JAPAN TRAVEL
Italian-inspired ramen in Shinjuku
Setting itself apart from the ramen crowd, 'Taiyou no Tomato men' (太陽のトマト麺) serves up visually distinct bowls of tomato-based ramen at its many locations around Japan – as many as 21 stores, since launching in Kinshicho back in 2006.
The sign...

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JAPAN TRAVEL
Visit the mountain high above the clouds
I get a glimpse of Mount Fuji in the bright sunshine, rising above the other mountains, with its distinct concentric form and snowy top. It is awe-inspiring. I get off the bus with the crowds, but only a few of us head to the viewpoint to see ...

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JAPAN TRAVEL
Yabusame archery and Togyosai procession
Venue: Nikko Toshogu Shrine When: Oct 16th - Oct 17th 2017,  10:00am - 5:00pm
A grand festival is held at Nikko Toshogu Shrine twice a year, and in October, includes the Shinto ritual offering of “Yabusame”, firing arrows at targets from atop ...

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JAPAN TRAVEL
Be embraced by nature in a field of Lavender
“Hokkaido is a vast land of great natural splendour. Its beauty is so awe-inspiring that it evokes forgotten feelings in Japanese. Emotions bring out our drive to live. The whole body of the Atama Daibutsu can’t be seen from outside. Snow ...

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JAPAN TRAVEL
Where the ocean and mountains come together
If you cannot decide on whether to take a day trip to the mountains or the ocean, then here is an easy solution: See both! Two hours south of Tokyo via the Takaido Line is the beautiful city of Numazu. Until Miwa recommended I visit this pl...

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JAPAN TRAVEL
The best of Gunma's delicacies served in central Tokyo
Gunma Sodachi specialises in bringing some of Gunma's finest foods to Tokyo. Backed by parent chain Aguri's yakiniku know-how, Gunma Sodachi primarily focuses on serving Gunma's local brand of beef, Joshu wagyu, alongside a numbe...

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JAPAN TRAVEL
A great diversion close to Tokyo
While traveling throughout Japan by train there will be some cities that you only see from the window as you continue on your journey.
Omiya Station is one of those places that the bullet train stops as well as many of the rapids. I have passed throug...

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JAPAN TRAVEL
Perseverance and hospitality in Japan
Rikuzentakata (陸前高田) is a coastal city in southern Iwate Prefecture. Iwate is known for a number of popular attractions along its lengthy Pacific coastline, but a few of these areas are still recovering and facing incredible challenges as a r...

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JAPAN TRENDS
 
Four years ago, the hot spring resort of Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture, was transformed into an art bonanza, with artists allowed to customized and redesign rooms in hotels in Dogo.
Given the pedigree of many of the participants — including Yayoi Kusama, photographer Nobuyoshi Araki,...

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JAPAN TRAVEL
Modern izakaya serving up Kyushu classics
Nagayama Honten is a chain izakaya restaurant that serves traditional Japanese food in a relaxed setting.
Their new branch opening to the west of Ueno Station boasts over 100 seats and looks to specialise in Motsu-Nabe, momoyaki and a live, c...

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