SUSUBARAI

As the year winds down and Christmas lights illuminate the evenings, Japan prepares for the next month's festivities as they welcome the New Year.

Long Nights? Art is the answer...

The hot humid summer has long gone past, and cold wind is starting to blow now a days. Tokyo has entered the season autumn, and in Japan autumn is said to be the season of reading, eating and art. Since autumn nights are longer than summer, and it is a bit chilly to stay outside so it is said these indoor activities were chosen for one to enjoy in autumn.

Tori no ichi

Tori-no-ichi is the traditional Japanese open-air market which takes place on the day of the rooster (tori-no-hi, tori meaning bird or here rooster) in November according to the Chinese calendar. And as for this year it is November 12 and 24, 2009.

MA-KU-DO

Most people are familiar with McDonald's, with the huge "M" and the color, red and yellow, being one of the famous global food service retailer.

Although, it may not excite many tourists when they spot a McDonald's in Japan, nor encourage them to walk into one. There are number of menu items that can only be eaten here in Japan. So here's he advice! Spending a lunch for a day at McDonald's in Japan could be the way to save money and to experience the culture through fast food!! :)

Smooth rides in Japan - Pasmo and Suica

When using a train in Japan, you will see that many people are placing their wallets or card cases over the ticket gate, and a “beep” follows every time they do so. That is because almost every train user in Japan possesses a “Pasmo” or a “Suica”. “Pasmo” and “Suica” are both IC cards that you can charge and use on trains in the Kanto area of Japan. Before Pasmo and Suica became familiarized across Japan, purchasing a ticket to ride a train was the mainstream in Japan. In order to reduce the stress of having to do so every time you ride a train, these IC cards were introduced.

Sento - Japanese Bathing

For centuries, bathing has been an important tradition in Japan. People would take their bathing items and head to the nearest public bathing spot, known as a sento in Japanese. The tradition of going to a sento and enjoying a relaxing moment in the giant hot tub is still being appreciated to this day.

BENTO BOYS

Until a few years ago, a lunch boxes (called obento bako in Japanese) was a popular item among girls. Boys on the other hand would start buying their lunches at convenience stores or at other stores as they get older. However, this trend has begun to change since early this year. More men that work in offices are beginning to bring lunch boxes to their offices and enjoy them during their lunch time.

HUNTING

When you hear the word "hunt" the first thing which pops up in our mind is either fox or deer or any type of animal living in a forest right? The word "hunt" just automatically links you to a violent idea. But, here in Japan we hunt for something else. No blood, no gore, no weapons needed. Cause here in Japan we hunt for fruits and vegetables.

Local Area Specialties -Starbucks Tumbler-

Looking for a Japanese souvenir for a coffee-addict? If so, there is a perfect gift at Starbucks Coffee in Japan. In almost every prefecture you can purchase a Starbucks tumbler (or a mug) with design that made exclusively in that specific prefecture. In other words, it is a specialty tumbler! All of them are designed in a way that depicts that specific prefecture and is very cute and fashionable! I will briefly explain what the tumblers of some prefectures look like!

Enjoying Enoshima! –Samuel Cocking Cemetery-

Enoshima is an island that is located at the edge of Kanagawa Prefecture. Though a small island that is connected to the mainland with only one bridge –Enoshima Ohashi-, it is a wonderful place for relaxation and enjoyment. Today, I will introduce you one area here in Enoshima that I definitely recommend you to visit.

