A traditional Japanese room

A Japanese futon is not to be confused with a western style futon bed. The Japanese style is a lightweight and thin mattress with a duvet.

What does sleeping on a Japanese futon feel like?

I would liken it to sleeping on a comfy duvet on the floor but with an extremely hard mattress (the floor). It’s lightweight, low profile, and feels right at home with tatami flooring.

You might also come across buckwheat pillows during your stay in Japan.

Buckwheat pillows, or sobakawa, are filled with the outer casings of buckwheat seeds. Not only do they offer incredible support for your head and neck, they also provide increased airflow which prevents humidity and mold, and promotes a cooler sleeping environment making it easier to get a good night’s sleep.

That means that if the only room you have in your house looks like the one above, you can roll away your beds and use the same space for eating or recreational activities and won’t have to worry about space or damp issues.

A typical day in a house with one communal space may look like the following:

Wake up and roll your futon up. Place them in the cupboard or other storage space. If no storage space is available, keep them folded in the corner.
Move table (and sometimes floor chairs) into position and eat breakfast with the family.
Move the table out of the way to allow the communal area to be used for recreational activities such as yoga, physical activities, or workspace.
Rest table for lunch and dinner when appropriate.
Lay out your futons when you intend to sleep.
Repeat step one each morning.

What is the sleep culture like in Japan?

japanese sleep system — If only Inemuri were commonplace in all countries!

Have you ever been so tired at work that you thought you might fall asleep?

In Japan, this is a common occurrence, but it’s not frowned upon. In fact, it’s quite the opposite.

Inemuri: To be present while you are sleeping

Whilst we have naps in the West, many Japanese people have ‘Inemuri’.

Most of us already know how strong the Japanese work ethic is, so it’s no surprise that lots of people work until they can literally work no more. It’s because of this mindset that working from the early hours of the morning to very late at night is extremely common.

Taking personal time off to recharge your batteries would be discouraged and you would most likely be seen as someone with the wrong priorities.

And so falling asleep in a meeting, at your work desk, or on the train is almost always a sign that you put your company’s interest before your own and have a strong commitment to your job.

Whilst you may not get a great or full night’s sleep if you’re working in Japan, by using the practice of Inemuri you’ll be able to catch up in a sort of ‘Pay as you go’ sleep contract.

I’m no sleep expert, but I highly recommend against this practice if you’re considering it. If you have the opportunity to get 8 hours of quality sleep per night, you should!

So this might be another reason Japanese people opt for the cheaper futon mattresses instead of western style beds. What’s the point of spending big on something you hardly ever use?

The benefits of sleeping on a tatami mat

why should you sleep on the floor — If my house looked like this, I think I’d sleep on the floor more often!

Not only is sleeping on tatami a cultural tradition dating back thousands of years, but it also comes with a whole host of health benefits.

Great for your neck and back

Lying down on a flat and hard surface means there are no dips in the bed. This means each part of your body is evenly supported which helps contribute to a great night’s sleep and leaves you in less pain in the morning.

2. Promotes healthy blood flow

When you lay down on a hard surface like a tatami mat, your entire body is aligned. This means there are no obstructions to breathing and blood flow and your spine is kept aligned.

If you find yourself in all sorts of positions throughout the day and often have a painful back, this will be especially beneficial to you.

3. Allows you to feel more at one with your surroundings

Whilst grounding is supposed to prevent you from experiencing jet lag, I believe there is some possibility it can help you achieve a better night’s sleep.

I know that whenever I wake up from sleeping on a futon I always feel more connected to the start of the day than I do waking in a western bed.

I haven’t found any scientific evidence to back this up, but it always feels this way when I wake up from a futon so it’s going on the list!

Will I have to sleep on the floor in Japan?

If after this entire article I haven’t convinced you that you should try sleeping on the floor, you can breathe a sigh of relief because when you visit Japan you won’t have to!

The first reason you won’t have to sleep on the floor during your trip to Japan is that there are so many other options.

You’ll have loads of chain hotels in the city that are completely the same as Western hotels, Japanese hotels almost always offer Western-style rooms, and Airbnbs all over the country that offer pretty much any sleeping arrangement you can imagine.

Take a look at 19 of the best Airbnb’s you should stay in on your trip to Japan!

Conclusion

Whilst it’s clear there are a whole host of benefits to sleeping on the floor, it’s understandably not going to work for everyone.

I’m a relatively fit twenty-something-year-old who has no problem getting up from and down to the floor, but elderly people or people with back problems may not be able to do it so easily.

But if you can easily get to the floor and are wondering what effect sleeping on the floor (on a futon) might have on you, I urge you to give it a go!

And just because you can’t get to Japan is no excuse!

Questions/Food & Drink

Hokkaido milk tea vs Okinawa milk tea: What’s the difference?

As an Amazon Associate, I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post. At no extra cost to you! ^_^

I’m sure for a lot of you, tea is something you drink on a regular, if not daily basis. For me, it’s matcha tea, or maybe a gyokuro tea if I’m feeling fancy. I feel fancy pretty often… I won’t lie. Or hey, maybe you’re a coffee person instead!

But what about Japanese milk tea?

Whilst it’s probably not something you’ve heard of, it’s an extremely popular tea in Japan.

Today we’re going to look at two of the biggest producers of Japanese milk tea, Hokkaido and Okinawa.

In short, the difference between them both is that Hokkaido milk tea uses fresh Hokkaido milk to give it a unique taste, whereas Okinawa milk tea uses Kokuto, the world’s healthiest brown sugar.

While these are the most apparent differences between the two Japanese milk teas, it’s important we look at each industry as a whole to truly understand the differences.

Note from future Jonny (the one writing this!): It’s been a while since I wrote this article and in the meantime, I’ve been able to try a fantastic Japanese Tea Subscription box. So if you’re looking for a way to properly experience the Japanese tea ceremony, give that article a read!

Quick Japanese vocabulary lesson:

Japanese milk vocabulary

Soy Milk: Tōnyū 豆乳

Milk: Gyūnyū 牛乳

The history of milk and dairy in Japan

Before we jump into exploring the differences between both island teas, I think it’s important to understand Japan’s relationship with dairy to gain a deeper understanding of the drink.

The first time milk was brought to Japan

The history of dairy dates back to the Asuka period of Japan (592-710). When a priest named Chiso who came from Korea brought with him 164 books and one of those discussed the beneficial effects of milk.

This was the first time the Japanese people learned about milking and drinking cows’ milk.

The first milk store in Tokyo

Fast forward to 1870 and we see the first dairy store in the country. Sakagawa Masaharu opened ‘Sakagawa Milk Store’ in Akasaka although the majority of his customers were foreigners in the early days.

If you’re interested in learning more, take a look at The History of Milk in Japan, a PDF that explains this subject in a lot more depth than I can!

The Hokkaido dairy industry

Thanks to its enormous countryside, Hokkaido is responsible for producing about half of Japan’s milk supply. According to Japan Guide around 60% is used for drinking and the rest will be used for other dairy products like cheese, yogurt, butter, etc.

Because of this production, Hokkaido is associated with having some of the best milk in the country.

Visitors to Hokkaido might also see dairy being consumed or sold more than in other places in Japan due to the long-running heritage of the dairy industry on the island.

Why is Hokkaido milk famous?

Cows have a far better quality of life in Hokkaido than in any other part of the country. This includes more land, fresher air, and a greener environment. This allows the cows to produce extremely high-quality, rich milk, and in turn, allows the farmers to charge more than anywhere else in Japan.

The Okinawa dairy industry

On the flip side, Okinawa milk production is actually decreasing according to Japan Update. This is because the number of dairy farmers who keep cows is diminishing.

In 2015 there were 4,375 milk cows which is 444 less than in 2014. The number of milk farmers has also gone down in the same period.

Another reason milk production is not so popular in Okinawa is that farmers are becoming increasingly concerned with how much milk products have been rising over the past decade or so. This can be put down to the overall decrease in demand for dairy products nationwide and seems only set to continue down this path for the foreseeable.

Royal Milk Tea

Now that we know a little bit more about the dairy industry in Japan, let’s have a look at how they use it in tea and what makes it unique.

As we know, there are different regional versions of milk tea in Japan and the two main ones we are looking at today are Hokkaido and Okinawa.

If you’re as research obsessed as I am, another name you may come across is Royal Milk Tea (ロイヤルミルクティー).

Royal Milk Tea was first invented by Lipton Japan in 1965 as a part of their ‘Royal Series‘. I’m unsure if this was supposed to be a limited series of Japanese milk tea or whether it was supposed to hang around, but it seems it took the latter option and is here to stay.

Some Royal Milk Teas could be considered Hokkaido Milk Tea, but that all depends on the ingredients used and the regions they come from.

For instance, this Nittoh Kocha instant royal milk tea powder is technically capable of making Hokkaido milk tea at home because it uses powdered Hokkaido milk. Whether you’d get the same flavor and experience, I don’t know, but I suppose it’s better than nothing?

What makes Royal Milk Tea different from Japanese Milk Tea?

Whilst standard milk tea uses a small amount of milk, royal milk tea uses a far bigger ratio. Technically they’re both ‘Japanese Milk Tea’, but this one just has a different, branded, name.

The sugar (or honey), the tea leaves, and the milk (make sure it’s creamy) are all boiled on the stove at the same time before it’s poured through a sieve and into a mug.

Many vending machines and convenience stores in Japan will stock takeaway bottles of royal milk tea as it’s an extremely popular drink throughout the country. I have a lot of friends in Japan who swear by this stuff!

The differences between Hokkaido and Okinawa milk tea

Japanese Milk Tea Differences	Milk used	Tea used	Extras added
Hokkaido milk tea:	Fresh Hokkaido Milk	Assam	Caramel or Sugar
Okinawa milk tea:	Whole Milk	Assam	Kokuto (Healthiest sugar in the world)

Hokkaido milk tea vs Okinawa milk tea

Hokkaido milk tea

As we’ve already discovered above, Hokkaido dairy is famous throughout the whole of Japan.

According to Daniel Food Diary the cows in Hokkaido are said to be happier and healthier because of the ‘fresh air, spacious land, and green environment’. It’s because of this that you can expect Hokkaido milk to be creamier and thicker than any you’ve tried before.

So by adding what is essentially a light cream to your tea instead of milk, the last of the finished drink is bound to be sweeter and richer than anything else.

As we can see from the table above, the final step in creating Hokkaido milk tea is adding caramel or sugar.

What does Hokkaido milk taste like?

With an extremely rich and quality tea from the cows in Hokkaido, a hardy black tea like Assam, and either sugar or caramel to finish, Hokkaido milk tea has a distinct final taste to it.

You can expect your tea to be extremely smooth and creamy due to the Hokkaido milk with a hint of sweetness from the sugar (or caramel).

Okinawa milk tea

So whilst Okinawa milk tea doesn’t use Hokkaido milk, it’s still a worthy competitor to its northern brother.

Okinawa milk tea still uses good quality milk and similar tea leaf for its flavor profile, but its secret weapon comes in the form of Kokuto.

What is Kokuto?

Sadly I’m yet to try what’s considered the world’s most healthy brown sugar. Luckily the folks over at ChefShop have and they describe it as the following:

“Not solid or hard, it is soft and crumbly with a wonderful sweet taste. It has a texture, like maple candy, with a flavor that hints of licorice, light muscovado, and a subtle hint of molasses.” – Chef Shop

Well, I’m sold! Anything with a texture like maple candy gets my vote!

Kokuto was first made in the 17th century but has only recently gained a wider representation.

Its sugarcane is grown in Okinawa where it can be swamped with sunlight and minerals from the ocean. It’s because of this environment that Okinawa is able to grow Kokuto whereas the rest of the world simply would not be able to.

And so you aren’t likely to find this sugar anywhere else in the world which makes any food it becomes a part of far more unique and special. You can buy Kokuto to make your own Japanese milk tea, but I don’t think there’ll be anything like actually going to Okinawa to drink it. Plus, it’s a great excuse for a holiday down there!

Hokkaido milk tea vs Okinawa milk tea: Which one should you pick?

If you’re looking for a world-famous drink that’s a little sweeter and deeper in its flavor profile, go for Hokkaido Milk Tea. If you’re looking for the most unique and rare drinking experience I would suggest trying the Okinawa Milk Tea due to its Kokuto sugar.

Honestly, I don’t think you should limit yourself to just one. If you can’t get to Japan, grab yourself some powdered Hokkaido milk, and some Kokuto sugar, and have a Japanese milk tea party! …Invite me though, please!

Where can I find Hokkaido and Okinawa milk tea?

Obviously, it’s all well and good knowing which one you want to try (or realizing you want both!), but none of that matters if you can’t find out a way to get your hands on the ingredients.

In Japan

This is obviously the easiest way to get your hands on Japanese Milk Tea. Your best bet would be to visit each of the two locations and find a nice independent café for the best tea-drinking experience.

Konbini

If you’re limited on time or money you could visit your local 7-Eleven and pick up a pack of powdered tea to take with you on the rest of your journey or even back home.

I’ve seen both Okinawa Milk Tea and Hokkaido Milk tea for sale at a few Konbini and other shops in Tokyo, so it’s fairly easy to purchase if you aren’t planning on heading too far north or south.

Vending Machine

Your final option to find Japanese milk tea in the country would be to use a vending machine. Whilst this won’t be the best way to experience tea and may not be the best quality you’ll ever taste, it’s the easiest and quickest way to try Japanese Milk Tea if you’re stuck in the city.

Online Stores

You’ll find a number of online shops selling powdered milk Hokkaido and Okinawa milk tea. The easiest for many will probably be amazon. You might be better off ordering a few bits directly from Japan if none of that takes your fancy. Take a look at the link below if you want to learn the best way to order Japanese tea bits and bobs from Japan.

Buy Okinawa Milk Tea

Buy Hokkaido Milk Tea

Just looking for the best online Japanese stores? We’ve got an article for you, too!

Make it yourself

If you’d rather craft Japanese milk tea yourself, then there’s no reason why you can’t!

Unfortunately, I’m not the best person to help you make a Hokkaido milk tea or Okinawa milk tea recipe, but Talkboba have you covered with theirs!

Hokkaido Milk Tea Recipe

1-1.5 Cups of black tea (Assam recommended)

1/4-1/2 cup of Hokkaido milk (You can buy powdered from amazon here)

2 Tbsp of sugar / syrup

Okinawa Milk Tea Recipe

Here’s a great recipe I found by Honest Food Talks:

3 tablespoons of loose-leaf Assam tea
400ml of milk
2 cups of water
80g of Okinawa brown sugar
4 tablespoons of tapioca pearls

Let me know if you enjoyed your Japanese milk tea!

In the battle of Hokkaido vs Okinawa milk tea, I’m always going to be a fan of matcha more than either of them, but it’s always interesting to explore all the options a country has rather than just finding your favorite meal and sticking with it.

Katsu curry lovers, I’m looking at you! 😉

That said, I’m planning on taking a trip to Okinawa in the Summer of 2023 and have already booked a trip to Hokkaido in February of 2023 so I’ll give both of them a try!

Culture

8 Japanese Concepts To Improve Your Life.

Japanese aesthetic principles and concepts are often hard to decipher into actionable and practical ways to help you in daily life. In this article, I’ve taken the time to identify the key principles Japanese culture has to offer and linked them to real ways you’re able to use them to help you improve your life.

You’ll also find that many of these concepts will cross over in various areas but they are all different, even if it’s subtle.

1. Yugen – Mysterious beauty

Pronunciation: Yu-gen

What is the meaning of Yūgen?

The meaning and concept of Yūgen is a profound and mysterious sense of beauty in the world. Such concepts are often uninterpretable and have to be experienced to be understood.

Yūgen is about experiencing something that words cannot or need not describe.

Here are a couple of examples that show an experience of Yūgen:

‘To watch the sun sink behind a flower-clad hill.’

‘To wander on in a huge forest without thought of return. To stand upon the shore and gaze after a boat that disappears behind distant islands. To contemplate the flight of wild geese seen and lost among the clouds.’

‘Subtle shadows of bamboo on bamboo.’

Written by Zeami Motokiyo

As you can see, it’s indescribably moments like these that bring you closer to the universe that are the best representation of Yūgen.

How to apply it to your own life:

Trying to help someone understand how to experience something that barely has a definition is no easy task. So here is an example that represents a sense of Yūgen that you might find useful:

Cherry blossom falling from a tree – Not only is the blossom itself a beautiful sight but so is appreciating it only lasts for a short period of time and is then gone until the year after.

Evening light falling on the ground or behind the horizon – There’s nothing better to me than the spring light in Japan. I know that just like the cherry blossom, once the sun falls behind the horizon it’s gone for the day and eventually the whole year.

Enjoy the fleeting moments as much as the moments themselves.

2. Wabi-sabi – Embrace imperfection

Pronunciation: Wa-bi-sa-bi

What is the concept of Wabi-sabi?

Life as we know it is not perfect. In fact, it’s extremely imperfect. Beautifully imperfect, even. That’s the basis of the Japanese aesthetic concept wabi-sabi.

Wabi Sabi also has several pillars which I’ll point out further down the list.

Characteristics of Wabi Sabi:

The characteristics of wabi-sabi include but aren’t limited to:

Rough – A roughly finished pot.
Unfinished – A piece of artwork not yet finished.
Broken – A broken ornament still holds its beauty with wabi-sabi.
Simple – Just because something is simple doesn’t mean it’s not beautiful.
Modest – Something can be modest and beautiful at the same time.

How to apply it to your own life:

Learning to appreciate the beauty that is imperfect is the first step to introducing wabi-sabi into your own life.

We are constantly bombarded with other people’s perceptions of beauty and more often than not it shows something, or someone, in pursuit of perfection.

Examples of the Wabi Sabi aesthetic you come across in your own life might include:

Rust on a metal wall

Cracked pottery

Dried or dead flowers

Moss on a path

Learn to abandon your opinions of ‘Perfect’ and begin to see beauty where it was never meant to be found.

