My trusty folding fan is never far from reach these days and offers a bit of a respite from the pervasive heat and humidity that oppresses residents of, and visitors to, Japan this time of year.

I’m still getting out and about – in the last few weeks I’ve visited Kamakura, one of many great day trips from Tokyo, shopped my way through Nippori and strolled through the Yanaka cemetery searching for an elusive cool patch under the trees that are scattered amongst the grave stones. It’s just one of my new found favorite areas of Tokyo and one that is well worth adding to any Tokyo itinerary.  I’ve also watched a couple of baseball games and dreamed about visiting the cooler surrounds of Hokkaido in northern Japan.

As a result of natsubate The Nihon Sun will be going on a lighter summer posting schedule for the next few weeks – but don’t fear, we haven’t gone anywhere, we’re still out looking for great destinations and quality content that will inspire and inform those that wish to visit Japan, even if it’s only virtually!

While we are busy fanning ourselves and trying to find the nearest source or cool air we are also busy working on a comprehensive Japan Travel ebook that will be released in the fall.  It is the result of our continuing commitment to a Cut & Paste Japan Trip Planning philosophy and another resource that we hope will help you plan a highly personal and unique trip to Japan.

In the meantime, stay cool and take some time to peruse through some of the content that has been popular over the last few months:

• Japan’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Pictures
• Cheap Eats in Japan
• The Unusual Superstitions of the Japanese
• Budgeting Your Time In Japan
• Purity & Prayer at Japanese Shrines
• The Three Most Scenic Spots in Japan
• Getting Around in Japan
• How to Take the Train in Japan
• My Favorite Place in Japan – Different Perspectives
• 25 Things to Do In Japan Before You Die

Image Credit:  Flickr, Ishiyamadera monks 04

Kamakura is home to a number of beautiful temples and shrines with histories that date back centuries as well as beautiful beaches and a giant Buddha Statue know as Daibutsu.

Yokohama is also located in Kanagawa Prefecture and is home to one of the world’s largest Chinatown’s and a thoroughly modern port area, Minato Mirai, where you can shop, eat and get a great view of Yokohama Bay from the Ferris wheel or the Landmark Tower.

Nikko is home to one of Japan’s UNESCO World heritage sites and is approximately a two hour train ride from Tokyo in Tochigi Prefecture.  See the elaborate carvings on the ancient shrines and escape the heat of a a Tokyo summer in the mountains of this stunning landlocked area.

Kawagoe is located in Saitama Prefecture and is nicknamed “Little Edo”.  This town is famous for it’s traditional Japanese warehouses and a quaint old fashioned atmosphere.  You will find over 500 statues of Buddha on the grounds of the Kitain Temple and a candy lane where you can peruse and sample all sorts of Japanese candy.

If you want to be further afield be sure to peruse our regional Japan travel series for inspiration.  From north to south, Hokkaido to Okinawa, you will find great sights to add to your itinerary and events to plan your trip around – if you sample the foods of each area as you travel about hungry our companion regional foods of Japan will help you do just that!

Image Credit:  Flickr, Japan0105.15, Nikko – Toshogu, Mt. Fuji from Yokohama & Kura in Kawagoe

With that goal in mind, I joined nine other photographers from Japan to bring you The View From Japan, a new photo blog that goes beyond the typical in an attempt to capture the essence of Japan.   I was recently interviewed on the Japan Podshow about this project and was asked about the Top 10 things to photograph in Japan.  We had a good time chatting about some of the typical and not so typical shots and encourage everyone to get out their camera, explore the county, and capture their own unique view from Japan.

Local Markets

Head out to a local market.  Fish markets vegetable markets, even grocery stores, in Japan are quite different to those found in North America and offer insight into the lives of the Japanese through the food that they eat.  Take advantage of your jet lag and head for the Tsukiji Morning Market to photograph the bounty of the sea in Tokyo – it’s an amazing experience.

Matsuri

Head out to a festival, small or large, well know or obscure, to find revelers strolling about in yukata, mikoshi (portable shrines) paraded about by men in traditional dress, vendors selling all manner of food, and taiko drummers beating out festive tunes.  The bright colors and abundant activity offer limitless opportunities to capture the feeling of summer in Japan.

The City Lights

Go for a stroll in the evening and try to capture the mood of the city through the neon signs that can be found along most major thoroughfares in larger cities.

