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Japan Transportation – The Needed Basics

November 21, 2014

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Japan Transportation – The Needed Basics for Tourists

Exploring any country requires a travel guide, either in the form of a book, a person, or a blog to point out the places that are a must-see. And when traveling here, Japan transportation are the best ways for getting around the cities and country.

Another requirement is of a basic understanding of the language that the locals speak, so you can at least order food without stumbling and ending up with something completely un-edible.
But I admit, it sure is fun trying!

One more essential requisite for travelling to and exploring a country, especially one as diverse as Japan, is having knowledge of the available transport options at your destination.

Without this knowledge, you will be lost the minute you step off the plane.

If you are lucky enough to have a private car coming to pick you up from the airport, kudos, but if not, then you have come to the right place where I will guide you through the many Japan transportation options that are available to a tourist in Japan.

Japan Transportation – An Extensive System Mapping Throughout The Country

Japan is well-known and famous for its highly extensive options of transport, that are found everywhere in the country – even the small cities. Other than the vast and efficient train systems that run in the country, there are also various other transportation options which are just as attractive choices as the bullet train if you are a tourist.

Within metropolitan areas and between large cities, the public transportation system of the country is efficient and organized. The local population favors the system not only for the convenience it offers but also because of the qualities that are characteristic of the nation i.e. its punctuality and the awesome service.

Japan Transportation – Traveling by Train

The four major islands of Japan are connected by a vast and reliable network of trains. For visitors, nothing is more convenient than travelling around Japan by train. Following are the types of trains you should know about before embarking on the journey.

Local Train: stops at every station.
Rapid Train: skips some stations.
Express Train: stops at even fewer stations. Japan Railways charge a separate fee, in addition.
Limited Express Train: stops at major stations. The fee is between 500 and 4000 yen, in addition the base fare.
Super Express Train: is only operated by Japan Railways, and runs on separate tracks. The fee is between 800 to 8000 yen, in addition to the base fare.

Japan Transportation – By Boat

The nation is connected with ferry services scattered throughout the island. There are two benefits of using ferries for transport:

1) You can easily get from one place to another

2) You can discover new places

The schedule of this service varies in the price of the ticket – from travelling and arriving between adjacent islands in two hours, to making 1½ day trip for the same route.

Most ferries carry cars, bikes, and motorcycles too.

Japan Transportation – By Bus

In almost every Japanese city there is bus service; however, it is usually not a good option for foreign travelers. However, in many of the tourist towns, buses especially for tourists often run from the main railway station. Cities such as Tokyo and Kyoto even run tours in English, for its foreign visitors.

Travelling in Japan is not so difficult once you understand all the various options at your disposal. Travel safe!

My absolute favorite method of Japan transportation travel is by train.

It is very easy once you get the system down (be sure to check out my article on riding the bullet train in Japan). In major cities, the subway lines are owned and operated by multiple companies making switching difficult as each company only produces a map for their lines!

This means walking up to 4 maps possibly and writing down which stations to change on.

But, it’s part of the excitement and the adventure! Bus’s are great, too, but it is best to do your homework before you go. There isn’t much English posted around so best to try planning your route before hand. When I went skiing in Nagano several years ago, I had to take 2 trains and 2 bus’s. But a little planing beforehand, everything was super fun!

Enjoy!

Lake Ashi, Pirate Ships, Black Eggs, and More

November 17, 2014

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Lake Ashi, Pirate Ships, Black Eggs, and More

Spectacular Lake Ashi

I LOVE coming to Lake Ashi. So much so that I wrote this article Cruising along Lake Ashi, worth checking out!

If you are like me, and wish to enjoy the views and scenery of Japan’s tallest mountain without having to climb it then no destination is more perfect than Lake Ashi, and the small, sleepy town it’s nestled in. Although Mt. Fuji is situated only 80 miles from the center of Tokyo, it is still almost impossible to get a view from the city, not unless the day is perfectly clear.

Tokyo city view and tokyo skytree with Mt Fuji

I arrived to the tourist town from Tokyo, after the official climbing season had ended but that wasn’t going to stop me from enjoying other sights that Hakone has to offer. The picturesque town of Hakone is just a little over an hour outside of Tokyo, and offers every activity that you cannot have imagined from a small town.