Enoshima Samuel Cocking Cemetery
This is a cemetery located in Enoshima that was built by an Irish trader, Samuel Cocking in 1882. Today, there remain many different varieties of flowers and trees and has become a city-run cemetery enjoyed by many people around the area. What I also recommend in this cemetery is the Enoshima Tenbodai (Enoshima Observation Deck). This observation deck is located inside the cemetery and has a very unique appearance as seen on the picture above. After climbing it using an elevator, you will reach the deck where you can enjoy a 360 degree view from a height of 41.75 meters. The view from here, I can truly say is outstanding! On one side of the deck, you can see the wide view of the Sagami Bay that reaches out for miles. From a different side of the deck, you can see Mount Fuji in the distance on a beautiful sunny day. On another side of the deck, you can see the city of Odawara, Kamakura, Zushi and many more famous areas in Kanagawa Prefecture. The Enoshima Bridge, the beautiful and long coast and, the cities make a great balance and is a very enjoying view to see. An outdoor deck can be enjoyed as well.
Entrance to the cemetery is JPY 200 and entering the observation deck is JPY 300. Thus, you can enjoy two places in Enoshima just with one Japanese coin!! (You know there is a 500 yen coin, don’t you??)

Looking for relaxation and enjoyment? Why not enjoy the Samuel Cocking Cemetery in Enoshima on a nice summer day!

Hanabi Taikai -Fireworks Festival-

When summer comes, people of various ages in Japan are excited for Hanabi Taikai as Hanabi, or fireworks, symbolizes summer. Hanabi Taikai are firework festivals which occur almost every weekend, especially Saturdays, during mid July to mid August. It is a night event about 2 hours long, where tens of thousands of people gather to watch fireworks one after the other shot into the sky. Many like to wear yukatas to watch fireworks as it brings up the fun and mood. People never get tired of going to Hanabi Taikai as fireworks are always various in colors, shapes, and designs. Families enjoy Hanabi Taikai as they bring family bonding time while watching and voicing their favorite ones. Love birds usually go to Hanabi Taikai for dates, as holding hands and looking at the beautiful fireworks brings about butterflies.


Sumidagawa Hanabi Taikai, Aomori Hanabi Taikai and Sendai Tanabata Hanabi Maturi are some of the famous Hanabi Taikai that are well-known and popular to the Japanese citizens. However, there are thousands of these events throughout Japan that are as good, so it is worthwhile to attend to one when you have a chance. Some Hanabi Taikai you can attend in Tokyo are Sumidagawa Hanabi Taikai (July 25, Asakusa Station), Tokyo Wan Dai Hanabi-sai (August 8, Kachidoki Station), Chofu-si Hanabitaikai (July 18, Cho-fu Station), Edogawa-ku Hanabi Taikai (August 1, Edogawa Station), Setagaya Tamagawa Hanabi Taikai (August 22, Futakotamagawa Station), and of course, there are much more.

Two-Wheeling Tokyo!

One of the most representative symbols of Tokyo is the intricate train and subway transportation system. Clean, efficient, and nearly always on time, the system is widely dubbed as the "heartbeat of Tokyo," and is also globally renowned for keeping the city running.

But recently, more people are beginning to rely less on trains as bicycles steadily gain popularity. Whether trying to escape the sardine-packed rush hour trains, or aiming to be more "eco-friendly," or seeking to trim up waistlines before summer, road, hybrid and mountain bikes have now become a common sight in the bustling streets of Tokyo.

This trend is also catching on in the tourism industry, as tourists and residents alike now have a variety of rental bicycle companies that offer daily or weekly bike rentals. Prices range from 900yen/day (http://www.tokyorentabike.com/) to 4,000yen/day (http://www.coolbike.jp/index.php/ems_en.html) with different services included.

As for destinations, popular areas include cycling around Odaiba, Asakusa, Roppongi, or the around the Imperial Palace or Hibiya area. But if you're looking to ride outside the concrete jungle of Tokyo but still stay within the city, your natural choices would be the city's many parks and major rivers. One such place is Inogashira Park, quietly tucked away in the Mitaka suburb. Biking here also provides an alternative way to reach the fantastical Ghibli Museum, as I've previously introduced here (link to previous post).

