A quick look at the history of cherry blossom season in Japan

Japan’s tradition of going out to view the beauty of the blooming cherry flowers is known as hanami (which translates to “flower viewing”). It started many centuries ago, back in the 8^th century, during the Nara Period, and was even referenced in the Heian period literature piece titled “The Tale of Genji.”

The custom was originally observed as a way to celebrate harvest, and welcome the beginning of the rice-planting season. During the Heian Period, Emperor Saga organized sakura viewing parties for his Imperial Court to enjoy food and sake underneath the blossoming cherry trees. Eventually, the practice was adopted by the rest of the society.

Best sakura viewing or hanami spots in Japan

Because cherry trees are everywhere in Japan, the country has no shortage of sakura viewing spots. But, there are some that stand out among the rest, and are highly rated by locals and foreigners alike.

Shinjuku Gyoen (Tokyo)

A large, spacious park in the heart of Tokyo, Shinjuku Gyoen is home to lots of different varieties of cherry trees. Around late March, they start to bloom and turn the park into a stunning visual spectacle. It is open every day throughout the cherry blossom season, and charges 200 yen to enter.

To get there, you can take a 10-minute walk from JR Shinjuku Station, or a 5-minute walk from either JR Sendagaya Station or Shinjukugyoenmae Station.

Philosopher’s Path (Kyoto)

Approximately two kilometers long, the Philosopher’s Path in Kyoto is a pleasant stone pathway along a canal in a quiet neighborhood in Higashiyama district. It is lined by cherry trees on both sides that create a tunnel-like walkway of incredible pink flowers. It starts near Ginkakuji (the Silver Pavilion) and ends around Nanzenji, and takes less than an hour to traverse.

From Kyoto Station, bus numbers 5, 17, and 100 offers direct connections to Ginkakuji, where the beginning of the path is only a few minutes’ walk away.

If you decide to start the trek at the Nanzenji end of the path, take either the Tozai Subway Line to Keage Station, or Kyoto City Bus number 5 to Nanzenji-Eikando-michi bus stop, and then walk 5 to 10 minutes to the path.

Himeji Castle (Himeji)

Himeji Castle is one of the most important and iconic castles of Japan. Referred to as the White Heron Castle (or Shirasahijo in Japanese) for its sophisticated, white exterior, this 400-year-old landmark is one of the only 12 surviving original castle in the country. Its castle grounds consist of numerous gates, buildings, and winding paths, and its gardens have an abundance of cherry trees that people flock to during cherry blossom seasons every year.

From Tokyo, Himeji Castle is a little over three hours away via the Shinkansen. If coming from Kyoto or Osaka, the Shinkansen ride takes less than an hour. And, from Himeji Station, the castle is about a 15 to 20 minute walk.

Kakunodate (Akita Prefecture)

An old castle town and samurai district, Kakunodate is one of the best hanami spots in the northern Tohoku region. It is most famous for its well-preserved samurai houses and hundreds of weeping sakura trees. The Hinokinai riverbank serves as the biggest viewing spot in the city, and hosts crowds of people who want to enjoy picnics under the beautiful pink blossoms.

JR Kakunodate Station is about a three-hour Shinkansen ride from Tokyo Station. To get to Hinokinai riverbank and samurai house district, you can either walk 20 minutes or take a cab from the train station.

Fort Goryokaku (Hakodate)

A Western-style fortress constructed during the Tokugawa Era in the city of Hakodate, Fort Goryokaku is large, star-shaped citadel that has a massive public park that is home to more than a thousand cherry trees. It is visited by many people around early May, when cherry blossom season is at its peak.

The closest major railway station to Fort Goryokaku is Hakodate Station, and from there, you can get on the tram going to Goryokaku Koen Mae, which is about a 10-minute walk away from the fortress’ main entrance.

Kumamoto Castle (Kumamoto)

A 17^th century castle known for its black-and-white exterior, large stone walls, and impressive castle tower, Kumamoto Castle is one of Japan’s top three most famous castles. Its grounds are abundant with different varieties of cherry trees that reach peak bloom around late March to early April.

From Kumamoto Station, the castle is a 15-minute tram ride away, or a 30 to 45 minute walk.

Takayama Matsuri (Takayama)

Takayama Matsuri is a two-day annual festival held every spring, from April 14 to 15, in the city of Takayama in Gifu Prefecture. It features several elaborately adorned festival floats displayed around the city, a karakuri performance where karakuri dolls are controlled mechanically to perform dances, a mikoshi (a portable shrine) parade, and an evening festival where the festival floats on display are paraded around town.

To get to Takayama from Tokyo, take a two-hour Shinkansen ride to Nagoya, where you need to transfer to a limited express train for another two-hour-and-twenty-minute train ride.

Cherry blossom products, souvenirs, and other merchandise

During sakura season, you can find many stores and shops around the hanami spots and festival sites that sell a wide variety of products that are sakura-related.

There are sakura ice cream, sakura dumplings, sakura beer, sakura coffee, sakura tea, sakura soda, sakura cake, sakura-flavoured Kit Kats, and even sakura-themed Starbucks drinks.

There are also non-food sakura-themed items, such as mugs and tumblers, jewelry, clothing, shoes, and accessories, which are sometimes available for a limited time only.

The post Best Sakura Viewing or Hanami Spots in Japan appeared first on Japaniverse Travel Guide.

Standing at 50 metres tall, it is made up of 12 storeys (mostly office spaces) and an observation deck. Visitors are welcome to explore the cafe and souvenir shop on the 1^st floor, the open-plan interactive multimedia area on the 12^th floor, and the observatory on the topmost floor. It is found next to the A-Bomb dome and Peace Park.

Activities to enjoy at Orizuru Tower

Learn about the tower, the best sightseeing spots in Hiroshima, and other useful information for tourists.

