Hello! from Japan

About Japan and my life

外国人

Interview with a foreign worker from Mexico

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How’s everything?
We had another online interview with our new friend from Mexico, Uriel-san.

30min interview movie with English subtitles!

0:38 日本に来たのはいつ？　When did you come to Japan?
1:37 どこで日本語を学んだの？ Where did you learn Japanese?
2:08 日本に来たきっかけは？ What brought you to Japan?
3:17 メキシコでは日本語を学んでいる人は多い？ Do many people study Japanese in Mexico?
3:43 どうやって日本語を勉強したの？ How did you learn Japanese?
5:27 日本での仕事は? What do you do in Japan?
6:32 いつから高山に？ When did you move to Takayama?
6:49 地方の生活は慣れた？ How’s life in countryside?
7:18 初めて日本に来たときの苦労 Did you have any difficulties when you first came to Japan?
8:02 日本に移住してから苦労したことは？Did you have any difficulties after moving to Japan?
8:40 日本とメキシコの文化の違い Differences between Japan and Mexico.
10:52 日本の食べ物はどうですか？ How’s the food in Japan?
12:35 日本でメキシコの料理を食べる？ Do you eat Mexican food in Japan sometimes?
13:20 ホームシックになる？ Do you get homesick?
14:12 他の外国人移住者と交流はある？ Do you meet other foreign workers?
14:50 東京にいた時は交流の機会はありましたか？ How about when you were in Tokyo? 
15:55 交流イベントの重要性 The importance of meetup events.
16:32 多文化共生を実現させるには？ What can we do to live in harmony?20:44 先輩移住者としてアドバイス Tips for new-comers.
21:56 これからも日本に？ Will you stay in Japan?
22:29 高山での生活における改善点 Any improvements suggested for Takayama?
25:03 今回インタビューをしてみて After the interview

I hope it will be helpful for those who are planning to move to Japan to know about what’s it like to live here.

See you next time!
Taka

*I’m a professional composer by the way.
You can listen/download my album below.
Free Somebody
Skyhigh

If you have any questions, feel free to contact me: [email protected]

Lost in Japan? 17 useful Japanese phrases ≪with audio≫

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So many people, and so many narrow streets… It’s very easy to get lost in Japan! Things are very convenient and safe here, but the transportation system is a bit complicated and if you can not read/speak Japanese, you might have hard time finding the best way to get to your destination even using Google map.
Here are some of the useful phrases that you can use when you get lost and want some help in Japan. Learn these expressions and enjoy your travel in Japan!

Japan

・When you want to ask

すみません/ Sumimasen

Excuse me.

（ここは/今）何処ですか？/ (Kokowa/Ima) doko desuka?

Where is this place/am I now?

〜は何処ですか？/ – Wa doko desuka?

Where is -?

道に迷いました。/Michi ni mayoi mashita.

I’m lost my way. “Michi” means “Way”.

〜へはどうやって行ったら良いですか？/ – He wa douyatte ittara ii desuka?

What is a good way to get to -? “Douyatte” means “How to”.
When you don’t know how to do something, you could ask like, “どうやってするのですか？Douyatte suru no desuka?”

〜への行き方を教えて下さい。/ – He no ikikata wo oshiete kudasai.

Please tell me how to get to -. “Oshiete” means “Tell me” or “Teach me”.

〜が見つかりません。/ -Ga mitsukari masen.

I can’t find -. This phrase can be used when you lost something and you are looking for it. For example, “Tokei ga mitsukari masen” meaning, “I can’t find my watch.”

ここから何分くらいかかりますか？/Kokokara nanfun kurai kakarimasuka?

How long does it take to get there from here?

lost

・Other useful expressions

右/左 / Migi/Hidari

Right/Left

ここ/そこ/あっち / Koko/Soko/Attchi

This place(or here)/That place(or there)/Over there

(この/あの)道をまっすぐです / (Kono/Ano) michi wo massugu desu.

Go straight (this/that) way. “Massugu” is “Straight”.

(右に/左に/角を)曲がる / (Migini/Hidarini/Kadowo) Magaru.

Turn (right/left/at the corner). “Magaru” means “To turn”.

(歩いて/車で/バスで/電車で) 〜分くらいです。/ (Aruite/Kuruma de/Bus de/Densha de) – fun kurai desu.

It takes about – min (on foot/by car/by bus/by train).

遠い/近い / Toui/Chikai

Far/Close

案内しますよ。/ Annai Shimasuyo.


I will take you there.
Lucky you if you get this phrase from the person you are talking to!

〜で乗り換えて下さい。 / – de norikaete kudasai.

Please transfer at -. “Norikae” means “Transfer”.

助かりました！ / Tasukarimashita!