After attempting to incorporate Wabi Sabi virtues into my life for the last few years, I now know how humbling and grounding the whole experience can be.

It’s extremely easy to get caught up in all the bad that goes on in the world and whilst Wabi Sabi won’t fix any of that, it will absolutely make you thankful for what you do have.

If you’re interested in further reading I highly recommend ‘Wabi Sabi: Japanese Wisdom for a perfectly Imperfect Life‘ By Beth Kempton.

It’s a really easy read, and with so much to discuss about the topic, it’s probably nicer to read a book than look at something on a computer screen!

3. Kanso – Understated beauty

Pronunciation: Kan-so

What is the meaning of Kanso?

Kanso is one of the 7 pillars of Wabi Sabi that’s all about living a simple, clutter-free lifestyle.

As we’ve learned above, Wabi Sabi helps us understand how most things in life are temporary and that we should find beauty through all paths we take in life.

Therefore we should do all we can to live in the moment which includes keeping our homes (and mind) as clean and simple as possible.

How to apply it to your own life:

Go through your home and strip it down to only things that bring you true happiness.

Remember also that all attachment leads to suffering and nothing is permanent.

Really try and be brutal with this. If you aren’t into minimalism then it will be especially hard, but that may be the reason you need it in your life even more.

Maybe it’s time to let go of those few things that you’re keeping just for the sake of it.

Clean house, Clean mind!

4. Shizen – Nature

Pronunciation: Shi-zen

Like a lot of the words on this list, Shizen is not easy to explain.

1,000s of years ago during the late Heian and early Kamakura periods in Japan ‘Nature as we know it in the west was considered crude, rough, and untamed. Japanese bonsai and gardens were a way to bring order and peace to the landscape by human hand whilst still considering everything natural.

Whilst in the west we would describe nature as a raw and untouched landscape, that isn’t entirely similar in Japan.

‘Shizen’ or ‘Nature’ in Japan can also be described by the adjustments, contributions, or alterations of raw nature by human beings.

To this effect, Shizen could be described as the coexistence of man and nature and their symbiotic relationship. It’s how human beings interact with a raw and crude outside and work with it rather than against it.

Shizen Style has a great definition of it if things still seem a bit confusing.

“With shizen, the goal is not to replicate nature, but to eventually become one with it. It is the concept of ‘No Mind’ in which we can reach that state of flow.” – Shizen Style

“Shizen allows for human beings interpretation, contribution, and adjustment of nature to be included in the meaning.” – Shizen Style

How to apply it to your own life:

A little harder to apply to your own life than other concepts, but still possible. My advice would be to look at the world with an open mind.

For example, if you see a few trees pop up around the city center, instead of seeing these as a poor effort to go green by the council, see it as progress and an opportunity for you to co-exist with nature.

This could even be observed in the opposite way by bringing greenery into your man-made house, you’re appreciating the existence between what is natural and what is not.

It’s still nature, but just an amalgamation of man and nature working together.

5. Seijaku – Tranquility in activity

Pronunciation: Se-ja-ku

Seijaku meaning

Seijaku can be simply described as the feeling you get when you enter a state of energized calm from a period of activity. This might be a physical action or one you make only in your mind.

Examples of Seijaku:

Walking into a garden in a busy city

Keeping a calm mindset during a busy time of your life.

Visiting a zen oasis in the middle of Tokyo during your trip

How to apply it to your own life:

Bring your mind back to a calm state as soon as you feel overwhelmed or life seems busy. If you’re feeling overwhelmed at work, you could use the concept of Seijaku and take a break by stepping outside if you’re able to.

Take any and all opportunities to collect your thoughts and reflect. Don’t let a busy life get the better of you.

You’ve got this. Sometimes you just have to focus your mind and take a step out of the hustle and bustle to realize it.

6. Datsuzoku – Escape from the ordinary

Pronunciation: Dat-su-zo-ku

What is Datsuzoku?

This is a Japanese principle that I think a lot of you will be able to resonate with.

Datsuzoku is the feeling of surprise and amazement that is caused when one realizes you can ‘transcend’ the ordinary and the routine.

From this realization, we can not only look at situations in a new light but also have the opportunity to change things in our life that we once thought impossible or perhaps didn’t even know needed changing.

How to apply it to your own life:

At least, break your daily patterns.

At most, transform your life.

Perhaps you’re content with your job and life, but that doesn’t mean the Japanese concept of Datsuzoku is any less relevant to you.

Maybe it just means taking a new route to work, looking at problems in a different way, or breaking a routine that isn’t 100% beneficial to your growth as a person.

Once you start to look at breaking these patterns, the concept of Datsuzoku will have attached itself to all the different ways you think about life.

If you’ve realized and potentially been surprised that certain ordinary or conventional approaches you’ve taken in one aspect of your life, you’ll understand it’s something that can continue to positively impact other parts.

For some of you, this may mean drastically rethinking your entire life and understanding that life isn’t just about working until you have enough to retire. And for others, it may be far more subtle.

Either way, Datsuzoku is a way to realize and break routines that don’t add anything to your life.

7. Fukinsei – Asymmetry and irregularity

Pronunciation: Fu-kin-se

What is Fukinsei?

Fukinsei, one of the seven pillars of wabi-sabi, is the art of being asymmetrical or irregular.

How to apply it to your own life:

This is an especially helpful concept with art or creative topics but can be approached in most parts of life too.

Letting go of preconceived notions of what it means to be ‘Perfect’ is the first step.

For example, if you’re writing any type of book you may slave over it for hours to make sure each and every line is absolutely perfect.

Whilst you should aim to be the best you can be at any given topic, Fukinsei suggests you should realize that true beauty and perfection come from something that reflects your own personality and values whether it’s completed or not.

Bonsai is another area in which fukinsei can be seen. Asymmetry is one of the most powerful concepts in creating bonsai and yet we see it as a harmonious and beautiful piece of art.

8. Oubaitori – Non-comparison

Pronunciation: o-buy-toh-ri

What is Oubaitori?

This is a really beautiful one. Oubatori gets its name and meaning from the 4 trees that bloom in the spring: cherry, plum, apricot, and peach. Each of these trees bloom and exist alongside each other for long while, and they do it with harmony. There is a specific order of things in nature and each has learned to wait its turn to fully bloom. While one is in full color, the others can respect its beauty without comparison. Everyone has their own time, and everyone is different and unique in many ways.

How to apply it to your own life:

Understand the pointlessness of comparison. We live in a time where social media has us constantly comparing ourselves to everyone else, and it’s not helpful or healthy. Your best friends might be getting married, having kids, or moving house while you’ve decided to travel around the world – or visa versa.

Following the Japanese principle of Oubaitori is about realizing what works for some, may not work for you. It’s about sticking to your own path even if everyone else is doing something different. It’s about being happy for those who are prospering in life rather than comparing yourself to them and your apparent lack of success.

Food & Drink

The $22,500 Melon: Japan’s Most Expensive Fruits

I love fruit, and before I moved to Japan, I could satisfy that craving fairly easily.

Unfortunately, every time I go searching for fruit at Japanese supermarkets I’m reminded that Japan is definitely a more… ‘spendy’ country than other places in the world. At least for some things anyway.

However, after a bit of research, I’ve found out that my Japanese supermarket fruit is nothing when compared to some of Japan’s rarest and most highly prized fruit in terms of price. Today we’re going to talk about what makes Japanese fruit so dam expensive and why they’re unlike anywhere else in the world.

This is definitely one of the more crazy facts on the 63 mad facts about Japan blog post that I wrote about a while ago. Having said that, most of them are pretty mad, so if you enjoy this article then you’ll definitely enjoy that one!

Anyway, let’s talk about ridiculously expensive fruit!

What makes Japanese fruit so different?

In Japan, it’s extremely common to give gourmet fruit as gifts rather than simply to eat. To this effect, Japanese fruit tends to command a higher price and increase competition for the most desirable fruit year after year.

When I say they command higher prices, I don’t mean a few dollars more. I mean a few thousand more. Be prepared to be absolutely stunned by the cost of Japanese fruit!

Here is a quick look at the most expensive fruits in Japan and where they come from.

Japanese Fruit	Origin	Yen	Dollars
Yubari King Melon	Yūbari, Hokkaido	¥2,456,381	$22,500
Ruby Roman Grapes	Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan	¥1,200,897	$11,000 (a bunch of 24)
Egg of the Sun Mango	Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan	¥403,938	$3,700
Square Watermelon	Ginza, Tokyo	¥10,917	$100
Sekai Ichi Apple	Morioka, Japan	¥2,183	$20
White Jewel Strawberry	Saga Prefecture, Japan	¥1,091	$10 (each)

Japan fruit prices

Why is fruit so expensive in Japan?

Fussy Shoppers – Many Japanese people have become accustomed to only the best fruit. This means shoppers are unlikely to purchase anything that doesn’t look perfect and tastes even better.

Of course, this is a rather sweeping statement, and whilst it’s true that not all consumers in Japan feel this way, it’s still a big problem that undoubtedly leads to waste and therefore expensive fruit.

Small farms – So we know that only the best fruit will cut it in the eyes of the consumer, but how is the farmer to deal with that? According to Japan Today, only 12% of the land in Japan is used for growing crops and even then most of it goes to rice.

They go on to explain that ‘the average size of a Japanese farm is just 1.9 hectares compared with 198 hectares in the US’. So if the farmers have less land, they need to make more money with each crop than in other countries.

Couple that with only selling the most pristine examples of each fruit to the supermarkets (because of the fuss) and you’ve got a recipe for extortionate prices.

Great care – Japan is a country known for taking extreme amounts of care in literally everything it does, and that’s no different when it comes to fruit. Whilst we understand consumers only want the best products, the blame for expensive fruit doesn’t entirely lie with them.

About halfway through this video, you’ll see just how much care and attention the individual buying the fruit is given. First, they’re asked to sit down whilst their fruit is chosen, then offered a drink, and finally get to watch as their fruit is carefully wrapped up for them as a gift.

When was the last time your supermarket did that?!

So, let’s take a look at 6 of the most expensive fruits for sale in Japan.

6. Japan’s White Strawberry

Cost: $10 (¥1,080) Each

Do you love strawberries?

Me too!

But even I might struggle to pay $10 for a single one…

‘Shirou Houseki’ or the ‘White Jewel’ are names given to a rare strawberry grown only in Saga prefecture by single grower Tejima-San.

Tejima-San cross breeds different varieties to produce the white jewel, and even then only 10% of the strawberries stay white once exposed to sunlight.

This intricate and complicated process is the reason each strawberry is so expensive.

And look at the video above, they’re absolutely huge!

These white strawberries are intended as luxury Japanese gifts rather than daily snacks.

Or if you’re just visiting the country for a couple of weeks you might as well treat yourself to some.

Holiday gift for yourself, right!? 😉 If not, grab a Tokyo Treat Box and enjoy Japanese food at home!

5. Sekai Ichi Apple

Cost: $20 (¥2,100)

Let me introduce you to the most expensive apple in the world. The Sekai Ichi.

Literally translated ‘World number one’, according to First We Feast these luxury Japanese apples are ‘Washed with honey and branded by hand to ensure they’re blemish free’.

And if that wasn’t enough, the apples are all hand pollinated to make so each fruit reaches its full potential. This is actually a practice fairly common in Japan’s fruit-loving society, and one that doesn’t really surprise me.

Whilst it’s said that the Sekai Ichi apple isn’t the crispiest or crunchiest in the world, they’re certainly the best-looking and most highly cared-for apples around.

Just for a bit of comparison, here are some apples I found at my local supermarket.

They’re big no doubt, but they certainly don’t cost ¥2,100 each!

4. Square Watermelons

Cost: $65 – $1000 (¥7,071 -¥108,791)

Probably the most famous of all Japanese fruits is the square watermelon.

So, why are the watermelons square in Japan?

It turns out the original reason they were grown this way was to fit into compact fridges and to be cut with ease without rolling.

Their inventor, graphic designer Tomoyuki Ono, originally came up with the idea in 1978 and later even applied for a patent in the United States (and received it).

Due to their extortionate prices, the melons are now mainly ornamental rather than practical.

A typical Japanese square watermelon will cost around ¥10,000 ($65), but that’s nowhere near the top prices they go for.

In 2013 its reported someone from Russia paid up to $1000 for a single watermelon.

Not only does Japan cube some of its watermelons but they also sell Explosion watermelons, calabash-shaped watermelons, human-faced watermelons, heart-shaped watermelons, and pyramid watermelons.

It’s pretty clear that if you love melon, Japan is the place to be!

3. Taiyo No Tamago – Egg of the sun mango

Cost: Up to $2,000 (¥218,299)

Mangos for $2,000? Really??

Well apparently so!

In 2017, two mangoes from Miyazaki in western Japan were sold for an astronomical $3,600 each. EACH.

According to official reports, the man who placed the bid wanted to ‘Uphold the value of the Egg of the sun’ and promote his home prefecture of Miyazaki.

What does it take to be an Egg of the sun?

To have a mango qualify as an egg of the sun, it must weigh at least 350 grams, have high sugar content, and have a beautiful deep red color.

Does this make the fruits tastier?

Honestly, I have absolutely no idea, and I doubt I ever will.

But one thing I do know is that it absolutely makes it more expensive!

2. Ruby Roman Grapes

Cost: $11,000 (a bunch of 24) (¥1,200,897)

I absolutely love grapes, especially red grapes but not quite enough to drop $11,000 dollars on a bunch of 24.

In England, the average amount for a punnet of grapes is at most £2 ($2.82) and I’d happily wager it was a similar price in the United States too.

And in Japan?

According to Rakuten, a Japanese marketplace, the cheapest price of grapes is ¥600 ($5.49) and even then they’re frozen. If you’re looking for the cheapest unfrozen grapes on Rakuten it’ll set you back ¥1,800 ($16.47)

This price is bound to be reflected in convenience stores, too.

Although you might be panicking at the idea of spending that much on grapes, let me tell you now that Japan does not have normal grapes.

Think of these like a dessert or a meal to be appreciated separately, not just a snack.

Take a look at the picture above and you’ll see what looks like purple tomatoes or plums.

Yeah, that’s the grape.

These ping-pong-sized balls of glory are the Ruby Roman variety. That means you can expect to pay around $15 for 5 of them.

So when you realize they’re actually $3 each and take more than one bite to finish, is it really that expensive?

I mean sure it’s not cheap but no one is taking my grapes from me!!

1. Yubari King Melon – The most expensive fruit ever sold.

Cost: $22,500 (¥2,456,381)

Let me introduce you to the most expensive fruit in Japan, the Yūbari King Melon.

Originating from Yūbari in Hokkaido, these melons set the record for the most expensive fruit ever sold.

In 2019, 2 of these cantaloupe Kings were sold at auction for a staggering $45,000 by Tokyo-based Pokko Sapporo Food & Beverage Limited.

What makes the Yubari King Melon so expensive?

Yubari King Melons must be perfectly round, have no scars, and be cut from the first harvest.

These melons are also a hybrid of two other cantaloupes; Earl’s Favorite and Burpee’s Spicy.

Another factor that gives this fruit such a high price is its location of production. Similar to Kobe Beef and the White Jewel strawberry, the Yubari King melon is only produced in Hokkaido

Once again like many of the other fruits on this list, the Yubari is normally purchased as a gift rather than for daily eating.

Picture this: You’re sitting in your living room, scrolling through photos of Japan, dreaming of the day when you can finally experience the culture, the sights, and most importantly, the food. As your stomach growls, you remember reading about Japan’s famously expensive fruits, like the $22,500 melon.

While you might not be willing to spend your entire savings on one piece of fruit, I have good news for you. There’s a way to enjoy the flavors of Japan without breaking the bank or leaving your home. Have you heard of Tokyo Treat? It’s a monthly subscription box filled with all sorts of Japanese snacks and goodies, delivered straight to your door. It’s like a little taste of Japan that you can experience from the comfort of your own home, and I flipping love it!

Entertainment/Video Games

12 Video Games Set In Japan That Will Make You Want To Visit.

As an Amazon Associate, I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post. At no extra cost to you! ^_^

Japan has undoubtedly contributed extensively to the video game industry, but are there any games set in Japan?

There certainly is!

Video games don’t only pay incredible attention to detail, but also allow the person to immerse themselves in a situation or culture that they otherwise couldn’t.

So if you’re looking to live a day in the life of a feudal samurai or be part of a group of friends fighting the supernatural, I’ve got you covered!

Here are 10 of the best video games set in Japan.

1. Katamari Damacy REROLL

Genre: Action, Puzzle, Casual, Absolutely bonkers (might have made that last one up…

Platforms: Xbox One, PS4, Nintendo Switch

Best for: People who love Japan’s crazy side

If there was any game to show the utter lunacy of Japan, it would be Katamari Damacy REROLL.

One of the strangest games made in Japan on this list, Katamari Damacy REROLL is the HD remaster of the original ‘Katamari Damacy’.

Oops!

The king of the Cosmos has accidentally destroyed all the stars in the sky and he’s ordering you, his son, to get them back!

So, obviously, the best way to do this is to roll up katamaris (clumps/balls) big enough to become a star. Of course!

Sound confusing?

Take a look at this PS4 launch trailer to understand what I mean:

Japan has some absolutely crazy things going on, from robot restaurants and cat cafés to Capsule hotels and High-Tech toilets. So it seems fitting then that there would be at least one game to embody that side of Japan, and boy does it not hold back.

Think about what the weirdest thing you’ve ever controlled with your joystick is. I bet it’s not as strange as a prince from the cosmos controlling a giant katamari! haha!

Looking for a game set in Japan that’s damn right ridiculous?

Katamari Damacy is it!