The Tourist Information counter for Orizuru Tower is located on the 1^st floor. It offers assistance not only on things related to Orizuru Tower, but also on the must-see spots, off-the-beaten path recommendations, transportation and accommodation, dining and shopping, and more in Hiroshima. It also provides other tourist services, such as transportation tickets and tours. It has both English and Japanese speaking staff.

Get great views of Hiroshima and Miyajima.

Orizuru Tower’s observation deck, called Hiroshima Hills, is highly recommended to anyone visiting Hiroshima. It is a large space uniquely designed with Japanese cedar and cypress planks, consisting of three open walls that afford guests magnificent views of the metropolis, and, on clear days, the amazing island of Miyajima too.

To access it, you must buy an admission ticket from the observatory ticket counter or the ticket machine on the ground floor.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use the ticket machine:

• The screen displays four different languages: Japanese, Simplified Chinese, Korean, and English. Select your language to proceed.
• Choose your type of ticket.

• Pay for your ticket in cash.
• Take your ticket and head to the ticket gates.
• You can choose between using the elevator or the slope to reach the observation deck. As a tip, take the elevator to go up and use the slope to come down.

For group rates, discounts, and other information, visit the Orizuru Tower Ticket Information page.

Educate yourself with the history of Hiroshima, the atomic bombing of the city, peace movements and memorials, and more.

The 12^th floor of Orizuru Tower houses a spacious exhibit zone that contains photos, videos, and other displays about the atomic bombing. At times, it also holds special exhibitions and events.

Some notable ones are the Ground Zero, which lets people view the spot where the nuclear bomb was dropped and exploded; the Orizuru Square, where visitors can learn about the atomic bombing incident via digital displays, and also enjoy the opportunity to make their own orizuru crane, a peace symbol made by folding a small piece of paper, by following the instructions provided on the board; the Orizuru Wall, where people can post their own orizuru crane (for 500 yen) and wish for world peace; and an interactive area that has a huge screen that lets kids and adults make orizuru through gesture sensors and controls.

Visit the Orizuru Tower website for news on ongoing and upcoming events.

Dining and shopping facilities

On the observatory floor, there is the Akushu Cafe – Wind Side, which serves take-out only snacks and drinks, including ice cream, momiji-mandju, coffee, tea, wine, beer, whiskey, and sake.

Another Akushu Cafe is found on the 1^st floor, called Akushu Cafe – Park Side, which serves fresh and tasty okonomiyaki dishes, veggie curry, and other local cuisines.

A souvenir shop called Hito to Ki is located on the 1^st floor, and it has a wide selection of products, including traditional arts and handicrafts, food items, drinks, figurines, toys, postcards, and memorabilia. It also has a cafe that serves light meals, sodas, and alcohol.

How to get to Orizuru Tower

If you are already in Hiroshima, you can access the Orizuru Tower via the city’s tram network known as the Hiroshima Electric Railway or Hiroden.

Take streetcar line #2, #3, #6, or #7, and get off at the Genbaku Dome-mae or Atomic Bomb Dome stop. From there, the tower is only a minute away on foot.

How to get to Hiroshima

If you are coming from Tokyo, you can get to Hiroshima by:

• Plane: Japan Airlines, All Nippon Airways, and Ibex Airlines offer daily flights to Hiroshima from Tokyo. A one-way journey costs about 35,000 yen and takes one hour and a half.
• Shinkansen: The JR Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen Line links Hiroshima and Tokyo. Via the Nozomi trains, a one-way direct trip takes four hours, while via the Sakura and the Hikari trains, a one-way trip takes five hours, with a transfer at Shin-Osaka Station. A one-way ticket costs about 19,000 yen.
• Highway bus: There are bus companies that offer overnight bus services between Tokyo and Hiroshima. A one-way trip is approximately 12 hours long, and costs between 6,000 yen to 12,000 yen, depending on the bus operator, seat class, season, and other factors.

From Osaka or Kyoto, you can reach Hiroshima by:

• Shinkansen: The Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen Line trains take under two hours to get from either Osaka or Kyoto to Hiroshima. A one-way ticket costs around 11,000 yen.
• Highway bus: By highway bus, the journey takes around seven to nine hours, and costs 3,500 yen to 5,000 yen.

If departing from Fukuoka, the best options to access Hiroshima are by:

• Shinkansen – The journey via the JR Sanyo Shinkansen Line from Fukuoka to Hiroshima takes an hour, and costs about 9,000 yen.
• Highway bus: There are daytime and overnight bus services that run between Fukuoka and Hiroshima, and a one-way trip takes under five hours and costs 2,500 yen to 5,000 yen.

For train options, timetables, fares, and other information, use Hyperdia. For highway bus timetables, routes, fares, and ticket reservations, use Japan Bus Online and Willer Express.

The post Orizuru Tower, Hiroshima – A New Sightseeing Spot appeared first on Japaniverse Travel Guide.

Anyway, in this article I want to talk about different types of festivals. Those that actually take place in a jinja, the Shinto shrines. Here is a list of my favourite Japanese traditional festivals which are being celebrated all over the country.

Hatsumode – This is the first visit to the shrine at the beginning of every year. You don’t really have a set date, but people tend to make their hatsumode during the first week of January. A lot of people tend to go to the nearby shrine after midnight strikes on the night of the 31st of December. You will see a lot of yatai on your way to the shrine, and even inside the shrine (yatai are small booths where you can buy traditional Japanese food and drinks). You might want to try amazake, which is a sweet drink made of rice. Chances are you won’t like it, but it will heat you up during the cold winter night, plus it is traditionally being drunk during your first visit to the shrine.

During your visit make sure to pray to the god of the shrine and ask them for whatever it is you wish for happening during the year. The next thing you will need to do is draw an omikuji – a fortune-telling paper strip. You can get anything from a terrible curse to big luck. Nonetheless, it is an interesting experience, so make sure to give it a try if you’re in Japan during the New Year season.