You saved me! /That was a help!
You could use this phrase to say thank you.

walking on the street

By the way, we don’t usually use “Block” in Japan when we talk about the directions.
So, you rarely hear someone says things like “Go straight this way for 2 blocks…”.

It is hard for Japanese people who can not speak English well to explain the direction.
But if you can use the Japanese words and phrases here, it will be much easier for you to get the right information when you are lost/looking for a place.

This reminds me of the time when I visited the U.K.
When I went to the U.K for the first time (about 4 years ago), I couldn’t find the hostel I was staying, so I asked for a help and a very friendly local drove me there.
I was very thankful for that! And I try to do the same every time I see someone who needs help in Japan now.

Japanese people are generally friendly and helpful, so don’t be afraid to talk to locals when you need some help.
If you know some Japanese, it is most likely that they will try to help you as much as they can.

Hope this post will be of your help.
If there’s anything that you want me to write, feel free to send me a message to [email protected]
Or you could simply give me a comment.

See you next time!
Taka 

*I’m a professional composer by the way.
You can listen/download my album below!
Free Somebody
Skyhigh

7 frequently asked questions about Japan

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Hi, How’s it going? 
Japan is finally getting warmer, and the Spring is coming soon!
You can enjoy beautiful Sakura in Spring, so it is one of the best time of the year here.

This time I wrote about 7 frequently asked questions by foreigners.
I meet and talk to tourists or friends from other countries everyday,
and they often ask me these questions.
I hope this will help you understand how things are in Japan!

  1. Why Japanese wear masks?

    If you go out in city areas of Japan,
    you will see a lot of people wearing masks.
    You might wonder why they do that.
    One reason is for health.
    In big cities like Tokyo (It has more than 9 million people living as of 2019),
    risk of contagion and disease is high.
    People wear it to prevent from getting cold or catching flu.
    The air is polluted in crowded places, so a mask is a good defense against dust and pollen.
    In addition, some people wear masks not to spread their sickness to others.
    “Think of others” is a very Japanese way of thinking and living.

    Another reason is to just cover your face to hide physical imperfections.
    For women, they wear masks on the days when they don’t put make ups.
    Many different kinds of masks are available these days,
    and some people wear a mask as part of a fashion.

  2. Why do people sleep on trains/buses?

    Japan is a very safe country and people won’t steal your stuff even if you fall a sleep in public (except in some dangerous areas).
    So, you can get yourself a break during your commute.
    Most business people work a lot of overtime (it is common to work over 12 hours a day…. very competitive in city areas) ,
    and especially for those who work/study at a place that is a few hours away from home, commuting time is often used for getting some rest.
    But still, don’t forget to keep your variable items with you at all times!

  3. What are the differences between Shinto and Buddhism?

    Shinto is the native religion of Japan.
    Shrines(places with Torii, or holy gates that separate the holy area and the world outside of it) are the places for Shinto, and people worship the gods of nature(or Kami/Spirits) there.
    In Shinto, there is no fixed dogma or book, and the main theme of it is love and reverence for nature.
    Purity is very important and death is seemed as a pollution(sometimes birth as well).
    It is believed that you can bring good spirits by clapping at a shrine, so people do that before a prayer.

    Buddhism is originally from India and came to Japan from China in the 6th century.
    Japanese temples are based in Buddhism,
    and there are a lot of sects of Buddhism in Japan.
    The goal is to learn the teachings of Buddha and reach the enlightenment by praying, meditating, training, etc.
    Temples are the places where monks train themselves.
    Funerals take place at temples as well (Weddings are held in a shrine).


    Both Shinto and Buddhism exist without any conflicts today and they have huge impact on Japanese culture.
    Calming yourself down is important at a temple, so prayers are silent in a temple.

  4. Is it OK to drink tap water in Japan?

    Yes, the purification facilities are excellent and well maintained, so water in Japan is very clear.
    Although, some people (including me!) prefer buying and drinking mineral water, because it taste better and more natural.

  5. Why are people so polite?

    Respecting others (and also to keep some distances) to avoid any conflicts is very important and it is like a nonverbal manner in Japan, especially in crowded areas.
    Unlike western countries, people live/work for groups than for individuals.
    Depending on the person you talk to, people use formal or informal languages,
    and usually to strangers or to someone you meet for the first time, formal communicating is used almost all the times in Japan.
    So, you will think that people are super (or even too) polite,
    and you might find it hard to close the distance with others at first.
    It takes time to build trust and be real friends…!

  6. Why are there a lot of vending machines?

    Vending machines are very useful for busy people, so they are everywhere for their convenience.
    In addition, there is very little vandalism in Japan.
    Vending machines can be anywhere, and they rarely get broken.
    Some companies set vending machines so that they can put some ads on them.

