The southern island of Ishigaki is famous for its clear emerald-green water and beautiful white sandy  beaches . 1. Kabira Bay One of the most famous spots in Ishigaki – and one of the Top 100  Landscapes  of Japan – Kabira Bay is truly picture perfect. The colors of the ocean are said to change with the tides, turning from shades of turquoise to emerald.The popular glass-bottomed boats reveal a pristine underwater world below, where black pearls are cultivated. Though swimming is not allowed due to strong currents, visitors can still enjoy the beach and the gorgeous views.

https://livejapan.com/en/in-tokyo/in-pref-other/in-pref-okinawa/article-a0004961/

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Kusatsu Onsen in 2nd place scores highly in the ‘Top Onsen Across Japan' ranking. When considering why, around 60% of respondents answered it was because it is ‘Well Known.' The great views of the yubatake, as mentioned above, and a well-known folk song ‘Kusatsu-bushi' which opens with the lyrics: ‘Kusatsu is a good place, come and visit at least once,' make Kusatsu a familiar onsen town for many Japanese. In 3rd place comes Yufuin Onsen, located in the city of Yubu, Oita Prefecture. Most of the answers that placed Yufuin Onsen highly listed ‘Well Known,' ‘Attractive Town Atmosphere,' and ‘Interest in Onsen Efficacy and Water Quality.

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The southern island of Ishigaki is famous for its clear emerald-green water and beautiful white sandy beaches. 1. Kabira Bay One of the most famous spots in Ishigaki – and one of the Top 100 Landscapes of Japan – Kabira Bay is truly picture perfect. The colors of the ocean are said to change with the tides, turning from shades of turquoise to emerald.The popular glass-bottomed boats reveal a pristine underwater world below, where black pearls are cultivated. Though swimming is not allowed due to strong currents, visitors can still enjoy the beach and the gorgeous views.

https://livejapan.com/en/in-tokyo/in-pref-other/in-pref-okinawa/article-a0004961/

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As an island nation, Japan harvests numerous types of seaweed from all around the country, such as hijiki from the crevices of rocks by the sea, and kombu from the shallow waters off the coastline. Seaweeds—and seaweed-derived products—have been central ingredients of Japanese cuisine for thousands of years and are still widely enjoyed today. Healthy, low-calorie, and packed with fiber, minerals, and flavor, Japanese seaweeds are used in everything from preparing dashi broth, to salads, soups and wrapping sushi rolls.

https://livejapan.com/en/in-hokkaido/in-pref-hokkaido/in-sapporo_chitose/article-a0001961/

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Each December, Christmas is celebrated by people in countries all over the world, and Japan is no exception! Many of the Christmas customs seen in western countries can also be found in Japan, but often reimagined in a different way than you may expect. There are also some new traditions that have been created by the Japanese, making Christmas in Japan a unique celebration of its own accord! Japanese Christmas: A Holiday for Lovers? Christmas is known throughout the world for being a Christian holiday, but in Japan it is treated as a secular celebration and tends to be celebrated regardless of one's religion.

https://livejapan.com/en/article-a0000770/

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If you haven't tried them, senbei are a type of traditional Japanese cracker that have been enjoyed for centuries. First introduced to Japan via China in the Tang Dynasty, the original senbei were made from potato and had a cake-like texture. Since the Edo period, however, a salty soy sauce variety of senbei made with toasted rice became popular and nowadays senbei are popularly made with the same toasted rice recipe. Snack Attack: The Many Flavors of Japanese Rice Crackers Not all recipes are the same.

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Nijigen no Mori tickets Godzilla Interception Operation Ticket Vending Machine Naruto & Boruto Shinobi-zato Ticket Vending Machine Nijigen no Mori is free to enter, although individual attractions require separate entrance fees. You can buy same-day tickets on-site, however, we recommend purchasing online in advance as entry may be limited. Adult prices apply to junior high school students and older, and children's prices apply to elementary school students and younger. Children under 4 years of age are free.