Dontosai: Hadaka Matsuri – This particular festival is usually celebrated in Tohoku Region, but it is worth seeing. The largest ones are held in Sendai and Morioka. As the name suggests this festival includes bonfires and half-naked men. The bonfire has a special meaning. You get to burn the omamori (lit. good luck charm) that have already fulfilled their purpose in it. But the most interesting part is seeing the rite. Many boys, young men and even elderly gentlemen take part in the festival. However, they have to wash their bodies with ice-cold water before they can participate. Afterwards they put on special white boxers, straw belts and straw sandals. Recently women have also started taking part in the hadaka-mairi and they get to wear a white jacket. The final touch is a thin paper between the lips to prevent talking or teeth chattering.

Hadaka-mairi is a purification rite which has over 300 years of history. You can find similar hadaka matsuri in many other corners of Japan, however the one you will get to see in Sendai is unique and one of its kind.

Setsubun – This is an event held in celebration of spring. It is quite an interesting one too. Not only you get to eat special dishes, but the male head of the household performs the so called mamemaki. The father of the family will throw some beans outside the house or at a family member who is wearing the costume of an oni (demon). Then the words Oni wa soto, fuku wa uchi! are being chanted. They literally mean “Demons out, luck in”. The event is especially beloved by children. This is another purification rite, which is supposed to drive away bad luck such as misfortune and bad health.

Seijin no Hi – This is something I wish other countries also celebrated. In Japan one comes to age when they turn 20. Many Westerners hold huge parties on their 20th birthday, and so did I. Unlike us though, Japanese people don’t really celebrate their birthdays with such a big flare. On Seijin no Hi all of those kids who are turning 20 during that year gather in their cities, have a ceremony, and afterwards hold massive celebrations. It is a fun day, and young men and women get to dress in traditional Japanese clothing called hakama.

Shichi Go San – This is another coming of age ceremony. It is held for boys who turn three and five years old and for girls who turn three and seven years old. The kids are also dressed into special type of kimono and hakama. They are taken to the shrines and afterwards photos are taken. The kids are also being given a red candy. Sometimes you might even see some children who are wearing Western attire. It is said that Shichi Go San finds its roots in Heian Period. Either way it is a sweet sight for one’s eyes.

Hina Matsuri – The event might be known to you as Doll’s Day or Girls’ Day. During this festival you will see many ornamental dolls in Japanese households which have daughters. The dolls are supposed to represent the Emperor and the Empress, but some might even represent attendants and court musicians. All of these dolls are wearing traditional Japanese court dresses. Since these dolls are quite expensive, they are usually passed down in the family. The whole point of the festival is to symbolically show the families good wishes and intentions for their daughters, such as health, luck and successful marriage.

Tanabata Matsuri – This is a festival of the stars. It is a nationwide festival. It symbolises the reunion of two lover stars who are only allowed to meet each other once in the year on this day. It is celebrated on the 7th of July in the whole country, except for Sendai.

Sendai Tanabata is actually quite famous. It is the most famous and the most lavishly celebrated tanabata event in the whole country. Believe me, Sendai Tanabata is definitely worth your visit. It is held every year from August 6-8. The city gets decorated in thousands of colourful streamers. In addition to the beautiful sights in downtown Sendai, usually a hanabi taikai, fireworks event, is held in the city as well.

This was a list of some of the most famous and worthwhile traditional festivals of Japan. Some of them might be harder to get an access to, but the trouble is worth it and I promise you will not regret it!

The post Matsuri – Japanese Festivals appeared first on Japaniverse Travel Guide.

Noto Peninsula

The Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture offers some of Japan’s most stunning views of the coast. It juts out about 100 kilometres into the Sea of Japan, and offers a wide range of opportunities for nature and outdoor exploration.

Two of Noto Peninsula’s most famous scenic coasts are the Noto Kongo Coast and the Okunoto Coast, which are both excellent places to enjoy the unique and mesmerizing landscapes and waterscapes in the area.

Access: From Tokyo, take the JR Hokuriku Shinkansen to Kanazawa, and then transfer to a limited express train line to Wakura Onsen. If coming from Kyoto or Osaka, take the JR Thunderbird limited express to Kanazawa, and then transfer to a different limited express train line going to Wakura Onsen. At Wakura Onsen, various buses depart for the different areas in the peninsula.

Kurashiki

Situated in the western side of Okayama Prefecture, Kurashiki is an old city with a long and eventful history that dates to as far back as the Heian Period. A lot of the storehouses, houses, buildings, and structures that remain standing up to this day were constructed during the Edo Period and the Meiji Restoration, and some of them have been transformed into cafes, shops, museums, and other tourist attractions.

A notable site to check out in Kurashiki is the Bikan Historical Quarter, which is located in the heart of the city and is home to a canal with stone bridges and lined with willow trees and preserved storehouses.  Visitors can take part in a pleasant boat ride or take photos of the traditional atmosphere and scenery.

Access: Take the JR Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen to Okayama, and then transfer to a local train to Kurashiki.

Visit the Kurashiki City website for more information.

Takeda Castle Ruins

The Takeda Castle Ruins are found in Asago, a city in northern Hyogo Prefecture. The original castle was built in 1441 by Otagaki Mitsukage, and was later occupied by the forces of Hideyoshi Toyotomi. It was abandoned when its last lord, Akamatsu Hirohide, committed seppuku after being accused of arson.

Over the centuries, the castle just crumbled and fell apart, and was only restored around the 1970s. These days, only the castle’s foundations stand, and visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the surroundings from there. It is best to visit around sunrise in October or November to get the chance to see the castle seemingly floating in the sky due to the early morning fog.

Access: From Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka, take the Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen to Himeji, and then transfer to the JR Bantan Line going to Takeda Station, which is found at the foot of the castle hill.

More information is available on Asago City’s website.

Shimoguri no Sato

Tucked deep in the mountains of Nagano Prefecture, Shimoguri no Sato is a gorgeous isolated valley that offers a quiet and relaxing atmosphere. Its residents live a simple and traditional lifestyle, amidst the vast and thriving greenery.