The average visitor can spend a day shopping in the many quaint stores scattered throughout, explore museums, and relax after a busy day at one of the many hot spring resorts the town is famous for. I did all three, and enjoyed myself immensely. Especially, relaxing in the hot springs and sampling the local delicacies.

From Tokyo, with Love

I am sure most of you agree that getting to and around a place is half the fun of the whole trip. Finding your own way, in a place where very few people even understand the universal language is a great experience, and one that makes the trip twice as memorable.

I was pressed for time, and therefore could only spare a day to visit the sights of Hakone. Usually, locals who reside in Tokyo often visit Hakone during the weekend, and spend a night there as the distance between is not more than a few hours from the bullet trains.

So, it was on a clear and fine day that I arrived at Shinjuku Station with the intention of boarding a direct train to Hakone, with minimum stopovers.

Hakone, by Romance Express

The most convenient of networks consisting of trains, buses, cable cars, trams, and boats that run to and around the town of Hakone come under the jurisdiction of Odayku Railways. To the first time traveler to Japan, I would highly recommend the Hakone Free Pass that can be easily purchased from the tourism center of Shinjuku station.

I was able to purchase my Free Pass at the last minute, but those who are visiting the town during the peak climbing season should purchase it at least a week before. My pass included a round trip on the Romance express train from Shinjuku Station, to Hakone Yumoto Station from which I boarded a bus and arrived at the town.

Although economical and hassle free, the visit seemed incomplete without a stopover at the town of Odawara. Next time, definitely.

New Year in Japan – Experiencing Oshogatsu in Style

November 13, 2014

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New Year in Japan – Experiencing Oshogatsu in Style

New Year is that time of the year when you want to indulge in excitement and thrill to begin your year with a blast. Until this year, my New Year celebrations usually revolve around getting to some cool place to watch the countdown and celebrate the New Year with fireworks and friends.

However, this year was very different. Indeed, Japan is the place to be if you want to celebrate your New Year’s Day in the most unusual and exciting way. It was one of the most memorable experiences I had in Japan.

I would never forget the exquisite style of celebrating the New Year (oshogatsu) the Japanese way. I got to witness the Japanese New Year traditions at my warmhearted Japanese friend’s home – meaningful, relaxing and surrounded with an air of kindness and love.

I learnt that oshogatsu is a very important holiday in all of Japan, in honor of new year celebrations, most business shut down for around two days, and families typically get together to celebrate it in union. My friend Mizuki told me that, in Japan, ‘bonenkai’ parties are held before the oshogatsu to bid farewell to last year’s troubles, which really fascinated me.

Celebrated with the same jubilance and fervor as Christmas, the New Year celebrations start a few days before the year ends and continue for almost a week. On the peaceful New Year Eve, me and my friend’s family ate ‘toshikoshi’ soba noodles, that symbolize long life and health, to welcome the New Year and cheered with Japanese sake.

As I witnessed the celebrations throughout the week, I realized that Japanese culture is full of rich traditions. Delicious and mouthwatering Oshogatsu meals are perhaps the most outstanding aspect of New Year festivities, as I got to eat various tantalizing dishes that were especially prepared for the occasion, and instilled with special and overwhelming meanings to bring fortune in the year ahead.

I learned that eating the ‘O-sechi ryori’ which is considered to bring good luck and was made of shrimp, chestnut, seaweed, pork, and eggs. The ‘O-zoni’ was another fantastic dish, made of sticky rice cake served in a yummy fish broth. I will definitely remember these meals forever.

Oshogatsu is also characterized by the extravagant decorations that enliven the localities with a mix of sparkling colors and meaningful undertones of prosperity. The Oshogatsu motif was an important part of the decorations that enlivened homes and storefronts.

I saw the ‘kadomatsu’, another New Year decoration, which was an arrangement of flowers, pine, and bamboo, placed outside many houses and Mizuki told me this was a sign of welcoming the gods for the New Year.