Traditional & Modern Side by Side

A temple in the foreground with a modern apartment building in the background…or a modern skyscraper hovering alongside a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn).  Try to catch an image that juxtaposes the old and new in Japan.

Temples & Shrines

In the city or the country, the temples and shrines are beautiful unto themselves but try capturing the spirit with images of the ema (prayer boards), purity fountain, torii (gates), and the monks themselves.

The View From the Street

Bring a long lens as the Japanese are notoriously camera shy with strangers. Capture people going about their daily lives, or the scene from the streets and alleyways of a local neighborhood like Kagurazaka or Nippori or even Yakitori Alley.

Transportation

Take a walk with your camera through a busy station and try to capture the hectic pace or visit a smaller station and head to the end of the platform to capture the comings and goings of the trains themselves.  Or why not try to capture other means of transportation like these well used Japanese bikes?

Food

I’ve been known to hold up a dinner party by stopping to take a picture of the food before its touched – just choose you timing wisely on that one…

Gardens & Parks

Japanese Gardens and are usually designed with a path around a central pond and offer a different view from almost any point along the meandering path. Shoot the ponds, bridges, ishidoro (stone lanterns), traditional tea houses and the seasonal foliage and flowers. It’s a beautiful an relaxing way to while away and afternoon with your camera.

Know When to Put Your Camera Away

Make sure that you put your camera down and just take it all in once in a while. You don’t want to spend all you time trying to capture the perfect shot and not enjoy the experience – that would be a bigger shame than losing a shot!

If you are a budding photographer and your traveling companions are not try to find some time to explore by yourself.  There is so much to photograph that much can be overlooked when trying to meet the needs of those with different interests. Set aside some time to explore your hobby independently or set a meeting time with your companion so you are free to roam about without worrying about your companions.

Stop by and visit The View From Japan for some photographic inspiration and take some time to listen to me talk about this list with Joseph on the Japan Podshow this week.

Image Credit:  Personal Collection

Our host for the evening stressed the concept of “feeling’ the culture, and while it may sounds trite it is a good way to approach the evening.  The beating of the taiko and tsuzumi (hand drum), the haunting melodies of the fue (bamboo flute) and shamisen accompany traditional dances and songs performed by Geisha that will transport you back to the Edo period or earlier when Geisha were in high demand at parties and tea houses across Japan.

“A Geisha is a woman trained in the traditional arts of Japan which include dance, song and the playing of musical instruments who must first serve as a Maiko or apprentice Geisha.  Maiko training involves a four to five year commitment and a passion for traditional Japanese arts and culture. So is the Geisha lifestyle for you?”

Learn more about the incredible commitment of these women with a passion for traditional Japanese arts and lifestyle in So You Want To Become A Geisha?.

As you dine on tsumami (traditional Japanese hors d-oeuvres) made with seasonal ingredients and sip sake you will be introduced to the traditional arts that are part of the cultural heritage of Japan through the skilled performances of kimono clad geisha.

Omotenashi is “the act of providing detailed service in a variety of ways for allow guests to spend a relaxing and memorable time” and this standard of service is reflected in the name of the program, “Nihonbashi the Omotenashi Experience”.

As we dined upon nasu dengaku (eggplant broiled in miso), anago-bou sushi (grilled eel on rice), houzuki-shinjo (deep fried shrimp dumpling), edamame (boiled soybeans) and other tasty delicacies we were treated to six acts of ohayashi (music and games) over almost two hours.

The Geisha on this evening were from the Asakusa district and treated us to three dances with songs accompanied by the shamisen.  The dramatic movements of the Geisha told the stories of their daily life, about summer in Asakusa, the historic Hanayashiki amusement park, the Sanja Matsuri and other seasonal events and sights in the area.  The last dance was the Sawagi which is said to be one of the most popular dances performed at traditional banquets.

Next, the fue and tsuzmi player took to the stage to perform a haunting song about the summer rain that was the highlight of my evening.  The talented flautist used two different styles of bamboo flute during her performance that was charged with emotion and, for me, the provided the “feeling” that our host for evening described.

Two entertaining Geisha games rounded out the evening.  After a brief explanation of the rules and a demonstration, guests were invited to join the Geisha on stage and join in the fun.

The first game, Tosenkyo,  involved throwing a Japanese folding fan at a small “butterfly” target set upon a pillow (pictured above).  It was a lot of fun, but not as easy as you might think!