Every autumn season, the wide variety of trees that cover the mountainsides and slopes transform into a breathtaking sight of bright red, orange, and yellow. It is a highly recommended autumn viewing spot for those looking to take pleasure in the amazing natural beauty of Japan without all the crowds.

Access: From Tokyo, Osaka, or Kyoto, take the Tokaido Shinkansen to Toyohashi, and then transfer to a limited express train to Iida. At Iida, catch a bus to Kamimachi, and then ride a taxi to Shimoguri no Sato.

Nagano Prefecture’s Official Tourism Guide has more information available for visitors.

Tsujunkyo Bridge

Measuring 20.2 metres high, 75.6 metres long, and 6.3 metres wide, Tsujunkyo Bridge is the biggest stone-arch aqueduct bridge in Japan. Located in Kumamoto, it was built in 1854 to solve the Shiraito Plateau farmlands’ water shortage.

Today, visitors can check the bridge out to be treated to a magnificent display of an almost-200-year-old structure at work. Every day, for about 20 to 25 minutes, tons of water are released from the bridge’s sides to the river below to clean out the sand and silt build-ups in the pipes.

Not too far from the bridge are other must-see nature spots like the Gorogataki Waterfall, a bamboo forest, and the rice paddies.

Access: From Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka, take the Tokaido/Sanyo/Kyushu Shinkansen to Kumamoto, and then take the bus to the aqueduct bridge.

Visit the Kumamoto Tourism Site to learn more about the attraction.

Gokayama

One of Japan’s most scenic UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Gokayama is a region known for its preserved gassho-zukuri houses. It is located in a city called Nanto, which is in Toyama Prefecture. It is nestled in the secluded mountain ranges that extend between Gifu Prefecture and Toyama Prefecture, close to Shogawa River.

The ancient farmhouses feature thatched roofs that look like hands put together in prayer, and are said to be 200 to 300 years old. Compared to the more popular Shirakawa-go village, it is made up of fewer and smaller houses, so its ambiance is more tranquil and serene. Some of its farmhouses are open to visitors wanting to spend a night or two close to nature and to experience a simple and traditional way of life, far away from the busy and hectic urban lifestyle. Here is a listing of ryokan and other accommodation options in Gokayama.

In winter, Gokayama is most especially magical, as large amounts of powdery snow cover the grounds and the farmhouses’ roofs.

Access: From Tokyo, Osaka, or Kyoto, take a combination of the Shinkansen and local/limited express train to get to Takaoka Station, where you need to transfer to a World Heritage Bus that goes to Gokayama.

More details on Gokayama, how to get there, and others are available on the Gokayama Official Travel Guide website.

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Luckily for all of us though, there are plenty of things that you can enjoy in Tokyo and spend not even a penny on doing so! Here in this article we will try to explore all of the most interesting possibilities that Tokyo offers you, and nonetheless free of charge!

Here’s 17 things you can do in Tokyo for FREE!

1. The first thing that comes to mind is definitely Harajuku. To be more precise I’d say take a stroll through the famous Takeshita Street. This is very the modern youth fashion of Japan is concentrated. You will see many people who wear quite eccentric clothing, but that’s the beauty and charm of Harajuku.
2. If you end up in Harajuku, you definitely have to walk to Omotesando next. As the Japanese would say this is one of the oshare (fashionable) places in Tokyo. You will get to see many stores of high fashion, interesting cafes that are hidden in the narrow alleyways.
3. Go to the famous Shibuya crossing! This is the busiest crossing in the world and it is said that over a thousand people cross it during the peak hours. Besides you will get to see the statue of famous Hachiko. Just be prepared, this is probably the most crowded place you’ll ever be in your life!
4. Depending on the season of your visit you might get the chance to see a couple of festivals, from sakura viewing to fireworks and red leaves viewing. If your feet take you to any of these you will also be able to buy some traditional Japanese food from the yatai – booths which will be all over the place!
5. Visit shrines and temples. Most of these don’t have any entrance fees. Though keep in mind that in Buddhist temples you’re more likely to be asked to pay for entering the place, rather than not.
6. Talking about shrines, you should definitely visit Meiji Jingu. This place is dedicated to the late emperor Meiji and his empress. The place is also in a walking distance from  the above-mentioned Harajuku and Omotesando. The shrine is surrounded by a majestic garden which will make the whole experience quite mysterious.
7. You should also visit Asakusa, probably one of the most famous temples in Japan that has a gigantic entrance to it. On the way to the temple you will walk through narrow streets which bare resemblance to medieval Japanese streets.
8. A visit to Odaiba might be interesting. If you’re not scared of walking challenge yourself and walk over the Rainbow Bridge. You will get to see the beautiful sceneries of the Tokyo beaches.
9. If you are into otaku culture definitely visit Akihabara! Here you will meet many other otakus and will realise that in reality you aren’t one (that’s what happened to me haha). Here you will get to see huge screens that will show anime or idols singing. You might even run into actual idols singing somewhere on the streets. If you go into the stores you will see a lot of anime merchandise like figurines or cosplay.
10. You can take a stroll over Nihonbashi, a famous bridge which has been there since the 17th century. The district which grew around the bridge and bares the same name is the centre of business in Tokyo, in a way this is the Japanese Wall Street.
11. Take a walk down the Ameyoko Shopping Street which is very close to the Ueno station. This one is different from the above-mentioned Takeshita street, but you will still get to see many interesting shops.
12. You might also like to visit the Sunshine City, which is in Ikebukuro. It is a building complex consisting of 60 buildings, and even has an observatory! This place also often comes up in anime, so you might find the visit quite interesting!
13. Definitely visit the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatories in Shinjuku! You will get to see an amazing scenery spread out in front of you: Tokyo and its parks, the Meiji Jingu, etc.
14. Visit Shimokitazawa. This is a small town in the Western parts of Tokyo, but it is very popular amongst the young people. Shimokitazawa is also famous for its many second hand shops, which sell very rare brand items.
15. Definitely visit Yokohama. It’s a bit far from the central districts of Tokyo, but believe me it’s worth your visit. Yokohama is one of Tokyo’s suburbs and is famous for a couple of things, like its access to the sea, as well as its Chinatown (Yokohama Chukagai). It’s the largest Chinatown in Japan. Here you can find many colourful streets, Chinese stores and restaurants.
16. While you’re visiting Yokohama, it might also be a great idea to visit Kamakura. Kamakura is famous for its large Buddha statue. Even though the entrance to the Buddhist temple will require you to pay a tiny amount of money, there is still a Shintoist shrine on the other side of the city, which is free of charge.
17. Visit parks! Tokyo is famous for being a green city. And indeed there are many parks worth your time! A couple of famous ones are Yoyogi park, Hibiya Park, Roppongi West Park, but there are so many more!

