Japan can be a difficult place to get around if you don’t speak Japanese. If you stick to the big cities, you’ll have no problems as information in English is available, but for anyone who wants to get off the beaten track a bit, you just might want a guide who can communicate in English, show you around town to some of the sights and take you to a regional restaurant known for … [Read more...] about Free Guide Services
Japan’s Rainy Season
From the beginning of June to mid-July is “tsuyu” Japan’s rainy season. However, it is a misnomer in some ways. Most Japanese agree that the rainy season used to be a far more significant event than it is now, mainly due to global warming. The rain isn’t as heavy or frequent as it used to be. Sometimes it hardly rains at all during the rainy season. There is a saying in … [Read more...] about Japan’s Rainy Season
Favorite Haunts
Recently, there has been an increased interest in Japanese people visiting haunted places. Where are these places? Below are some of the creepiest places in Japan. What makes them so scary? Why not go find out for yourself?! Osore Mountain —- “Mountain of Fear.” Though not really a mountain, this area in Aomori prefecture is the traditional gateway to Hell for Japanese … [Read more...] about Favorite Haunts
Japan’s Swimming Season
People often ask me when the swimming season is in Japan. This is a difficult question because nearly every beach and pool open at a different time. Swimming At Beaches In Japan The swimming season officially starts when the Shinto priest holds the Umi Biraki (opening of the sea) ceremony. The priest purifies the sea and water in this ceremony, making swimming safe. Where I … [Read more...] about Japan’s Swimming Season
Planning for Golden Week
Golden week, from the end of April to the beginning of May, is one of the biggest travel times of the year for Japanese people. It’s called Golden Week because several national holidays line up during this period and, together with a weekend on both side, means many people can take the entire week off, if not longer. The dates for 2008 are: April 29 Showa Day, May 3 … [Read more...] about Planning for Golden Week