Check it out

2. ōkami

Genre: Adventure (though includes elements from many others)

Platforms: Xbox One, PS4, Nintendo Switch

Best for: Those who want to learn about Japanese mythology

best games set in Japan — The distinct art style in Okami

ōkami translation: 大神 “great god” or “great spirit”

In what might be the most highly praised switch games set in Japan on our list, ōkami sees the player control Amaterasu (The goddess of the sun) in the form of a white wolf.

Set in classical Japan, ōkami takes references from Japanese mythology and folklore to spin a compelling and engaging story for its players.

According to GameXplain, you should allow yourself at least 60 hours on your first play-through and even longer if you’re hoping to achieve 100%.

Because of such time devotion, I would advise playing it on the Nintendo Switch if you’re able to. This not only allows you to play it out and about but also gives you access to a port that might be better suited than the original PS2 release.

Players can use learned fighting techniques, found weapons, or even a celestial brush to destroy enemies making combat a particularly varied aspect of the game.

Take a look at this run-down of the game if you’re interested in playing it. He gives a much better explanation of the game than I ever could!

As far as I’m concerned it’s one of the most beautiful depictions of ancient Japan in general, and only increased with its addition of mythology and unique watercolor-based art style.

If you’re looking to give some time and devotion to an extremely well-put-together game, Okami is absolutely for you.

Check it out

3. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

Genre: Action RPG (one of the most brutal offerings FromSoftware have given us so far!)

Platforms: PC, MAC, Xbox

Best for: People who have a death wish and love to be challenged

Ever played dark souls?

Or do you just enjoy the pain and suffering that comes with an almost impossibly hard learning curve?

Well let me introduce you to one of those games set in the heart of Feudal Japan, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice.

From the creators of the Bloodborne and Dark Souls series, Sekiro is enough to challenge even the hardiest of gamers.

The story is based on you, a Shinobi, bound to protect a young lord. This of course means you inherit many of his enemies and a lot of the struggle that comes with it.

Soon your lord is captured and you must do everything you can to regain your honor.

Sekiro is set in 1500s Sengoku period Japan and will see you explore all corners of the country. Your quest will also see you face perilous enemies and overwhelming circumstances for both your character and you.

Even though throughout your journey you will upgrade your character’s abilities, you won’t upgrade any stats until defeating specific bosses. This takes the ‘Get Good’ ideology from Dark Souls to a whole new level and seriously tests your stamina and resilience.

How hard is Sekiro?

Well, according to one reviewer, it took them 2 years and 300 hours to beat sekiro. That’s not exactly unique when you’re talking about a FromSoftware game, but the focus of the game makes it even more daunting than dark souls, in parts.

There is simply just one way to beat bosses and new enemies on Sekiro, and that is to ‘get good’. You won’t be able to trick or craftly work your way around a boss, you’ll have to plow right on through it. And maybe, just maybe, after you 299th try, you’ll beat it.

This game is absolutely not for the faint-hearted, but if you are willing to undertake such a cruel learning curve, it absolutely will not disappoint.

Check it out

4. Ghost of Tsushima

Genre: Action-adventure

Platforms: PS4

Best for: Those who like feudal Japan

Sometimes you just want a chilled-out gaming experience.

Whilst I wouldn’t necessarily call Ghost of Tsushima ‘Chilled out’ It’s certainly a more casual game than Sekiro and for that reason, I think it will appeal to a wider audience.

Ghost of Tsushima is to me, one of the most beautiful open-world games set in Japan.

Players will have the chance to roam around feudal Japan and explore its vast countryside and numerous landmarks as well as participate in one-on-one combat or expansive ancient battles.

Jin, the protagonist is on a mission to protect what’s left of his village by any means necessary. This means breaking away from long-standing traditions and making friends with unlikely allies.

The gameplay is packed with rich character development and numerous ways to upgrade your character.

Let’s be honest, who doesn’t like looking cooler than the enemies you slaughter!?

This is one of those games that will truly make you feel like you’re in Japan. So if you’re into roleplaying games this should be a strong contender.

Check it out

5. Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Genre: life/social simulation

Platforms: Nintendo Switch

Best for: The creative souls among you

Ahh, now this is what I would call a chilled-out gaming experience.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a Japanese-made game that allows you to build your very own island and curate the inside of your house too.

There are some absolutely stunning island designs for pretty much any topic you could think of, but most importantly you can design it based on Japan.

I recently wrote an article about the very best Japanese islands in the community, so make sure to check it out when you have a spare moment.

Fancy building your own onsen garden? You can!

Want to create an entire town filled with Japanese vending machines? You can do that too!

With custom designs and massive amounts of space, the only limit is your imagination.

Check it out

6. Persona 5

Genre: JRPG

Platforms: PS3, PS4

Best for: Those who want to explore supernatural Japan

Persona 5 is a Japanese role-playing video game set in Tokyo.

The game incorporates dungeon crawling, social situations, and turn-based combat where school kids battle demons using their own psyche.

I’ve never played this game before, but I’ve heard many times it’s a game you shouldn’t rush.

But also don’t take too long…

Each dungeon you attempt to clear will give you a countdown clock until something bad happens. In this case, it’s game over for you!

So take your time; enjoy the Japanese supernatural in all its glory, but don’t forget there are some hard deadlines, too.

Check it out

7. Yakuza 0

Genre: Action adventure/beat ’em up

Platforms: PS3, PS4, PC, Xbox One

Best for: Those who want to see Tokyo’s underworld

Yakuza 0 is an action-packed open-world game set in Japan that sees you playing as Kazuma Kiryu and Goro Majima, switching at specific times during the story.

The games take place in the late ’80s and will have you wandering around Kamurocho (a take on Kabuchiko, Shinjuku) and Sōntenbori (Based on Dōntonbori, the entertainment district of Osaka).

Players can walk freely through these rickety populated locations and will often find themselves in the middle of gang warfare on most corners, so keep your wits about you!

Yakuza 0 also has a number of extremely interesting side quests for when you’re looking to take time away from the main story.

These side quests include:

Eating every dish at a restaurant
Out Run- Sega game (Fully playable)
Super Hang-On- Sega game (Fully playable)
Space Harrier- Sega game (Fully playable)
Fantasy Zone- Sega game (Fully playable)

You can even play Taiko no Tatsujin within the game, so if gang fights aren’t your thing there’s always that! HA!

Top tip: If you find ‘Mr Shakedown’ just run! He’s far stronger than you and will likely steal all your money.

Check it out

8. Tokyo Mirage Sessions ♯FE Encore

Genre: JRPG

Platforms: Wii U, Nintendo Switch

Best for: Those who want to see real-life Tokyo

Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE is one of only a handful of games that take place in Japan’s capital, Tokyo. It’s a role-playing game quite similar to Persona 5 in that it tackles the supernatural, though there are a few fundamental differences.

In the game, you’ll be playing as Itsuki to defend the world from evil mirages who seek to completely rid the world of creative energy.

You’ll also get the opportunity to play in real-life locations such as Harajuku and Shibuya and as you can see from the photo above, it’s quite life-like!

The Japanese game is playable on the WII and Nintendo Switch but I would advise playing it on the Switch for an improved gaming experience. If that’s something you’re interested in you should look for the game title with ‘Encore‘ at the end. This means it’s playable on the switch.

Check it out

9. Trek to Yomi

Genre: Action-adventure (Cinematic?)

Platforms: PS4, PS5, Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch

Best for: Those who want to experience classic Japanese cinema

Trek to Yomi is a black-and-white, side-scrolling, sword-fighting masterpiece and it might just be the most beautiful game set in Japan on this list. While the description might have you thinking it’s one of these PS2 games set in Japan, the actual experience is incredibly refined. Some have referred to it as the new Ominusha game, but it really deserves to be free of any preceding games’ shadow.

Players take control of Hiroki on a quest for vengeance after his home village was burned to the ground. This leads him to the Japanese underworld where he must confront a whole host of evils from a past life.

Throughout this game set in Edo Japan you can expect to unlock new weapons, encounter mythological creatures from Japanese folklore, and experience gameplay like it was a classic Japanese movie. I imagine this is what 7 Samurai would have looked like if it were ever made into a game (and not Seven Samurai 20XX, we forget that game ever existed!).

Check it out

10. Tokyo Jungle

Genre: Action/animal beat ’em up? I literally have no idea with this one…

Platforms: PS3

Best for: People who want to live in an animal version of Battle Royale

It’s not going to win any Japanese video game design awards, but Tokyo Jungle has to be one of the most interesting, or perhaps ridiculous games based in Japan that have ever been made. You’ll play as a selection of animals from a pomeranian to a dinosaur, and everything in-between. It’s survival of the fittest in this post-apocalyptic game where animals have taken over and humans have disappeared!

It’s certainly a unique way to explore Shibuya, but you are moving back and forth along the somewhat 2.5D background pretty frequently. Plus, it’s a Japanese-exclusive game which means you’ll either have to import it from Japan or download it from PlayStation Plus if it ever comes back on there. Sometimes there’ll be a few copies on Amazon (through the red button below) but they’ll often be sold out. If that’s the case, I’d recommend checking eBay or having a look at somewhere like ZenPlus.

Check it out

11. Ghostwire: Tokyo

Genre: Supernatural action-adventure

Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC

Best for: In-depth explorations of Japan’s folklore & tradition. And an incredibly detailed look around Tokyo

We’ve already talked about Ghostwire: Tokyo in the best Japanese ps5 games article, and it deserves to be on this list as well.

As I explained in that article, I’d never heard of this game until I saw it in one of Japan’s huge electronics shops. After seeing just a couple of screenshots, and rampantly researching it when I got back from Tokyo, I knew it was something special.

‘Ghostwire: Tokyo’ sees you playing as Akito Izuki merged with his sometimes unwilling counterpart ‘KK’, a spirit who used to be a detective. Together, the pair of you strive to defeat Hannya, the antagonist who’s turned Tokyo into an apocalyptic nightmare, and rescue your sister.

In my opinion, this is possibly the best recreation of Japan’s capital city from any of the open world games set in Japan. Tokyo Mirage Sessions ♯FE used to be my top pick for games set in Tokyo, but Ghostwire: Tokyo has rightly become the one to beat

Its streets are densely packed, the atmosphere is astounding, and the dance between tradition and modernity is one that’s been done exceedingly well.

The quality of graphics in this Japan open world game is expected to be high, but one look at Ghostwire: Tokyo will reinforce the fact that we’ve definitely moved up a generation in consoles. Japanese PC gaming addicts will probably see the most exceptional graphics if your rig can take it!

Combat and character progression weren’t been given the best of reviews, with people claiming it’s a little one-dimensional. So while it is, in my opinion, one of the best video games set in Tokyo, you may not be as happy if you like an in-depth character control of everything.

However, if games about Japan that delve into the country’s relationship with ghosts and traditions are something you’re interested in, this is the one for you!

The Verge puts it best: ‘Ghostwire: Tokyo is a paranormal love letter to the city’. So if you’re looking to explore Japanese folklore, spirits, and the biggest city in the world, this is the game for you.

Check it out

12. Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun

Genre: RTS Edo period stealth

Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC, Mac

Best for: Destroying your enemies from the shadows

Whether a game is set in Japan or set on Mars, I’m not a fan of stealth games. Assassins Creed, the earlier ones at least, were full of stealth missions and I really felt like it ruined the games. Nowadays they seem to add those kinds of missions in because they can’t think of anything else, either way, I don’t like them.

So why is a stealth game on a list of the best Japanese open-world games? Because my word, have you seen that art style?!

Octopath Traveller is the only other game that gives me these warm and cozy vibes, though I’m starting to suspect that practically all 2.5D games are damn beautiful…

The premise of the game is that a Shogun takes control of Japan, and enforces a nationwide peace. To help his campaign, he recruits five assassins, each with a specialist set of skills.

As the game progresses, you’ll gradually be introduced to these people and understand their strengths and weaknesses, and how to use them to your advantage.

If you’re looking for an absolutely brutal, fairly unforgiving, and incredibly well-designed RTS game set in Japan (Edo period), then Sadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun is one of the best Japanese open world games worth picking up.

Culture/Food & Drink

Everything you want to know about Japanese coffee and where to find it.

I was sitting in my garden the other day drinking some perfectly brewed green tea when I thought “Does Japan have good coffee too?”

It turns out Japanese coffee isn’t just good quality, it also has an extensive and modern subculture surrounding the humble bean. Most large towns will have a couple of independent cafés, and definitely a vending machine if you’re in a rush. The country is also home to one of the rarest coffees in the world. Let’s find out exactly why Japanese coffee is good, and where you can find it.

How was coffee introduced to Japan?

Coffee made its way to Japan in the 1700’s through dutch traders.

It wasn’t until much later in 1888 that Japans first coffee shop opened called Kahiichakan.

After returning from France, Nishimura Tsurukichi established a coffee house with the intention of building a space and community where creatives could socialise and discuss ideas over a cup of coffee.

Sadly the coffee house only lasted a few years before going out of business, but the relationship between coffee and the Japanese people had only just begun.

Fast forward to 1969 and the first commoditised version of Japanese coffee had been made.

Tadao Ueshima had re-designed and invented the idea of coffee in Japan and had it mass produced. He had created a product that could be widely distributed throughout Japanese society and enjoyed anywhere and anytime someone wanted it.

So even though coffee wasn’t best received during the Meiji period in Japan, it planted a seed that would later grow to a defining part of a Japanese subculture.

Is coffee important in Japanese society?

Think about why you personally drink coffee.

For some of you it may feel like a necessity to grab a cuppa before you continue your day.

For others it may be a way to destress and reflect, a lot like tea.

For a large population in Japan, work can be a stressful and often pressured place to be. And what better way to alleviate some of that stress by grabbing a coffee.

Not only can work in Japan be full on stressful, it’s also likely you’ll be expected to go above and beyond on a regular basis. For English teachers at Japanese primary schools that means dedicating your weekends and evening hours to the students and local community.

So any spare time you do have (probably not much) needs to be made the most of. Grabbing a coffee with some friends for a catch up is a great way to take a breather from the intensity of work and it’s something many people decide to do.

Whether that’s a can of BOSS coffee from a vending machine or an artisan Japanese coffee from an independent cafe, you’ll definitely value your time off!

Can you get good coffee in Japan?

I would hazard a guess that you know Japan is famous for its incredible high quality tea, but don’t know about its coffee.

Am I right?

Well, it turns out that coffee in Japan is in a world of its own.

Not only can you get coffee on practically every street corner, but you’ll also find coffee artisans looking to push the boundaries of what’s possible with this caffeinated beverage.

Where to get coffee in Japan

Vending machines

According to vending market watch, there are approximately 5 million vending machines in Japan. With such a high figure, it’s pretty obvious that a lot of them are going to have coffee!

Inside most drink vending machines which you’re likely to find pretty much all over Japan (definitely train stations or shops), you can expect cold, hot, and canned coffee.

Every time I walk past one of these machines I feel the need to press the bright flashing button and grab something to drink. Hard to resist even after your third cup of coffee!

So yes, Japanese vending machines are perfect for a quick caffeine dose, but nothing to shout about in terms of quality.

Having said that, if you’re yet to try a can of BOSS Coffee then you absolutely need to. It’s a right of passage!

The best thing about coffee in vending machines is you’re never too far away from that next cup. Great news! ^_^

Chain cafés

An extremely popular place to get coffee if you’re visiting Japan is Starbucks Shibuya Tsutaya. In fact, it might even be the most popular Starbucks in the world. Or at leat, the most photographed because of it’s position!

Yep, that building on the right hand side (at least the bottom of it anyway) is the Tsutaya Starbucks that overlooks Shibuya crossing.

It’s a great place to watch the world go by and a pretty decent place to grab a cup of coffee too.

But if you’re coming all the way to Japan, you should probably check out some of Japans famous café chains too.

If you’re travelling around Japan and bump into any of these coffee shops (which you definitely will), you’ll know you’re in good hands!

Japanese café chains

Doutor Coffee Shop
Ueshima Coffee House
Moriva Coffee
Tully’s Coffee
Excelsior Caffe

Best Independent Japanese coffee shops

If i’m ever travelling around Japan (or any country for that matter) I make it my goal to find the best that country has to offer. And even though famous Japanese coffee chains will give you a decent cup, they aren’t the best of the best.

If you’re looking for something unique or a bit different, you’ll want to search for an independent coffee shop. These places take the humble coffee bean and turn it into something spectacular.

If you can plan these cafés into your trip, you’ll be treated to some of the best coffee you’ve tasted!

Best independent coffee shops in Tokyo:

Onibus Coffee

Onibus has two locations throughout Tokyo, but you’re most likely to visit the shop in Nakameguro due to it’s proximity to the center of the city.

The Roastery

With your americano or latte being served in a Champagne glass, this might just be one of the most luxury places to get coffee in Japan.

Koffee Mameya

20 varieties of beans in 60g bags that start at ¥ 1,200. Spoilt for choice!

CBD Coffee

CBD Coffee in the heart of Tokyo. A great option if you’re after something a little bit different!

Allpress Espresso Tokyo Roastery & Café

The original hipster coffee haven in Tokyo. Located inside a renovated warehouse, Allpress Espresso Tokyo Roastery and café is a down to earth coffee shop that sells quality cups of coffee

The rarest coffee in Japan

Japan isn’t just home to some of the best coffee in the world, it’s also home to one of the rarest.

Japanese Sumiyaki Coffee

According to the Japanese coffee company, Japanese Sumiyaki Coffee has been somewhat oaf a hidden gem since 1933.

Simply put, Sumiyaki Coffee is charcoal roasted which gives it a distinct and unique flavour profile you’re unlikely to get anywhere else.

Just as matcha tea is an experience that all tea enthusiasts need to try, Japanese Sumiyaki coffee is something every coffee lover should have on their bucket list.

Im not a coffee expert, and so if you’re interested in finding out more or even fancy purchasing some of the rarest coffee in the world, head over to the Japanese Coffee Company where you’ll find all your Japanese coffee needs met!