  7. Why the taxies are very expensive in Japan?

    Japanese taxies are expensive.
    It costs about 1,000yen to travel just for 2km, and they cost about 30 times more than in India!
    They are expensive because it costs a lot to maintain the service.
    In order to keep cars clean and safe, taxi companies have to check them regularly.
    Also, government is controlling the price to keep the quality of it ,so they can not lower the price easily.
    However, thanks to that, there is little accident and drivers are usually good.

It’s really fun to travel to other countries,
and learn about different cultures/lifestyles, isn’t it?
I’m planning to visit Korea sometime in May.

Where is your next destination?

Taka

※Complete song is available here Skyhigh Or click on the band camp link below.

*Need more info about Japan?
Give me a comment here or send me a message to
[email protected]

Cost of living in Tokyo for a single person

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Tokyo is one of the most expensive places to live in the world…!
For those who are interested in living in Japan, I wrote about the cost of living and contracting an apartment.
Below is the cost for a single person living in Tokyo and what you need to know when choosing a place to live.

Average rent in Tokyo

There are 23 wards in Tokyo and the rent differs depending on the area you stay.
For a single person, 50,000yen to 70,000yen per a month (100 yen is about 1 USD. The price is for a single room which is about 20 to 40 square meters) is the average price of the monthly rent in Tokyo.
Expensive wards in Tokyo are located in central Tokyo,
and Minato ward is the most expensive place to stay.
(The rent there is about 60% more than the average rent in 23 wards. To check more about Minato ward/Roppongi, check the link here: Roppingi)
Below is the list of the most expensive wards of Tokyo (Average monthly rent).

Minato: 130,700yen
Chiyoda: 123,300yen
Chuo: 113,000yen
Shibuya: 112,200yen
Meguro: 102,300yen
Shinjuku: 100,700yen

Below are the least expensive wards

Suginami: 76,200yen
Itabashi: 72,200yen
Nerima: 70,700yen
Edogawa: 66,700yen
Adachi: 65,100yen
Katsushika: 64,700yen

(The numbers are as of 2019. Reference: https://www.homes.co.jp/chintai/tokyo/23ku/city/price/)

Other expenses

Utility fees

Besides the rent, you need to pay utility fees every month.
For a single person, it costs about 10,000yen per a month.
(4,000 for electricity, 3,000 for gas ,and 2,000 for water)
※You will also have to start paying local inhabitant tax (called 住民税 Jyumin Zei) from the second year on in Japan. It costs about 16,000yen per a month in Tokyo.

Food

If you are eating out or buying food everyday, it costs about 40,000yen per a month.
You could save money if you cook ,but things are expensive in Tokyo.
At least 20,000yen per a month is needed.

Transportation

It depends on the work you do, but if you need to pay for the transportation,
you have to pay about 4,000 yen a month for your commute.
You can use train and bus to get anywhere, so you won’t need a car in Tokyo.
They keep time and very comfortable except the rush hour time in the morning and evening
(Around 7:00am and 17:00pm).

Internet and Mobile phone

They cost roughly around 8,000 to 10,000yen per a month.

Income Tax, pension and Health Insurance

The amount you have to pay varies depending on how much you earn. 
For a person who earns 250,000yen per a month (which is the average income of a single person), about 40,000yen is needed to pay.

All in all, you will need about 160,000yen per a month to live in Tokyo.
(If you don’t go out for shopping or drinking!)

If you would like to save money, you could think about living outside of big cities.
Among all prefectures of Japan, Gunma, Yamaguchi, Tokushima are the cheapest places to live.(Average rent per a month is about 36,000yen in those areas)

Contract an apartment

It depends on the apartment, but there are usually 敷金(Shikikin) and 礼金(Reikin) that you need to pay when you move in.

敷金 Shikikin

It is a deposit. Usually the amount for 1 to 2 month rent is required to pay as Shikikin.
It is usually nonnegotiable as they are to cover any damages done to the apartment outside normal wear-and-tear.
When you move out, the landlord will check the condition of the room you used.
If you made no damage to it, deposit will be sent back to your bank account.

礼金 Key Money

It is the money paid to the landlord when moving into an apartment as to show the appreciation and the money is not returned after the lease is canceled.
It is an old custom started after WW 2 when everything was in the rebuilding phase.
It was very hard for land owners to maintain the building for living, so people would pay Reikin to help them.
This custom still remains to today, but it is negotiable.
If the place you would like to live in has expensive Reikin, you should talk to the owner.
In recent years, landlords and real estate agencies offer Reikin-free rental housing and they do not charge the amount.