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2. Yokohama Chinatown Egg Tart @ Douhatsu Right across the street from the xiaolongbao is another famous delicacy, sweet egg tarts. These petite pie-like tarts have a buttery flakey outer layer, and creamy sweet inner layer that tastes more like a cake than egg. While the original egg tart is the most popular, there are also coconut and milk tarts that can be enjoyed. Devour them as is (a bit cooled down) or take them away and heat up for a creamier taste. Douhatsu 同發 Address: 〒231-0023 神奈川県横浜市中区山下町148 / 148 Yamashita-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa, 231-0023 Price: ¥180 for one Hours: 11:00 - 21:30 3.

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2. Yokohama Chinatown Egg Tart @ Douhatsu Right across the street from the xiaolongbao is another famous delicacy, sweet egg tarts. These petite pie-like tarts have a buttery flakey outer layer, and creamy sweet inner layer that tastes more like a cake than egg. While the original egg tart is the most popular, there are also coconut and milk tarts that can be enjoyed. Devour them as is (a bit cooled down) or take them away and heat up for a creamier taste. Douhatsu 同發 Address: 〒231-0023 神奈川県横浜市中区山下町148 / 148 Yamashita-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa, 231-0023 Price: ¥180 for one Hours: 11:00 - 21:30 3.

https://livejapan.com/en/in-tokyo/in-pref-kanagawa/in-minatomirai21_chinatown/article-a0002960/

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There are loads of funny, colorful, and useful words in Japanese that just don't have a direct translation into English. Japan has a long and rich history, and its famously complex language reflects that. The language of a country can give you perspective on and insight into the culture and attitudes of the people that use it. Naturally, there are a plethora of words in Japanese that simply don't have a one-to-one English equivalent. They range all the way from the hilarious to the poetic to the spiritual.

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2. What side of the road do we drive in Japan? In Japan you will keep the left side of the road and the steering wheel is on the right side of the car. For drivers visiting from the U.K., Australia, Honk Kong and a few other countries, this presents no change from their respective countries. For people coming from most countries in Europe, the Americas, and Asia this means that in Japan you'll have to drive on the opposite side and everything within the car is a 'mirror image' of what you are probably used to (with the exception of the position of the brakes and accelerator pedals).

https://livejapan.com/en/article-a0002785/

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Let's take a look at some of the challenges involved in highway driving in Japan, most prominently, the road signs you will need to pay attention to. Getting on the Highway in Japan In many cases, there are different highway entrances for inbound and outbound lanes, and there is usually a tollgate at the entrance. Most cars in Japan use an automatic toll payment system called ETC. If you are in a  rental car , it will almost always have an ETC card inside a special card reader. You do not need to remove the card, just drive through the lane marked "ETC".

https://livejapan.com/en/article-a0000204/

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Love it or hate it, wasabi is one of the more well-known condiments served with Japanese cooking, most commonly served with sushi. Mixed with soy sauce, or served directly on top of sushi, a little dash of wasabi gives a real spicy kick to raw fish but without leaving an aftertaste. According to historical records Japanese people have been adding wasabi to a variety of dishes for over a thousand years, and today it can be found in most restaurants. It might seem like a simple green condiment, but actually there are a lot of things that even Japanese people don't even know about wasabi! 1.

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2. Ikaho Shrine Image courtesy of: Gugutto Gunma Photo Studio At the top of the 365 stone stairs sits Ikaho  Shrine , the guardian  shrine  of the springs. The deities enshrined here are the gods of the  hot spring , medicine, prosperous business, and fertility. In the  autumn , the  shrine  is also a famous spot for viewing the fall foliage. Ikaho Shrine 伊香保神社 Address: 1, Ikaho, Ikaho, Shibukawa, Gunma Phone Number: 0279-72-2351 ・Business Hours / Admission / Regular holidays: None 3.

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In recent years the deliciousness of Japanese fruit has been attracting attention overseas. Among the sought-after fruits, melons have gained popularity as a high-class fruit. Various kinds of melons are grown throughout Japan, and prices range from inexpensive ones for everyday consumption to high-end melons intended for gift-giving. Here's everything you need to know about Japanese melons, from the different varieties to when and how to eat them. 1. What kind of melons are grown in Japan? Ibaraki Prefecture  has the largest growing area and the highest production of melons, with about 40,000 tons harvested annually.