For less sightseeing and more hardcore biking, I recommend cruising along the city's several major rivers such as Tama River, Arakawa River, and Sumida River. Lined with biking and jogging paths, the rivers offer courses for even the most seasoned cyclist to bike for hours on end, and it's nearly impossible to get lost. For example, Tama River stretches for 138 km (about 86 miles), originating at Yamanashi Prefecture and ending at Tokyo Bay. Tama River also forms a natural borderline between Tokyo and Kanagawa along the way, so feel free to take a detour in the neighboring prefecture while you're at it!

The most beautiful part about biking in Tokyo is the freedom to explore and ride as far as you'd like. I know I'll be out there shaping up my beach body, so hopefully I'll see you on the road!

Umi no Hi -Marine Day-

Surrounded by the colorful lights and handsome buildings of Tokyo, it's sometimes hard to forget that Japan is an island nation. However, I can't begin to stress the importance of the ocean borders on the country's culture, environment, economy and agriculture. So influential are Japan's oceans, that the nation celebrates "Marine Day", or Umi no hi every summer.

Established as a national memorial day in 1941, it was further declared as a public holiday in 1996 as a day of gratitude to appreciate the benefits reaped from the ocean and pray for the sea-faring nation's further prosperity. In other words, another reason for the people of Japan to kick back, relax, and take a break from the sweltering heat of Japan's summers.

If you visit Japan during Marine Day, which falls July 20th this year, expect to encounter crowds trying to take advantage of a rare three-day weekend. Appropriate to the holiday, many people rush to beaches, aquariums, pools, or depending on where you are in Japan, certain cities and towns will throw big festivals and extravagant firework displays.

In Tokyo, don't miss the city's biggest water attraction at Shinagawa Aquarium, where you can greet the local dolphin, seal and otter stars in addition to all the other fascinating sea creatures housed in the aquarium's 1,800 tons of water. This year, right in time for Marine Day, a new jellyfish section is scheduled to open, where four different species and nearly 100 jellyfish will call home. Also, from Marine Day weekend onwards, the aquarium will extend their opening hours to accommodate the projected increase of visitors.

Being a modern holiday, there are no traditions or official ceremonies associated with this Marine Day. Therefore, along with the rest of the nation, choose your own way to celebrate the shores that have shaped modern-day Japan.

Tokyo Daijingu - Love Luck in Japan! [Pray]

Looking for some romance? Want to ask the gods of Japan for help and support in your love life? If you do, then there is only one place to go - Tokyo Daijingu! This popular shrine in Japan is famous for making your love life work out just the way you want it to.

Tokyo Daijingu first came to Tokyo in the Edo period. The Meiji Emperor wanted a satellite shrine of Mie Prefecture's Ise Shrine in Tokyo, so he had one built in Hibiya. Later, Tokyo Daijingu moved to where it is now – Iidabashi - after the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923. Ever since then, it has been a famous shrine in the urban Tokyo.

Tokyo Daijingu is also the birthplace of Shinto-style weddings. The first Shinto-style wedding was held by the emperor in 1901 (before then, weddings were normally held at homes). Since that event, having weddings at a shrine has become a popular custom that is still continued today. If you are lucky, you may be able to see a wedding on the day you visit the shrine! The elegance of the wedding at Tokyo Daijingu is very unique, so it is an occasion to behold.

What I also recommend that you do at Tokyo Daijingu is to buy an Omamori (good-luck amulet). They can be purchased at the shrine and are very popular among young people (especially women) in Japan. There are types that can be worn on to your mobile phone or placed in your wallet, so you can take your luck around everywhere you go. If you do so, you may find your destined soul mate right away! Even if you already have a partner, there are also Omamoris for couples, so wearing them may be certain to make your love last forever!

Visit Tokyo Daijingu! I truly hope your love life will go well!

Children's day Part 2 - Kabuto and Kashiwa-mochi

Koinobori is not the only fascinating aspect of Kodomo no hi (Children's Day) in Japan. This time, I will show you some other ways people enjoy the holiday.