更新料 Renewal fee

Contract is usually for 2 years and every 2 years, you need to renew your contract.
The average amount is about the 1 month rent of the place you are living.

I hope this helps you make a plan to move to Japan.
As I got a lot of help from locals when I was in the U.S, I really want to help you with your stay in my country.
If you are thinking about coming to Japan and need some help, just let me know!

Working and working everyday…!
Going to Tokyo for recording tom.

※Complete song is available here Skyhigh Or click on the band camp link below.

See you next time!
Taka

*Need more info about Japan?
Give me a comment here or send me a message to
[email protected]

9 amazing places to visit in Nagano

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Nagano is located about 3 hours away from Tokyo and it is the fourth biggest prefecture in Japan.
It is rich in nature. Nine of the twelve highest mountains in Japan are in Nagano.
In 1998, Winter Olympics was held in this area.
Since then, Nagano has been a world-class winter sport destination.
Nagano is beautiful in other seasons as well: you can see beautiful flowers and Sakura in spring, enjoy hiking in the summer, and admire autumn leaves in fall.

  1. Zenkoji Temple

    Built in the 7th century and it is one of the most famous temples in Japan.
    The first Buddhist statue that was brought to Japan is stored here.
    The original statue is hidden but a replica is shown to the public every six years.
    Because the influence of the Buddhism was huge, Nagano grew up around this temple.
    There is Gokaidan meguri, or a pitch dark tunnel under the main hall of the temple.

    It is a place where there is no light and you walk through in it to find the hidden “Key to paradise”(Hidden lock of a door).

    You can experience how it is to be a Buddhist by going through the tunnel: try to reach the enlightenment just focusing on it.
    Like finding the lay of light inside of the darkness.

    There is also the Zenkoji History Museum where you can see hundreds of religious art works such as Buddhist statues and writings.

    Zenkoji Temple
    Price: 500yen per a person to enter the main hall.

  2. Togakushi Shrine

    Built about 2,000 years ago, Togakushi shrine is located in the northwest of the center of Nagano.
    This shrine consists of five shrines dedicated to different gods.
    The Hoko-Sea is to the goddess who protects maternity, sewing, and academic life.
    The Hino-miko-sha is to the god of fire and performing arts.
    The Chu-Sha is to the god of wisdom.
    The Oku-sha is to the god of fortune and harvest.
    The Kuzuryu-Sha is to the god of rain and good relationships.

    Going to Oku-Sha and then to Kuzuryu-Sha is a popular walking course.
    It is about 2 kilometer hike ,and along the way, you can enjoy watching beautiful cedar trees that are over 400 years old.

    Togakushi Shrine

  3. Matsumoto Castle

    It is one of the oldest Japanese castles in Matsumoto city, the place located in the center of Nagano prefecture.
    Among 12 castles existing from Edo period in Japan, only Matsumoto castle and Himeji castle are five floors (since there is a hidden floor, precisely speaking they have 6 floors though!).
    You can enjoy the view of the impressive landscape of this great, black and white castle with the Northern Alps behind.

    Inside of it, there are displays of weapons and armors from Sengoku period (Warring States Period. 15th to 16th century).
    In the moats just below the castle, koi carps and swans circle.

    Matsumoto Castle
    Time: 8:30 to 17:00
    (8:00 to 18:00 during Golden week holiday and Summer season and 10:00 to 15:30 from Jan 1st to 3rd)
    ※Closed on Dec 29th to 31st
    Price:610yen per a person to enter.

  4. Shiga Kogen

    It is a large ski resort that has 51 lifts and gondolas.
    The elevation range from 1,300 to 2,300meters above the sea level and it is the largest place for skiing.
    It has different kinds of terrain for any types of skiers and snowboarders.
    There are some hot springs and hotels in the area as well.

    Shiga Kogen

  5. Snow monkey park

    Also called Jigokutani Monkey Park.
    This park was made in 1964 to protect wild monkeys that faced threats because of the development of ski resorts.
    Around 160 monkeys are living in the area.
    Winter is the most popular time, but the park is open throughout the year and you can see monkeys everyday.
    There’s a pool around which the monkeys gather where you can observe the wild monkeys bathing in Onsen.
    It is prohibited to touch or feed the monkeys, so please follow the rules when you enter the park.

    Snow monkey park
    Time: 8:30 to 17:00 (From April to Oct)
    9:00 to 16:00 (From Nov to Mar)
    Price: 800yen per a person to enter

  6. Karuizawa

    It is a mountain resort just below the active volcano, Mt Asama.
    Karuizawa is famous as a summer resort as it offers pleasant escape from the heat of summer.
    It is a great place to enjoy outdoor activities like golfing, skiing, cycling, hiking, etc.
    So a lot of wealthy people buy a second home in the area.
    John Lennon stayed there with his family and Bill Gates rents holiday villas in Karuizawa.