Mizuki also gifted me a calligraphy scroll wishing good fortune, which overwhelmed me, and in return I bought the Oshogatsu motif to gift to her.

Mizuki’s parents gave otoshidama to all their children and I was excited to get one as well; these were envelopes printed with Japanese characters containing money, I was greatly warmed by Mizuki’s family’s generosity.

Mizuki, also took me to the year’s first shrine visit to pray for good fortune for the year. The shrine was full of hundreds of people, and a sacred white horse was being given a lot of attention by them. After praying, we visited the myriad food stalls and ate broiled fish cakes, and salad picked in sweet vinegar, which were the more traditional Japanese New Year foods, and also saw a fireworks display nearby the shrine.

Every New Year brings back profound memories of the Japanese New Year Celebrations. The delectable dishes, the generosity, and the meaning imbued traditions, render so much charm to the Japanese celebrations that I miss them a lot.

One should definitely celebrate Oshogatsu with the Japanese once in their life – it’s a memorable and delightful experience.

Shinkansen – My Experience at Breakneck Speeds!

November 9, 2014

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Shinkansen – My Experience at Breakneck Speeds!

The experience of traveling by train is not new for me. However, traveling on Shinkansen was incomparable.

The super quiet and super speedy Shinkansen is example of high-tech modern traveling.

If you are visiting Japan, I would recommend buying a Japan Rail (JR) pass and get the experience that you would not be able to get anywhere else in the world.

JR pass is a great option for tourists to witness the wonderful sights of Japan along with getting the experience of using one of the best railway networks of the world. It is a luxury that many people dream of experiencing, and I was lucky enough to enjoy it. Of course, it was made possible by using the JR pass. The cost of a round trip on Shinkansen is close to the price of JR pass that gives us unlimited access to almost all railway networks across Japan.

When planning a visit to Japan, remember that you have to buy a JR pass before you head to Japan as trading JR passes within the country is prohibited while paying separately for each railway trip may be too costly for you. Anyone with a temporary visa can get these passes that offer heavy discounts for traveling across various cities and towns.

While we can get 7, 14 or, 21 day passes, I bought a 7 day pass to travel with comfort and speed across cities over the next few days. I could use the JR pass for most of the Shinkansen trains except for the Nozomi and Mizuho in the Sanyo, Tokaido, and Kyushu Shikansen lines.

I was too excited for the ride that I reached the station an hour before the departure time. I was bewildered by the unusual design of the train. On the outside, the train looked like a spaceship with a robot-duck beak on the front.

The inside of the train looked like an airplane. A friendly and professionally trained staff was there to help us. It was an immense pleasure seeing that the train was perfectly clean, spacious, smartly designed, and comfortable.

One of the best things about Shinkansen is that it leaves precisely on time.

As the journey starts, the incredible train would take you through cities, towns, industrial complexes and lush green countryside. As for us, the clacks and clanks of the train and tracks are usual but the Shinkansen is quiet to the level of surprise. Whether it is the lightning speed or the efficient network, they make no noise and at times you don’t even feel like you are in a moving train. I am such a huge fan of Shinkansen for its pace and efficiency.

To add to the incredible journey, the train had clean toilets, vending machines, and phones. Besides, a trolley cart is frequently wheeled from where you can buy food, drinks, snacks and alcohol.

These trains are so addictive that once you use them, you would not want to travel on any other train. I always preferred taking Shinkansen whenever it was possible throughout my stay in Japan.

I would say that Shinkansen ride is a must thing to do in Japan. But, get a JR pass before heading to Japan so that you may enjoy this ride at economical rates.

Sake Guide – The Staple Drink of Japan

November 6, 2014

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Sake Guide – The Staple Drink of Japan

A trip to Japan is incomplete without having Sake, the drink most commonly consumed in the country. Similarly, my trip to the country included pit-stops at the local sake breweries and experiencing the grand Sake Festival, which is one reason alone to visit the country every year!

Actually, the first time I had the opportunity was take a sip of this sweet yet strong drink was back in 2005. I was in Tokyo for a quick trip, two days. After a group of meetings I was invited out for some lunch, which turned out to be an incredible sushi lunch! But, what is common with the meals is sake. My host asked me do I like my sake hot or cold? I didn’t know what the difference was then and I asked for hot.