As I have mentioned earlier, Children's Day is a day when boys are the star. In addition to Koinobori, Japanese people prepare a Kabuto arrangement (Armor) in their houses. Kabuto can be easily described as an ornate helmet worn by Japanese warriors centuries ago, were an essential item during war. In other words, it was an important item to protect their lives. Thus, today on Children's day, people like to place a Kabuto in their house so that the boys in the house will be protected from accidents and disasters. It also is placed so that the boys will become a great man when they are a part of society. This custom has been practiced in Japan since the Edo period (1603-1867). Although they are very expensive today, people like to buy the Kabutos (miniatures) of famous warriors because they each differ in design. For those who do not care and just want them for decoration, regular Kabutos are available as well. Kabutos are also popular because you can make the helmet in origami (folded paper). If they are made with large sheets of paper, children can actually wear them on their head and can enjoy the holiday to the greatest extent!

Several different foods are enjoyed on this day as well. The first is fish. In Japan, there are numerous fish that are named differently as they grow. For example, mullets (most often called bora), change their name five times depending on the stage of life it is at (Oboko-inakko-subashiri-ina-bora-todo). Japanese amberjacks (most often called buri) are another example as well. Japanese people believe that eating these fish is good for advancement in life. Also, Kashiwa-mochi is enjoyed among the Japanese as well. Kashiwa-mochi is a popular Japanese confectionary made by wrapping mochi (rice cake) in a kashiwa leaf. This is popular on Children's Day is because kashiwa leaf has an important meaning. That is that kashiwa leaves do not fall until a new sprout appears. Thus, this symbolizes the continuation of the family. On Children's Day, Japanese people enjoy eating kashiwa-mochi so that their family tree will continue on to further generations.

As you can see, there are many interesting customs for Children's Day in Japan that has very unique origins. Knowing them will sure let you enjoy the holiday even more. So, now that you have learned the interesting things you can see and eat on Children's Day, all you can do now is get prepared and wait for the day to come!

Children's day Part 1 - Koinobori

When May is just about to come, you may see people putting up flag-like fishes outside of their homes or inside buildings. That is called a Koinobori. Designed on a large piece of fabric (usually nylon), its etymology means "climbing (nobori). carp (koi)". Let's see why this fluttering fish is so important during this season and what it means in Japan.

Just as girls' day is celebrated in March (Hina Matsuri), there is also a day for boys called a "Kodomo no Hi" (Children's Day). On May 5th, boys are the star of the day. But why a carp? Carp are said to have strong life energy and can live in different areas. Also, they appear in numerous ancient legends as strong characters. That is surely why Koi (carp) are s such an important symbol for this day! The carp put up to sway along the streams of wind look powerful and strong; making their way up the sky. By representing the strength and courage of the carp, parents wish for their boys to grow up with these traits. It also is a message to the gods, asking them to bless newborn baby boys. Usually, the black carp is the father, the red carp is the mother, and the smallest one on the very bottom is the child. However, the colors are not too important and you can see many different and colorful varieties of Koinobori. The object above the father is there to protect the family from evil.

One area where you can view beautiful Koinobori in Japan is at Tatebayashi, Gunma Prefecture. Along the Tsuruudagawa river, which is a 20 minute walk from Tatebayashi Station, the "World's Greatest Village of Koinobori Festival" is held every year. As the festival with the greatest number of Koinobori put up (5283), it was registered in the Guinness Book of World Records in the year 2005. Today, thousands of Koinobori are put up when spring is about to come. When a spring breeze blows through the air, the Koinobori dance along with the wind; makes it look as if they are actually swimming along the river. That sure is a beautiful sight to see!!

There are many other areas in Japan that have Koinobori Festivals (e.g. Tsuetate Onsen in Kumamoto, Sagamigawa in Kanagawa, Ryujin Otsuribashi in Ibaraki); so what are you waiting for? Go get some courage and strength from the carps swimming in the air!

HANAMI

Bonenkai was about three months ago - so it's almost time to go crazy and wild and drink again with friends in Japan. The season of cherry blossoms is coming up and that might be the best excuse to celebrate!