Is coffee or tea more popular in Japan?

Although famed for its tea, Japan has one of the largest coffee markets in the world.

As of 2019 the country consumed around 7.5 million 60KG bags of coffee, up from just over 1 million back in 1990.

So it coffee or green tea more popular in Japan?

From the information I’ve researched it seems like coffee might take the win. Not something I thought would be the case!.

This chart from Euromonitor suggests both tea and coffee consumption in Japan is at a similar level in 2009.

However if we skip forward 11 years we can see from this survey conducted in 2020 that coffee comes out on top. The study aimed to uncover the most popular non-alcoholic in Japan and with a staggering 76 percent of people consuming coffee.

I think the reason for this goes back to what I was saying at the beginning of the article about social as well as work pressures.

But hey, maybe they just love coffee!

Is Japanese coffee expensive?

That all depends on what kind of coffee you want and where you get it from.

Just like with any country, the more specialised, unique, or luxury you go the more expensive it’s likely to be.

Average price of vending machine coffee: 90 – 130 Yen ($0.80-$1.30)

Average price of chain coffee: From 200 Yen ($1.80)

Average price of independent coffee: 400 – 600+ Yen ($3.68-$5.52

I’m pretty sure you can get much cheaper coffee than ¥90 and far more expensive coffee than ¥600 (Latte art, I’m looking at you!) but these are the prices you can expect during your trip.

Japanese Coffee: The verdict

Whether you only grab a vending machine coffee on your trip, or visit each and every one of independent coffee shops on the list, it’s clear that the coffee subculture runs deep into the heart of Japanese living.

Not planning a trip anytime soon?

Take a look at this article about Japanese snacks that shows you where to get coffee from Japan online as well as something to eat with it!

Made In Japan

Travel cameras – The best options for Japan.

As an Amazon Associate I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post. At no extra cost to you! ^_^

Have you ever thought ‘What camera should I bring to Japan?’. Having graduated with a degree in photography, and spent the last year with a camera strapped to my neck while walking around Japan, I know the importance of a good camera for a once-in-a-lifetime trip. Japan is beautiful, and you’ll definitely want to make sure you’re taking the best photos of your trip that you can!

If you’re looking for something to take snapshots and save memories at the most, your phone will probably be enough. If you want to print your photos out, create high-quality images, and edit them, you’ll need to look at a travel camera, ideally mirrorless to save weight while traveling in Japan.

I’ll be writing this article based on three assumptions:

You’ve booked your trip to Japan and want to know your best options for photography
You haven’t booked your trip to Japan yet, but love to research (Totally me)
You’re interested in the best travel cameras – Maybe you aren’t considering Japan as a holiday destination just yet, but have a look around the site and you’ll probably change your mind! 😉

Whichever of the three categories you fall into, this is the right place for you!

Frequently asked questions about travel cameras

Is it cheaper to buy a camera in Japan?

Honestly? Not really, unless you’re buying second hand. Whilst there will be a far greater choice in some of the camera shops in Tokyo, they don’t come with a lower price tag.

“But what about the 10% tax discount?” You absolutely can get that in most of the places, but they’ll normally mark up the price another 10% beforehand.

The only instance you may find cheaper cameras is in the second hand market. But once again that isn’t 100% guaranteed and is extremely dependent on the quality.

Moral of the story?

Buy a camera way before you go to Japan to make sure you don’t miss out on the best deals. Plus Sony won’t let you switch languages in-camera which means you’ll be stuck in Japanese!

Which is the better camera out of x and x?

If you’re anything like me, you’ll likely research what camera you should take to Japan.

As someone who has lost count of the cameras he’s bought, there won’t ever be a right answer.

You have to pick the camera that works for you in this very moment. Sure there will probably be a later and greater model coming out in a couple of months, but if you need one now then it has no relevance to you.

The number one factor to consider when buying a travel camera is likely to be price, followed closely by size, and image quality.

It’s extremely important to realize no camera will be perfect for your needs, and unless you have money to burn you’ll likely have to compromise somewhere.

What are the best travel cameras to take to Japan?

If you’re new to the world of photography, it’s understandable if you feel overwhelmed. There is a plethora of camera models, types, brand names, lenses, accessories, etc. For the time being, we’ll stick to the basics and talk about the main camera types

After we’ve done that, I’ll give you a few different series of cameras to look at, rather than specific cameras that may or may not be around when you come to read the article. That way, it’ll stay as relevant as possible for as many people as possible!

DSLR Cameras

Loved by professional photographers and amateurs alike, DSLRs are the powerhouse of the photography world. All DSLRs feature interchangeable lenses which makes them adaptable to pretty much any situation.

Taking pictures of faraway animals? Zoom lens

Taking landscape photography? Wide-angle lens

With hundreds of lenses available, there’s no situation you can’t be prepared for.

If you’re considering a DSLR, you should expect high-megapixel photos (more detailed photo quality), great ergonomics, adaptability, and a robust build.

Some of the higher-end models feature advanced weather sealing which IMHO is one of their best features. For example, the camera I used to own, the 5DMKiV, has a metal alloy frame as well as weather sealing all throughout the body. This is a feature you can expect the high-end lenses to have as well.

I don’t feel like I need to tell you why weather sealing is a fantastic feature in travel cameras but I suppose I can for those newer to photography.

Imagine your whistle-stop tour of Japan starts on the sandy beaches of Okinawa, then the tightly packed streets of Tokyo, followed by the snowy landscape of Sapporo.

There are a lot of elements fighting against your camera on a day-to-day basis and that’s especially true for travel photography.

Top tip: Don’t change your lenses on the beach, you’ll be finding sand in your camera and lens for months to come!

Anyway, would I recommend this as the best camera for Japan? Absolutely not.

We’re in a time now where much smaller cameras can do exactly the same thing while weighing a hell of a lot less. That was the reason I sold my 5DIV in favor of a Sony A7IV – the weight and size.

If you can only get your hands on a DSLR, or you already own one then that’s totally fine, your photos won’t be any worse than those who own a mirrorless camera. Plus if it weighs anything like my old camera did, you’ll come back from your trip far fitter than you were if you’re lugging one of those around!

Mirrorless Cameras

A mirrorless camera might just be the best camera to take to Japan. It has all the same technological specs as DSLRs and then some.

In fact, over the last couple of years, mirrorless cameras have become technologically superior to their DSLR cousins in practically every way.

Thousands of focus points, AI technology, WYSIWYG viewfinder, lightning-fast autofocus, etc. These are just a few of the incredible feats these cameras can do.

You can be absolutely certain that a good mirrorless camera will perform in any travel situation you get yourself into.

The problem?

Well, mirrorless cameras tend to be a little more delicate than DSLRs, especially the earlier ones. Admittedly they’re much better now, but you’ll still run the risk of getting dust into the sensor if you’re not careful when changing lenses.

Because they have no mirror, it means the sensor of the camera is more easily exposed to the outside world. So that tip I just gave you about not changing lenses on the beach is even more important with mirrorless.

So yes, they are more delicate but their weight, size, and technology by far outweigh the cons making them a fantastic travel camera for Japan and more than worth a look into.

Bridge Cameras

Bridge cameras ‘bridge’ the gap between digital cameras and DSLRs. As far as I’m concerned they just aren’t the best choice for travel photography.

Maybe they were once upon a time, but technology has improved significantly since then and has almost made them redundant.

In fact, I’m so confident there are better choices out there that I’m not recommending any specific cameras below. Sorry!

Point and shoot Digital Cameras

Honestly not a bad shout to buy one of these cameras if you aren’t willing to spend a lot. In fact, scrap that, there’s been such a big resurgence for these things that I’m struggling to find a simple point-and-shoot for an acceptable amount of money.

They don’t come with all the bells and whistles of mirrorless or DSLRs but they work perfectly well and more importantly, you can slip them in your pocket or bag and forget they’re there. They offer a significant step up from a phone camera (depending on your phone and the point-and-shoot camera you’re looking at), come with a cheap (sometimes…) price tag, and can fit in your pocket.

Point-and-shoot cameras often come with a built-in zoom lens allowing you to take a variety of subjects quickly and easily.

And even more important, without a detachable lens your camera will be slightly less susceptible to loose debris such as sand and dirt. All these features combined mean you won’t have to worry too much about chucking in your bag or even dropping it. If you’ve managed to get one cheaply, that is!

Film Cameras

My favorite way to photograph Japan, but it’s also the most expensive and least reliable.

If you’ve never shot with film before, don’t let that put you off. Not only is it a great way to digitally detox, but it’s also a great way to stay present with your surroundings.

In fact, these might be the only cameras I would advise you to buy whilst you’re in Japan. Sankyo Camera in Ginza is my favorite place to find them!

Later on in the article, I’ll show you my best recommendations for a beginner film camera for travel.

Action Cameras

Always nice to have an action camera on any trip, and Japan is no different! We used a gopro on our recent trip from Sapporo to Niseko and up onto the slopes. It was epic and I’m so glad we had this little thing!

Using an action camera for travel photography will drastically open up shooting possibilities and allow you to capture moments that no other camera will. Whether you’re skiing down the slopes of Mount Yōtei or swimming in the Pacific Ocean, an action camera will be your best friend and won’t be too heavy to carry around.

The best travel cameras for Japan

While I don’t recommend buying a DSLR specifically for Japan, if you do other kinds of photography as well as travel, then it might make sense. Here is a list of of a few DSLR cameras I’d recommend, though it might help to do your own research to see which cameras have succeeded these ones in the future. Honestly, it wouldn’t surprise me if some of these were the last of their kind, giving way to the mirrorless cameras instead.

DSLR

DSLR – Budget option

Nikon D3500

Key features:

24 Megapixels
5fps continuous shooting speed
1080p video
1,550 shots per battery (leading for it’s price)

If you want to learn everything about photography, getting a DSLR like the Nikon D3500 is a great choice.

The camera has a full auto mode which is great for when you’re just starting out as well as manual mode which will help you get the exact photo you want.

At a little under $600 it’s an absolute steal for it’s capabilities.

I remember buying the Canon 1000D for a similar price when it came out and it couldn’t even shoot video!

DSLR – Mid-Range option

Canon EOS 90D

Key features:

10fps continuous shooting
4k video
32.5 Megapixels

A great step up from the D3500 if you’re looking to splurge a bit more money.

With 10fps you can be sure you won’t miss any wildlife shots during your trip.

And with 4K video and 32.5MP, everything you shoot will be in extremely high quality.

DSLR – High-end option

Canon EOS 5DMKIV

Key Features:

Full-frame sensor (More detailed shots)
30.4 Megapixels
61-point AF system (Quick focusing)

Yes, it is bigger and heavier than others you might use as a travel camera, but it’s an absolute powerhouse and I loved it so much that it’s going on the list. If you can get past the weight, its performance will astound you. It’s built with complete weather sealing for all those beaches and mountains you’ll be traveling to and has been tried and tested by professionals across the world for years.

If you do other work as well as travel photography, this could be perfect!

Mirrorless – Budget option

Canon EOS M50

Key features:

4k Video
390g (Thats light!!)
24.1 Megapixels

This might be the best camera for bloggers and travel photographers on a small budget.

With 24 Megapixels and 4K video, you probably won’t ever feel like you need more detailed photos.

The camera also features a flip-out LCD for selfies or blogging as well as built-in flash for those low light situations

Mirrorless – Mid-Range option

Sony A7II

Key features:

Full frame sensor
24.3 Megapixels
1080P footage
5-axis image stabilization

This little camera will always have a place in my heart as it was the first full-frame camera I ever bought.

I’ve taken it around the world and back again a number of times and it’s always done me well.

And if you’ve never experienced in-body image stabilisation then you’re in for a treat! It means you can use old-fashioned lenses with much slower shutter speeds.

If that’s something you’re interested in of course! You might be wondering why someone would use a manual old-fashioned camera lens on a digital camera (especially for travel photography). My reasons for doing so in Japan and China a number of times have been as a way to disconnect from media.

It may seem like a small change but it keeps you present when you’re traveling which is always a good thing if you’ve only got a few days in your destination.

I chose the A7II for the mid-range mirrorless travel camera, but if your budget can stretch then I’d advise checking out the A7IV which is what I own now (Better in every way, but also more of a pro camera)

Mirrorless – High-End option

Canon EOS R5

Price: $4900 with lens

Key features:

45 Megapixels
20 Frames per second (Great for shooting fast-moving subjects like wildlife)
8k video
Full frame sensor
8-stop image stabilizer
5940 autofocus positions

Completely over the top, but definitely one of the best cameras for travel photography. …That’s if money is no object.

Point and shoot – Budget option

Fujifilm XP140

Key features:

Waterproof to 25m
Shockproof from 1.8m
Freeze-proof to -10c
16Megapixels
4k (Though only at 15fps, not making for the smoothest footage)

It’s cheap, it’s got a decent zoom lens, and it’s basically destruction-proof.

What’s not to like?!

Point and shoot – Mid-Range option

Olympus Tough TG-6

Key features:

20fps
340 shots per battery
4k at 30 fps

Similar specs to the budget option, but much better for fast-moving subjects with 20fps. If you’re into adventure sports then this could be worth investing in.

Point and shoot – High-End option

Sony Cyber-shot RX100 VI

Key features:

20.1 Megapixels
24-200mm lens (extremely adaptable)
Tilting LCD (Great for those hard-to-shoot places)
24 Frames per second shooting speed
4k Video
Electronic Viewfinder

It’s extremely expensive for a point-and-shoot camera, but it comes packed full of more features than any travel photographer could ever want.

Update: There’s now an RX100VIII which is still a great camera for travel photography. It’s small, shoots outstanding photos, and is easily recommendable for shooting in Japan.

Film – Budget option

Fujifilm QuickSnap Waterproof

Key features:

Waterproof
Cheap
Easy to use

27 photos, shoot it literally anywhere, and you don’t have to worry about any settings.

Oh and it’s only $11 on Amazon!

How is this not the best travel camera for Japan?!

Film – High-end option

Price: Around $100 with lens

Create timeless photos

This canon AE-1 program is all you need to get started in the world of film photography. In fact, you can get started with a lot less, but I’m happy to personally recommend this one because I’ve taken so many photos with it. They can be picked up for as little as $100 and the optics of the 50mm are perfectly adequate for travel photos.

So grab a pack of Fuji 35mm film, and go and shoot Japan in all its glory!

Action Camera – The only one you’ll need.

GoPro Hero 9 Black

5K Video
20 Megapixel photos
HyperSmooth 3.0
8x Slo-Mo

Having an action camera will change your travel photography. That is especially true with GoPro’s new HyperSmooth 3.0 technology.

If you thought the camera you have now can stabilize with its in-body image stabilization, just wait until you see theirs!

Update: There’s now a hero 12 which has better features, but this is still a great action camera to have for a smaller pricetag.

It’s bloody madness!!

So what travel camera should I buy for Japan?

At the end of the day, only you know what the best camera to take to Japan will be. Any one of the cameras I’ve mentioned in this article is bound to take better photos than your camera phone, but at the same time, a camera phone might be all you need.

If you’ve got no idea what to buy but just want to get some better photos, or if you know you don’t want to learn the ins and outs of photography, buy a point-and-shoot.

If you’re shooting in extreme environments like mountains or anything with sand, nothing will beat a high-end mirrorless with weather-sealing (including lens) for robustness.

Or if you’re looking for a camera that can go anywhere and you love video more than still photography, go for a GoPro.

If you want to keep things simple, take a look at some of the fixed-lens cameras like the Ricoh GR, Fuji X100 series, and Leica Q series. Those are all hugely popular cameras with their own cult following, and for good reason as well.

I bought a Fuji X100T and shot with it in Japan on my first trip, it was awesome! Shooting with a somewhat simpler camera is a great way to photograph Japan and if I’m being honest, this is definitely my preferred way. 95% of the photos on this website were taken with the A7IV and a 35mm lens, it’s perfect for what I’m looking for.

Just remember, If you separate your mind and body from your phone you’re likely to live in the moment more frequently. For that reason alone it’s worth investing in a travel camera for Japan.

Explore/Destinations/Tokyo/Visit

5 relaxing spots in Tokyo

Tokyo got the best of you? In need of somewhere to relax in the big city? I’ve done the research to bring you the 5 best places to chill out or relax in Tokyo. Whether you’re a solo traveler or with a family, I’ll find somewhere for you!

How to have a relaxing holiday in Japan

Other than surviving your flight to Japan, there are a couple of things you can to do make your holiday as calm as possible, at least once or twice during your time over here. Visiting quiet places in Tokyo absolutely has to be to be on that list!

Going on holiday in any country can be overwhelming, and Japan is certainly no different.

Here are a couple of suggestions to help you stay chilled out during your trip:

Go for things that don’t require a lot of planning – All of the options on the list below are spots or places you could travel to at a moment’s notice. The trouble with places further away is that they’ll require more planning and more moving parts. The more moving parts something has, the more things can go wrong. That’s why I love traveling in Japan without a plan!
Keep it simple – Focus on one activity at a time, and don’t spend your entire stay planning your next day. Live in the moment and enjoy all that Japan has to offer. Sure, transport isn’t everyone’s favorite thing, but it sure as hell beats anything England has to offer!
Plan ahead – Yep, I know the last two points have told you not to do this. Instead of planning ahead when you’re in Japan, create a bucket list to make sure you haven’t missed anything you want to do. Then it’s just a case of fitting it into your schedule, and you won’t regret missing anything because you will have cherry-picked the best of the best!

Looking for relaxing Japanese parks in America? Click here to read that article!

Don’t believe everything you read

I’ve seen quite a few blog posts referencing ‘Relaxing’ things to do or quiet places in Tokyo, and let me tell you, don’t trust anywhere that says the Robot restaurant is chilled out!!

Not only has that place shut down, but it’s also as in your face and as loud as it gets. Hence my reason for building an article that actually points people in the right direction for relaxing spots in Tokyo.