https://livejapan.com/en/article-a0004880/

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Japan is a country filled with delicious eats and Japanese street food is especially appetizing - especially in summer! Yatai are small food stalls that can be found along Japanese streets and at festivals and you don't want to miss out on the food they offer! These vendors offer an accessible and tasty selection of on-the-go dishes that are cheap, yet high-quality and delicious. Just be careful not to get carried away by the incredible variety. Here are 12 Japanese street foods you'll want to try when visiting Japan! The selection of food sold at yatai often varies between seasons.

https://livejapan.com/en/article-a0001911/

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3. Enjoy Uji Tea, Meals, and Experiences at Fukujuen Uji Tea Factory Tea is on any list of things to do in Uji, and this is the spot to dip into matcha culture! When you leave Koshoji Temple, go down Kotozaka to Fukujuen Uji Tea Factory. Fukujuen is a long-established Uji matcha tea shop, founded in 1790. At Uji Tea Factory, you can experience, learn about, and enjoy traditional Uji tea culture. There are a variety of shops and museums where you can buy original Uji tea and tea supplies, including a workshop where you can try different kinds of Uji teas, Fukuju Saryo, where you can enjoy dishes and sweets made with Uji tea, and Gyokuro-Tei, a thatched-roof tea house specializing in Uji Gyokuro tea.

https://livejapan.com/en/in-kansai/in-pref-kyoto/in-fushimi_uji/article-a2000555/

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Since Japan is home to some of the richest, tastiest, most unique dishes in the world, eating out over here can be an amazing experience. Japan's restaurants come with their own set of rules and customs that you won't find in any other country, from removing your shoes to understanding what otoshi is, so it can be very easy for tourists to make a few mistakes. In this guide, we're going to look at 8 common mistakes tourists make when eating out in Japan. 1. You don't need to tip! 'Tipping culture over here is unlike anywhere else.

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If you think of alcohol and Japan, then the first thing that springs to mind is sake – but there are other alcoholic drinks too, one of which comes from the island of Okinawa! Awamori is an alcoholic drink which is also known as shimazakae, or island sake. It dates back hundreds of years, not quite as old as sake which is at least 1300 years old, but not soon after the start of agriculture in Okinawa. Using long grain indica rice, the origins of the Awamori brewing technique can be found in Thailand, and even today as local production of this rice is not sufficient indica rice from Thailand is imported to make this celebrated drink.

https://livejapan.com/en/article-a0001992/

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Nowadays, Japanese temples and shrines are widely known by travelers from all over the world, so many people have an idea of what they are like. But what about a colorful tiny drawstring-bag-looking stuff that are found for sale there? Or pentagon-ish shaped boards hanging together? Or, a paper that some visitors tie up onto a string? Have you got any ideas about what they are? In this article, you'll find the meanings of these characteristic religious charms, when and how they came into existence, and how the Japanese today take them.

https://livejapan.com/en/article-a0003721/

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2. Ōedo Onsen Monogatari Kimitsu no Mori (Chiba) Outdoor bathing amongst the stars at Ōedo Onsen Monogatari Kimitsu no Mori (Image Source: PR Times) In second place is Ōedo Onsen Monogatari Kimitsu no Mori, quietly nestled on a hilltop near the center of the Boso Peninsula in Chiba Prefecture, close to Tokyo. Ōedo Onsen Monogatari Kimitsu no Mori has an abundance of artificial hot springs, and its location - high up in the beautiful Japanese countryside - means reduced light pollution and more chances for stargazing.

https://livejapan.com/en/article-a0005095/

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It's the height of  summer ! Normally with so many fireworks events and festivals lined up, one thing you definitely can't miss out on is street food gourmet! Recently, the variety of street food available has increased considerably, and the menus available have likewise increased as well. With such a wide variation in the types of street food available, which ones are most popular amongst foreign visitors? This time, we asked foreigners from six different countries staying in Japan about their favourite and least favourite street food gourmet foods and  sweets ! Let's start from street food  sweets ! Out of the tens of varieties of  sweets  available,  chocolate  bananas came in as the most popular! It's also ranked as a familiar food item on street food menus.

