Tranquil Kyushu Island; 1. Aso Volcano, the world largest caldera !

October 30, 2008 - 2:06 pm by akko@hakata in Others  

After exciting Tokyo and traditional Kyoto, why not visiting tranquil Kyushu, where you can experience magic of nature, and what it bring out, such as onsen (hot spring) , beautiful nature, fresh local food, good sake, and friendly people!

Aso mountain is the general term referring to 5 mountains.
Nakadake (1592m) is one of them, and [...]

Katchaman’s Amazing JAPAN guide at Oita Power Spot (Sacred Place) “USA Jingu Shrine” [宇佐神宮・大分県]

August 13, 2008 - 2:10 pm by katchaman in Others  

Usa Jingu Shrine is the main home for all(44,000) Hachiman-gu shrines around Japan. I can recommend USA Jingu Shrine as one of the best sacred place in Japan.
Usa jingu Shrine, constructed in the 6th century, is dedicated to the Emperor Ojin, his mother Empress Jingu - both of whom are legendary - and his deified [...]

Fukuoka, introduced as the World Best Shopping City @ MONOCLE

June 26, 2008 - 2:03 pm by akko@hakata in Others, Travel  

Fukuoka, which already has a very good reputation among residents,
business people (especially Tanshin-Funin people* !), domestic tourists,
and also oversea visitors, first appeared in the latest MONOCLE magazine,
and introduced as the best shopping city, and the 16th livable place.

As a resident, Fukuoka is;
-Gourmet! Especially recommendable is ramen noodle, seafood, local shochu (distilled spirit).
-Friendly! People show [...]

Yanagi-ya

May 7, 2008 - 12:58 am by norinori in Food  

Yanagi-ya is one of the most popular Taiyaki-store in Tokyo. Taiyaki is Japanese authentic sweet which include Anko, made from blace bean. When you reach Yanagi-ya, you have to make a line inside the store and may wait about 10 minutes. While you wait, you can watch that artisan cook Taiyaki by gripping really hot [...]

Deep in Azaleas at Nedu shinto shrine “Kodaman’s J-TRIP”

April 24, 2008 - 5:54 pm by kodaman in Culture  

Early April is the season of Cherry blossoms. It’s beautiful, every body knows.
If people come to Japan late April, Azaleas are beautiful and worth to see too.
Here, Nedu shrine(根津神社） near Sendagi and Yanaka is one of the great spot to see Azaleas.
After visting Yanaka area, people come this shrine because it’s not far away.

Visit Nagasaki!

April 16, 2008 - 2:39 pm by jason in Food, Others  

I think I’ve found a new favourite city in Japan. Sapporo’s snow festival was great, Kyoto is beautiful, Tokyo is exciting and Yokohama has my favourite baseball team.
But Nagasaki seemed like a great place to live. There’s great food (though this is true of just about every city in Japan) - try the Saraudon for dinner in [...]

Katchaman’s Amazing JAPAN guide at Tokyo Akasaka Power Spot (Sacred Place) “Toyokawa Inari[豊川稲荷] ”

March 31, 2008 - 11:05 am by katchaman in Others  

 Toyokawa Inari Tokyo Betsuin is a branch of the main Toyokawa Inari (Myogon Temple) in Aichi Prefecture. Worship in the quiet temple is said to benefit business and if nothing else, at least provides a brief sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Hie Shrine, dubbed ‘Sanno-sama,’ was the biggest shrine in Edo during [...]

Cafe Furumoto (Kobe)“Kodaman’s J-TRIP”

March 28, 2008 - 6:30 pm by kodaman in Others  

Many coffee shops are around Minatogawa shrine in Kobe.
When I visited to “Minatogawa shrine”, I was so tired because walking to much before I went there.
I just found a coffee shops whose name was Furumoto located at west side of Minatogawa shrine.
Actually I had never visited to Kobe beore, I only believed my instinction that [...]

Back to the 50-60’s Japan -Andy’s Izakaya

March 2, 2008 - 12:34 am by sachie_kobayashi in Food  

Feel like yakitori with some beer? Japanese fish dish?
You may image that the traditional Japanese food is quite expensive. Oｆ cause that’s right to some extent, so is haute cuisine, but actually such food is not everyday diet.
Then, try Izakaya food. it’s not so expensive but yummy! Find a red lantern! Red lantern indicates “Izakaya”, or [...]

Nonomiya Shrine(Kyoto) “Kodaman’s J-TRIP”

February 29, 2008 - 1:03 pm by kodaman in Others  

Nonomiya shrine(野宮神社) is located in Arashiyama & Sagano area.This shrine comes out in the story of Genji.
What we see is the black Trii which is a gate of the shrine. Usually the color of “Trii” is red (such as Yasaka shrine, Kasuga shrine or Istukushima shrine ) but Torii here is very unique, I think. [...]