As I have already mentioned above, Tokyo is an expensive city. One would expect this from a megapolis. But then again the city also offers you many cheap or even free alternatives of having fun and enjoying the Japanese culture. If you follow the list I gave you in this article, I assure you that you will not only have a full schedule on your hands, but also will get to see some of the most visited places in Tokyo. Fun doesn’t always have to cost you a fortune, now does it?

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What are the best places to enjoy sakura?

Seeing sakura in full bloom is one of the most popular things to do among tourists visiting Japan in the spring season. No matter where you are in the country, there is always a park, a garden, or any space where a bunch of sakura trees of different varieties thrive, and where people can enjoy viewing the gorgeous natural scenery.

Some of the highly rated sakura viewing spots across Japan are enumerated below:

Hokkaido

• Fort Goryokaku – Located in Hakodate, Fort Goryokaku is a public park home to over 1,600 sakura trees. Shaped like a star, it offers lots of space where people can stroll, relax, picnic, and take photographs. It has a 107-metre high observation tower, where visitors can get a panoramic view of the scenery down below.
• Matsumae Park – A former castle town, Matsumae is where you can find the Matsumae Park, a large, pleasant park that is considered to be one of the country’s 100 best sakura viewing spots. It grows over 10,000 cherry trees of different varieties, and hosts other fun activities during cherry blossoms season, such as traditional dance and musical performances and night illuminations.

Honshu

• Hirosaki Castle Park – Best visited around late April to early May, the Hirosaki Castle Park has more than 2,500 sakura trees that transform the grounds into a spectacular wonderland during peak cherry blossom season. It hosts a sakura festival every year, from the last week of April to the first week of May.
• Shinjuku Gyoen – Found in central Tokyo, Shinjuku Gyoen boasts of over a thousand sakura trees spread across its spacious gardens and lawns. Picnics are very popular there when the sakura finally reach full bloom, which usually happens around early April.
• Philosopher’s Path – Measuring about two kilometres in length, the Philosopher’s Path in the Higashiyama district of Kyoto, is one of the region’s best sakura viewing spots. It follows a canal lined with several varieties of cherry trees, and extends from the Silver Pavilion (or Ginkakuji Temple) to Nanzenji Temple.

Shikoku

• Shiudeyama – Located in Mitoyo City in Kagawa, Shiudeyama is a 352-metre tall mountain where more than 1,000 cherry trees thrive and create a mesmerizing and vibrant scenery during sakura season, with the Seto Inland Sea in the background.

Kyushu

• Kumamoto Castle – A 15^th century castle sitting on top of a hill, Kumamoto Castle is one of Japan’s most spectacular and impressive castles. It consists of several buildings and a park that grows approximately 800 sakura trees.
• Omura Park – With more than 2,000 cherry trees, Omura Park in Nagasaki is a highly rated cherry blossom viewing spot in this part of the country. It is most especially stunning at night, when the sakura trees lining the pathways are illuminated.

Okinawa

• Yogi Park – About 15 minutes away on foot from Naha City’s vibrant Kokusai Street, Yogi Park is home to 400 sakura trees that line the river, and serves as the venue for the annual Naha Cherry Blossom Festival.

When is the best time to see cherry blossoms in full bloom?

If preparing an itinerary for your next trip to Japan to see some sakura, it is necessary to check cherry blossom forecasts frequently to get some ideas on what the best dates are to not miss it. Having a flexible itinerary, with a number of options when it comes to which prefectures, cities, and towns to go, is also recommended, as cherry trees in different areas of the country reach full bloom at different times.

Generally, places in the southern parts of Japan enjoy peak sakura season earlier than the rest of the country, and places in the north have it later.

For instance, Okinawa enjoys full bloom around late January; Fukuoka and Nagasaki in late March; Osaka, Kyoto, and Tokyo around late March to early April; Niigata and Sendai in mid April; Aomori in late April; and Sapporo in early May.

Cherry Blossoms Forecast for 2018

The table below shows the estimated start and full boom dates of sakura in some major cities across Japan this 2018.

Sources: tenki.jp, jwa.or.jp, jnto.go.jp, japanguide.com

It is advised to check the cherry blossom forecasts as often as you can, and as close to your planned travel dates as possible, as these estimated dates may change abruptly due to rain, wind, temperature, and other weather conditions.

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Shrine vs Temple: What’s the difference?

There are two major religions in Japan; the original Japanese Shinto, and Buddhism, which was brought over to the country from Korea in the 6^th century.

The place of worship for Shinto is the ‘jinja’, or shrine. These are easily recognizable by the torii gate, a wooden structure made out of rounded logs, erected at the entrance into the shrine’s grounds. A shrine has a god or deity which either resides inside the main building or visits it during important occasions.

On the other hand, ‘dera’ or temples are where Buddhism is practiced, and the buildings have architecture that’s more distinctive of Chinese culture with its elaborate arched roofs. Statues of the Buddha are enshrined within the main building, and services are conducted there daily by Buddhist monks who live on the compound.

