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Tanuki
2008-04-29 04:45:00 ?There was a tanuki rooting around in my backyard this afternoon. Don't usually see them during the day as they are mainly nocturnal, which is why they are seen so often as road kill.Tanuki are omnivorous, and this one was rooting out bugs or worms. They are quite gentle creatures, rarely aggressive to humans, and this one let me get within a meter of it before it scuttled away.Tanuki are often erroneously referred to as badgers or raccoons, but they are not related to either of those species, being a member of the canid family, so, closely related to dogs and foxes. They are the only member of the canid family to hibernate during the coldest part of winter.As with almost every creature that lives in Japan, tanuki were commonly eaten in earlier times, though rarely nowadays. They are still hunted for their skins, and are raised for such in China.There are a lot of stories and folklore connected with tanuki in Japan, and it has a reputation as a kind of trickster character though a ... More About: Shimane
Henro Pilgrims
2008-04-28 03:35:00 ??Listen to the sound of henro chantingA familiar site at the temples of Shikoku are the scores of henro, white-clad pilgrims making their way around the 1,400km pilgrimage route of the 88 Sacred Temples of Shikoku.The pilgrimage covers the island in a clockwise route starting and finishing at Ryozenji Temple near Tokushima. The 88th temple is Okuboji Temple, south of Takamatsu.The pilgrims are following in the footsteps of Kobo Daishi (aka Kukai 774-835), the Buddhist saint and founder of the Shingon school of Buddhism , headquartered at Koyasan in Wakayama Prefecture.Pilgrims have been following in Kobo Daishi's footsteps for over a 1000 years. The first guide book to the trail was written back in 1685. Pilgrims traditionally stayed at temple guest houses (shokubo) along the way and you can find lodgings at shokubo today. Walking the 88 Sacred Temples of Shikoku can take around two months, though many of the henro are now older people who visit the temples by bus over the course o...
Boyfriend Arm Pillow
2008-04-27 15:20:00 A hot product is still going strong in Japan - the boyfriend arm pillow.Sleeping alone? Simulate a warm, loving caress with these Japanese boyfriend arm pillows available in blue or pink pyjamas.Guaranteed to set you at ease for a peaceful night's sleep.Our boyfriend arm pillows are the best on the market and can be delivered to your home or business within the week.Buy Boyfriend Arm Pillow sTokyo Serviced ApartmentsBudget accommodation in JapanHappi CoatsJapanese For Busy PeopleTagsJapan Pillow Japan Gifts Boyfriend Pillow
Japan This Week 27/04/08
2008-04-27 13:19:00 ?????Kyoto on less than $200 a day.NY TimesUS marine charged in rape of 14-year-old in Okinawa.GuardianHeavy security in Nagano torch relay. A few protests and arrests take place.Japan TimesFukuda and Putin agree to speed up talks on disputed islands.Daily YomiuriCost of living in Japan up for the six month in a row.AsahiMariners catcher Jojima signs three-year contract.Yahoo! SportsToyohashi gym teacher arrested for "contracting" a 16-year-old mistress.MainichiLast week's Japan newsJapan StatisticsJapan will donate $100m to developing countries in emergency aid to combat rising food prices.Source: AFPIn 2001, underwear manufacturer Wacoal's poll of Japanese women found that 60cm was the "ideal" waist measurement for the nation's females.Source: Japan Times970,000 travelers are expected to exit Narita Airport for the annual Golden Week holidays, with 330,000 people estimated to fly out of Japan from Kansai International Airport during the April 24-May 7 holiday period.Source: Yom... More About: Politics
Galerie Sho Tokyo
2008-04-26 06:42:00 ??????????????????????Contemporary Art is pleased to announce German Months from 17 April to 21 June, 2008.Part 1: A.R. PENCK since the 1970s to the present / 17 April - 17 May, 2008Part 2: Selected works by German artists / 22 May - 21 June, 2008Norbert Bisky, Rainer Fetting, Gunther Forg, Ingo Gunther, Anton Henning,Jorg Immendorff, Martin Kippenberger, Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, A.R. Penck,Gerhard Richter, Thomas Ruff and Mark Sock.Galerie ShoGalerie Sho Contemporary ArtB1F Sansho Bldg., 3-2-9 Nihonbashi Chuo-ku, Tokyo 103-0027Tel: +81-3-3275-1008 Fax: +81-3-3273-9309Weekdays 11:00 - 19:00 / Saturdays 11:00 - 17:00Closed on Sundays & HolidaysYahoo Japan Auction ServiceBook a hotel in Japan with BookingsTokyo Serviced ApartmentsBudget accommodation in JapanHappi CoatsJapanese For Busy PeopleTagsJapan Tokyo German Art Norbert Bisky A R PENCK More About: Gallery
Zentsuji Temple Kagawa Prefecture