    Karuizawa

  7. Kamikochi

    It is a narrow basin at 1,500 meters above sea level where you can enjoy great hiking!
    The area has amazing nature and is part of a national park in which private cars are not allowed to enter.
    Since it is surrounded by tall mountains, the temperature stays cool even in the summer (it rarely goes over 25 ℃).
    There are breathtaking lakes along the hiking course.
    The one I recommend that you go is Myoin Pond.
    It is a solemn pond in a virgin forest.
    You can never get bored watching photogenic view of it!


    Kamikochi
    Open from May until mid Nov every year

  8. Azumino

    Azumino is Located on the northern end of the Matsumoto and just below Hakuba, the place that had a lot of ski events during the 1998 Winter Olympic Games.
    There’s the largest wasabi farm in Japan called Daio Wasabi Farm with Water Mills.
    The quality of wasabi there is the highest in Japan and you will be amazed to taste it!
    You can not only try pasted wasabi, but also wasabi ice cream in Azumino (Surprisingly, it’s sweet and not spicy at all).
    I used to go to Azumino every year when I was an elementary school student for joining the training camp of a soccer team.
    I had so much wasabi ice cream with my teammates.
    Apples, grapes, pears, peaches, and buckwheat noodles are also made in the area and they are all great!

    Besides the wasabi farm, Hotaka Shrine, and Alps Azumino National Government Park are must-visit places!

    Daio Wasabi Farm
    Time: 9:00 to 17:20 (From Mar to Oct)
    9:00 to 16:30 (From Nov to Feb)

  9. Kiso

    It is located in the southeastern part of Nagano and 94% of its area is occupied by forest.
    It was a place where Yoshinaka Kiso, a warlord lived.
    Nakasendo, the road that connects Tokyo, Nagano, and Nagoya, runs in Kiso, so it is called Kiso-ji (Kiso road).
    The landscape of the past Edo era are preserved in Tsumago-juku and Narai-juku.
    Just walking Kiso-ji, you will get the feeling of Samurai period.
    Lacquer-ware, containers, and combs are popular products of Kiso.

    Kiso

There are also large lakes like Lake Suwa and Kizaki in Nagano, and a lot more great places for hiking.
If you are checking everything, you will need a few days of stay here but it really worth visiting the area!

Access

From Tokyo

Take JR Hokuriku Shinkansen bound for Nagano
(Time:About 2 hours   Price: 8,000 yen for oneway)

From Nagoya

Take Chuo Main Line Wideview Shinano bound for Nagano
(Time:About 3 hours  Price: 6,810 yen for oneway)

Where do people do winter/summer sports in your country?

Taka

*Need more info about Japan?
Give me a comment here or send me a message to
[email protected]

See you next time!

5 things to do in a great Onsen area,Gero

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Japan has 10% of the world’s active volcanoes (over 100) and thanks to that,
we have a lot of high-quality Onsen, or hot springs.
Among a lot of great Onsen, Gero in Gifu, Arima in Hyogo,
and Kusatsu in Gunma are considered as 3 major Onsen areas.

This time I wrote about Gero, which is close to Takayama city where I live now.
The area has a lot of nature and a popular resort for both foreign and Japanese tourists.

Onsen has been used as a cure for disease and pain for over centuries in Japan.
It is said that various minerals penetrate the body and promote hormone selection resulting the restoration.

Gero’s Onsen is high in Alkaline (ph 9.2) and it makes your skin smooth and great for your relaxation and prevention of aging.

It is good for most people, but if you are a pregnant, have some kind of skin problem,
or heart disease, you should refrain from soaking.
Those who have sensitive body can still enjoy Ashiyu (foot bath) in Gero.
There are 8 free foot baths in the area.

It might be the best to use a car to get around in Gero because you need to walk up to visit some places, but Gero is a compact city and you can enjoy just by walking.
Here are 5 things to visit/try in Gero.

  1. Go to Onsen (Hot springs)

    Go to Onsen is of course the best thing to do in the area.
    There are a lot of places to enjoy Onsen.

    Funsen chi
    It is a free, open-air hot spring that is right next to the river.
    It is a gender mixed bath, and you need to wear bathing suits to enter the bath.

    Shirasagi no Yu
    You can enjoy the view of the river and mountains while enjoying the bath here.
    This place does not have an open-air bath, but one of the most visited and loved Onsen in the area.

    Hours: 10:00 to 22:00 (closed on Wed)
    Price: 370yen

    Ogawa Ya
    It is a popular Ryokan (Japanese Inn) with Onsen.
    It has a very nice atmosphere and what is unique about their bath is that there are tatami around the bath.