The second game, Tora-Tora-Tora (tiger-tiger-tiger), is similar to Jan Ken Pon (rock, paper, scissors) but involves a lively dance performed by two players on opposite sides of a folding screen and culminates with each opponent striking the pose of either a samurai warrior, a tiger or an old woman.  The samurai beats the tiger, the tiger beats the old woman, but the old woman beats the warrior as she is his mother.

After the entertainment portion of the evening the four Geisha made a visit to each table and were very happy to answer questions (through bilingual hostesses) and show off their beautiful kimonos.

While the performances were all in Japanese, our host for the evening offered introductions in English that enhanced our understanding and enjoyment of the dances, music and games.  The evening was a lot of fun and offered a rare and interesting look into the world of the traditional Geisha arts.

You too can spend an evening amongst Geisha in Tokyo!  In fact, Muromachi Fukutokujuku is offering a Summer Special in for the month of August where the usual fee of Y12,000 per person is cut in half, to Y6,000.

Muromachi Fukutokujuku “Nihonbashi the Omotenashi Experience”

Schedule: April & May – 2nd and 4th Saturdays, June through September 1st and 3rd Saturdays.

Fee: Y12,000 per person – performances below at special Summer rates of Y6,000 per person:

August 1, 2009 features Geisha from the Kagurazaka district and a performance of Shinnai, a style of joruri (narrative singing), accompanied by the shamisen.

August 22, 2009 features Geisha from the Kagurazaka district and a performance of Daikagura, a performing art that pays tributes to the Gods and exercises evil spirits on behalf of those who may not be able to visit Shinto Shrines in person and includes performances of koma mawashi (top spinning) and kasa mawashi (umbrella spinning).

Programs: Ohayashi (the program I attended), Houkan (male Geisha, of which there are only five in Japan), Shinnai and Daikagura (both described above). The six Geisha districts listed at the beginning of this article rotate through the different programs.

Time: Registration starts at 5:45PM and the program runs from 6PM through to 7:30PM or slightly later.

Dress Code: Smart Casual (no shorts, ripped jeans, t-shirts or sandals for men)

Access: Two minute walk from Mitsukoshimae Station on the Hanzomon line of Tokyo Metro.

Information: Download the PDF for Nihonbashi the Omotenashi Experience Access and program information (page 1 & page 2)

Reservations: Via email to rsv [at] tokyo-kimonoclub [dot] com or via fax to 03-5642-6087 (Japan)

Many thanks to Takehara-san and Etsuko from Tokyofoodcast for providing me with the opportunity to attend “Nihonbashi the Omotenashi Experience” and share it with you.

Image Credit:  Personal Collection

The big blue tuna billboard (pictured on the right) is an iconic sign marking the entrance to the bustling narrow alleyways that crisscross an area that is approximately three square blocks.  It’s still a hectic place with many carts, forklift and people scurrying about so you need still need to keep your wits about you when you visit.

The Tsukiji morning market sells more than just fish – fresh fruit, vegetables, tsukemono (pickled vegetables), dried fish, knives, tea and a variety of cooking utensils and implements cab be found in the market area.   Below are soybeans (edamame) and wasabi root.

But the fish is and shell fish is definitely the star of the show at the market with a variety that is quite amazing.

Some ika (squid) and sea urchin (uni)…

Fish selling for Y100 per piece and some more shellfish…

The Tsukiji morning market is a feast for the eyes and your other senses.  If you are in the area and up early it is worth the effort to make the trip.

Many vendors offer samples of their product (some for free) so if you are up for bran pickled vegetables, a little unagi (freshwater eel), ramen, tempura or sushi for breakfast then you are in for a treat!

Keep in mind that much of the area is shuttered by lunch time.  Like the Tsukiji Wholesale Market itself if you have limited mobility (use a cane, wheelchair or walker) or are with small children you may find the experience frustrating and even a bit frightening due to the narrow passageways and hectic crowds.

Click on the images below to navigate a slide show of the images that I took during my early morning Tsukiji adventure.

 

Image Credit:  Personal Collection

Getting around in Japan provided an overview of the different transportation options that you have when you visit or live in Japan but for most people the predominant mode of transportation is the train system.  Whether you take the Narita Express (NEX) into the city from the airport, the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto or or the local metro system you will likely spend a lot of time on trains! (see budgeting your time in Japan for planning strategies & tips)

While this article is focused primarily on taking the subway in Tokyo you will find that much of the information is the same across the JR Trains and local metro systems in other cities.