The word "Hanami" literally means "to watch / view flowers" but it also means to drink and have a party underneath the sakura (cherry blossoms) trees and not any other flower. Some people like to just take a walk or take pictures of the cherry blossoms too, but most people like to party instead.

Most popular place to party in tokyo is known to be Ueno Park. The whole park will be filled with cherry blossoms and loud partiers. They will have food stands in the park as well. So if you and your friends are planning to go crazy, then wild Ueno is the place to be! Also since you are at Shinobazu Lake, you can enjoy the sakura from boats too.

Another place where you can enjoy hanami is Inokashira Park in Musashino City. Many University students have their hanami party here since there are many Universities near this area. The park has a pond in the center and you can enjoy viewing the sakura trees surrounding the pond from pedal boats as well - just as it is in Ueno.

A different way of enjoying sakura is by taking a walk and watching these beautiful flowers. Some major places where people frequent are by the Meguro River and by the Sumida River.

Meguro River
Get off the train at Meguro or Naka Meguro station and take a walk down by the riverside. There are a remarkable numbers of cherry blossoms. The best time period to see the blossoms is around noon as the sunlight highlights the color of the flowers. Another good time are the weekends during the hanami period; but because it gets very crowded, it might be best to just take a walk spontaneously instead of going on the weekends when there are many people.

Sumida River
Get off at the JR or subway line at Asakusa or Asakusabashi station and take a walk down by the Sumida River. The river boat starting from Hamamatsucho is also very popular during this season. There are some spots where many homeless people live by the Sumida River, but in general, these homeless people won't be bothering you. The cherry blossoms by the river are very beautiful, so it is worth going there. 'Tis the season of sakura and hanami, so gather your friends and family and have a nice day outside in the park. Eat, talk, and have some drinks outside with your loved ones!

Japan gives convenience stores real meaning.

On any given street it is possible to find as many as seven or eight "Konbini" - the Japanese version of a convenience store. You can always depend upon having one very close by. Just standing on the street where I live, I can see three! Compared to the convenience stores that I am used to, these are very different. They have the same function of providing quick, cheap food and supplies; but with quite different things being offered. I know of at least four different "Konbini" companies that can supply anyone with a quick can of coffee or a cheap "Onigiri" (riceballs) in Tokyo.

Japan has taken the best of the convenience store idea and adapted it to Japanese expectations. There are things like Calpis (a sweet milky white drink that you have to try to understand!), Japanese bread (which is often stuffed with strawberry paste, chocolate, or custard; and is always sold in a single serving), and fresh sushi all in the same place! The store workers are almost always polite and welcoming, even when you go to buy ice cream at one in the morning.

I have even been fortunate enough to find convenience stores on the first floor of office buildings or tucked away in a quiet residential neighborhood-where it would seem rare to find such a thing. They are everywhere! Compared to the many convenience stores I have visited in the most modern countries in the world Japan's are much more reliable and interesting.

It is also interesting to notice that because so many people don't own cars in Japan, there are many convenience stores that don't necessarily have gas pumps attached to them. This allows for many more convenience stores to be designed with more of a focus on food. With the dense population of Tokyo there are many more people walking than driving and the ratio of motor vehicles to gas stations is represented as is the ratio of convenience stores to people walking around in the street. The best thing about this is that there is more room for the delicious.

Hina-Matsuri

Sorry to the boys, but in Japan, there is a day where people feast just for the girls! Called Hina Matsuri, it is held on March 3rd every year. It is also known as Momo no Sekku (the seasonal festival of peaches) and has been celebrated for centuries.

It was during the early Edo period (1603-1867) that the Hina Matsuri custom began. The emperor at the time played with a Hina doll (a girl doll) to entertain his daughter. Later, a general named Tokugawa Iemitsu gave his daughter a Hina doll as a birthday present. Since then, the custom of giving a Hina doll to every girl born was started. Now the custom of giving girls a Hina doll no longer survives. However, Hina Matsuri is still a special day for all girls in Japan.