Before entering

Before you enter the main building, look around the grounds for a little structure for washing, called the ‘temizuya’. Here, you’ll have to wash your hands and mouth of the dirt from outside before entering the sacred building. To complete the wash, simple observe a local Japanese doing so and copy, or follow the steps below:

1. Lift the wooden ladle with your right hand, fill it with water from the ‘temizuya’, and pour it over your left hand to wash it.
2. Switch hands and wash your right hand.
3. Switch again so that you’re holding the ladle using your right hand. Pour some water onto your left palm, and use it to rinse your mouth. If you don’t wish to rinse, just washing your lips with the water will do. Remember not to sip water directly from the ladle!
4. Wash your left hand again.
5. Tip the ladle upright so water runs down the handle, washing it. Return the ladle to its original spot and you’re ready to go!

How to worship

Once inside, head towards the main altar of worship, where you will see a bell hanging by a decorative rope over the offerings box. This bell is called the ‘suzu’, and you’ll have to ring it before commencing prayers.

Remember to get some coins ready before approaching the altar. The most common coin used is the 5yen coin (the small gold one with a hole in the middle). This is because 5yen is pronounced as ‘goen’ in Japanese, identical to the pronunciation for ‘destiny’ or ‘fate’.

Follow the steps below to make an offering and pray at the altar:

1. Toss your coin into the offerings box.
2. Grab the rope to ring the ‘suzu’ bell. This is to call the gods to listen to your prayer, so you can do it as loudly as you wish.
3. Bow twice before the altar to show respect to the gods.
4. Clap your hands twice before your chest. This serves the same function as the ‘suzu’ bell, which is to call the gods to hear your prayer.
5. Hold your hands together before your chest, close your eyes, and offer your prayer.
6. Bow once more to finish.

Do note that the clapping is only done at shrines. For temples, you can skip Step 4.

General rules in a shrine/temple

Before entering the shrine or temple’s grounds, stop for a moment before crossing the threshold. Beyond the threshold is god’s space, so many people adjust their clothing and give a slight bow before stepping over the threshold as a mark of respect.

If you have planned to visit a shrine or temple, take care not to dress too casually, or revealing too much skin by wearing sleeveless tops or mini-skirts. If you are wearing sunglasses, take them off before entering the grounds.

While walking towards the main building, avoid walking right in the middle of the path. That is where the god walks, so as humans, we avoid taking the same path. Worshippers are also advised to walk slowly, so as to calm the spirit and mentally preparing to offer prayers.

Therefore, remember to respect general rules at all places of worship, such as not making too much noise, or taking photos of the religious statues without permission.

When leaving the grounds, avoid walking in the middle as well. Before crossing the threshold to leave, turn back towards the main building and bow slightly.

With these tips in mind, you’re ready to enjoy a fruitful trip to a shrine or temple in Japan!

The post Etiquette Series – Visiting Shrines and Temples appeared first on Japaniverse Travel Guide.

1. Pikachu Parade

Pikachu are probably the most recognizable characters in the Pokemon franchise. They are small, yellow, and resemble a mouse. They have long tails that are shaped like lightning bolts, black-tipped pointed ears, and reddish pouches on their cheeks.

Across Japan, it is very common to find all sorts of Pikachu merchandise, including pillows, key chains, stuffed toys, stickers, and life-size dolls. There is even a Pikachu Parade held every summer in Yokohama.

Started in 2014, the Pikachu Parade features more than 50 human-size Pikachu mascots marching through the city streets. Despite the scorching summer heat, locals and tourists flock to the sidewalks to witness the event and take photos and videos of the adorable mascots.  Here is a short video clip from the 2016 Pikachu Parade.

2. Square watermelons

Square watermelons are popular in Japan because they can easily be stored in containers with limited spaces, such as in small refrigerators. They were invented in the 1980s by a Japanese farmer from the city of Zentsuji in Kagawa Prefecture on the island of Shikoku.

Because producing these cube-shaped watermelons require some special growing techniques, they are sold at a higher price than regular watermelons, and are more often used for decorative purposes.

Since the introduction of square watermelons, more watermelon shapes have popped up, including heart-shaped ones and pyramid-shaped ones.

3. Food ticket vending machines

Many restaurants in Japan have ticket vending machines right by their entrance doors where customers can purchase food tickets for anything they want from the menu, unlike in Western countries where there are waiters and waitresses to take customers’ orders.

If you are heading to Japan soon and wondering how these ticket vending machine works, here is a basic guide:

• Many restaurants close to touristy areas have food ticket vending machines that offer English menus, so it should not be a problem for you to figure out which is which. If there are none, use the Google Translate app on your phone to translate the Japanese texts.

• Insert your money into the coin or bill slot, and then press the button or buttons of the food items that you want to order. There should be one ticket for every item you order.
• Find a seat and hand your tickets to a staff or employee.
• Your food should be delivered to you soon.
• If you need to order more food, just go back to the ticket vending machine and purchase more food tickets.

4. Butler cafes

Butler cafes are like maid cafes for female customers. And, instead of being waited on and entertained by girls wearing cutesy maid outfits, they have guys in classic butler uniforms treating you like a princess.

In Tokyo alone, there are numerous butler cafes where you can experience what it is like to be praised, complimented, small-talked, and waited on by well-dressed and charming butlers, while enjoying some nice snacks and desserts.

Swallowtail is a very popular butler cafe located in Tokyo’s Ikebukuro district. It caters to female manga and anime fans, and female cosplayers. If you want to include a butler cafe experience in your Japan itinerary, you should check it out. Reservations and other information are available on Swallowtail’s official website.

5. Cuddles cafes

Cuddle cafes are the answer to anyone in Japan who is desperately looking for someone to cuddle. If you are single, and longing for that comforting feeling of being hugged and embraced by another human being, you can visit a cuddle cafe and enjoy a relaxing time.