Train Route Maps

Many guidebooks and the front desks of most hotels catering to tourists as well as tourist information desks usually offer free bilingual train route maps for you use.  Pick one up and stash it in your pocket – it will come in handy trust me!

If you are doing some advanced planning for your trip to Japan and will be spending some time in Tokyo take a moment to download and print a color copy of the Tokyo Metro English Route Map.

How much does it cost?

Train fares in Japan vary by the distance traveled and start around Y160 for adults in Tokyo.  Children are half price and those under six ride free.

There are two ways that you can determine the fare to your destination.

1. Look for fare charts in English near the ticket vending machines and find the name of you destination – the fare will be to the right of the station name.   This is the easiest and quickest way to determine your fare.  Locate the name of your destination and the number off to the right is the fare.
2. If you don’t see an English fare chart you will need to find your destination on the map above the ticket vending machines at each station.  This can be a challenge as not all maps are bilingual.  Newer maps assign each subway station a letter (usually the first letter of the line) and a number (the stop number) which make this a whole lot easier but as you can tell by the photo below all of the maps have not been updated yet.  The number below or off to the side is the fare to your destination.  At this point you should also make a note of the end station in the direction that you will be traveling.

If you have access to a computer you can do all of this online at Tokyo Transfer Guide, Hyperdia or Jorudan.  Follow the on screen directions and these sites will tell you the fare to your destination, transfer points along the way and the total travel time.

Prepaid Train Cards

Avoid the hassle of determining your train fare altogether by purchasing a Suica or Pasmo Card.  These cards allow you to bypass the ticket vending machine and head straight for the fare gates.  No more trying to decipher the fare maps!  Just swipe your card across the reader at the fair gates upon entry and exit and the correct fare will be deducted from the balance on the card.

You can purchase or add funds to your Suica or Pasmo Card at ticket vending machines bearing the correct logo.  Most of these machines provide guidance in English.  The minimum value that you can purchase is Y1,000 ($10 USD).  Both cards require a deposit of Y500 of which all but Y210 is returned to you when you turn the card back in.

The Suica and Pasmo cards can also be used on busses that display the cards logo and can even be used to purchase merchandise at participating vendors.  The advantage to the Suica card is that it can also be used on JR train lines and is not limited to central Tokyo and the subway.   However there are different Suica for different regions of Japan so a Suica card purchased in Tokyo may not work in Osaka and vice versa.

Tokyo Metro One-Day Open Ticket

If the purchase of a Suica or Pasmo Card is not warranted in your situation then you should consider the One-Day Open Ticket.  At a cost of Y710 (around $7 USD) this is an inexpensive option if you will be using the system a lot on any given day.  The tickets can be purchased in advance (at pass offices) or on the day of travel at the normal ticket vending machines.

Transfer Points

There is a good chance that you will have to change trains to get to your final destination.  If you used the tools identified above you already have that information but if you are looking at a paper map the easiest way to the to determine your route is to locate your staring and ending points on the route map and then follow the colored lines on the map until they intersect – these will be your transfer points.

Purchasing a Ticket the Old-Fashioned Way

Insert Yen into the ticket vending machine and select the amount of your fare from the lit buttons or the touch screen on newer machines.  If you are traveling with a group it is possible to purchase multiple tickets by first selecting the number above the fare amounts.

Correct change is not required and you may pay with bills or coin (credit cards are not accepted).

Proceed through the Fare Gate

If you purchased a paper ticket insert it into slot located above the green arrow on the fare gate. Don’t forget to retrieve your ticket as you pass through the gate as you will need to use it to exit at your destination.

If you purchased a Suica or Pasmo Card just pass it slowly over the readers as you enter.

When yo arrive at your destination you will the fare gates in the same manner as you entered them only this time the machine will keep your paper ticket if you purchased one.

Which Platform/Track?

In order to determine which platform you need to be on look for the overhead signs after you pass through the fare gate.  These signs will indicate where the train on each platform is headed  and may also list a other significant stops along the way as well as the end point of the line in both English & Kanji.  If the sign  is electronic and you only see Kanji wait a moment – it will switch to English at most stations.  If it does not, stop at the stationmasters office for the track number for your destination.

If by chance you head in the wrong direction simply get off at the next stop and switch platforms to head back the other direction.

