Japan Travel | Tokyo Weekender

Japan Travel Made Easy: A Comprehensive Guide to Shinkansen and Subway Trains

Anna Carne — Wed, 21 Aug 2024 07:54:39 +0000

The Japanese train system is considered one of the best in the world. In cities like Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, it’s a more convenient option than a car or taxi, running smoothly and usually on time. The Shinkansen is a treat to ride, and one of the most comfortable ways to get from one city […]

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Hatsune Miku Gets Her Own Train Station

Aya Sato — Tue, 20 Aug 2024 07:55:10 +0000

In preparation for Hatsune Miku’s “Magical Mirai 2024” concert tour, Mikunigaoka Station in Fukuoka is being transformed into Hatsune-mikunigaoka Station. Nishitetsu Group’s Tenjin Omuta Line is collaborating with Hatsune Miku and her fellow Vocaloid friends. The campaign, titled “39 Tenjin Trip,” has exclusive tickets, new train and bus designs, merchandise, hotel rooms and a stamp […]

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Escape Tokyo’s Heat: 8 of the Best Rivers for Swimming & Cooling Off (within 3 hours!)

Anna Carne — Fri, 16 Aug 2024 14:07:25 +0000

With the heat continuing to rise and the humidity like a sticky, unwanted blanket upon us, there’s only one thing to do: escape. Away from the blistering concrete of the city, the rivers and gorges near Tokyo offer a brief respite. The temperature of the water heats up in the summer months, making it perfect […]

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Japan’s Scenic Trains: Your Ticket to Stunning Views and Relaxing Travel

Aya Sato — Thu, 15 Aug 2024 07:21:15 +0000

There are so many different neighborhoods and prefectures to explore across Japan, each with their own specialty foods, landmarks, flora, communities and cultures. While the Shinkansen or an airplane will make your commute faster, you might miss out on some stunning scenery along the way. Riding Japan’s sightseeing trains makes the journey to your destination […]

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Typhoon Ampil Could Severely Disrupt Transport in Japan

Matthew Hernon — Wed, 14 Aug 2024 09:48:25 +0000

With Tropical Storm Ampil approaching Japan, JR East announced on Wednesday that the Tohoku, Joetsu, Hokuriku, Yamagata and Akita Shinkansen lines may be temporarily suspended on August 16 and 17. Central Japan Railway warned of similar disruptions on the Tokaido Shinkansen Line. The storm — which is expected to strengthen to a typhoon as it […]

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Japan Launches Custom Gundam Manholes To Boost Tourism

Samantha Low — Tue, 13 Aug 2024 09:34:10 +0000

Manhole covers have oddly become a popular attraction with many new ones getting launched this year such as the Sailor Moon manhole cover in Minato City and the Doge manhole tribute to the dog, Kabosu, in Sakura City. A new challenger has entered the mix this year and it’s none other than Gundam! The Gundam […]

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Large Numbers Cancel Travel Plans Following Japan Megaquake Advisory

Matthew Hernon — Tue, 13 Aug 2024 09:07:14 +0000

Last week’s megaquake alert by Japan’s Meteorological Agency (JMA) has had a significant impact on people’s travel plans, with several tourists canceling hotel reservations. The unprecedented advisory was issued last Thursday after the magnitude 7.1 earthquake in Kyushu. According to the agency, the possibility of a major earthquake occurring in the Nankai Trough is higher […]

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Japan Travel Essentials

Alina Joan Ito — Fri, 09 Aug 2024 15:16:06 +0000

Japan is and always will be a hot tourist destination. It has its own distinct culture and is comparatively safe. You always hear about souvenirs you should bring back from Japan, but what should you bring here? There aren’t many essential items in Japan that you can’t buy after you arrive. However, you still want […]

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Real-Life Locations That Inspired My Neighbor Totoro

Alina Joan Ito — Tue, 06 Aug 2024 09:53:34 +0000

Studio Ghibli films have taken viewers on a magical journey for decades. One of the most popular Miyazaki films has to be My Neighbor Totoro, its fluffy titular character serving as a mascot of Ghibli. While creating the film, Miyazaki took ample inspiration from the lush forestry and quaint countryside charm across Japan. In fact, […]

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Koganecho: A Former Red-Light District Turned Trendy Art Enclave

Kim Kahan — Thu, 01 Aug 2024 08:16:59 +0000

This article appeared in Made in Japan Vol. 4. To read the entire issue, click here. Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 movie High and Low, known in Japanese as Tengoku to Jigoku (“Heaven and Hell”), was based on a real place; Yokohama’s notorious red-light district, Koganecho, was the conceptual reference for hell. The area was completely leveled in […]

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