The sake came to the table in a small yet well crafted bottle and two small round cups. The waitress poured each of us and we drank.

Wow! First, the sake WAS hot! But the sensation was the liquid rank down my throat was exciting. So to help you out and help to not be the fool that I was then I put together this article.

Sake Guide: What is Sake?

Many English-speaking countries mistake Sake for wine, in due fact, Sake can’t be wine because this alcoholic beverage is not made from grapes, but from steamed-cooked rice. It is an easy mistake to make, as many brands of sake possess a fruity flavor. And that was the first thing I asked when I met my host, if we could have some wine! The look he gave me well… lets ay it wasn’t all too pleasing….

The brewing process of sake is very much like beer where the sugar that is needed to produce ethanol must be first extracted from starch that is present in the rice.

To achieve that process, a special mould called koji is added to the cooked rice. The starch that is present in the cooked rice turns into sugars, which in turn becomes alcohol with the addition of yeast into this mixture. This is the fermentation process, and it will be another month or two when the sake can be distributed for consumption.

Sake Guide: Age-old cultural ties attached

The process of brewing sake is a lengthy one, followed and perfected by generations of Japanese who deemed the brewing of this drink as a form of art and their cultural heritage.

If you wish to have an experience of a lifetime, your ultimate travel destination should be Higashi-Hiroshima city. The city is famous for housing one of the three greatest sake brewing districts in Japan.

The chilly month of October is the best time to visit this city, because it is when the Sake Festival is held around the area of the Saijo Station that accommodates many of the oldest and well-established breweries in the city.

Sake Guide: The Sake Festival

I was fortunate enough to have been part of the festivities that occur every year, to greet the arrival of the new season’s batch of sake.

Along with a group of fellow sake enthusiasts, I took the Nozomi Shinkansen from Tokyo, and arrived at Hiroshima City in a grand total of 2 hours, and a couple of minutes. The train flew like the wind!

The only draw-back was that we had to pay the full fare, because the Nozomi Shinkansen doesn’t come under Japan Railways jurisdiction (Big topic of discussions, there are multiple train companies in Japan, each with there own lines and maps!). We also had to change trains, at Shin- Osaka.

All in all, the bullet train experience wasn’t all that bad.

We took the bus from the station and reached easily enough to our destination. One good thing about travel in Japan is the facilities offered to foreigners in terms of travel, and ways to reach places by themselves. You’ll find this in only the big cities though.

Sake Guide: Tasting and sampling

Like us, the whole neighborhood around Saijo station was filled with people that had come from all over Japan, and other parts of the world to sample fine Hiroshima sake.

The venue was be-decked with vibrant colors and food-stalls where visitors milled about some of the finest of that year’s batch of sake.

We ended the night some hours later, at a quiet sake restaurant away from the festivities that were still in full swing, and said kempai (which means cheers in Japanese) to our last drinking round of the day.

After this awesome experience, I can hardly go to a Japanese restaurant without ordering a small bottle of wine. After trying various kinds of hot and cold (there are many costs factors, too, but unlike wines you can get an excellent bottle of Sake for a couple of dollars) I decided I preferred hot!

And if you’re looking to learn a little bit about it, as I did after my trip to Japan, I’d definitely check out this book and help become a sake expert too!

Which do you prefer?

Enjoy!

Cherry Blossoms – Hanami Festival

November 3, 2014

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Cherry Blossoms – Hanami Festival

Ever heard about the celebration of budding cherry blossom trees? Hanami is the thousand year old Japanese traditional custom of rejoicing at the bloom of ‘sakura’ or cherry blossom trees and their beautiful flowers; it’s an annual spring celebration that is celebrated with great pleasure and jubilance and taken very seriously. Amazingly, it is one of Japan’s top ten cultural events.

Sakura start blooming in February and wrap the whole country in their charm until early May. The opening of the Sakura buds is tracked quite carefully, and the blooming forecast is made each year by the Japan Meteorological Agency.

