We love travelling to Japan! If, like us, you have had to cancel your Japan travel plans, you can still have a mini Japan holiday at home. Check out what we have been doing to recreate some Japanese experiences at home. Ok perhaps we are struggling to accept that we are not going to Japan…
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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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North of Tokyo is a land of monsters and at night the monsters are lit up in a chilly, spooky, multicoloured display! Zao Onsen is an ancient Onsen town, a ski resort and one of three places in Japan where you can see Juhyo or snow monsters. The bitter Siberian winds whip over the mountains…
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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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Kumamoto Castle suffered extensive damage in the 2016 Earthquake. The Castle is under reconstruction and although the castle itself is not open, some of the grounds and viewing areas are currently open. See below for further details about planned castle unveiling. Kato Kiyomasa directed the building of Kumamoto Castle in 1601-1607. Kumamoto is Japan’s third…
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Mount Aso is the largest active volcano in Japan and is located in Aso Kuju National Park in Kumamoto on the island of Kyushu in southern Japan. The day we went, the rope way and walking paths to the crater were closed due to volcanic activity so we could not walk right up to the…
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