Exit the Station

It may seem like a simple task but larger stations may have many exits located blocks apart!  Most guidebooks will mention an exit name or number where it is applicable.  The signage in most stations is very good and you will simply follow the arrows to the correct exit.

Tokyo Metro provides an online guide titled Using the Subway and also reminds users of train etiquette – these guidelines are mostly common sense and should be utilized on train lines throughout Japan.

Rush Hour & Trains

If you can avoid taking the train during rush hours it is a good idea unless you enjoy being crammed into a train car like a sardine!

Online Resources:

• Getting Around in Japan
• Budgeting your time in Japan
• Narita Express (NEX)
• Suica Card
• Pasmo Card

Japan Train Route Planners:

• Tokyo Transfer Guide
• Hyperdia
• Jorudan

Photo Credit:  Personal Collection

The path to the shrine itself is usually a peaceful portal even if it is the midst of a bustling city.  As you reach the end of the path you likely will pass by a purification fountain where worshippers stop to cleanse themselves before heading the the main hall of the shrine to pray.  (To learn more about the etiquette of visiting a shrine in Japan take a moment to read Purity & Prayer at Japanese Shrines.)

In addition to what one might refer to as a traditional prayer, worshipers often write their prayers on tiny white strips of paper and leave them tied to a sacred tree or to a special structure.  The white paper strips present an accumulation of the wishes of many and is a sight I often stop to ponder for a moment.

Worshipers may also purchase ema (wooden prayer plaques) and write their message on the back before leaving it behind.

The scene pictured on the left is not quite typical and one of those vignettes.  In addition to the colorful ema of Kameido Tenjin, there are also groupings of 1,000 paper cranes hanging in a silent wish that is traditionally made for peace.

I can spend hours wandering about the nooks and crannies of almost any shrine precincts and am rarely disappointed in the view.

This and other great images of Japan can be found in The Nihon Sun Japan Photo Gallery.

Image Credit:  Personal Collection

Travel Time

In most cases people have realistic expectations of what can be done within their allotted time frame but other think that the Shinkansen (bullet train) is like a time machine that will whisk them from one destination to another in seconds rather than hours.  They are fast, traveling up to 300 km per hour, but they are not that fast!

One thing that constantly surprises me is the amount of time that it takes to get from point A to point B in Japan, and even within Tokyo.  I love the train system and it is one of the most economical and efficient ways of getting around in Japan but it may take you a little longer than you think to get from one place to another.

To give you an example of this let’s take a look at how long it will take you to get to and from the  Top 10 Tourist Destinations in Japan using Hyperdia, one of the best tools to to use when planning your route about the country by train.

Japan Travel Timetable

* format used is travel time (includes transfer times between trains) /number of transfers – keep in mind that travel time may vary depending on the time of the day.

So let’s look at a typical day of sightseeing in Tokyo.  If your hotel is in Shibuya and you want to go to Tokyo to see the Imperial Palace and then on to Ueno Park, where you can stroll about the temples, visit a museum or two or even rent a boat at Shinobazu Pond before heading back to Shibuya for some people watching and calling it a night you will have spend some time in transit.

From the table above your total time spent traversing the city would be 53 minutes and you would only have to transfer trains two times.  Sounds pretty good right?  But how long does it take to get to the station from the various points of interest on your Tokyo itinerary?  On average you will have to walk anywhere from 5-15 minutes from the station to your destination and back.  That will add another 30-90 minutes to your commute time.

That adds up to a total of anywhere from 83 – 143 minutes spent just getting to a from your destination – a total of up to 2.5 hours of your day that you could be spend just riding the rails.

You Have to Eat

Let’ assume for a moment that you eat breakfast before you head out for the day and dinner upon your return in the evening.  You still need to budget some time for lunch, where you will hopefully dine on some of Japan’s regional food specialties in a great neighborhood restaurant or pick up a bento box or one of the other cheap eats in Japan to eat in a local park.

There goes another hour or so of your day…not wasted but you still haven’t wandered about much yet and 3.5 hours are gone…

Taking in the Sights

Now that’s out of the way we can talk about how much time it take to enjoy the sights at a leisurely pace.  After all this is a vacation and supposed to be relaxing and enjoyable right? If you plan for an eight hour day (remember that’s excluding breakfast and dinner) then after commuting and eating you are left with 4.5 hours to take in the sights.

I know I could spend a that amount of time just exploring Ueno!