    Hours for visitors: 12:00 to 20:00 (13:00 to 20:00 on Wed and Thu)
    Price: 1,000yen

    Miyabitei
    It is a Ryokan that has an open air bath with a great view of the surrounding mountains.
    This place might be the best in terms of enjoying the view!

    Hours for visitors: 18:00 to 20:00
    Price: 1,000yen

    Yunoshima Kan
    This 4 star Ryokan has great open-air baths and the building itself is registered as an important cultural building of Japan.
    It is right behind Onsen ji and you need to walk up a bit to get there and a use of bath for a visitor is limited from 13:00 to 14:00 , but it really is worth visiting!

    Hours for visitors: 13:00 to 14:00
    Price: 1,000yen

    These are just major places and there are lot more Onsen to check!

    Gero Onsen Festival is held annually on August 1st to 4th.
    You can enjoy watching a sacred dragon dance performance called
    Ryujin-no-Mai during the festival.

    Yumeguri Tegata, or a wooden spa pass tablet is available at the tourist office, souvenir shops, convenience stores, and ryokan.
    It is 1,300 yen and can be used for 6 months.
    With it, you can visit any three of 30 participating ryokan.

  2. Pray at Onsen ji

    It is the most important temple for locals with a famous legend of a white heron.
    Up until 1265, Mt Yugamine(a mountain on the east of Gero) was active and people in Gero enjoyed Onsen.
    One day it suddenly stopped producing Onsen (probably due to the earthquake).
    People were very disappointed and lost what to do.
    Next year, a villager found a white heron came to the same place everyday.
    The villager wondered why.
    He went to see the bird and followed where it went.
    Then, the heron pointed out a place where new hot spring was.
    Villagers were very thankful and believed that Nyorai (a buddhist figure of the highest degree of respect) turned into the white heron to help villagers.
    Later, to worship Nyorai, Onsen ji Temple was built.

    Just in front of the temple, there is a statue called Yukake yakushi Nyorai.
    It is a statue of Nyorai, with hot spring around.
    It is believed that if you pour hot spring to the body of Nyorai where you (your body) need a healing, your pain and disease will go away.

    Near the Nyorai statue, there’s a small building where Saruya no ishi (Saruya’s stone) is enshrined.
    Saruya was a monkey that villagers petted to get mice away.
    When Saruya passed away, a round stone was found near its grave.
    People believe that still after its death, Saruya turned itself to a stone to protect the area.


    Onsen ji

  3. Learn at Gero Museum of Hot spring

    It is a museum near Onsen ji.
    You can learn about hot spring from the view of both science and history.
    It has a lot of information about Onsen in Gero and other hot springs in Japan.

    There are 5 sections inside: Welcome to Gero Onsen, Science of Hot spring, History of Hot spring, Libraly, and Onsen try out where you can try some experiments like checking the minerals inside of hot spring in a bottle.

    There’s a foot bath right in front of the museum where you can walk inside to relax.

    Gero Museum of Hot spring
    Hours: 9:00 to 17:00 (closed on Thu)
    Price: 400yen

  4. Eat Onsen Tamago

    Onsen Tamago is a soft-boiled egg prepared in hot spring and it is a popular food in Gero Onsen area.
    There’s a store place called Ayumi-ya where you can try this egg while enjoying foot bath.
    They also sell Onsen Tamago ice cream and pudding!

  5. Visit Gero Onsen Gassho Mura

    This is an open-air museum of traditional style houses (called Gassho style. More about this, check Shirakawa-go).

    It also has a museum of Enku, a great carver who made more than ten thousand of wooden Buddhist statues.
    There are also souvenir stores as well as a place to try making potteries.

    Gero Onsen Gassho Mura
    Hours: 8:30 to 17:00
    Price: 800yen

In Gero, there are places called Onsen stands.
Just like a gas station, Gero citizens can bring their tanks and take Onsen from an Onsen stand for private use.
This city really is full of Onsen!

Access

From Tokyo

Take Tokaido Shinkansen to Nagoya, and then take Wide View Hida express to Gero.
(Time:About 3 to 4 hours   Price: 12,890 yen for oneway)

From Nagoya

Take Wide View Hida express to Gero
(Time:About 2 hours  Price: 4,100 yen for oneway)

What do people in your country do to relax/get rid of stress?

Taka

*Need more info about Japan?
Give me a comment here or send me a message to
[email protected]

See you next time!