On Hina Matsuri, many families in Japan celebrate the day by eating Chirashi-zushi. Chirashi-zushi is vinegared rice topped with tasty foods such as eggs, shiitake mushrooms, carrots, burdocks, and shrimp. Another way of celebrating, and the most popular one, is to set up a Hina ningyo (Hina doll). It usually has seven stairs and its beauty is outstanding. Here is how you set up each step.

(Top to Bottom)
1st step: Hina-sama and Odairi-sama. Odairi-sama is Hina's husband. He is usually placed on the left, and the Hina sits on the right. A paper lantern called a Bonbori is placed on each end and a peach tree is placed between the two dolls.

2nd step: Sannin Kanjo (The three court ladies). The two court ladies on the outside are standing and holding a sake bottle. The one in the center is sitting with a Shimadai (drinking cup).

3rd step: Goninbayashi (The five court musicians). Five men sit evenly spaced, each holding an instrument in their hands.

4th step: Two Ministers, rice cakes and a tray. Two Ministers are placed on each end and the rice cakes and the trays are placed between them.

5th step: Three servants and two trees. A mandarin orange tree and a cherry blossom tree are placed on each end. The three servants in the middle each have different expressions. One is crying, the other is laughing, and the last one sits with an angry face.

6th Step: Tools. Tools such as a wardrobe, an incense container, and a book holder.

7th step: Ox wagon, multitired box and a carriage. Each is placed evenly on the lowest step.

Usually, the Hina ningyo is made of seven steps. However, because some houses are not big enough to place this, some Hina ningyos are made of fewer steps. Although Hina ningyo are somewhat expensive, some are handmade and cost over JPY100,000, its beauty is always a pleasure to enjoy. Why don't you look for a Hina ningyo of your own and wait for the spring to come?

Valentine's Day & White Day in Japan

Valentine's Day in Japan is quite unique. Unlike Valentine's Day in the United States, where men give gifts to women, women give gifts to men! It's completely the opposite! The custom of Valentine's Day in Japan started in the 1950's. Department stores began a Valentine's Day sale selling heart-shaped chocolates with signs which said "To men from women". Since then, numerous chocolate producing companies began selling more and more chocolates made especially as gifts for Valentine's Day.

It is not surprising to find an empty rack of chocolate bars at supermarkets on the days before Valentine's Day. That, of course, means that the day before Valentine's Day is a very busy day for women in Japan. There are two types of chocolates that Japanese girls and women give as a gift on Valentine's Day. One is "Giri-Choco" which means "Chocolate out of courtesy". This type of chocolate is given to men you treat as a friend. Usually, cookies or small chocolates are distributed to your usual friends, colleagues, bosses, etc.

The other type of chocolate is the important kind. It is called "Honmei-Choco" and is a chocolate gift given especially to the one you truly love. Women usually make chocolate cakes or an assortment of truffles and wrap them in beautifully decorated boxes. With the handmade "Honmei-Choco", some women show their appreciation for the ones they love, and some girls take their big step to tell their crush their true feelings! Valentine's Day can definitely be said to be one of the most exciting days for men, but a very nervous day for women in Japan! Ladies, it's almost the big day! Good luck!

White Day
White Day (March 14th) is a day that was created in Japan. It is a day to appreciate the women who gave their love (chocolates!) to you on Valentine's Day. There are numerous stories that explain the origin of White Day, but the truth is still unknown.

On this day, men show their thanks by giving gifts of cookies and candies they have bought to the women who gave them gifts on Valentine's Day. Unlike the United States, it is not as popular to give them roses. However, if I were a girl, it is always exciting to receive gifts from well-meaning men. Now, this custom has been popularized among Asian countries such as Korea and Taiwan; and they are enjoying White Day as well. Gentlemen, your secret admirer may be preparing for your gift now, so don't forget to show your appreciation on White Day!