The Hanami festival is awaited so much that the blossoming of the buds is shown on the daily news, but the Japanese set out to celebrate Hanami in its full fervor only after official opening of the season has been announced with respect to the cherry blossom trees at Yasukuni shrine.

Getting this news at its earliest is considered quite important for party planning as the seasons lasts for only a week or two.

Hanami literally means “flower viewing”, and people celebrate it by picnicking amidst the cherry blossoms, and these picnic parties that last way into the night are quite a big gathering. This festival is one way that Japanese have found to unplug from their stressful lives and tune back into nature.

Japanese like to celebrate Hanami in its complete splendor, and hence plan extensively. Some of them actually claim picnicking spots beforehand, while others casually stroll around a venue and spend time walking around sakura trees.

In essence, it is all about enjoying the budding of cherry blossom flowers, which in itself turns out to be quite a refreshing experience., however the party crowd, especially goes out to picnic for the food and drinks.

Rivers, gardens, and parks are known as the popular Hanami celebration spots, but some places are really famous for their much talked about cherry blossom festivals.

Another prime spot is the Ueno Park in Tokyo. Its 1200 cherry blossom trees create a stunning sight for their beholders when they flourish in all their glory.

The blossom viewing tunnel at Japan Mint, Osaka is another eminent spot, known for its 100 cherry blossom varieties on display, that are greatly admired by the public. The Yoshino-yama Mountain in the Nara Prefectur that boasts home to a 30000 sakura trees, has one of the most spectacular and mesmerizing views, and attracts thousands of people to its festival as well. One has to be careful about the festival celebrating dates of each location to not miss the glamour of Hanami that they have to offer.

Food and drink stalls or ‘yakai’ can be found at various spots, selling delectable food varieties like okonomiyaki (savory vegetable and meat pancake), yakisoba (fried noodles) and takoyaki (octopus dumpling), and you can’t just avoid them if you are a foodie.

Did you ever think that cherry blossom flowers could be a part of any meal? Well you’re in for surprise: Japanese not only like to see them, they like to eat them too. The pink flower is usually salted before it is added to a dish, and is consumed in tea too!

People seeking out a refreshing and serene holiday in spring, should definitely visit Japan’s Hanami festivals and they would be spellbound by the natural beauty and charm of the cherry blossom trees in Japan. And if you’re interesting in learning more about this beautiful event, The Cherry Blossom Festival: Sakura Celebration book was amazing.

Enjoy!

Cruising along Lake Ashi

October 30, 2014

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Cruising along Lake Ashi

Hakone Lake, also known as Lake Ashi, is the hottest tourist destination in Japan. It is a scenic lake that lies in the Hakone area, in the Honshu province. And without question, it was one of the most relaxing, serene, peaceful, places I had ever visited.

I was in Tokyo on business for a few days, intense meetings with some ink suppliers for a job we were about to print in China, and after the meetings were complete, I felt drained and exhausted. A friend of mine who was living there at the said that when he needed to get away from it all, he went to Lake Ashi.

I promise to write about my experience first hand but I wanted to open up about the place first with some amazing sites to see and how to get around. Tourists flock to the lake not only for its scenic beauty, but also because of its numerous hot springs that are scattered throughout the lake and for catching a glimpse of the famous Mount Fuji which is the highest mountain in Japan.

The Hakone Sightseeing Cruise

A number of boats and ferries especially for sightseeing purposes cruise the entirety of the lake and provide breath-taking views for tourists and passengers. Some of the boats that are used in this tourist excursion are exact replicas of famous sailing warships in history, such as the:

The Royal II: Which is a design based on the Royal Louis, a first-class French warship that was constructed in the 18^th century. The Victory: A cruise ship, which was inspired by the design of the 18^th century British warship the HMS Victory. The Vasa: The cruise ship is also known as ‘king of the figureheads’ due to the impressive figurehead that is fixed at the prow. The original warship which was built in the 17^th century goes by the same name.

Warship Replica's in Lake Ashi — Warship Replica’s in Lake Ashi

All the cruise boats are lavishly decorated and fully equipped with the latest comforts and features, and offer un-paralleled views of the majestic lake.