If you want to take in a museum that could take anywhere from an hour to two or more.  Exploring the area around the Imperial Palace can take a similar amount of time, more if your want to stroll through the adjacent gardens.  You will want to rent your boat for about half an hour and spend some time exploring the other sights in Ueno park that include temples, shrines and even a zoo.

As you can see your four plus hours are being used up at a rapid pace!

But don’t just pull out your guidebook or pick up a map from the local tourist office and start ticking things off and snapping pictures to show your friends.  You want to take some time to really take in any area you visit and that involves stepping into that interesting alley and wandering past that small shrine or shop that caught your eye.  Sure, take some pictures, but don’t forget to enjoy the experience and remember that photos fade but memories last a lifetime.

It all takes time – how long is up to you but don’t rush yourself and don’t over plan your days.  Build some flexibility into your schedule so that your vacation doesn’t become like work.

Fatigue Factor

You will spend a lot of time on trains and walking to and from the destinations on your itinerary and this can be exhausting.   There is also the mental fatigue resulting from being in a new place where just reading the signs and figuring out which way to go can take its toll on your energy level.

Take advantage of your time of the trains to rest your feet and rejuvenate yourself for the next part of your day.  Make sure to stay hydrated by stopping every now and then at one of the much talked about vending machines in Japan – they really are everywhere!   Get yourself some water but be sure to try some of the other drinks as well.  Some are quite tasty and you might even find a new favorite, or one that’s not so good.  Either way, it’s another memory from your trip to Japan that you get to take home with you.

The End of The Day

If you have a limited amount of time to travel about Japan your days will be full, there is no doubt about that, but don’t overextend yourself and try to cram too much into your itinerary.

For inspiration take some time to browse through the Japan Regional Travel Resources but remember to give yourself some downtime – Japan will still be here if you want to visit again…

You can fit a lot into a short time in Japan but make sure to enjoy the journey!

This is my entry in the June Japan Bog Matsuri, hosted this month by Billy of Tune-In-Tokyo.

Image Credit: Flickr, Citizen Clock, Ginza, Tokyo, E231-5xx @ Tokyo Station, Audience [小野川 / 佐原の大祭秋祭り(諏訪神社秋祭り)] & Hankyu train

Traditional Japanese houses are wooden structures that are built around vertical columns with floors that are raised above the ground to protect the house and its occupants from ground moisture.  The typical sloping roofs with wide eaves were originally covered with straw or shingles but today most are covered with distinctive tiles called kawara that protect the house from the elements. Wooden floors are supported by horizontal beams and are covered with tatami (rice straw) mats in the living areas.  Large communal spaces in the homes are partitioned off, as needed, with sliding shoji doors, a lattice door lined with paper.

Central heating or cooling was not an option in a traditional Japanese home.  In the summertime, strategically placed exterior shoji doors would be opened wide to create cross ventilation so that the heat and humidity was somewhat mitigated.  In the winter, kotatsu, a heated table covered with a futon, were used to keep the occupants warm.  Today’s kotatsu are electric but historically coal was used as the heat source.

Today you can find many lovely examples of shinden-zukuri, a particular style of Japanese home dating back to the 11th century, throughout the country.  They are often used as teahouses or ryokan and feature a symmetrical design with long hallways around the perimeter of the structure allowing access to the interior rooms and open to the outdoors so that the occupants could enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings.

Common features in traditional Japanese homes and ryokan include the tokonoma, a small alcove near the entrance (genkan) or in the main living room, that usually contains vertical scroll featuring calligraphy or Japanese panting and an ikebana flower arrangement.  You won’t find chairs, couches or beds in a traditional Japanese Ryokan either – residents relax on zabuton (large square cushions), dine at low tables known as zataku and sleep on a futon placed directly on the tatami covered floor.

If you would like to experience staying in a ryokan an your next trip to Japan the Japan Ryokan Association offers a directory of Ryokan by Prefecture and an informative guide on how to enjoy a stay at a Ryokan.

Image Credit:  Personal Collection & Flickr, Daitoku-ji Teahouse & Tea Setting

If you want to learn more about traditional Japanese way of life you will definitely want to enter to win a copy of Urawaza, Secret Everyday Tips and Tricks from Japan by from Japan Discovered! And, if you are planning a trip to Japan and have questions be sure to take part in the first ever Japan Travel Tweetchat on Friday June 5th from Noon – 1PM on Twitter.