Top things to do in Osaka, energetic Kansai city

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Osaka is Japan’s second largets area after Tokyo.
It is a very lively, energetic place.
It is famous for delicious food and entertainment like comedy shows.
People living there are generally open to foreigners and you will feel that you are welcomed.
Local people are called Kansai people, (people living in the west part of Japan),
and they are generally more friendly and open compared to Kantou people (people in the east part of Japan).
While Kantou people respect personal spaces and tend to have certain distance from others, Kansai people like to interact with others and talk about business.

It is very interesting to see people behave differently in different parts of Japan.
If you are visiting Tokyo(which is in Kantou), I highly recommend that you visit Osaka(Kansai) as well to see the differences.
Here are some of the best things to do in Osaka.

Visit Osaka Castle

In 1583, Toyotomi Hideyoshi started building the castle to be the center of Japan under his rule.
It is one of the most famous castles and was the largest castle during the sixteenth century.
The castle grounds cover about 60,000 square meters.
The main central tower is 55 meters high.
There is a museum inside and garden around it.
You can enjoy the panoramic view of Osaka city.

Osaka Castle
Hours: 9:00 to 17:00
600yen to enter

2.Eat at Dotonbori

Dotonbori is the center of food culture of Osaka(The culture is called Kuidaore, meaning to eat yourself into bankruptcy).
People in Osaka are very passionate about food,
and serve a lot of delicious food that make you spend a lot!
This area has been a busy district with entertainment and food stores since the Edo period.
Below are some of the must-try food and famous restaurants.

•Kushikatsu
(Deep fried meat,seafood, or vegetables on a stick)

Restaurant: Kushikatsu Daruma
Hours: 11:30 to 22:30
Price range:Around 2,000yen per a person

•Okonomiyaki
(It is a pancake like food with fluffy batter and lots of ingredients such as vegitables, noodles, siced pork, and eggs. The taste varies depending on the restaurant.)

Restaurant: Mizuno
Hours: 11:00 to 22:00
Price range: Around 1,500yen

•Takoyaki
(They are ball shaped dumplings with batter or eggs and flour with sliced octopus, onions, and ginger. Usually some sweet source and mayonnaise are put on top with green onions and bonito flakes. They are VERY hot inside so becareful when you eat!)

Restaurant:Kururu
Hours: 12:00 to 23:00(Mon to Fri), 11:00 to 22:00(Sat, Sun)
Price range:1,000yen to 2,000yen

•Yakiniku
(It is barbecued beef. Usually customers cook themselves on a grill on the table. Osaka has the most Korean influence in Japan, and it is believed that this style is brought from Korean culture)

Restaurant:Sora
Hours:17:00 to 23:30(Mon to Fri), 16:00 to 23:30(Sat, Sun)
Price range:3,000yen to 4,000yen

•Fugu
(Blowfish that is eaten raw. It is poisonous to eat blowfish without a careful preparation, but fugu chefs are trained three years to get a license to serve at a restaurant so you don’t need to worry. Enjoy the rare opportunity to try fugu in Osaka!)

Restaurant:Zuboraya Doutonbori
Hours:11:00 to 23:00
Price range:2,000yen to 8,000yen

3.Go sightseeing around Tsutenkaku

It is a tower known as the Eiffel Tower of Osaka.
It is a symbol of Osaka, and it is in the district called Shinsekai(New world).
In the area, there are a lot of stores and huge bath complex as well as large pools.
You can go in side of the tower and enjoy the view from the 5th floor!

Tsutenkaku
Hours:9:00 to 21:00
700yen to enter the tower

4.Take pictures at Shitennoji

It is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan(founded in 593),
built to save the souls of people and bring peace to Japan.
Gates at Shitennoji temple are guarded by wooden statues,
or Niou(Benevolent Kings).
There is the Gokuraku-jodo Garden(Pure Land Garden, or Buddhist paradise) and the Treature House (Buddhist statues, paintings, various documents, and national treasures are stored inside)
The area is great for taking pictures.
Enjoy seeing this historical building and beautiful garden!

Shitennoji
Open 24 hours
300yen to enter the garden, 500yen to enter the Treasure House

Osaka is a perfect place to enjoy Japanese cuisine and the lively atmosphere talking over drinks.
Osaka never sleeps like other big cities of Japan, and you will never get bored shopping and checking restaurants that serve delicious meals.
Be prepared to Kuidaore there!

