The Kanto region language that foreigners learn is ‘standard’ Japanese, but every region of Japan has its own local dialect (ben), and that is what this short series of articles is about. Okinawa-ben is [Continue Reading…]
7 Useful Tips about Japan Typhoon!
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In 1274, Kubla Khan’s Mongol army landed at Hakata Bay in Kyushu, only to be defeated by the Samurai. Seven years later, Khan tried again bringing a force of 140,00 warriors but a powerful typhoon, the kamikaze (divine wind) of legend, thwarted him. This marked the end of the Mongol empire, but [Continue Reading…]
8 Useful Tips for Exploring Shinjuku!
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Shinjuku is one of the most densely populated areas of Tokyo, offering an essential panoramic snapshot of Japanese urban society for all travelers to explore. My 8 tips are more landmarks on a broad arc that I’ll describe, so please print off a Google street map of the area to refer to. [Continue Reading…]
8 Useful Tips to Enjoy Asakusa in Tokyo!
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Pick up any Tokyo guide book and you’ll find Asakusa features prominently as a must-see location, and with very good reason, for it’s been at the heart of Tokyo history and culture since the Edo period. If your hotel isn’t actually in the Asakusa area, the easiest route is [Continue Reading…]
7 Useful Tips NOT to Be Lost at Shinjuku Station!
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Tokyo’s Shinjuku Station, with hundreds of exits, dozens of platforms, and 3.6 million passengers going every which way daily, has been ranked as the world’s busiest station. No wonder foreign visitors get so easily lost or disoriented, because even we Japanese who regularly use the station can find it confusing. However, [Continue Reading…]
8 Recommended Aquariums You Should Visit in Japan!
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I love aquariums, I think most Japanese people do. Being an island people with a maritime tradition gives us a close affinity for the sea and, of course, the sea provides a large part of our diet. So it’s perhaps not surprising that Japan has a large number of aquaria, among the best in the world, [Continue Reading…]