At the end of the day, you want to find places to relax in Tokyo that will make you contemplate the question ‘Should I move to Japan?‘. Finding places to chill in Tokyo isn’t hard when you know where to look, and I want those places to give you as much headspace from the hustle and bustle of the city as possible!

1. Oedo Onsen Monogatari

Location: Koto City, Tokyo

Nearest station: Telecom Center Station

Price: Varies (See below)

Important Update: Unfortunately, Oedo Onsen Monogatari, one of the city’s most beloved hot spring theme parks, has permanently closed its doors as of September 5, 2021.

The park was a popular destination for locals and visitors alike, offering a chance to immerse oneself in traditional Japanese onsen culture, indulge in delicious food, and try out various activities such as foot baths and games. While it’s disappointing that Oedo Onsen Monogatari is no longer available, there are still plenty of other relaxing places to explore in Tokyo, just take a look at the rest of this list!

Foot onsen tokyo — © Oedo-Onsen Monogatari

It can sometimes be a little tricky to find a family-friendly onsen in Japan.

Most of them are separated into male and female which makes it tough to have a memorable experience with your family unless you’re willing to fork out for a private onsen, and they can get pricey.

I want to introduce you to Oedo Onsen Monogatari, one of the oldest onsen theme parks in Japan.

Now normally when you talk about theme parks your first thought isn’t ‘Relaxing’ but in the busiest city in the world, it might just be the perfect family day trip.

Attractions at the Oedo onsen theme park

The Oedo Onsen Monogatari features an astonishing amount of attractions that should keep your entire family occupied during your day trip. And because it’s a theme park based around onsen, it’s still one of the most relaxing things to do in Tokyo.

The footbath onsen

Something you may not have seen before in Tokyo. A fully functioning onsen that you can walk through whilst your feet get the A* treatment! Think of it like a really shallow lazy river you can amble through at your own pace whilst taking in the beautiful views and living in the present moment. Take a look at the video below from their YouTube channel, it’s honestly pretty cool!

The Tokyo onsen theme park also features a plethora of unique onsens you’re unlikely to have experienced before:

Hyakunin-buro (Silky bath)
Lukewarm bath (Female only)
Lying bath (Pretty much a bed onsen)
Open air Edo Garden
Open air bath (female only)
Tub bath (Female only)
Footbath garden

If you cant find a way to relax in one of these baths, then I don’t know how you will!

Other attractions include:

Massage
Skin-scrubbing
Fish therapy
Bedrock bath
Edo period Fair (Stalls and atmosphere from the Edo Period)
Izakaya and Restaurants

For up-to-date information about the Onsens and unique experiences offered by Oedo Onsen Monogatari, click here.

Oedo onsen cost

Oedo Onsen Admission	Weekdays	Saturday & Sunday	Special Days
Adults (over 12 years old) Day Rate (until 18:00)	¥2,768 (with tax)	¥2,988 (with tax)	¥3,098 (with tax)
Adults (over 12 years old) Night Rate (after 18:00)	¥2,218 (with tax)	¥2,438 (with tax)	¥2,548 (with tax)
Children (4-6 years old)	¥1,078 (with tax)	¥1,078 (with tax)	¥1,078 (with tax)
After 2:00AM (additional fee)	¥2,200 (with tax)	¥2,200 (with tax)	¥2,200 (with tax)

How to get to Oedo onsen Monogatari

The Oedo Onsen theme park is easily accessible from Tokyo by either train or the free-of-charge shuttle bus.

Free-of-charge shuttle buses are available from Tokyo Teleport, Asakusa, Shinjuku, Shinagawa, Tokyo, Kinshi-Cho, etc.

A full list of departure points for both train and shuttle bus can be found on the company website here.

2. Ueno Park

Location: Ueno, Tokyo

Nearest station: Ueno Station

Price: Free

Situated in central Tokyo, Ueno Park is a huge public park that’s a great place to relax for free.

Enjoy the Cherry Blossom

If you’re lucky enough to be visiting Japan during cherry blossom season, Ueno Park is a perfect place to relax under the sakura trees. That said, at the height of the 2023 cherry blossom season in Tokyo I got rained on A LOT, so it’s always best to check the weather before doing something outside!

If you’ve read anything about the cherry blossom season before, you’ll know it can be an extremely busy time of year.

Home to a little over 1000 cherry blossom trees, Ueno Park is one of the quietest places in Tokyo to chill out and enjoy Hanami (or almost any other season) away from the crowds.

Tip: Don’t just picnic under the cherry blossoms in the midday sun. The most popular time to enjoy Hanami is actually at night. You can usually expect to see people using electrical cookers, lighting lanterns, and generally chilling out after a hard day’s work.

Relax in the Shinobazu Pond

Bored of walking?

Maybe it’s time to go to the Shinobazu boat dock and rent out a pedalo for the day.

One thing I love about this activity is you really get to separate yourself from the busy metropolis that you’re in. When you left Ueno station and walked into the park, you crossed the threshold both physically and mentally.

In the city, your mind was bombarded with stimuli from all directions, each one competing for your attention more than the last. But when you stepped into the park, there was nothing. You were left to your own devices and given a moment to reflect on past, present, and future events.

Now you amplify those feelings by placing yourself in the middle of a calm and serene lake, and you might just have the best place to relax in Tokyo.

This is even more apparent during the summer months when the pond is covered by lotus leaves (See top photo) and is transformed into some sort of city oasis.

How to get to Ueno Park

It’s a short 5-minute walk from Ueno Station! How simple! ^_^

3. Todoroki Valley

Location: Setagaya, Tokyo

Nearest station: Todoroki Station (Tokyo)

Price: Free

If you’re looking for relaxing things to do in Tokyo, Todoroki Valley is the quiet place in Japan’s capital that you need to visit!

Todoroki Valley, get away from Tokyo… In Tokyo!

Unfortunately, I don’t have any other photos other than the one above, but it says all it needs to. A jungle-like canopy in the middle of Tokyo. So cool!

Located in the center of Setagaya, Todoroki Valley is the City oasis nobody knows about.

Getting to Todoroki Valley

Not much planning is needed for this one, so it’s a great last-minute choice if you don’t know where to go.

20 minutes on the Tokyu Oimachi Line from Shibuya and should only cost you about 200 yen.

When you get there

Once you arrive at the valley, there are quite a few walking trails to do if that’s something you’re interested in.

You can expect to see traditional bridges, ancient buildings, beautiful views, loads of bamboo, and to feel like you’re in the middle of the countryside whilst you’ll actually still be in Tokyo. Who wouldn’t want that?!

4. Mount Takao

Location: Hachiōji, Tokyo

Nearest station: Takaosanguchi station (Tokyo)

Price:
Monkey Park – ¥420
Keio Takaosan Onsen – ¥1000

Mount Takao - Trail 1 — Mount Takao – Trail 1

With more than 2.5 million annual visitors, Mount Takao. Despite the footfall, Mount Takao is a great spot if you want some peace and quiet or want to reconnect with nature. And if you get up early(ish) it’s easily doable in a day.

How do you get from Tokyo to Takao?

Looking to unwind and relax in Tokyo but don’t have the time for a weekend trip?

Once you’ve got yourself to Shinjuku Station, it’s an easy 40-50 minute train journey on the Keiō Line to Tako Station.

From there, it’s a quick 10-minute ride to Takaosanguchi station situated at the foot of Mount Takao.

So about an hour’s journey from Shinjuku should only cost you around $5.

Money well spent in my opinion!

How long does it take to climb Mount Takao?

Even if you aren’t a budding mountaineer in your spare time, climbing Mount Takao should be more than achievable for you. With an average hiking time of 90 minutes, even the least experienced of you should be able to make it up without much trouble.

Or if you’re having a lazy day (ahhh don’t beat yourself up, we all have them!) there is a cable car and chairlift that drop you off close to the observation deck at the summit.

5. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Location: Shinjuku, Tokyo

Nearest station: Shinjuku Station

Price: ¥500

Just a few minutes walk from Shinjuku Station, Shinjuku Gyoen is the perfect spot to relax whilst having your lunch in the big city and an equally good choice of something to do after landing in Tokyo. If you’re looking for relaxing places in Tokyo, you really can’t get any more central than this.

Its grounds are full of beautifully kept lawns, temples, and ponds. A must-see for anyone interested in Japanese gardening practices.

During Edo period, the Shōgun gave the land to Lord Naitō of Tsuruga who finished building a garden here in 1772.

It subsequently became a botanical garden and then an imperial garden in 1906. Then, after the air raids in 1945, the garden was time consumingly rebuilt to its former glory.

On May 21st, 1949, the garden was open to the public as a National park as it still is today.

As you can see, the plants and trees are meticulously pruned and make pretty much every corner of the park look like a painting.

If you’re looking for one of the most aesthetically pleasing gardens in Tokyo where you can see firsthand how much effort a dedication goes into these natural spaces, you need not look any further.

For me, it’s a park I can walk through and almost feel as though I’m stepping back in time. That’s a pretty nice feeling when you’re constantly surrounded by some of the most advanced technology in the world whilst you walk around the city.

It’s somewhere you should go and completely disconnect from the digital world. Well… as much as you can anyway!

How to get to Shinjuku Gyoen National Park

Take the train to Shinjuku Station and it’s a 5-minute walk to one of the park gates.

Take a look at the map below for a more detailed description:

Keep in mind there is a small admission fee of ¥500, but it’s a completely justified expense to keep the park open and pay for the skilled gardeners that keep it in shape.

Tokyo is an extremely exciting place with more things to do than you’ll likely have time for. So don’t be afraid to take a few hours or even a day to yourself to truly embrace Japanese Zen culture and relax!

Willing to travel a little further? Oshino Hakkai has perhaps the clearest water I’ve ever seen, traditional Japanese thatched houses, and an incredibly relaxing atmosphere if you walk around the village. If you’re looking for something close to Tokyo but still off the beaten track, check it out!

Explore/Visit

How to survive your flight to Japan

As an Amazon Associate, I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post. At no extra cost to you! ^_^

Decided to finally take the plunge and book the cheapest flight to Japan? Let me show you how to prepare for it and survive your long-haul flight!

So, you’re super excited to walk off that airplane and drink a cold bottle of Ramune Soda! (Literally me every time…)

Sometimes though, long-haul flights can be at extremely strange hours of the day, and if you’re not used to extended periods of travel they can really take their toll.

Traveling to Japan is, for a lot of people, a once-in-a-lifetime experience so you obviously want to enjoy as much of it as possible.

Oh, and this is written assuming you’ll be traveling in economy class. Not that the suggestions won’t work for you if you aren’t (because they will) it’s just business or first class is bound the make the experience more tolerable at least!

I know lots of people really aren’t a fan of traveling on planes and it can sour the entire experience for them.

However, as far as I’m concerned (though I might be in the minority) getting on the flight is part of the holiday. In fact, as soon as my bags are thrown on the conveyor belt I’m in holiday mode. 😀

BUT!

I’m writing this to help people who might struggle with long-haul flights.

So! You’ve probably got lots of questions about what to expect and what to bring, so I’ll do my best to explain it in as much detail as I can.

How long is the flight from the United States to Japan?

Depending on what part of America you live in, your US-Japan flight time will be anywhere from 13 hours if you’re living on the East Coast, and 11 hours if you’re on the West Coast.

This is of course assuming you’ve booked a direct flight…

And if you can afford it, I highly recommend paying the extra! It’s a lot nicer not to have to worry about getting off the plane and then getting onto another one.

How long is the flight from the United Kingdom to Japan?

If you’re living in the UK, it should take just under 12 hours on a direct flight to Haneda or Narita Airport.

If you’ve booked connecting flights, you could quite easily be adding another 6-8 hours on top. (unless you’ve got a layover which would add a lot more time)

Do you lose a day flying to Japan?

That will more often than not depend on where you’re flying in from.

If you’re flying from the US to Japan, you’re gonna lose a day.

For example; if your flight leaves on a Monday morning, you’ll end up landing in Tokyo at some time on Tuesday Afternoon/Evening.

This does depend on where you live in America so make sure to check this time converter and plan your trip accordingly.

If you’re flying from the UK to Japan, you’re also going to lose part of the day.

It will depend on how long your flights are and what time they’re booked for, but as Japan is 8 hours ahead of England you can expect to lose a good chunk of the day based on the time difference alone.

1. Prevent Jet lag

It’s just as important to prepare and prevent Jet lag as it is to survive your flight to Japan when you’re on board the plane.

No one wants to feel like crap during the beginning of their holiday, especially not from Jet lag!

This is especially true if you have a short holiday, but is important as long as you want to enjoy your first few days.

Let’s discuss two ways in which Jet lag can be prevented and reduced:

Get yourself on Japanese time

The first and most obvious way to do this is by getting yourself on Japanese time as soon as possible.

Once again I want you to use this time converter to see what time it is in Tokyo and ideally put yourself on that time the day before your flight.

If you’ve got a busy schedule then this won’t be possible. But you can still reduce the effects of jet lag by adhering to a schedule on your flight.

Normally you won’t have to think too much about this as the lights will be turned off when they think you should sleep and on when you should be awake.

So no more Japanese dramas!…

…ok maybe just one more? 😉

Grounding

Another way to fix yourself in Japan’s time zone is through grounding.

When you touch down in Japan, find a patch of grass and walk on it barefoot. (Don’t worry, you can visit this tower to have a view over Tokyo from the clouds again!)

Grounding works by ‘Soaking up the earth’s negative charge’ which in turn should leave you feeling refreshed.

It’s a process that works best if you’re on wet ground like the beach, but it should work even if you aren’t.

Yes, I know it sounds a little bit ‘Out there’ but it does have scientific evidence too.

Some studies have shown that grounding can improve the quality of sleep, help reduce pain and inflammation, and even reduce the primary indicators of osteoporosis.

Whether you think it works or doesn’t, taking your shoes off for the possibility of less jetlag shouldn’t bother you.

Especially in Japan!

2. Wear comfortable clothing

Make sure to wear comfortable clothing!

The flight to Japan isn’t a short one so you’ll want to make sure you give your body room to breathe and relax.

In fact, you could wear a Yukata or casual fit kimono as they tend to be loose and airy. Plus it’s a great way to immerse yourself before you arrive!

In any case, wear something cozy and loose-fitting.

Your body will thank you for it 13 hours later!

3. Get your Japanese skincare routine on point

DO NOT! I repeat DO NOT get on the plane without moisturizer!

Just have a look at this article by Rebecca Norris. The results speak for themselves!

Here are some things you’ll need to watch out for when you fly:

Dryness

You’ve likely felt it before if you’ve been on a plane. That cold dry air gets circulated around and probably wasn’t designed to be gentle on your face.

Don’t worry about it!

Just make sure to get some good-quality moisturizer that’s small enough to take on the plane.

I’d also recommend applying it before you board so it has a chance to sink in, and then re-apply when needed. (not that I’m a skincare expert, just from personal experience)

Sunburn

Once you’re above the clouds, you’ll be at the sun’s mercy.

UV rays will be loving it, but your face will be crying. So grab some suncream and put it on over your moisturizer.

It might seem excessive but I promise you’ll feel all the better for it when you land.

Breakouts

Holidays are supposed to be a stress-free time where you can reconnect with your family and passions outside of work.

But let’s be honest, even with the best will in the world they rarely are.

And that’s especially true when you’re trudging through customs at the airport.

From the stress of getting through the airport, to the many windows you’ll fall asleep on, your face won’t be having fun.

If you’re concerned with breakouts, bring some cleanser, and that way you can quickly clean your face when you need to.

I’ve written an article about Japanese skincare websites, so you’ve got no excuse for having skin that doesn’t love you!

4. Bring your own headphones

wear headphones for your flight to Japan

If you’ve been on any long-haul flight before you’ll know, more often than not, they provide you with headphones.

Totally great if you’ve forgotten your own, but utter rubbish in every other situation.

They don’t feel great and certainly don’t sound great.

What’s more, a great pair of headphones can maximize your enjoyment of in-flight entertainment and block out any unwanted noises to keep you calm during your journey.

I’d suggest using over-the-ear headphones for their comfort and noise-canceling ability, but of course, this is a personal choice.

5. Download some (loads of) anime

For me, anime is really good at setting an atmosphere and rolling with it as far as possible.

It’s so easy to get lost in the beautiful artwork of studio Ghibli that I sometimes feel like I’m daydreaming. So if you’re looking for a way to take your mind off the fact you’ve still got 7 hours left until you get to Tokyo, this might be a good idea for you.

Sometimes it’s just nice to get caught up in the moment especially if you’re going on holiday there!

My anime Recommendation: Your Name / Kimi no Na wa

6. Download Japanese-themed documentaries

Watch Japanese theme documentaries on your flighht to Japan

If Anime isn’t your thing, that’s no reason you can start watching Japanese TV before you get there. It might be Japanese Dramas, films about Japan (The last Samurai is my recommendation!), or even a Japanese documentary.

Here are a few of my fave documentaries:

Joanna Lumley’s Japan – Best for Culture Lovers
Our guy in Japan – Best for Adrenaline Junkies
Monty Don’s Japanese Gardens – Best for Nature Lovers
James May: Our man in Japan – Best for Nerds

7. Pack some Oishii (delicious) Japanese snacks for the flight

If you’ve yet to experience Japanese snacks, you should bring a couple on your flight to help the time pass faster. (And tastier!)

Unsure what to bring?

I’ve written an extensive post on 20 of the best snacks you need to try. ^_^

I’d recommend grabbing yourself a packet of Pocky sticks (I’m partial to the matcha flavor, but whatever floats your boat!)

Ah, and I’d definitely suggest getting a tin of Hotaru no Haka Sweets.

Especially if you’re an Anime fan!

Anyway, take a look at the article linked above and order a couple before your departure date!

8. Order the Japanese option on the menu

If you’re flying with an airline that offers more than one meal choice, please chose the Japanese option. Please!