Access

From Tokyo

•By train: Take Nozomi Shinkansen to Shin-Osaka and take JR train to Osaka
(Time: About 2 hours an 45 min　Price:13,780yen)

•By bus: There are various buses go to directly to Osaka.
Please refer to the link Kosokubus
(Time: About 9 hours, Price: 3,000yen ~)

From Kyoto

Take JR Tokaido Sanyo Main Line New Rapid Bound for Himeji
(Time: About 29 min, Price: 560yen)

From Nagoya

Take JR Tokaido Shinkansen Nozomi Bound for Shin-Osaka and then take JR train to Osaka
(Time:About 1 hour, Price 5,830yen)

Where’s the best place to eat in your country?
Taka

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Give me a comment here or send me a message to
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Modern side of Japan: 3 ares to visit in Roppongi, Tokyo

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Let me introduce Roppongi, where I used to live.It is one of the busiest business districts in Japan.I lived in Nogizaka area near the National Art Center.Back then, I had three kinds of jobs: English teacher, Web marketer, and Composer. I worked day and night till I pass out!Roppongi is known for nightlife and cosmopolitan atmosphere.People there never sleep and make a lot of money and party everyday.There are a lot of stores for fine clothes, so if you would like to enjoy shopping in the modern area, it is a great place to go. Here are 3 major areas to visit in Roppongi.

1.Tokyo Midtown and Roppongi Hills

Tokyo Midtown and Roppongi Hills are iconic towers of Roppongi.
A lot of people gather for shopping, eating, or joining events everyday.
Tokyo Midtown is a complex in the center of Roppongi area.
Inside, there are restaurants, shops, offices, museum, garden, etc. There’s one of the tallest buildings of Tokyo, Midtown Tower(248m) in the center. The Ritz Carlton Tokyo occupies the top floors.
Bars and cafes are open to anyone visiting the area.
There’s another tower called Roppongi Hills that is about 10 min walk away from Tokyo Midtown.
This place is also a nice place for shopping, and the view from the observation deck (on 52nd floor) is spectacular.
Best (yet the most expensive!) restaurants are around the tower and there is Toho Cinema Theater.
The headquarters of TV Asahi are located right next to it and they often hold events.

Tokyo Midtown (Open from 11:00 to 21:00)
Roppongi Hills(Open from 8:00 to 21:00)

2.Museums

There are a lot of museums in Roppongi. Some kind of event is usually taking place in each museum.The art works gathered in the area are very inspiring and the buildings of museums are carefully designed.Here are some of the best places that I recommend that you visit!

The National Art Center
(Open from 10:00 to 17:30. Closed on Tue)
Nezu Museum
(Open from 10:00 to 17:00. Closed on Mon)
Mori Art Museum
(Inside of Roppongi hills. Open from 10:00 to 22:00, until 17:00 on Tue)
Santory Museum of Art
(Open from 10:00 to 18:00, till 20:00 on Fri and Sat. Closed on Tue)
Taro Okamoto Memorial Museum
(Open from 10:00 to 18:00. Closed on Tue)


3.Night Clubs

If you like parties and music, Roppingi is one of the best places to go in Tokyo.
It has the best nightclubs and each of them is within walking distance. You can find the club that you like enjoying drinking and chatting.
Note that most clubs are very lively and loud.
If you want to spend a quiet night, you should go to Omotesandou area.

Maharaja (Open from 19:00 to 0:00, from 18:30 to 23:30 on Sun, from 19:00 to 5:00am on Fri and Sun)

MUSE (Open from 21:00 to 5:00am. Closed on Sun and Mon)

Esprit Tokyo (Open from 22:00 to 5:00am. Closed on Mon)

ODEON Tokyo (Sun: Midnight to 12:00, Mon: Closed, Tue and Wed: 20:00 to 8:00am, Thu: 20:00 to 10:00am, Fri: 20:00 to midnight, Sat: Midnight to 12:00 and 20:00 to Midnight)

V2 Tokyo (Open from 21:00 to 5:00am)


I personally think that a place like Roppongi is a really nice area to visit for tourist, especially for those who would like to enjoy the modern side of Japan, but it is not a great place for living.I mean, the rent is expensive (usually from around 200,000yen a month for a single room!), and it is kind of difficult to find real friends.People living there are mostly presidents or executives of Internet business related companies and they seem friendly but most of them are just thinking about making profits..It is the same for other big cities in the world I guess, but I prefer living with nature and good friends/people with less stress.Thanks to the advance of technology, we can get what we want wherever we are anyways, so!

Access

From Shibuya

Take Tokyo metro Ginza line bound for Asakusa and change train to Toei Oedo Line Bound for Roppongi at Aoyama-itchome.
(Time:11min  Price:280yen)

From Shinjuku

Take Toei Oedo Line Bound for Roppongi
(Time:9min Price:220yen)

From Tokyo station

Take Tokyo metro Marunouchi line bound for Shinjuku and change train to Tokyo metro Hibiya Line bound for Nakameguro at Kasumigaseki.
(Time:12min Price:170yen)

Do you prefer living in big cities or countryside?

Taka

*Need more info about Japan?
Give me a comment here or send me a message to
[email protected]

See you next time!