2008-04-25 04:30:00 ???Zentsuji in Kagawa Prefecture in northern Shikoku near Takamatsu is number 75 and the largest of the 88 Sacred Temple s of Shikoku - an ancient pilgrimage route that circles the island of Shikoku.The temple was the home of Kobo Daishi (Kukai), the founder of the Koyasan temple complex in Wakayama and one of the most influential Buddhist priests in Japanese history. Kobo Daishi is reputed to have been born in the area and to have grown up in the temple.The huge, tree-lined grounds have a number of sub-temples and an impressive five storey pagoda. Under the main temple building (Meido) it is possible to walk through a dark passageway feeling your wall along a wall painted with mandalas and other religious icons as you symbolically re-enact the path to enlightenment of the historical Buddha.In later life, Kobo Daishi was responsible for the building of many of the sub-temples in the Zentsuji complex and there is a statue of the great man in the Kanchi-in sub-temple.Zentsuji TempleTel... More About: Buddhism , Temples
ppoi
2008-04-24 14:07:00 っぽいA very large part of Japanese grammar is all about word endings.A very useful word ending for the learner of Japanese is the ending “ppoi” – the p here being repeated to represent a stop, as an English speaker does with the phrase “top price”.ppoi has the same role as the -y or –ish or –like endings in English in that it is used to create an adjective. It could be defined as “indicating qualities usually associated with the noun it is attached to”.For example, take apple, or ringo, and kaori, or fragrance. “an apply kind of fragrance” is, ringoppoi kaori.Or the Beatles, biitoruzu, and hairstyle, kamigata. “a Beatles-like haircut” is biitoruzuppoi kamigata.Or a bank, ginko, and atmosphere, foon-iki. “a bank-like atmosphere” is ginkoppoi foon-iki.Get the idea? Simple, and very useful.Read more about the Japanese languageYahoo Japan Auction ServiceBook a hotel in Japan with BookingsTokyo Serviced ApartmentsBudget accommodation in JapanHappi CoatsJ...
Botchan Steam Train Matsuyama
2008-04-23 12:56:00 坊っちゃん列車Matsuyama, on Shikoku, has an excellent system of trams for getting around the city. One other train worth riding at least once is the Botchan Steam Train , which runs two routes from a Meiji-era period piece wooden station at Dogo Onsen to both Matsuyama-shi station or Komachi Station and then back again.The small steam engines were imported from Germany and were in use from 1887 to 1954.They have now been reintroduced as a tourist attraction and are called Botchan as they are mentioned in Natsume Soseki's novel of that name.Soseki lived in Matsuyama for a year teaching English at a Middle School and the steam trains and Dogo Onsen are mentioned in his most famous novel, Botchan. After the novel became famous, residents began referring to the trains as "Botchan ressha" (Botchan trains).Yahoo Japan Auction ServiceBook a hotel in Japan with BookingsTokyo Serviced ApartmentsBudget accommodation in JapanHappi CoatsJapanese For Busy PeopleTagsJapan Botchan steam tra...
Nonhoi Park Zoo & Botanical Garden
2008-04-22 02:46:00 ?????????One stop south east of Toyohashi Station on the JR Tokaido Line is Futagawa. Once a famous way station on the Tokaido highway between Kyoto and Tokyo, Futagawa is known for its Futagawa Honjin Museum , a restored Edo Period inn. Most visitors to town, however, make for the more modern attractions of Nonhoi Park Zoo & Botanical Garden .A short walk over the river from JR Futagawa Station, Nonhoi Park packs a small zoo, a botanical garden and a fun fair all in to the one site.Popular with families and dating couples from as far afield as Nagoya and Hamamatsu, visitors can "enjoy" lions, tigers, bears, penguins and an assortment of animals from Australia. There is also a kids' zoo with sheep, donkeys, pigs and goats. Conditions for the animals seemed about par for the course for most small scale zoos. Not great, especially for the big cats and elephants, but not terrible either. There is also a small Natural History Museum (Tel: 0532 41 4747) on site with reconstructions of... More About: Botanical Garden
Mount Misen
2008-04-21 14:03:00 ??At 535m, Mount Misen is the highest point on the island of Miyajima. The island has been particularly sacred since ancient times, and for a long time humans were not permitted to live on it. One of the side-effects of this has been that the forests of Miyajima have never been logged; it is virgin forest, something quite rare in Japan. The forest and Mt. Misen are included within the World Heritage site along with the more famous Itsukushima Jinja.There are two ways to get to the top of Misen; walking, or ropeway and walking. The ropeway begins at the top of Momijidani Park, a ten minute walk from Itsukushima Shrine, or you can take the frequent free shuttle bus. In the fall the park is a blaze of maple leaves.A one-way ticket costs 1,000 yen, and the first leg up to Kayatani Station (367m) is by small car. The second and shorter leg is in much larger cars, and takes you up to Shishiiwa Station at 430m. There is a viewing platform here with fine views over the island, across to Hir... More About: Hiroshima
