Okinawa is known for Ryukyu glassware. Okinawa is part of the chain of Ryukyu islands, the most southern islands of Japan. Glassware began in Okinawa around the late 1860’s the time of the Meiji Era. However, after World War II, resources were scarce so empty glass bottles from American troops were recycled and used to…
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As a family with three boys, when we discovered a sword making experience with a traditional Japanese blacksmith outside of Kyoto we just HAD to do it! There are a couple of places that offer this experience, see below for details. Samurai and swords are synonymous with Japan and Japanese culture. Today there are still…
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Unfortunately Oodeo Onsen is now permanently closed. If you are looking for a hot spring experience near by try the Heiwajima Onsen. Onsens are synonymous with Japan and Japanese culture. However, it can be a very foreign idea for Aussies to be hopping in a big hot tub naked with strangers! Ooedo Onsen offers onsen…
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If you or your kids are into Gundam and have watched some of the anime then they will absolutely love visiting the Unicorn Gundam statue in Odaiba. The life-size statue from the Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn Series is 19.7m tall and is awe inspiring, even if you have no idea what or who Gundam is!…
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teamLab are a group of Japanese artists that use digital technology and interactive art with exhibitions around the world. Their exhibitions range from individual artworks to restaurants with interactive displays to full museums. We visited teamLab Borderless in Odaiba, which closed in August 2022 and is relocating to the Toranomon-Azabudai Project (completion 2023). teamLab Planets…
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Ghibli museum is an amazing, whimsical place and if you’re a Ghibli fan you will find it hard to contain your excitement! Ghibli studio has produced some of the most iconic Japanese movies, including My Neighbour Totoro, Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle, Princess Mononoke and Kiki’s Delivery Service. The executive director of the museum and…
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Himeji also known as White Heron castle is one of the most amazing castles in Japan. It is one of the country’s 12 original castles and has not been destroyed by war or fire or earthquake. The castle complex is over 400 years old and was extensively restored in 2015. Himeji castle is elegant and…
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Osaka is known for its amazing food, in fact it is called the food capital of Japan. Many of these foods you can find elsewhere in Japan, but Osaka is the best place to eat them! 1. Okonomiyaki – Japanese pancake This is a savoury pancake made of egg, flour and vegetables (sometimes of noodles)…
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One thing I love about Japan is that each region has its own cuisine and speciality foods. Nagano is known for its apples, Kobe for Kobe beef, Matcha in Kyoto, Milk in Hokkaido, Takoyaki in Osaka and Tokyo banana in Tokyo! We didn’t fully appreciate this on our first couple of trips, but now, we…
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