JAPAN TRAVEL
The South of France in Aso’s Grand Volcano Caldera
Always in search of atmospheric cafes and restaurants in the Japanese countryside, chance would have it that I passed the inviting gate of Bonjour Provence after exploring the nearby Mt. Rakan Crags and the environs of Mt. Takagi. Ev...

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JAPAN TRAVEL
Chic Cafe in Kyoto With Good Coffee and Cake
Step away from Kyoto's madding crowds into Source, a chic cafe located in the quieter Okazaki area, within a stone's throw from the Jingu-Marutamachi Station. Opened in 2013, it is a local favourite for its designer decor, and quality food...

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JAPAN TRAVEL
A Cherry Blossom Paradise!
One of Kyoto’s favorite Cherry blossom spots is this picturesque street along the Takase River in the heart of Kyoto! You can walk and enjoy the cherry trees along the embankment all the way from Nijō-Kiyamachi to Jujo dori, although that would be quite a w...

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JAPAN TRAVEL
A Festival All Year Round
Tanabata is a traditional summer time festival taking place across all of Japan. The main attraction of the festival is the lines of majestic streamers hanging from bamboo poles that line city streets. These handmade works of art eagerly invite passerbys to ...

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THE JAPAN NEWS
 
By Nana Ando / Yomiuri Shimbun Staff Writer
About 450 cameras are on display in a large glass showcase, including such fine products as the much-coveted Nikon Model 1 — Nikon Corp.’s first camera, released in 1948.
On the second floor of Nikon’s headquarters near JR Shinagawa Sta...

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JAPAN TRAVEL
Hot Spring Baths on The Slopes of Mt Aso
Tarutama Onsen lies on the southern slopes of massive Mt Aso. There's not much here to indicate to visitors that this is one of the region's most beloved bathing spots, especially in autumn. A lone complex, the rambling Ryokan Yamaguchi, stand...

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JAPAN TRAVEL
Rain or Shine, Fuji is Too Beautiful to Miss
Many people will tell you that July is not the best time to visit Fuji, because it’s the rainy season. The clouds will obscure the view, the weather will be miserable, and you’ll get wet - it’s not worth it. I chose to ignore these warning...

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JAPAN TRAVEL
A Wonderful Shop in Yokohama’s Motomachi
Would you like to try wearing a kimono? Or would you like to enjoy the flavor of Japanese kimono fabrics? OK! I will take you to a perfect shop dealing in fabrics for kimono in Motomachi, Yokohama.
As you might know, the Japanese retailing sys...

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JAPAN TRAVEL
Yokohama's Hidden Treasure
Because it is a little bit off the beaten path, many visitors from overseas do not visit Sankei-en. But they should, and you should. It is a gorgeous park/garden, especially renowned for its seasonal beauty.
In late March or early April, the cherry blossoms...

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JAPAN TRAVEL
Negishi Horse Racecourse
Yokohama is the birthplace of western-style horse racing in Japan. Westerners who came to Yokohama brought their cultures and life styles with them so that they could live in the same way as they did back in their home countries. We have a lot of “the first i...

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