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Planning your dream trip to Japan in  spring  for cherry blossom  season ? Here is where and when is the best time to see the cherry blossoms in Japan in 2023! In this deep dive, we share the Japan cherry blossom forecast, talk about sakura viewing culture, and see where are the best places to see cherry blossoms in Japan. When is the best time to visit Japan for cherry blossoms in 2023? Cherry blossom in Tokyo Typically, cherry blossoms in Japan reach their peak  season  between the end of March and the beginning of April, which is considered the optimal time to witness the flowers' bloom in renowned tourist spots like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.

https://livejapan.com/en/article-a0001033/

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When it comes to culture and personality, Americans and Japanese are often said to be "completely opposite" - but what makes people say that? Here, we'll show you 7 differences we've spotted between the two nationalities! Being "negative" or "positive"  In Japan there is a stronger focus on "shame culture", meaning that the Japanese are often modest, cautious and realist - which can sometimes be perceived as being nefative. In contrast, Americans seem to have a more positive mentality. Could this stem from their audacious "pioneers' history"? Enter the house with their shoes on? Or off? Japan has a culture of laying down tatami mats at home.

https://livejapan.com/en/article-a0004535/?sc_lid=lj_pc_article_r_new_frame_1

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Nothing says running in Tokyo like a run around the Imperial Palace. Perhaps Tokyo's most famous running trail, this course is enjoyable for all levels with 2.5-kilometer and 5-kilometer options. The area is mostly flat but the north side of the course is an uphill run for a few hundred meters. The sidewalks here are wide, allowing others to easily pass. Located near Tokyo's business and financial district, the trail is popular among those working in the nearby offices and gets crowded in the early mornings and during lunch hours.

https://livejapan.com/en/article-a0002405/

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When traveling, the first thing people usually notice is how different or similar the food is to their own country. And if you don't come from Asia or are not familiar with Asian food, than you might be surprised to see many things that are eaten in this part of the world. When I first came to Japan around 10 years ago, I thought the strangest and most unique food Japan had to offer was raw fish in the form of sushi and sashimi. However, after living here for many years, travelling to many parts of Japan, eating at a variety of Japanese restaurants and being introduced to many kinds of dishes, I have to say sushi is looking pretty normal.

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2. Roppongi Hills Observatory As the name suggests, Roppongi Hills is in Tokyo's central district of Roppongi and is also popular for its vibrant nightlife. The building's 52nd floor is a superb spot to enjoy the scenery know as the Tokyo City View. You can also relax while dining at cafes and restaurants located on this floor. You can look up at the starry sky and gaze out at gorgeous Tokyo night views from 270 meters above sea level from the Sky Deck on the roof. Roppongi Hills 六本木ヒルズ Address: 6-10-1, Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 106-6108 Nearest Station: Roppongi Station (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line / Toei Oedo Line), 0 minute on foot Phone Number: 03-6406-6000 3.

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Quickly grabbed after work and casually enjoyed with some coworkers or friends: the chūhai is a canned alcoholic drink that traditionally is a shōchū (distilled alcohol) highball. It has become a go-to choice for pretty much anyone in Japan, rapidly increasing the selection at supermarkets and convenience stores all across the country. Its comparatively low alcohol content, comes in a wide variety of flavors, and its cheaper-than-beer prices make it a must-try when exploring the world of Japanese drinks! From low in sugar to wonderfully fruity and sweet, there's a chūhai for every taste and palate on the market, with companies developing new flavors regularly and steadily.

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Japan's convenience stores offer a wide variety of delicious sweets and desserts that are simply so irresistible, you can't help but end up buying some to indulge in. This, of course, is not limited just to the Japanese. Tourists share the same sentiments too. Just what do foreign tourists find appealing about these convenience store sweets? Among the answers received to this question, some have expressed that these desserts have shocked them in various ways. Let's check out their responses! (The comments below are the respondents' personal opinions only) First off, the sweetness is perfect! Fadhli Adnan / Shutterstock.

https://livejapan.com/en/article-a0004678/?sc_lid=lj_pc_article_r_new_frame_2

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Hot springs in Japan, known locally as onsen, are a natural fixture in most parts of Japan that often appear in olden myths and legends about onsen discovery. In European lands, they are often thought of as a treatment, whereas hot springs in Japan are viewed as places of natural scenery and serenity that nurse the soul. Whatever the case, it is abundantly clear that they are dear to the hearts of many, whether young or old. Japan's onsen culture dictates that bathing doesn't start or stop at the dip.

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