Sightseeing
- Plying Japan’s Waterways
December 15, 2006
Although Japan is noted for its high speed, on-time bullet trains and its extensive network of railroads, Japan also offers various sea routes. Few tourists know about these routes however, as they are not very well publicized in English. Japan, made up of four main islands, has a 200-mile long inland sea as well as a chain of small islands that stretch from Kyushu all the way down to Okinawa, offering several options for the intrepid, budget-minded traveler.
« read more » - Night Views of Fall Foliage
November 1, 2006
It’s autumn in Japan and Japanese are crazy about "kouyou," the changing of the leaves. Most Japanese will make a special trip to view fall foliage and Kyoto is the most famous kouyou destination. Surrounded by mountains with Japanese maple trees that turn bright red, amidst a backdrop of temples and shrines, Kyoto makes for a truly memorable experience. Kyoto also offers a unique take on fall foliage—night viewing.
« read more » - Early Morning, Tokyo Time
January 30, 2006
You will say, as you read this, that you're not really a fish market kind of person. It's not that you have anything against fish, but, well, you don't need to be that close to your food. It's enough that fresh fish is delivered to your restaurant of choice and prepared according to your needs. Then, around 4 or 5 a.m. on your first morning in Tokyo, you will rethink this stance. Suddenly, oddly, nothing seems like more fun than heading to the Tsukiji Fish Market.
« read more » - Remembering The Trip, One Rubber Stamp At A Time
January 20, 2006
Somewhere in the Planet Tokyo archives is the evidence: I once underwent a week-long rubber stamp obsession. I think my first stamp came from the Tokyo Stock Exchange -- memories become hazy after time -- and continued, at least, through ten museums and various parks. The goal was simple: visit the venue and prove by placing a rubber stamp in my journal.
« read more » - See Japan On $0 a Day
July 6, 2005
We frequently hear from readers who are put off by Tokyo's status as the world's most expensive city. Because of the extreme cost involved many people fear that visiting Japan is one of those life goals that will never actually be achieved. Now, thanks to Google you can see Japan (all of it) for free.
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