So, which books are they? Here are three classic books I’d recommend if you’re planning on traveling in and around Japan. The Inland Sea, by Donald Richie(Originally published in 1971, re-released in 2002 by Stonebridge Press). American Donald Richie, is a prominent Japanese film critic and a long-time book and film reviewer for The Japan Times. He has published over 40 … [Read more...] about Best travel reads on Japan
Cheap Guesthouses for longer stays
Once you find how affordable a long-term rental guesthouse in Japan can be, you might find you want to extend your stay in Japan. International guesthouses, colloquially called gaijin houses(foreigner houses) can be very affordable if you’re staying in Japan a month or longer. For example, you can get a room for 48,000 yen (includes electricity and gas) with a shared bath, … [Read more...] about Cheap Guesthouses for longer stays
Japan is still cheap!
Because of the current high value of the yen, Japan may not seem such a cheap destination anymore. But don’t worry, you can still get by very cheaply in Japan, as long as you are armed with some inside information. Here are some tips the guidebooks won’t tell you. Sudomari Japanese inns, mainly minshukus and ryokans, rent Japanese style rooms with tatami mat and futons. The … [Read more...] about Japan is still cheap!
High, sacred places
If you’re visiting Japan, you’ll no doubt want to see a few shrines and temples. Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples are main draws for all travelers, domestic and foreign. Especially if you’re traveling in the Spring or Autumn, however, I recommend you get off the beaten track a bit and take the some of the more scenic routes to these temples and shrines. During these shoulder … [Read more...] about High, sacred places
On the Peace Trail
Most people who come to Japan will not miss the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum (also called the “Peace Park”) in Hiroshima city which commemorates the bombing of the city by the USA in 1945. This first-hand experience with an atomic bomb is largely responsible for Japan installing Article 9 of their constitution which stipulates that Japan will never again go to war. As a … [Read more...] about On the Peace Trail