JAPAN TRAVEL
Gozan temples between Takeda Shrine and Kai-Zenkoji
The meaning of 'Gozan'  
During the Southern Song Dynasty in China (1127–1279), there was a system of state sponsored temples commonly called the 'Five Mountain' system. 'Five Mountains' really meant five temples (temples were very ...

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JAPAN TRAVEL
The laughing festival in Wakayama
When you go to a festival at a remote village and you are the only foreigner, it tells you something about how local and traditional it is. Going to Warai Festival has probably been one of most spectacular and rewarding experiences I’ve ever had. It ...

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JAPAN TRAVEL
 
Chef Yoshiaki Takazawa opened this eating bar around the corner from his popular restaurant that also bears his name.  Located in Akasaka, it is a small venue that seats ten guests.  We had contacted Takazawa restaurant for a reservation request.  Unfortunately, they were going to ...

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JAPAN TIMES
 
Press conferences are usually upbeat affairs, but at the one held to herald Festival/Tokyo — a two-month theater festival that kicks off Oct. 15 — Artistic Director Sachio Ichimura appears looking worried and begins proceedings by bemoaning the event’s financial situation and wonder...

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JAPAN TRAVEL
 
 
An omakase experience you will never forget 
Ginza Sushi-Ichi was a bit hard to find, tucked away at the end of an alley behind a plain door. But once found, we were greeted with warm hospitality. There is an intercom beside the door. Simply press the buzzer and one of the hosts ...

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JAPAN TRAVEL
Hiroshima Memorial Cathedral of World Peace
Hiroshima’s A-Dome and Peace Memorial Park are its most poignant landmarks, and what most people come to Hiroshima to see. The Memorial Cathedral of World Peace is less visited, hidden in streets off the main tourist radar. Its impact is no...

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JAPAN TRAVEL
A Comfortable, Stylish Base in The Heart of Sumida
Before I came to Tokyo, I was warned that accommodation would be nothing like the luxury I was used to on my previous South East Asian adventures. I had nightmares about sleeping in tiny boxes that I could never escape from, and of c...

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JAPAN TRAVEL
Hachioji's hidden discovery
Hachioji, in the western reaches of Tokyo, is historically known for its own unique style of ramen Hachioji Ramen, which evolved over the past 50 years. It's defined by a simple shoyu base, the thin layer of oil on top and—most distinctively—its chopped on...

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JAPAN TRAVEL
A mix of history, lore, and mystery
One of the countless historical figures young Japanese students are required to memorize in school is Prince Shotoku (574-622). He is credited with spreading and popularizing the Buddhist religion around Japan. It is said he was fond of the deity Y...

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JAPAN TRAVEL
 
An adventure in shopping
What’s the perfect complement to the lowest mountain in the land? A shopping mall and event space, and the largest ferris wheel in the world! That’s what Osaka decided.
 
The Tempozan Market Place is medium-sized shopping and entertainment complex located a...

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