The number of this installment of Japan by the Numbers is 500. That is the percentage increase of the number of foreign tourists visiting Japan since 2011, the year of the Great Eastern Earthquake and Tsunami. In 2012, Shinzo Abe was elected Prime Minister. One of his first goals was to increase the number of...Read More
Winter illuminations around Christmas and New Year have become extremely popular in cities across Japan. Illuminations are usually displayed between November and December, but some run longer, starting as early as October and running until Valentine’s Day or even into spring. Below are some of Japan’s crowd-pleasing seasonal illumination spots: (Pictures are from previous years)...Read More
In the heart of Tokyo is a location you don’t want to miss while you’re there. Asakusa is not only a tourist hotspot- but you really get the traditional Japanese culture feel while you wander through the Nakamise Shopping Street leading from Kaminarimon Gate to Sensoji Temple. Asakusa used to be known as the leading...Read More
If you have traveled to Japan it is likely that you have had the pleasure of tasting Matcha. While in Japan during the summer, one of my favorite desserts was Matcha ice cream. Oishii! Matcha is widely used in a variety of desserts such as mochi, candies, pancakes, shaved ice treats, roll cakes,...Read More
Along the highways in rural Japan, you are likely to come across many roadside stations (or Michi no Eki in Japanese). Roadside stations are government-designated rest areas and there’s around 1,150 throughout the region. In 1993 the Japanese Government started its first roadside station as an initiative to promote local tourism and trade. Each roadside...Read More
Cooler, crisp air, beautiful foliage, and less tourist traffic makes Autumn in Japan one of the best times of the year to visit. Remember to pack layers, as the mornings and evenings are cooler, but daytime temperatures may remain warm and pleasant. There are many different types of festivals happening during this time of the...Read More
I had the opportunity to visit and experience so many amazing places while on our Best of Japan tour a few years ago. Each place unique in its culture and how it has integrated modern or traditional culture, as well as its local specialties to create a unique atmosphere and experience. Miyajima Island, however, gave...Read More
Are you ready to travel to Japan with Samurai Tours? Before you embark on this journey here are my 10 travel tips. 1.Rent a Pocket Wifi Wifi is available in some hotels and ryokans. However, it can be a necessity when you are traveling on your own. Whether you are searching for a place...Read More
Pigment is a store, lab, academy, and museum. They are “a comprehensive facility for creativity”! A simple and elegant store made almost entirely of bamboo was designed by world-renowned artist Kengo Kuma. Here you will find quality materials. The wide variety of supplies include pigments in 4,500 hues, 200 kinds of Sumi ink sticks and...Read More