It’ll normally be something plain or simple like Soba or maybe some sushi. If you aren’t normally adventurous with food then this is your perfect entry into the world of Japanese cuisine.

If you end up liking it, then you’ve got a dish you can eat in Japan and a place to springboard off into other food avenues!

If they don’t cater to your diet or for some reason you literally can’t bring yourself to eat the Japanese food option (Booooo!) then it’s just an excuse to bring a few more snacks from the list!

9. Listen to Japanese Lofi

listen to Japanese music on your flight to Japan

There are TONS of Japanese artists you could listen to, but I think Lo-Fi is the best music to survive your flight to Japan. Or at least music without words.

Here’s why:

It forces you to imagine – You’ll be thinking about how many bowls of ramen you can guzzle down until you feel sick!
It’s built to create an atmosphere – It’s great for Japanese hype without giving too much away
There are countless sub-genres – Whilst some lo-fi might be fast-paced and heavy, others will have a softer beat to help you focus or chill out during your flight.

Want to learn more?

Here is an interview I did with a Japanese-inspired lo-fi producer.

Here are the 5 best lo-fi study channels on YouTube. (Great for learning Japanese!)

10. Bring a phrasebook to read

Bring a phrasebook on your flight to Japan

If you’re hoping to learn the basics of Japanese without any time commitments, why not get a phrasebook?

You could try the Lonely Planet Phrasebook and Dictionary which should have you covered for all eventualities you’ll likely encounter during your stay.

I haven’t tried it myself, but it currently has hundreds of reviews at four and a half stars so it’s got to be doing something right!

And it’s just under 5 ounces, so you won’t even notice it in your bag!

11. Bring a Japanese coloring book

Bring a japanese colouring book on your flight to Japan

Even though you should try your best to learn just a few phrases before your trip, I understand it’s not something everyone’s going to do.

Coloring books are a great way to focus your attention and help you live in the present moment.

Yes, they’re pretty heavy when you have limited room. But if it’s something you’re into, you’ll likely be busy for hours!

This is the book I’d recommend. Again, I’m yet to try it myself but it has a load of really positive reviews and pictures so could be worth giving a go!

12. Read some Manga

If you’ve been learning Japanese for some time, then why not bring something even more immersive?

Make sure it’s not too mentally heavy though, that means your Genki textbook is out of the question!

I’d recommend Yotsuba!

A cute Japanese manga book about the everyday adventures of a little girl called Yotsuba.

You’ll have to know a little bit of Japanese to get through it, but it’s fairly accessible even to beginners.

13. Check your bucket-list

By now you’re probably getting really excited about all the cool things you’ve got planned on your trip!

So why not go over your bucket list and see if there’s anything extra you fancy doing? ^_^

I’ve written an extensive bucket list with over 100 different options for Osaka and Kyoto including accommodation, places to relax, places to eat, places to shop… (The list goes on, a lot!)

You can grab it here!

FAQs about surviving your flight to Japan

Should I sleep on a flight to Japan?

This question completely depends on when your flight to Japan is. If it’s nighttime in Japan when you’re on the plane, then absolutely!

If you’re just a bit tired but it’s actually daytime in Japan, then limit the amount of sleep you have. A quick snooze won’t be harmful, but the worst-case scenario is that you arrive in Japan completely refreshed when you should be sleeping, and then your schedule goes all out of whack.

How bad is Jet lag to Japan?

Again, this depends on when your flight is and how much you’re personally affected by the symptoms of jet lag. If you’re prone to feeling those effects, Japan jet lag can be absolutely brutal.

If you’re only visiting Japan for a small amount of time, this can be detrimental to your travel itinerary so it’s vital you prepare accordingly and do your best to negate its effects.

Is Jet lag worse going to Japan or coming back?

As the saying goes ‘West is best, East is a beast’. So if you’re traveling eastwards from your home country to Japan, jet lag will be worse on the way here.

If you’re traveling westward on the way here, and east on the way back, you’ve likely got the better end of the deal if you’re looking to stop jet japan in Japan!

Right, so you might have just planned how to prepare for your flight to Japan, but if you give me a couple of minutes, I want to explain to you why traveling to Japan without a plan is an absolute game changer and something you should 100% consider doing. Don’t knock it until you try it!

Culture/Questions

Does it snow in Japan?

In England, we get roughly 20 pathetic days of snow a year. That doesn’t mean it settled and doesn’t mean it was heavy! So it got me thinking, ‘Does it snow in Japan?’.

As it turns out, the answer was a lot more than I thought.

It snows more in Japan than in any other country. In fact, Japan has consistently claimed the title of being the snowiest place in the world. So let’s have a look at what it takes to be crowned king of the snow.

The History of Snow in Japan

The huge average snowfall that Japan experiences is a yearly occurrence, and it’s been going on for a while.

Back in 1981, Ōshirakawa Station in Niigata recorded 1546cm of snow just in the month of January, with a total season depth of 3317cm. That’s totally ridiculous!

If we go even further back to 1927 we find an earth-shattering record of 230cm/90 inches that fell in a single 24-hour period. That’s the most snow that’s ever fallen in a single 24-hour period, ever.

Fun Fact: Japan has a word for any place where it snows a lot or very heavily. 雪国 Yukiguni means an area of heavy snow and is often used when referencing the side closest to the Sea of Japan.

Does it snow in Tokyo?

Shibuya station snow — A snowy Shibuya station

For what’s dubbed the snowiest country in the world, the snow scene in Tokyo isn’t much to shout about. Even during the snowiest two months of the year, January and February, places like Tokyo and Osaka only get a few inches. Relatively similar to what I’m used to (if it’s a good year), but that’s far from the whole story in other parts of the country

How often does it snow in Japan?

Japan gets most of its snow in January and February.

However, the earliest snowfall ever recorded in the country was August 17th in 2018 but normally the first snow comes around November.

Some years snow can fall as late as May, but I wouldn’t expect it to be too spectacular.

Having said that, in 2020 Fujiwara saw a record-breaking 176cm in 48 hours so who am I to think differently?

Where’s the snowiest place in Japan?

That’s an award that can only go to one place, Aomori City.

Situated in Northern Honshu, this coastal town receives an average of 312 inches of snow from November to April each year.

Bear in mind we’re talking about the most consistent and highest average snowfall every year.

If you’re looking for a Japanese record snowfall, I’ve found this one that’ll blow your mind.

Back in 2015, Hakuba saw 600″ of snow swamped the town over 10 weeks. That’s 50 feet.

Nope, not a typo…

Literally 600 inches of snow! We’re lucky if we get 2 or 3 in the UK.

There’s a reason the Japanese roofs are designed in the way they are. Japan’s weather has a big part to play in that.

Why does Japan get so much snow?

Japan seems as though it’s set in the perfect geographic location to receive as much snow as the world can throw at it.

The wind blows across the entire length of Asia before hitting the Sea of Japan. It picks up Huge amounts of water from the sea and dumps it at the next available opportunity. And where is that opportunity? The mountainous regions of Japan.

With there being between 16,667 and 18,032 mountains in Japan, that’s no small area.

What can you do in Japan when it snows?

Ski

Update: I’ve written an entire post about skiing in Japan, check it out!

With over 500 places to shred some J-Pow on those skis you’ve just brought from one of Japan’s best ski brands, the country has no shortage of skiing hotspots.

We might not be talking about the vast interlinked slopes of the three valleys, or the fierce icey slopes of Chamonix, but it can certainly cater for any skier.

Not to mention, the main reason you’re skiing in Japan should be because you want to experience the incredible feeling of skiing in several feet of powder!

Most of Japans ski resorts are situated on the northern edge of the country (the side closest to China) and as we’ve just learnt, they aren’t there by chance.

This perfect placement is the reason why Japan ski resorts are some of the most snow assured places on the planet.

Visit one of the many snow festivals

Sapporo snow ice festival — Sapporo ice festival

Held over 7 days in February, Sapporo snow festival (which we visited!) is the most popular and well known festival in the country.

The festival is a celebration of local cuisine, culture, winter sports, and the relationship of Sapporo with other cities around the world.

But luckily for all you snow addicts (myself included) Japan is full of snow festivals each year up and down the entire country.

Here are just a few of them:

Winter Solstice Festival – Anahachimangu Shrine, Shinjuku.
Inukko Festival – Yuzawa, Akita.
Shimokitazawa Tengu – Tokyo.
Yokote Kamakura Snow Festival – Yokote Akita.
Otaru Light Snow Path – Otaru, Hokkaido.
Tadami Snow Festival – Tadami, Fukushima.
Odaiba Rainbow Winter Fireworks – Minato City, Tokyo.
Nozawa Onsen Fire Festival – Shinjuku City, Tokyo.
Winter Wonder Festival – Chiba Japan
The 47 Ronin Winter Festival – Minato City, Tokyo

Dates for these festivals vary each year, but the vast majority of them a repeated annually.

Honestly this is just a handful of the events available each year, just shove ‘Japan Snow Festival’ into google and you’ll likely be greeted by hundreds of possible options!

Seeing animals in the winter months

Japan has an extremely diverse range of animals to see at all times of the year, but in winter you’ll be privy to something else.

Many of the animals in Japan have developed ways to cope with the extreme weather conditions, and you might have heard of some of them.

Jigikudani Snow monkey park is probably the most famous of all with monkeys coming down from the forest to warm up in towns hot springs.

Because the Island of Hokkaido receives the most consistent snowfall out of anywhere in the country, it’s the place where most of the animals have adapted to living.

Therefore, if you’re looking for a wildlife trip to Japan in the winter, Hokkaido is where you should probably start.

Here are some of the animals you can expect to see in a Japanese Winter (If you’re lucky!):

Japanese Snow Monkeys – The cute Japanese macaques you probably often see bathing in Japanese hot springs.
Japanese Red-Crowned Crane – Known for it’s Luck, Longevity, and love, the Japanese Red-Crowned Crane is a staple of Japanese tradition and culture.
Hokkaido Snow Fox – As white as the snow, these arctic foxes are truly something special.
Tategoto Azarashi – Japanese Harp Seals bob around right at the very top of Hokkaido. Rare and cute.
Shima-Enaga – Translated as the ‘Long-Tailed Tit’, it’s a supposed to be a bird but absolutely looks like a ball of fluff.

Visit the snow monsters in Zao

Zao onsen is the largest ski resort in the whole of Tohoku.

These snow monsters, or Juhyo in Japanese, are formed by a large amount of snow and high winds experienced in the resort around the end of January. What’s even better is they’re lit up in the evening and can be enjoyed from miles away in a warm bar!

There you have it, Japan is undeniably the snowiest place on earth and it knows what to do with it all!

If you’re considering visiting Japan in the winter, you must make sure to grab a pair of powder skis and shred some J-Pow. That’s definitely number one on the bucket-list for me at least!

So, does it snow in Japan?

Yes!! And a damn lot!!!

Culture/Questions

Why is Japan so clean?

Japan is cleaner than your country, probably.

Japan is known for its cleanliness.

You only have to look as far as the 2018 World Cup to see this in action.

When I first visited the country back in 2016 I was seriously shocked at how empty the streets were. In England, there are either overflowing public bins or lots of small bits of rubbish in the corners of the road.

But in Japan? None.

If I’m walking through the woods or a field in the UK, there is always a plastic bag or 20 floating around.

And Japan? Nothing.

So why is Japan so clean, or at least seem that way?

The answer isn’t a simple one, but if you want a quick idea then it could be put down to the education system and pride (Potentially social pressure).

The seven-minute miracle

The seven-minute miracle isn’t an underlying reason why Japan may be cleaner than other countries, but it’s certainly worth mentioning.

Every day more than 300 Shinkansens make their way in and out of Tokyo Station, and someone has to clean them. That role falls to the ‘TESSEI’, a subsidiary of Japan Railway.

Each team of 22 staff is responsible for cleaning about 20 trains every day, and a limited time to do it.

With trains stopping an average of 12 minutes at Tokyo Station and 5 minutes for boarding and disembarkation, cleaners have only 7 minutes to clean an entire train.

Thus, it was dubbed by CNN as the 7-minute miracle.

Take a look at the video below to see the TESSEI in action. I think it’s genuinely really cool but that might just be the closet nerd in me…

1. They learn to take responsibility from a young age.

Think back to your days at school and tell me how many times you cleaned your entire classroom?

Never?

Thought so.

When school children in Japan get their supplies for the year, one of the things on the list is a zokin (A cleaning rag). They use this rag after lunch when all the children participate in O-Soji (cleaning). By practising this from a young age, children are taught to respect their classroom and keep it clean for their lessons.

This is likely to have a positive impact on their thoughts about littering and mess when they leave school and help them continue to respect their country and community by always cleaning up any mess they make.

Do Japanese schools have cleaners?

Whilst some schools allow their students to clean up entirely, most schools still employ staff called yomushuji. They have different responsibilities such as helping children cross the road, maintenance, and of course cleaning the school. Japanese schools not employing cleaners is something many news outlets have wrongly printed.

2. No public trash cans

If you’ve ever been to Japan, I’m willing to bet you’ve never seen a trash can.

Surprised?

The reason Japan has hardly any rubbish bins is that people are taught from a young age (as we’ve just heard) to take responsibility for their mess. In this case, any form of trash.

Finished a packet of crisps?

You’ll be expected to take it home and sort it into the correct recycling bin for it to be further processed.

So make sure you bring an empty bag with you next time you’re out exploring in case you can’t find one!

3. The influence of Buddhism

Buddhism frequently teaches about the importance of cleanliness, and with roughly 70% of the Japanese population following Buddhist teachings, it’s no surprise that it has a big effect on society.

You can experience this first hand if you go into a temple. Chōzubachi are water-filled basins you’ll frequently find outside shrines that are used for washing your hands, mouth and the handle of the ladle.

This activity allows the worshiper or visitor to purify themselves both spiritually and physically before entering.

4. Natural disasters

Japan is a country that’s certainly seen its fair share of epidemics. But it’s also a country that’s come through the other side with the utmost respect for its environment.

Going back 30 years or so, Japan didn’t look like it did now. It’s only through its fast-growing economy it became wealthy enough to clean up the environment and promote a healthier and cleaner way of living.

Is Japan as clean as people say it is?

Honestly?

Maybe not entirely, but that’s only my personal experience and opinion (And dam, it’s a lot cleaner than anywhere else I’ve been).

It’s clear that the most popular tourist spots in the country will have special attention given to them but only because that’s what the world sees. Not that small side alley with graffiti and bags of rubbish piled up.

I think a lot of it has to do with how Japan is perceived by other countries too. That’s not to say its citizens don’t have a more respectful outlook on cleaning up after themselves because It’s quite evident they do. I just think Japan is a country whose image is extremely important to them, not that it’s a bad thing.

News

You don’t have to worry about Japanese display tax anymore!

Incase you don’t already know, almost all shops in Japan display their prices without tax.

That means when you spot that extremely rare and retro games console for 10,000 yen, it’s likely to be a lot more when tax gets added on at the till.

As someone who has visited Japan numerous times, I can tell you first hand how annoying it is to not be able to price up the shopping as I go along.

In fact if I’ve got more than 5 items it’s literally anyones guess how expensive the total will be. And with Japan being a cash heavy country, it’s not ideal when it comes to more than you’ve brought with you…

So what does this new law mean?

From April 1st, all Japanese stores must clearly display the final cost of an item including that pesky sales tax

Option 1:

The first option for shops is to display both the pre and post cost of the item. This is what we can see in the image above. (There are small numbers under the price which is the post tax price, but it is quite small!)

Option 2:

Shops also have the option to display only the final price of an item including sales tax. By using this method, companies and stores do not have to show pre tax prices.

Exceptions to the rule:

Don’t worry, Daiso isn’t affected and will still be the 100 yen store we all know and love!

I’m okay with this and if it’s the only shop I’ll have to remember to add in sales tax after, then it’s far easier than it ever was.

I’m quite surprised it’s taken Japan so long to put this law through and I personally know many people (myself included) that whole heartedly welcome the change.

With all shops following this new system, you’ll be able to have a stress free shopping experience on your next trip!

Explore/Stay

Airbnb Japan: A Guide To 19 Of The Very Best stays.

Whenever you decide to visit Japan, chances are you’re going to want an authentic trip.

And if not, why not!?

Just like Japanese capsule hotels , booking an airbnb in Japan is a fantastic way to understand more about the locals, and generally immerse yourself in the culture as much as possible.

Checking in to a Japanese airbnb

More often than not, when you check into a Japanese airbnb, you’ll be asked to send over a copy of your passport and sign into the guest book. This is because hosts in Japan have to provide a record of guests every so often to the correct authorities.

You might (and I stress the word might) have to send a video over to the hosts confirming you’ve checked in if it’s automated. I had to do this once in Kyoto, so I’m unsure if it’s standard practice or not

Is Airbnb popular in Japan?

Aside from the recent global pandemic, airbnb in Japan is an extremely popular way to experience the best of what Japan has to offer on a small budget.

Psst!
If you’re looking for something a little more swanky, take a look at the Hoshinoya Tokyo.

What types of airbnb does Japan offer?

The types of accommodation you can expect when booking with airbnb Japan are home-stays, , traditional townhouses, Ryokan, Temples, and accommodation with onsen.

The great thing about airbnb in Japan is that you’re likely to be able to afford any and all of the above no matter your budget.

What should you look for in a Japanese Airbnb?

Look for somewhere near a 7-Eleven, family mart, or Lawsons. Pretty much any konbini you can fill up on a load of tasty snacks!

Of course everyone is different, but one of the biggest things I look for in a Japanese airbnb is it’s uniqueness. You’re probably only in the country for a limited amount of time, so why not make the most of it!?

Budget Airbnb in Japan

We’ll start the list with budget accommodation.

In what’s normally regarded as an expensive place to live, you might be surprised with some of the offerings on the list!