An Amazing Means Of Public Transport

The cruise takes routes that connect to three different ports, with each port having different attractions. Passengers who are not tourists can also use this as an effective means of public transportation, going about their daily business while appreciating the beautiful views. Each port has many unique sights and the scenery that you will come across the routes doesn’t always remain the same.

There is a different scene and view for every season, which is one reason why Lake Ashi is such a popular destination with tourists coming in every season.

The Hokane Ropeway Service

Hokane is one of the most attractive destination points that are found in Japan. The natural environment, paired with the surrounding hot springs is however not the only attraction this area offers. The Hakone ropeway is an aerial lift service that operates from the Sounzan station at a one-minute interval.

It is a beautiful half an hour ride to Togendai station, which is situated on the shore of Lake Ashi. The ropeway consists of two other checkpoints, or stops where tourists can take pictures and enjoy the breathtaking views of the majestic snow-capped Mount Fuji, the rising volcanic fumes of Owakudani, and the dazzling blue waters of Lake Ashi.

Kuro-Tamago

Another attraction that can be accessed through the Hakone Ropeway is the Great Boiling Valley which is home to some of the hottest springs, due to the volcanic activity nearby. Tourists flock to this spot, and bathe in the spa that nature has provided and nibble on Kura-tamago or eggs that are hard-boiled in the hot springs.

Lake Ashi is breathtaking.

I remember like it was yesterday the awesome site of seeing the lake and then Mt. Fuji in the distance from the tour bus. One of the great thing about arriving here was that it is only a 4-5 hour drive from Tokyo.

Yes.. I know.. I said only… but it is well worth the visit and you’ll definitely be spending more than a day there as there is so much to see, do and wonder at. From amazing boat tours, gondola rides, “hell on earth” and amazing tea cafe’s along the wrong creates a serene and peaceful setting to enjoy and relax.

Have a wonderful time! And read about my awesome experience visiting the town of Hakone, which is right on the water of Lake Ashi.

Japanese Business Etiquette – The Essentials

October 28, 2014

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Japanese Business Etiquette – The Essentials

Demonstrating a little understanding of Japanese culture in a business meeting implies that you have a genuine interest in doing business with them. That’s the best way to create a lasting impression on your business associates.

Good manners, politeness, and sensitivity are the pillars of Japanese business etiquettes as they are in other parts of the world. The difference here is that Japanese business etiquettes are quite formal. However, the Japanese are usually forgiving to outsiders and tend to ignore minor transgressions if you show an effort to understanding their customs.

Japanese Business Etiquette – Meetings

Japanese businessmen like a conservative demeanor. Showing modesty builds trust and image and leads to a higher level of respect from a Japanese host.

When going for a meeting with a Japanese counterpart, you should call your client 1-2 hours prior to the meeting to confirm that you are coming. If you think you may be late, call at least an hour in advance to ask your client to reschedule the meeting. It is always advisable to arrive approximately 10 minutes early for a meeting.

Upon meeting, your Japanese counterpart may offer a handshake. However, bowing may show respect to their culture making a more favorable impression on your business associate.

When the time comes to sit, wait till your Japanese host guides you where to sit as there is a custom regarding seating positions around the table.

Moreover, taking a lot of notes is considered a sign of interest. It is good to take notes of everything at meetings to keep yourself involved in the discussion and look interested.

Business Cards

The exchange of business cards during a meeting is essential business protocol in Japan. The Japanese call business cards “meishi” and foreigners are expected to bring their dual-side printed bilingual business cards essentially.

The Japanese place great emphasis on business cards. They see your business card as a reflection of your image and your intent of carrying out business with them so it is the best way to create a strong impression on your Japanese counterpart.

When your Japanese counterpart presents the card, receive it with both hands and give a quick bow. Read the card and place it carefully on the table until the meeting is over. When the meeting comes to an end, place the card in the folder or card case.

Things to Avoid in Japanese Business Meetings

Keep your hands out of your pockets when talking to someone.
Do not deface or damage the business card that has been presented to you. Also, avoid putting them in your pocket.
If your Japanese associate or client invites you for lunch or dinner, accept it wholeheartedly.
The numbers 4 and 9 are considered unlucky in Japanese culture. Avoid giving gifts in set of four or nine.
Do not write in red ink.
Avoid raising your voice or using excessive hand gestures in business meetings.

