Sakura or Cherry blossoms have a short glorious season of two weeks in the Japanese spring. Hanami (cherry blossom viewing) is an age old custom in Japan, a celebration of Spring and recognition that life can be fleeting like the cherry blossom. Cherry blossom viewing in Japan is a magical experience with rows of trees…
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Ninja and Samurai are synonymous with Japanese culture. So, while in Japan, take the opportunity to learn the moves of a Samurai! These experiences can be found throughout Japan. We choose Samurai Experience in Osaka, we have been here twice and loved it both times! First we dressed up either as Samurai or Ninja and…
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Snow Monkeys or Japanese Macaques, are known worldwide for soaking in the hot springs of Nagano in winter. The monkeys are wild and come down from the surrounding mountains to play and chill out… or warm up!… in their own Onsen. The Monkey Onsen (or hot spring) is man made. The monkeys started to visit…
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Hidden in the hills of Japan, is a magical onsen town where wooden multi-story ryokans are camped right on the banks of the river. The cobblestone streets, gaslights and red bridges that criss-cross the river add to the romance and nostalgia of this charming town. Ginzan Onsen was founded in the 1400’s. The town took…
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Universal Studios Japan or USJ, as it’s known locally, is located in Osaka. It is smaller than the Disney parks but just as popular, and for any Harry Potter or Mario fan it’s a must! USJ is split into sections or worlds (check out the map here or on the app): Hollywood, New York, San…
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Have you ever wished you could design your own flavour of Cup Noodles? At the Cup Noodle museum your dreams can come true! Even if this has never been your dream, a visit to the birthplace of Cup Noodles is a must while in Japan and the kids will love it! There are two Cup…
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North of Tokyo is a little wonderland that will take you back in time, back to the Edo period, a time when Samurai and Ninja walked Japan. Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura is an amazing theme park where you can roam the streets with Samurai and Ninja and explore what life was like in the Edo…
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You would be mistaken if you thought that Sumo is just big, almost naked, men trying to push each other out of a ring! Sumo is Japan’s national sport. A sport of strength and skill, bound in tradition and ritual. Sumo wrestling began as an entertainment for deities and the Sumo ring is considered a…
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Mount Takao or Takaosan is a beautiful mountain hike with a view of Mount Fuji and it’s an easy day trip from Tokyo! Mount Takao is West of Tokyo and is a mountain that offers not only hiking and amazing views but lots of places to explore including a Monkey Park, temple and Onsen. It’s…
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Christmas If you are dreaming of a White Christmas in Japan you can certainly get the white and it’s easy to get to from Australia, however, Christmas is not a big celebration in Japan. You will hear Christmas music (minus the words) playing in the shops and Western shops will be wrapped up like a…
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