Bear in mind these are the average prices for the listing. The actual price may be higher or lower depending on your trip date.

1. This traditional town house in Nara

Located in the old town of Nara-Machi, this traditional townhouse is the perfect way to experience the Japanese sleep system! And with a design like that, it shows you just how photogenic Japan is!

The house has everything you need to be comfortable during your stay AND has a garden too.

A garden! In a Japanese house! Whatever next!

In case you don’t know, Japanese land is extremely pricey especially in the cities. For that reason it’s practically unheard of to find a garden of any sort attached to a house.

The superhosts of this listing also offer a traditional tea ceremony, Japanese Calligraphy, and Tegaki Yuzen (Traditional Hand Painting & dying technique).

Always look for extras like this when searching on Airbnb Japan as it will absolutely enrich your experience.

Price: $65 per night

Location: Nara

Check it out!

2. This Brutalist style house in Tottori

japanese brutalist architecture — Photos via Airbnb

Something completely different from the house before, but equally as exciting!

So often is Japanese architecture associated with natural and light materials like wood and bamboo, but it’s a country that loves to work with concrete too.

Hostel Campagne is a house situated in Tottori and is an easy 20 minute drive to the neighboring Chizu-cho. It’s a house that oozes minimalism and is truly a unique Japanese stay.

Not only is it a designers dream, it also has some incredible views from the garden to keep it connected to nature.

Price: $58 per night

Location: Tottori

Check it out!

3. This renovated Japanese Inn in Kyoto

Japan is full of traditional inns, and sometimes the property owner will modernise it to be a more appealing airbnb option for visitors.

This style of house is extremely common in Japan and we’ll be seeing a few more of them later down the list. They can be as affordable or expensive as your budget allows and make perfect options for backpackers and culture enthusiasts alike.

If you’re staying in only one type of Airbnb during your trip, make it one like this.

Price: $44 per night

Location: Kyoto

Check it out!

4. This castle like house in Miyazaki

Coming across a house with a garden in Japan is one thing but coming across a house with a temple like garden is something completely different.

Situated in Miyazaki, the ancient house has rooms filled with tatami, Shoji screens, and a giant bath. What more could you want for such an affordable price!

This Japan airbnb is a stunning example of traditional Japanese architecture and is perfect for those who want to experience old Japan!

Price: $35 per night (No that’s not a typo!)

Location: Miyazaki

Check it out!

5. This countryside Hut in Fukuoka

Situated on the banks of the river Shin, this countryside airbnb might be the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of the big cities.

The building is a rehabilitated 150 year old farmers house in a village with history that spans over 800 years.

As you can see from the pictures, the farmhouse has traditional tatami matts as well as a completely open planned living area.

The real star of the show here though, is that view!

Having a cup of matcha tea early in the morning and looking out over the river is anybodies Japanese zen dream!

Price: $70 per night

Location: Fukuoka

Check it out!

6. This rustic forest getaway in Kawakami

From one airbnb next to the forest to another that’s right inside it. This is a rustic down and dirty location in Japan that’s bound to reconnect you with nature.

When searching for an airbnb in Japan, you may want to venture further out of the city to explore the Japanese countryside, and who would blame you!

This village getaway in Kawakami has spectacular mountain and river views as well as a MASSIVE traditional space.

This is the kind of airbnb that you should go to with the idea of disconnecting from your digital devices. Im sure you’ll be able to not check your instagram feed for a couple of days, right? 😉

To top it all off, you’re at the source of the Yoshino river which is always gonna be a bonus in Japanese summers!(Humid doesn’t begin to cut it)

Price: $96 per night

Location: Kawakami

Check it out!

7. This minimal apartment in Tokyo

As we’ve seen before, minimalism and concrete are two design aspects you’ll more than likely come across during your airbnb Japan stay.

Smack bang in the middle of Tokyo you’ll find Tasu Toco. An architecturally designed and dam trendy apartment!

It’s 15 minutes by train to Shinjuku station and only 40 seconds by foot from the closest station. This pretty much means the entirety of Tokyo is at your disposal with just a 40 second walk making it a fantastic city stay.

The apartment owner also runs the café downstairs, so you’re never too far away from a cup of green tea!

Price: $76 per night

Location: Tokyo

Check it out!

8. The house designed like a tea room in Tokyo

Tea rooms are quintessentially Japanese, and an architectural design you’re most likely to encounter during your stay.

Normally these will be in public tea shop or cafés, but it turns out there’s actually an airbnb designed after one as well!

This entire house in Chofu, Tokyo, is something very special you’re unlikely to find for such a cheap price.

The entire premise for the design of the house was based on spending time alone and living in the ‘Now’. Out of this premise, ‘COMORI’ an inn for one person was born. (Dont worry, it still has space for two people!)

I think one of the most interesting things about this property is its huge window looking out onto some greenery. It’s honestly a lot rarer than you might think in Japan, especially in the bigger cities.

Oh, and each booking also comes with a free onsen ticket! A great bonus after trudging round the city! ^_^

Price: $77 per night

Location: Tokyo

Check it out!

9. This 100 year old Japanese Inn in Hyogo

How the absolute hell is this so cheap?!

If you’re looking for a fantastic cost-experience airbnb, this is your best bet.

For just over $100 dollars, you’ll have access to a traditional Japanese ryokan style inn that’s over 100 years old.

It’s garden is lined with cherry blossom and separated from the world by an ancient zen wall.

Born in the castle town of Tamba Sasayama, this ancient in has been modernised by two local workman to give you a luxury and relaxing stay during your trip to Japan.

So not only do we have a beautiful outside space and timeless building, but also an interior courtyard. TWO GARDENS IN A JAPANESE HOUSE?!?!?

If you look hard enough, you’ll find gems like these on Airbnb Japan and they’ll make your stay completely unforgettable. I URGE YOU to search around for something like this rather than a chain hotel. Please!

P.S It also have a cypress bath ^_^

Price: $110

Location: Hyogo

Check it out!

10. This room with a sea view in Kamakura

Anyone else get anime vibes from this one?

For some reason it looks like it’s straight out of ‘Your Name’. Maybe that’s just me?

Anyway!

This fully renovated seaside house is the perfect in those hot and muggy Japanese days!

Though this listing is only a room, it’s easily worth it for the views alone. In fact, you can wake up to the sunrise every-morning which isn’t bad at all!

The room is located on the second floor of the house but has it’s own individual door, completely separate from the main house.

Might as well have another Sake then! 😉

Just make sure you bring some snacks as there aren’t any convenience stores nearby.

Price: $95 per night

Location: Kamakura

Check it out!

The best Airbnb Japan has to offer

These are the best of the best.

Before you say it, yes I know some of these are still really cheap.

BUT they’re absolutely deserving of their place on the list!

11. Yoshino Cedar House

Yoshino Cedar house could have had it’s own article as far as I’m concerned (and it may well do in the future).

The story of it’s creation is a rather heartwarming one.

It began as a collaboration between Joe Gebbia (Airbnb co-founder), Go Hasegawa (Japanese architect), and the residents of Yoshino (a small town snuggled in the mountains of Nara).

By bringing together the modern technology of Airbnb, Japanese craftsmanship, and cultural and community based designs, Yoshino Cedar house delved into the relationship between tourists and the communities they visited.

Once you’ve booked your room through Airbnb, you’ll be assigned one of the many local hosts that help guests during their stay.

You’ll also be sharing the space with other travellers, community members, and visitors as Yoshino house is not just an airbnb but also a community center!

If that type of immersion doesn’t persuade you, it’s location might!

Price: $183 per night

Location: Nara

Check it out!

12. This modern Japanese house with it’s own garden in Nara

Similar to some of the other listings we’ve already been through, but far more luxurious.

Set in the foothills of Nara, this renovated old Japanese house features it’s own moss garden, roof terrace, and rice field view.

Tap on the title and take a look at the rest of the photos, it’s honestly insane!

Price: $185 per night

Location: Nara

Check it out!

13. This Kyoto Airbnb Japan with open air onsen

Because who wouldn’t want to end their day with an ice cold Asahi in an onsen? 😉

This Kyoto based airbnb is something extremely special.

The house is classed as a Kyo-Machiya which basically means it’s a traditional building. Under current law, these type of houses cannot ever be built again. So if you truly want a once in a lifetime place to stay, this might be it!

Now, onto the more interesting things… (clearly that amazing open air bath…)

Most of the higher end airbnb’s you find will likely offer a private outside onsen. (Great news if you don’t feel comfortable going into a private one!)

As well as offering an open air cypress tub, this traditional wooden building is also in a fantastic place to plan your travels from. Being only 2 minutes away from the local “Sumizome Station” You’re never too far from the best sightseeing spots around.

Price: $138 Per night

Location: Kyoto

Check it out!

14. This Earth house in Hokkaido

Not something you thought you’d see on this list I bet?

Welcome to Tida House in Hokkaido!

You’re looking at a hand-made straw bale house surrounded by potato fields.

The house features two single beds, extremely simple cooking facilities and a ‘Rustic’ vibe. (and possibly a resident woofer)

Dont worry, it does still have wifi!

So whilst it’s clearly not the best hotel in Japan, it is an extremely unique airbnb that shows just how much Japan loves to push design boundaries.

The airbnb is open year round so if you’re going in winter, you can expect more snow than you’ve ever seen in your life. Hokkaido’s average snowfall last year was about 20 metres… Soooo yeah, pack some warm clothes!

Price: $102 per night

Location: Hokkaido

Check it out!

15. The house with an incredible view in Kumamoto

We’ve seen a fair few places with some nice views, but this one really takes the cake.

Set on a hill in Kumamoto, YHouse is an open and airy 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom house

As well as having an open air bath, guests also have the privilege to wake up to some bloody amazing views. I haven’t added the picture in, but if you click on the listing you’ll see the bed faces directly out the window and greets you with the same view in the top photo.

Rivers, mountains, villages, and a truly expansive sky. You’re gonna be hard pressed to find a place with such view.

Price: $170 per night

Location: Kumamoto

Check it out!

16. This modern log cabin in Okinawa

This looks like a cross between a surfer shack, and a swanky New York loft.

And thats pretty much exactly what it is!

Set in the heart of Japan’s premium holiday destination, Okinawa, this log cabin is one of the swankiest pads on the island.

‘Login Okinawa’ is surrounded by nature and only a 10 minute walk to the nearest beach. You’re probably not going to want to spend your day stuck inside if you’re visiting Okinawa, but if it’s raining then the hosts have you covered with a flatscreen tv and a bucket load of movies at your disposal.

The Japan airbnb is also set up for folks who need to work with a fast wifi connection, office table, and plenty of coffee to keep you going!

Oh, and you might make a few critter friends on this one. The host mentions that geckos like to show their face from time to time due to the cabins location.

Im sure they’re friendly though, right? ^_^

Price: $166 per night

Location: Okinawa

Check it out!

17. This giant house on stilts in Niseko

A super light and open planned 3 bedroom house, perfect for up to 10 people.

It might seem a little expensive, but shared with that amount of people it’s honestly not too bad! 🙂

If you’re going on a ski holiday to Niseko, this airbnb is perfectly nestled right next to Mount Yotei and provides some stunning views of the mountains.

Plus they have a log burner right in the middle to heat the entire house up. (Getting a log burner is totally a dream of mine… don’t judge…)

If you’re here in any of the other seasons, then it’s location alone should be enough to draw you in.

Price: $550 per night

Location: Niseko

Check it out!

18. This beach oasis in Okinawa

Bali or Japan?…

It’s Japan?

Cool, cool. Just checking!

Welcome to Black Cedar House, an Okinawan oasis.

Completely surrounded by Banana and sugarcane fields, this cabin makes for an absolutely perfect tropical island hideaway.

You see that wall on the left hand side? That’s your very own rock climbing wall!

The house also has a living room with open kitchen as well as a tea room. Not the kind of house I thought would have a tearoom but I’m certainly not complaining!

There is also a loft where guests can stare through a giant window to see the moon, stars, or panoramic views.

And whilst you’re lazing the days away on the hammock, you might even get a visit from their friendly cat who might pop over to say hello!

Price: $138 per night

Location: Okinawa

Check it out!

19. This Ryokan style house in Kyoto

For the final Japan airbnb on our list we’re going back to Kyoto!

The two story house has been remodelled from the traditional Japanese style (Machiya) and designed with a ton of hand-dyed Japanese paper made from tin and gold foil. But don’t worry, the original Kyo Machiya style has still been thoroughly respected throughout.

On one side of the house there’s a Japanese dry garden (Japanese rock garden) with floor to ceiling sliding doors for you to view it from.

The entire house is big enough for 5 guests, but we won’t tell if you book the whole thing for yourself 😉

Price: $185 per night

Location: Kyoto

Check it out!

So there you go! 19 of the best airbnbs in Japan!

Let me know below if if missed of your favourite or if I should have added another one to the list!

じゃあまたね! ^_^

Questions/Learn

Which Japanese textbook is right for you?

As an amazon associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases through the affiliate links on this page.

Your Japanese textbook will be your first and most important decision during your journey.

If you’re just starting to learn Japanese, your textbook choice will be an important decision.

It will decide how and what you learn for a large portion of your time. And that won’t be great if you don’t get on with it’s teaching style.

They don’t come cheap, either.

And it’s all well and good having your favourite online resource to teach you, but they won’t give you the structure a Japanese textbook can.

I’m going to do my best to explain who each textbook is for and whether it’s a good choice for you to learn Japanese.

Genki 1 – 5

Perhaps the most well known Japanese textbook of all.

It’s an absolutely great place for beginners to start, but it really isn’t for the faint hearted.

At first glance, this textbook might seem overwhelming especially with 382 pages!

But the amount of information and practical language learning activities are well worth the ‘struggle’.

However, if you aren’t a motivated learner, or you’re just dipping your feet into the world of japanese language then I wouldn’t recommend this as your first purchase.

Is Genki good for self study?

Genki can be a fantastic tool for self study, especially if you’re using the Japanese Workbook alongside it.

That said, some of the concepts may be a little hard to understand and unless you have a japanese friend, tutor, or enjoy outside research

Another problem you may encounter is pair work.

As the book was designed primarily for classrooms, there’s understandably group and pair speaking exercises which you won’t get the most out of unless you have someone to practice with.

But that’s no excuse not to do the exercises just because they’re meant for two people.

Why not do both of the speaking exercises yourself?

Is Genki the right Japanese textbook for me?

If you’re an extremely motivated learner, and you’re dedicated day in and day out to your study then it’s by far the most comprehensive study book around. If you’re just toying with the idea of studying Japanese or want to learn in a more casual fashion, you’ll find the next book more suitable.

Is Genki 1 enough for N5?

Yes, Genki should be enough for the JLPT N5 exam. The book has loads of practical exercises as well as sections to teach you hiragana, katakana and kanji. Genki also features an audio CD to help you practice Japanese word pronunciation, great to follow along through the book.

Is Genki worth it?

Genki is an extremely well written textbook, but it might not be worth it if you’re studying solo. If, however, you have the opportunity to speak to or interact with a Japanese tutor on a regular basis then It’s probably worth the investment (time and money).

That’s not to say you definitely won’t get on with it if you’re just starting out, you just need to understand what goals you have before committing to it. I don’t have access to any Japanese teachers and still found it a nice book to work through when starting out.

Japanese from zero!: proven techniques to learn Japanese for students and professionals.

If you’ve tried Genki but it’s just too intense or simple doesn’t fit your style of studying then you might want to try Japanese from Zero!

Japanese from Zero! vs Genki

I’ve used both books extensively, and I found this one far more accessible and less intimidating as a beginner. Maybe that’s because Genki Textbook isn’t meant for self study or perhaps the way it’s taught in JFZ is just more suitable to my type of learning. Either way, it’s the book I’ve had most success with.

Japanese from Zero also seemed to keep my interest more, even through the more mundane grammar sections. This was in part because of the YouTube study videos that coincide with almost every lesson throughout the book.

George Trombley runs the YouTube channel Learn Japanese From Zero! and has created a really friendly community of like minded people all looking to study Japanese. It’s a great place to hang out if you need help with your japanese learning or even if you’re just looking for friends with similar interests.

Japanese from Zero feels like something bigger than just a book. It feels like even if you’re just a solo learner, you have the backup of an entire community. That can be really nice when you’re just starting out, especially with such an intimidating language.

It’s also a great way to help you see a topic from a different angle. You’ll read it in the book, listen to it from George, and then also have the comments. It’s almost like having a classroom to bounce ideas around which can be really nice when you’re trying to understand a concept.

How many Japanese from zero books are there?

There are currently 5 books in the series. This means that if you get on with how the language is taught through the first book, you’ll be able to continue studying Japanese to a much higher level through the other 4.

Is Japanese from zero worth it?

As we’ve previously talked about, you’ll likely be wanting to chose a single Japanese textbook to use as your ‘Japanese Bible’.

If you’re going diving in at the deep end and willing to do extra research, then Genki might be for you. If you’re looking for a more self contained option that will have most of what you need to learn as a beginner (and does a dam good job at explaining it) then Japanese from zero is your best bet.

As far as my choice went, it was Japanese from Zero. The inclusion of such a big YouTube channel with a huge community of people as well as a book that held your hand through the learning made it the best Japanese textbook for me.

A guide to Japanese Grammar by Tae Kim

As I’ve already stated here, Tae Kim has the best resources for Japanese grammar and that’s the case with his book as well.

Is Tae Kim’s Guide good?

Though I haven’t used his grammar book, I would imagine it’s equally as extensive as his online guide. I can quite honestly tell you that I’ve yet to find a place to learn Japanese grammar that’s as in depth and well written as Tae Kim.

The only problem (and this is me clutching at straws) is that it’s simply a guide and nothing else. There isn’t any practice workbooks or exercises to let you go over what you’ve just learnt.

Because of the lack of practice material, Tae Kim’s guide may only be helpful to the proactive learners among you.