In 2012, Japan’s first cuddle cafe opened in Tokyo’s Akihabara district. Called Soineya, which literally translates to “sleep together shop,” it describes itself as a specialty shop that offers the best kind of comfort for people wanting to sleep next to someone.

Here is what Soineya’s service menu looks like:

• Admission fee costs 3,000 yen
• 20-minute standard course costs 3,000 yen
• 40-minute standard course costs 5,000 yen
• 60-minute standard course costs 6,000 yen
• 2-hour standard course costs 11,000 yen
• 3-hour standard course costs 16,000 yen
• 4-hour standard course costs 20,000 yen
• 5-hour standard course costs 25,000 yen

There are also optional courses available for an additional fee, such as:

• Chance to pet girl on the head costs 1,000 yen for 3 minutes
• Look the girl in the eye costs 1,000 yen for 1 minute
• Sleep in the girl’s arm costs 1,000 yen for 3 minutes
• Get the girl to pat on the back costs 1,000 yen for 3 minutes
• Sleep on the girl’s lap costs 1,000 yen for 3 minutes
• Have the girl sleep on your lap costs 2,000 yen for 3 minutes
• Receive foot massage from the girl costs 1,000 yen for 3 minutes
• Give the girl a foot massage costs 1,000 yen for 3 minutes

6. Suicide forest

Aokigahara is dubbed as Japan’s suicide forest because of the numerous suicides that have happened there through the years.

In 2002, 78 suicides were documented there, and that number rose to 105 in 2003. In 2010, the authorities found 54 completed suicides and over 200 suicide attempts. They reported that drug overdose and hanging were two of the most common methods used.

Located on the northwestern side of Japan’s tallest mountain Mount Fuji, Aokigahara sits on approximately 30 square kilometres of hardened lava from the volcano’s last big eruption in 864 CE. It is a popular tourist destination among locals and foreigners, with its beautiful caves and scenic hiking trails in the middle of the woods.

The post 6 Crazy Things You Will Only Find In Japan appeared first on Japaniverse Travel Guide.

Below are some examples that you might want to include to your itinerary on your next visit to Japan:

Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Fushimi Inari Taisha

Kiyomizu-dera Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kyoto, Japan. It is an 8^th century Buddhist temple popular for its massive wooden stage, built about 13 metres off the ground. It offers fantastic views of the forests below, which turn into a breathtaking sea of red and yellow during the autumn foliage season, and of immaculate pink cherry blossoms in the spring.

Fushimi Inari Taisha, on the other hand, is an ancient Shinto shrine best known for its thousands of orange torii gates that create a pleasant and panoramic trail to the top of the mountain. Along the way, you will encounter several fox statues, and get stunning views of area on the observation decks.

The 2005 Academy Award winning movie, “Memoirs of a Geisha,” shot a number of scenes around Kyoto, including at the Kiyomizu-dera Temple and at the Fushimi Inari shrine.

The film is an epic, fictional drama based on the book of the same name by American author Arthur Golden. It is about the story of geisha, played by actress Zhang Ziyi, who worked in Kyoto before the start and after the end of World War II.

Both attractions are very accessible, so you can easily check them out on your trip.

Access:

Kiyomizu-dera Temple: From Kyoto Station, get on bus number 100 or 206, and get off at Kiyomizu-michi stop or Gojo-zaka stop. Then, walk uphill for approximately 10 minutes to the temple.

Fushimi Inari shrine: From Kyoto Station, take the JR Nara Line to JR Inari Station. The shrine complex is right outside the station exit.

Shibuya Crossing

A stone’s throw away from Shibuya Station, Shibuya Crossing is one of Tokyo’s most iconic spots. It is a large intersection that sees crowds and crowds of pedestrians most of the day. It is surrounded by towering skyscrapers with huge billboards, television screens, and neon signs that keep the area bright and vibrant until late at night.

There is a long list of movies that filmed at Shibuya Crossing, and it includes “The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift,” the third film in “The Fast and the Furious” series, which features Lucas Black, Sung Kang, Nathalie Kelley, Brian Tee, and Bow Wow; “Lost in Translation,” a movie by Sofia Coppola about an old actor (played by Bill Murray) who becomes friends with a younger woman (played by Scarlett Johansson) after they meet at a hotel in Tokyo; and “Resident Evil: Afterlife,” and “Resident Evil: Retribution,” which are the second and fifth installments in the “Resident Evil” movie franchise, and stars Milla Jovovich.

Access:

To get to Shibuya Crossing, simply take a train to Shibuya Station and take the Hachiko Exit.

Zozo-ji Temple

Zozo-ji Temple is a 14^th century Buddhist temple located in the Minato district of Tokyo. It has several buildings, a museum, and a mausoleum of the Tokugawa clan, and is found right next to the Tokyo Tower, which is the tallest self-supported steel tower in the world at 333 metres.

In the film “The Wolverine,” which was released in 2013, the temple is featured in a funeral scene. Wolverine/Logan (played by Hugh Jackman) is seen walking up the steps to the main hall, with the temple complex’s main gate noticeable in the background.

Access:

To go to Zozo-ji Temple, you can either take the Tokyo Metro Mita Line to Shibakoen Station or Onarimon Station; or the Tokyo Metro Oedo Line or Asakusa Line to Daimon Station. From either stations, the temple is about a five-minute walk away.

Gunkanjima

Approximately 20 kilometres off of Nagasaki Port is the small island of Gunkanjima, a 480-meter long and 150-meter wide island that is known as a former coal mine site, up until 1974. Its name actually means “battleship island,” as it looks like a huge battleship due to the piles and piles of structures built up to make the most out of every space on such a tiny island.

The site was featured in “Skyfall,” the 23^rd installment in the spy movie franchise “James Bond,” released in 2012 and stars Daniel Craig as James Bond, and Javier Bardem as the villain Raoul Silva.