The Japanese may not seem welcoming initially. But, once you develop strong relationship with them, your interactions may get less formal and friendlier with them. Learning Japanese business etiquettes and there culture was of great interest of mine, both when I was young and later when I had to travel to Japan for business. This book helped me solve much of that curiosity.

Learning about the long history and culture of the society helps to build your reputation in your Japanese counterparts’ eyes.

Evening Adventure – The Starry Nights of Tokyo

October 27, 2014

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The Starry Nights of Tokyo

Tokyo during the day can arguably be one of the most systematic, dull and serious places to live in.

But as the sun sets and they light up the streets, the evening adventure begins as the city turns into a mixture of loud music, neon lights, and thousands of Japanese out to live life to the fullest after a tiring day of work. The city boasts of some of the world’s best nightlife and most of these places stay open till the subway opens at 5am.

The crowds are as dense at midnight as they are at 4am and the streets are flooded with all sorts of people you can imagine.

When I was in high school all I wanted to do was to travel and live in Japan for an extended period of time. I may have ended up in Hong Kong but I don’t have enough fingers and toes to count the amount of times I got to visit and stay in Japan. I finally got to go for a long haul visit to Japan where I stayed primarily in Tokyo where I know now turned out to be one of the best opportunities I had.

The evening adventure in Tokyo can be a crazy place, depending upon where you go.

Lanterns in Susukino District of Sapporo, Japan.

Some areas can even get pretty shady and unsafe, and so I decided it was best to keep myself informed of all the party spots of the city (talked about more in other posts. The night scene there was very exclusive, with many bars and clubs catering to all sorts of clients.

There were actually districts and categories these places were divided into. I was surprised to see that almost all the places charged an admission fee ranging from $5 to $50, the waiter called it an otsumami – which meant “snack charge”.

Some of the most up-scale places are located in the Ginza, Roppongi and Kabuki-cho in Shinjuku. Roppongi is where all the tourists, foreigners and expats go, packed with dive bars and dance clubs. This area is open to both Japanese and Non-Japanese customers. Shibuya is where the younger lot goes to mingle, and other districts if you’re looking for a fun evening adventure!

ageHa

Probably the most happening place I have ever seen, ageHa can house around 5000 people at a time! I found myself lost in the crowd and over-whelmed by the enormity of this place. There were numerous places and smaller bars inside the club to sit and drink, in addition to three dance floors and an outdoor swimming pool. If you are ever in Tokyo for an evening adventure, ageHa should be on the top of your ‘things to do’ list.

Womb

I know right? The name says it all. Located at a 15 min walk from Shibuya, it has a vast dance floor and a massive mirror ball hanging from the ceiling that casts reflections all over the dance floor. This place was pretty enticing and the crowd was amazing. What I liked most about these night clubs were the amazing sound systems, the Japanese seem to be doing all the right things.

VILLAGE

This is a comparatively newly opened club in the Roppongi /Azabu area, where I saw so many different people I can’t describe. I was told the chances of bumping into celebrities were not a rare thing here, which I found pretty apparent. It was a posh club with bars serving top-shelf drinks and concoctions and the staff was friendly. The unique thing about this place was that it had a more urban feel to the ambience, while the others were not themed for the casual party goers.

I do not consider myself a partier by nature and often prefer the solitude of travel, but I love checking out new places and seeing how a people live and enjoy life. I could go on and on for hours about all the amazing things, and more evening adventures to be had, I saw but it would be far better if you go see for yourself!

Oh, and my friend Marc had a big problem when he moved to Tokyo a few years back, it was the sam problem I had and so wished to be able to solve, and that was knowing the language! He purchased this Japanese language course and in a matter of weeks was talking like a local! Well, maybe not a local, but he sounded pretty impressive! Worth checking out.

If you like exciting places and get a chance to see Japan, Tokyo is not a place to miss. And trust me when I say, there are so many more things to do than just a few places like those listed above, you’ll be spending all your waking time out having fun!

Enjoy!