If you aren’t willing to put what you’ve learnt into practice, then this book is certainly not for you.

Kodomo no Nihongo

Buying a Japanese textbook is the first decision during your learning journey. We've made a guide to help you decide which one is best for you.

This is a bit of a weird one, and probably not a book a lot of you expected to see on this list.

It’s certainly not one of the most recognisable textbooks, so why’s it on here?

Well, think about it.

You’ve picked your base Japanese textbook to help carry you from beginner to absolute expert.

You’ve grabbed the grammar guide to help with sentence constructs.

What’s left?

Cultural Japanese, not just one size fits all sentences. Similar to the Casual Nihongo podcast.

Is Kodomo no Nihongo any good?

It’s written entirely in Japanese, so it’s definitely going to be different to what you’re used to. It also skips over several points and explanations which means it won’t be replacing Genki or Japanese from Zero any time soon.

But, we aren’t asking it too.

Kodomo no Nihongo has its quirks and isn’t perfect by any means, but it can certainly have a part to play in your journey to learn Japanese.

Most of the activities are pretty straight forward and the entire book is FILLED with activities.

It’s basically the complete opposite to Tae Kims Grammar Guide. Loads of activities, no too much explanation. But that’s not a problem if you’re getting the bulk of your information from other sources.

Which Japanese textbook should I buy?

At the end of the day, it only matters which Japanese textbook works well with you.

Now, you probably don’t want to spend the money figuring that out so let me make it more simple for you.

If you’re new to learning a language or the thought of learning one makes you feel overwhelmed, get Japanese from Zero!.

If you’ve studied language before or have a wider support network of people to ask for advice, try Genki.

You’ll also want to supplement your learning with other Japanese resources to completely immerse yourself.

Let me know below which textbook you’ve had the best experience with, or maybe one that I’ve missed out!

じゃあね! ^_^

Made In Japan/Food & Drink

20 of the best Japanese snacks you NEED to try.

As an Amazon Associate I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post. At no extra cost to you! ^_^

Japanese Snacks (Specifically cherry blossom snacks) have a cult following, and have done for a long time

With a crazy amount of flavor variations and strange packaging designs, it’s no wonder that Japanese snacks are universally popular.

Most of these are available throughout Japan depending on limited additions and seasonal stock levels but that’s no help if you cant get to the country. Fortunately, for those unable to travel, there are numerous options to explore. Websites dedicated to authentic Japanese products have emerged, making it easier than ever to access remote treasures. Some of the best online Japanese shopping sites offer a vast selection of items that reflect Japan’s unique culture and craftsmanship, ensuring that you can enjoy a taste of Japan from anywhere in the world.

I’ve included links for all items to help you find somewhere that can send them to you locally.

From Japanese Junk food to famous Japanese snacks and more, we count down the best Japanese snacks you need to try! Whether you’re in the mood for savory flavors or sweet delights, there’s something for everyone in the vast world of Japanese snacks. Not only do these treats tantalize your taste buds, but they often come beautifully packaged, making them perfect for sharing or gifting. Additionally, if you’re a fan of convenience, consider how a japanese refrigerator brand features specially designed compartments to keep your snacks fresh and easily accessible.

Let’s take a look at some of the best snacks to ever come of Japan and where to buy them!

1. Popin’ Cookin’

We start of the list with possibly the cutest snack on here!

These bite sized nibbles replicate almost every traditional Japanese food but in candy form.

Some of the flavors include:

Melon Pan

Sushi

Dango Mochi

Matsuri Food

Each food kit includes powders and molds which means whoever eats it has to make it first.

A Do-it-yourself snack!

Is Popin Cookin edible?

Yup!

This might not be how you’re used to making a burger, but it sure tastes good in the end! (don’t eat the containers, though;))

Does Walmart have Popin Cookin?

They sure do! Walmart – Popin Cookin

Does Popin Cookin taste good?

Depends on your individual taste and which food kit you have, but expect the sweet ones to taste pretty artificial!

Is Popin Cookin vegan?

Some. Make sure you check the labels on the individual kits to confirm which ingredients they do and don’t have.

Take a look at this video to learn more about this Japanese DIY candy.
From the hugely talented Cococookie!

2. Matcha Flavored Pocky

Possibly the most famous (and in my opinion) the best Japanese snack mixed with matcha!

Well, unless you don’t like matcha I suppose… weirdo…

Why is pocky so popular?

With a development that began back in 1963, Pocky from Japan has now become a worldwide sensation.

Much like most of the delicious snacks from Japan, Pocky has a LOT of flavors.

Whilst there are about 50 different flavors world wide, the most interesting ones of course come from Japan.

You’ve got the standard regional flavors like Hokkaido Melon, Kyoto Matcha, and Nagano Shinshu Grape.

And then you’ve got the stranger flavors like:

Mystery Flavor Pocky – Absolutely no idea what this is but totally want to try it.

Smoked Bacon Flavor Pocky – Because, why not?

Smoked Cheese Flavor Pocky – Who doesn’t love cheese toasties??

Limited edition seasonal flavors seem to be released every few months by Glico and who the hell knows what they’ll release next!

3. BOSS Coffee

boss rainbow coffee - best japanese snacks

Looking for something to start your morning routine with?

Launched by Suntory in 1992, BOSS canned coffee has become a Japanese favorite and recognizable the world over.

This Japanese coffee is so highly consumed within society that it’s known as the workers “Aibo”, a reliable partner with many years of experience.

My kind of coffee!

4. Milky

The well-loved individually wrapped Milky candy faced by none other than Peko Chan!

These Japanese sweets are less crazy than some of the others on the list, but dam they’re a classic!

Milky candy has been around since 1951 and is still going strong 70 years later.

To me, they seem like a true and traditional taste of Japan in the sweet form!

These Fujiya candies also have a lucky secret hidden within. On the back of that pack, it explains how you might be lucky enough to find a sweet with a clover on it.

I haven’t yet, but I’m not that lucky!

5. Calpis

What is calpis?

Before you ask, it’s not cow piss!

Calpis drink, or ‘カルピス, Karupisu’ is a Japanese milky beverage that is (you guessed it) widely loved across the whole of Japan.

Think of its main form (Calpis water) as a soft drink. Although it does have a carbonated variety called Calpis Soda… Not entirely sure I fancy trying that…

It’s also available in syrup which is basically like concentrated juice on steroids, so use it sparingly!

6. Hi-Chew

Ah! Now, this is an interesting one!

The reason Hi-Chew was initially created is because taking food out of your mouth in Japan is technically a taboo.

So that meant chewing gum wasn’t an option. But what about chewing gum that dissolves in your mouth?

Well that’s exactly what they did!

Hi-Chew candy is meant to be eaten in a similar way to caramel. Once it has reduced down and dissolved, the rest can be swallowed.

It’s not exactly healthy for you and is pretty high in sugars, but let’s be honest this is pretty much a Japanese junk food list at this point!

Hi-chew Flavors are quite standard by Japanese standards.

Sour lemon, Granny Smith Apple, Mandarin Orange, White Soda, all sound rather nice! ^_^

7. Unique Flavor Kit Kats

unique Kit Kat flavors - best japanese snacks

Did you know there are over 300 Japanese Kit Kat Flavors?

It’s no surprise then that these are one of the most famous candy creations to come from Japan.

They have everything from the relatively normal matcha flavor Kit Kat to the red bean sandwich flavor.

One of the strangest I found was this Yogurt Sake flavor. I haven’t tried it and to be honest, I really don know what it would taste like!

If you want to bring home some of these flavors but can’t choose which, try this Kit Kat party box with 18 unique flavors!

10. Instant Miso Soup

instant miso soup - best japanese snacks

Loved that miso soup you tasted in Japan so much that you want it on demand literally every single day?

Well, you’re in luck, Instant Miso soup is a real thing!

The pack pictured above comes with 32 soup packets and 4 flavors including Wakame and Tofu!

11. Calorie Mate

japanese energy bar - best japanese snacks

Calorie Mate is a popular Japanese snack that’s packed full of vitamins and nutrients.

They were initially made for Japanese salarymen who didn’t have time for lunch and have since become a national favorite for people who need a bit of on-the-go energy.

Gamers among you might recognize this snack from somewhere else.

CalorieMate block featured in Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater. When consumed It would fully restore snake’s stamina. Just like in real life, though without the health bar.

Each Calorie Mate bloc forms a balanced nutrition and comes in Plain, Fruit, Cheese, Chocolate, and maple flavor.

12. Ritz Chocolate Crackers

japanese ritz biscuits - best japanese snacks

Not something I thought would be on a list of the best Japanese snacks, and to be honest I really didn’t think I’d ever see ritz with chocolate. But the more I think about it, the more it seems like a tasty treat!

A bit salty, a bit chocolatey. Seems like it would work!

13. Ramune soda

Ramune Drink is on the list of best Japanese snacks for a reason.

Yes, it’s a drink and not food. But It’s also the most fun thing to try if you haven’t already.

If you get to Japan and you want a unique experience, make sure to grab one of these sodas!

How to open ramune bottle?

You have to take the bottle cap wrapper off and push the top pin into the bottle which will release the marble and carbonate your drink!

Ramune flavors:

There are about 55 of them, so take a look here!

14. Riska Corn Potage Snack

Probably the highest-ranking flavor in Japan.

Extremely rich, and a very tasty Japanese snack!

If you want to eat snacks like the locals, go for something corn flavored!

15. Calbee Potato sticks

cable potato sticks - best japanese snacks

Made from Hokkaido butter, these Calbee potato sticks are another popular snack from Japan.

Jagariko has been sold by Calbee for a long long time now, and it’s certainly stood the test of time.

Crunchy, tasty, and the perfect size for a lunch box!

16. Ramune Whistle Candy

famine whistle candy - best japanese snacks

This Ramune candy is a fun one!

The candies are shaped a lot like polos, and when placed in between your lips they can be used as a whistle. A favorite of kids and adults alike!

Well, I like them but maybe I’m still childish…

ANYWAY, try them, and have a laugh.

Each Coris whistle candy pack also comes with a small toy in the bottom.

They can be found in pretty much every convenience store across the country, or alternatively bought from the links above.

17. Hotaru no Haka sweets

Ahhhh, what a film!

If you want to unleash your fanatic Studio Ghibli side just a little more, you can now buy the sweets from the anime film ‘Grave of the fireflies’.

The tin is filled to the top with fruity ‘anime’ sweets and they look exactly like they do in the movie.

Nice sweets, and a cool prop from a movie. What more could you want!

18. Mochi

Rice that’s pounded into shape to form a tasty cute blog of mochi!

If that didn’t explain it well enough, have a look at the pictogram here that explains how to make mochi.

Mochi Flavors:

Sakura mochi
Japanese mochi
Red bean mochi
Green tea mochi

Of course, this is Japan and this is only a small snapshot of the mochi flavors available

19. Umaibō

Created by Yaokin in 1979 Umaibō corn snacks have been popular with Japan ever since.

And who wouldn’t love them with a name that literally means ‘Great tasting stick’ Ha!

Umaibō flavors:

Beef tongue
Chicken Curry
Pizza
Corn Potage
Vegetable Salad

And as always, a hell of a lot more!

If you’re interested in finding out more, check this page on Japan Crate!

20. Miso Ramen Pringles

miso ramen Pringles - best japanese snacks

Something you’re all probably quite familiar with!

But, maybe not in Miso Ramen flavor!

Just like everything on this list (Especially the Kit Kats) Japanese Pringles take flavors to the next level

Japanese pringles flavors

Tasty salt
NY Cheeseburger
Egg Benedict
Mushroom soup
Wasabi Nori
Smokey Potato Salad

If you’re interested, Sora News Has a list of all of them.

So, what’s the best Japanese snack?

Well, that’s up to you!

We looked at 20 of the best japanese snacks, and I’d happily have any of them.

Poppin cookin will always be the cutest to me, and Japanese Kit Kats will always be the most outlandish!

Let me know what your favourite Japanese snack is and whether I’ve missed it out!

book and bed tokyo — © Book and Bed Tokyo

Explore/Stay/Tokyo

5 Secret Capsule Hotels In Tokyo

What is a capsule hotel?

A capsule hotel (or pod hotel) is a type of hotel that features very small rooms that allow for a cheap and basic overnight stay.

Who are capsule hotels good for?

If you’re looking for somewhere just to lay your head
If you’re looking for somewhere unique to stay on your trip
If you want an extremely cheap accommodation option

Should I stay in one on my trip to Japan?

If you can factor it into your bucket list of things to do during your trip, then I would highly recommend it.

Sure it won’t be the most luxurious or best hotel you’ve ever stayed at, but it will give you a unique experience on your trip that you’re unlikely to get anywhere else. And the great thing is that capsule hotels are so affordable that any budget could fit it in, even if it’s just for one night.

Below, I’ve put together a list of five of the most interesting capsule hotels you may want to stay in on your trip. Let me know if you’ve stayed in any or if I’ve missed your favorite one!

1. 9h: Nine Hours – The best capsule hotel for those who want something unique

nine hours capsule hotel — © Nine Hours Shinjuku

With a chain of capsule hotels all across Tokyo, 9h is probably the most well-known pod hotel in the capital and definitely one of the best looking.

9h in Shinjuku North is perhaps the closest you’ll ever get to being on a space shuttle and to be honest I’m totally ok with that.

Just look at it!

This place wouldn’t be out of place on a Star Wars movie, let alone the streets of Tokyo!

Check in: 14:00

Check out: 10:00

Price: ¥4,900 Per Night

2. First Cabin – The best capsule hotel for those who couldn’t afford first class

first cabin hotel tokyo — © First Cabin Hotel

Couldn’t quite afford the 5k business or first-class seat on your trip over?

Well, I’ve got some great news for you!

First Cabin hotel in Tokyo is modeled after the flying industry and designs its rooms based on the ticket class.

With branches in Shinjuku, Haneda Airport, and Akihabara, a First cabin capsule hotel will never be too far away.

Honestly, there is such a lot of difference in the price of this hotel.

The below rates are included in an ‘April Special’ which is why they’re Spectacularly cheap.

However, check about a week after and you’ve got the same rooms without meals for around ¥4000 instead.

Not bank-breaking by any means, but not exactly a cheap capsule hotel either.

Check in: 14:00

Check out: 10:00

Price: (Depending on hotel and time of booking)

First: ¥2,800 Per Night
Business: ¥2,500 Per NIght
Economy: ¥2,300 Per Night

3. Nadeshiko Hotel Shibuya – The best capsule hotel for women

best capsule hotels in Tokyo — © Nadeshiko Hotel Shibuya

Japan is well known for having women-only carriages on trains.

It should come as no surprise then that there are a few women-only hotels dotted around the city.

One of these women-only hotels is the Nadeshiko Capsule hotel in Shibuya.

Its central location makes it a great choice to stay in if you’re a solo female traveler and have spent the day exploring Tokyo.

Check in: 15:00

Check out: 10:00

Price: ¥3,000- ¥4,000 per night (Early booking discount)

4. Hotel Zen – The best capsule hotel to relax

I mean just from the looks of it, this ‘Capsule hotel’ screams luxury. It may even best First Cabin.

A far cry from the coffin-like dimensions of the standard sleeping pods, Hotel Zen Tokyo seems to be changing what it means to be a pod hotel.

If you’re looking for somewhere to wind down from your busy day exploring Tokyo then you might be onto a winner, even if you’re on a budget.

Rates start from ¥4,000 yen which technically makes it the most expensive capsule hotel on the list, but it’s still cheap compared to regular hotels. And for what you get, it’s well worth the extra cost.

The interior looks premium, modern, and designed with well-being in mind. Another thing to mention is the ceiling is way higher than what you’d expect in a normal pod hotel. Not to mention these almost look like rooms rather than capsules.

Hotel Zen Tokyo also features a study lounge for you to go and edit that next viral YouTube video.

Perfect!

Check in: 15:00

Check out: 10:00

Price: ¥4,000- ¥6,000 per night

5. Book and Bed Tokyo – The best capsule hotel for book lovers

Designed by the Suppose Design Office, Book and Bed Tokyo is one of the capitals best kept secrets.

Book and Bed is essentially a library with beds. Who wouldn’t want that?!

Upon entering the hotel, you are greeted with books hanging from the ceiling, wooden panels, and an all round cosy atmosphere.

Their website explains ‘there are no comfortable mattresses, fluffy pillows nor lightweight and warm down duvets.” Guests are instead invited to read until the words fall into dreams.

So you’re essentially paying for a bed without a duvet, but you’re also sleeping in an incredibly unique place where you can spend some time recharging your batteries before trekking around Tokyo the next day. Definitely an experience I want on my trip to Japan!

Rates start at a reasonable ¥3,500 a night, which comes in the middle of our capsule hotel prices which I think is more than acceptable due to how unique your stay will be.

They also offer completely free cancellations. There’s literally no reason not to make this a part of your Tokyo itinerary!

Check in: 16:00

Check out: 11:00

Price: From ¥3,500 per night

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1. Eat Japanese food

2. Watch YouTubers in Japan

3. Study the Japanese language

4. Follow Instagrammers in Japan

5. Include Japanese cultural traditions & concepts into your day

6. Splurge at an online Japanese store

7. Take a virtual tour

8. Stream Japanese series & Films

Dubbed vs Subbed

9. Create a Japanese garden

10. Plan for when you will go

Bonus: Attend a local Japanese event Bonus of going to events in your town/country

Conclusion

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1. Procedure

2. Saves Electricity

3. Saves Clothing

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Is it really as eco friendly as people think?

1. Washed more than once

2. Aggressive laundry products

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Size

Durability

Style

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Conclusion

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5. RADWIMPS

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6. Mrs. Green Apple

7. 川崎鷹也-サクラウサギ

8. Hatsune Miku

So what is Hatsune Miku?

9. Namewee (Bonus)

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1. Asics

2. Mizuno

3. Shimano

4. Yonex

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