Access:

Today, Gunkanjima is like a ghost island, but people can still visit it by taking guided boat tours from Nagasaki. There are many different companies that offer tours to the island that leaves from the Nagasaki Port Ferry Terminal, which is close to the Ohato tram stop; and the Tokiwa Terminal, which is not too far from the Ourakaikandori tram stop.

Engyoji Temple

A thousand-year-old temple on top of Mount Shosha, in the outskirts of the city of Himeji, Engyoji Temple is a historic Tendai sect structure made up of a vast temple complex with numerous buildings, surrounded by a dense and thriving forest.

Because of how serene and remote the place is, it has been featured in various local and international films and dramas, most notably in the 2003 epic war movie “The Last Samurai,” which stars Tom Cruise as a former United States Army officer who is recruited to train the Imperial Japanese Army to face the rebels going against the new Emperor.

Access:

At Himeji Station, look for bus stop number 10 right outside the station’s North Exit, and get on bus number 8. Get off at the Mount Shosha Ropeway stop, and take the ropeway to the top of the mountain.

For your convenience, purchase a Shoshazan Ropeway combo ticket, which includes a round trip bus ride and a round trip ropeway ride. It costs 1,300 yen and is sold at the Shinki Bus Terminal ticket booth in front of Himeji Station.

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The following are examples of unusual yet fun activities that you must try on your next trip to Japan:

Visit Robot Restaurant.

If you want to see giant robots battling, ninjas and samurai dancing, and scantily-clad women sword-fighting and singing on a stage decorated with neon bright lights and various whacky props, Robot Restaurant should be on top of your must-visit places.

The entire experience starts even before the show starts. At the building entrance, you are already greeted by over-the-top decorations. Large, colorful, and brightly-lit robots welcome you right at the door. And, as you walk to the ticket office, and then take the elevator to the main room on the second floor, you see a lot more of its glitzy, sparkly, and shiny interior designs.

Guests can enjoy some food and drinks sold at the restaurant while watching the two-hour spectacle.

Located in Shinjuku’s vibrant Kabukicho district, only a few minutes’ walk from Shinjuku Station, Robot Restaurant holds multiple performances a day, from 4 pm until 11 pm daily.

Because slots are limited and shows are frequently sold out, booking in advance is advised. Visit the Robot Restaurant official website for reservations and other inquiries.

Check out a maid café.

If you would like to be served food by waitresses dressed in maid outfits, visit one of the more than 200 maid cafes found in Japan.

In Akihabara, there are several of these themed café shops that offer guests the experience of being treated like a master. The maids welcome you right as you enter, doing their most cheerful and cutest voices and poses. They serve different kinds of snacks, desserts, and beverages.

A visit to a maid café usually costs around 2,000 yen. And, for an additional fee, they also provide visitors the opportunity to take photos and play games with the maids.

Be warned, though, that these cafes have rules that customers have to strictly follow, such as no taking pictures of the maids using your phones, and no touching the maids.

While you can just take the train to Akihabara and walk until you find one that you want to visit, why not start with some of the top-rated ones, such as @home cafe, Maidreamin, and Pinafore?

Watch a sumo wrestling practice.

Sumo is a full-contact sport that started in Japan many centuries ago. It is like wrestling, in which two fighters, who are both wearing loincloths, force each other using only their bodies to step out of the ring. The fights usually do not go beyond one round that lasts only a few seconds.

There are several sumo stables around Japan where you can watch sumo wrestlers train and prepare for their upcoming matches. However, not all of them allow tourists to enter the premises to watch the wrestlers practice. It is best to find a tour company that offers this service, such as Voyagin, which provides a Japanese-speaking guide who has sufficient knowledge on the history of sumo, and can explain the rules to observe while in a sumo stable. Usually, these tours take two to three hours, and tourists are required to sit in silence on the floor while the training session is ongoing.

In Tokyo, the Ryogoku district is dubbed as Sumo Town, because it is where you can find various sumo-related attractions, such as the Kokugikan Sumo Stadium, and numerous sumo stables and chanko restaurants.

Also, Japan holds six sumo tournaments annually — three in Tokyo (in January, May, and September), one in Osaka (in March), one in Nagoya (in July), and one in Fukuoka (in November). If you are thinking of attending these tournaments, you have to buy tickets in advance, as seats get sold out really fast. You can purchase tickets through BuySumoTickets.

Try your luck at a pachinko parlor.

Pachinko parlors are Japanese arcade establishments where you can spend your money playing pinball and slot machines. They are found virtually everywhere, buildings with colorful and bright exterior designs, especially in the big urban areas, like Tokyo and Osaka. They are always packed with people, very smoky and noisy, from the moment they open until closing time.

You can easily spend several hours and thousands of yen in one trip to a pachinko parlor. Once you feel that you have had enough fun, you can exchange all the balls you have collected for a special gift at the parlor’s shop.

Witness a tuna auction.

If you do not mind waking up at 3 in the morning to start your sightseeing day in Tokyo, or your plane gets in shortly after midnight and you are wondering what to do until everything else in the city opens, or your 20-hour flight has left you jetlagged, attend the tuna auction held at Tsukiji Fish Market.

At as early as 3:30 in the morning, the market doors open to welcome 120 people who have booked slots to attend the auction. Every day, there are two held — one at around 5:30 am and another one at around 6:00 am. Each tour, which is free of charge, only lets up to 60 people in. You must sign up for a slot at the Fish Information Center of Osakana Fukyu Center found at the Kachidoki Gate, which usually opens at 5 in the morning, and accepts reservations on a first-come, first-serve basis; or apply online through the Tsukiji Fish Market Guided Tours website.

The tuna auction takes only about 25 minutes. Once done, visitors can roam around the market and explore the wide variety of fish and other seafood the market handles each day.

Tsukiji Fish Market also has several restaurants that serve fresh seafood dishes, and shops that sell knives, fresh produce, and other products. It is easily accessible on foot from Tsukiji Station and Tsukiji Shijo Station.

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