Sagano Romantic Train!

Good morning everyone! This week we will be taking a look at the Sagano Romatic Train in Kyoto, Japan. The Sagano Romantic Train (Sagano Scenic Railway) is a sightseeing train that runs from Sagano Torokko Station to Kameoka Torokko Station along the Hozugawa River in Kyoto, Japan. The natural beauty of this area is amazing, as you get to see the pink Cherry Blossoms in … Continue reading Sagano Romantic Train!

Sapporo Snow Festival Sculptures!

The 68th Annual Sapporo Snow Festival began in Sapporo today, and the snow sculptures look amazing! The Sapporo Snow Festival is one of Japan’s largest winter events, and every year about 2 Million people see about 250 creative ice sculptures. Event if you are not in Japan, you can enjoy some of the great ice sculptures here! The Sapporo Snow Festival runs from February 6 … Continue reading Sapporo Snow Festival Sculptures!

Dragon Ball Food Fair And Stamp Rally!

Fans of Dragon Ball have another event to celebrate, as the East Japan Railway Company is having a special Dragon Ball event until February 27, 2017. The event includes a Stamp Rally and food fair, which will bring artwork, food, and stamp locations around the 63 JR stations and 2 Tokyo Monorail stations. Collecting stamps will give you the chance to win prizes, including special … Continue reading Dragon Ball Food Fair And Stamp Rally!

You Could Get Free Trip To Japan With Kimi No Nawa!

For all of those people that have always wanted to go to Japan but never had the money, the Anime Tourism Association will be giving away 30 all-expense paid trips to Tokyo and Gifu Prefecture! That’s right, for FREE! This are part of the “Cool Japan Collaborative Demonstration Project,”  which is meant to take foreigners to the cool real-world locations in the movie Kimi No … Continue reading You Could Get Free Trip To Japan With Kimi No Nawa!

Usokae Shinji Ritual

On Tuesday, January 14, 2017, Kameido Tenjinsha shrine in Koto Ward, Tokyo, Japan will celebrate its annual Usokae Shinji ritual. “Uso” means bullfinch and “kae” means exchange. In other words, a bullfinch exchange. Why a bullfinch? Because they are thought to bring good luck. (Photo courtesy of JapanFly.com) But “Uso” also means “lie,” which is the cool part of this festival. People bring the wooden … Continue reading Usokae Shinji Ritual

Sanja Matsuri

As some of you know, we mentioned Sanja Matsuri during our Monday Morning Trip to Asakusa—which you can see again here: https://japansauce.net/2016/05/09/asakusa/ Sanja Matsuri (三社祭, literally “Three Shrine Festival”), is one of the three great Shinto festivals in Tokyo. It is considered one of the wildest and largest. The festival is held in honor of Hinokuma Hamanari, Hinokuma Takenari and Hajino Nakatomo, the three men who established and … Continue reading Sanja Matsuri

Tsukiji Market

PLEASE NOTE–This article is related to the OLD Tsukiji Market, which no longer exists. It has been replaced by TOYOSU Market. The Tsukiji Market (築地市場 Tsukiji shijō), is the world-famous fish market that is on everyone’s list of “must-dos” in Tokyo, Japan. Tsukiji Market is the world’s biggest wholesale fish and seafood market, and also has a large wholesale area for fruits and vegetables too. We have visited … Continue reading Tsukiji Market

Tokyo Yamathon 2016!

If you are familiar with Japan, then you have probably heard, and used, the Yamanote Line—it’s that super-convenient JR train that takes you all around the main districts in Japan. Well, did you know that there is a marathon associated with this train? It’s called the Yamathon! The Yamathon is a marathon in which teams of 3-4 people walk or run through Tokyo, visiting all … Continue reading Tokyo Yamathon 2016!

Asakusa

This week’s Monday Morning Trip is to Asakusa and Senso-ji! Asakusa (浅草) is an area in Tokyo, Japan, where much of the old-Tokyo can still be seen. Asakusa can be found in every guide book about Japan, as it is the home to Senso-ji, the oldest temple in Tokyo. The Asakusa area was heavily damaged during World War II, but was rebuilt after the war. Long ago, … Continue reading Asakusa

Kodomo no Hi (Children’s Day)

Another Golden Week has come to an end, as yesterday was “Kodomo no Hi” or Children’s Day—the last holiday in the Golden Week party. Children’s Day is celebrated on May 5th, and was designated as a national holiday in 1948. History It was originally known as “Tango no Sekku” or Boy’s Day, and as the name suggests, was a festival for boys. Japan also set aside … Continue reading Kodomo no Hi (Children’s Day)