Japan This Week 20/04/08
2008-04-20 14:23:00 ?????Government blocks British hedge fund from buying stake in power company.NY TimesNagano temple withdraws from Olympic torch route.GuardianSpecial screening for right-wingers of award-winning film "Yasukuni."Japan TimesGovernment rejects ruling by Nagoya court that Japanese Air Force's activities in Iraq are unconstitutional.Daily Yomiuri87 million-year-old fossil of praying mantis found in Iwate.AsahiHigh school baseball team gives up 66 runs in two innings before game is called.Yahoo! SportsBrothels catering to middle-aged men with metabolic syndrome.MainichiLast week's Japan newsJapan StatisticsJAL (Japan Airlines) is the biggest shipper of air cargo between Japan and the USA earning US$ 2 billion on Japan-US freight between 2000-2006.Source: U.S. Justice DepartmentAccording to a BusinessWeek magazine survey of global executives, Toyota Corp ranks 3rd in the world of business for innovation behind Apple Inc. and Google Inc. Nintendo ranked 7th, Sony 9th and Honda 16th for 20... More About: Politics
Kuritorisu
2008-04-19 06:26:00 ????It?s a balmy spring Wednesday night outside. I?m in Kuri to Risu (?Chestnut and Squirrel?), a lesbian night held every Wednesday at a bar in Shibuya (kuri-to-risu being the katakana form of the word 'clitoris'). I?m talking to Fumi-san, a through-and-through Tokyo ite in the sense of knowing what?s what. Pizzacato Five. Wolfgang Tillmans. A soul DJ by the name of Takahashi. How China?s mentality is too staid to really lead the 21st century and how it will be a conglomeration of China, the US, India and the EU. How places such as Canada, Scandinavia, and New Zealand, where I?m from, have been identified from statistical research as the very places where the degree of social freedom breeds the kind of creativity that having a voice in the 21st century will require.I?ve had a couple of bourbons and am onto a G&T Vicki bought me. She ordered the barwoman?s special ?Chuocide,? a reference to Tokyo?s most suicide-prone Chuo railway line. There?s a little African boy running round... More About: Japan
Lauren Jade Ryan Exhibition At Plastic Factory
2008-04-18 07:33:00 ????????????Emerging Australian artist Lauren Jade Ryan will hold an exhibition of paintings and prints at Plastic Factory in Imaike, Nagoya .The Reception/Opening Party will be on Saturday May 10th from 7pm - Free Admission.Click on the poster to enlargeThe exhibition runs from May 9-May 15 1pm-7pm daily.Plastic Factory13-32 Kanda-choChikusa-kuNagoya(Imaike Subway Sta. Exit 2 or 3)Tel: 090-9894-9242 (English)090-3937-5672 (Japanese)Nagoya's Plastic Factory welcomes the art world with the completion of its 2nd floor gallery and event studio.This space, with its stylish decor and ample area, can be rented for exhibitions, receptions, meetings, acoustic music performances and related works.Yahoo Japan Auction ServiceBook a hotel in Japan with BookingsTokyo Serviced ApartmentsBudget accommodation in JapanHappi CoatsJapanese For Busy PeopleTagsJapan Australian art Plastic Factory Nagoya Lauren Jade More About: Exhibition
Wagamama
2008-04-17 15:14:00 ???Wagamama Wagamama is a word for describing a person that automatically indicates disapproval, or, at best, a somewhat exasperated tolerance. It is defined in the dictionary as ?selfishness, egoism, self-love, disobedience, self-indulgence, waywardness, caprice? (Kenkyusha's New Japan ese-English Dictionary). And yet, analyzed, word has ? at least to the average Western observer ? no intrinsically negative connotations, meaning simply ?as one is? (waga = oneself, mama = as is).It reflects a fundamental tenet of Japanese social culture that has parallels to the traditional Christian concept of the unregenerate, the unredeemed, born in sin, etc. The biggest difference is that in Japan the individual errs only in relation to others, whereas in the Christian West, he or she errs primarily in relation to God and him/herself (whatever the ramifications of that error may be in social terms.)It follows, therefore, that the language reflects this abhorrence of expressing yourself ?as you ar... More About: Language
Yamato Museum Kure Hiroshima
2008-04-16 04:15:00 ????????When launched in 1940, the battleship Yamato was the biggest warship in the world. 263 meters long, with a displacement of 65,000 tonnes, she had numerous unique and innovative features, including the biggest naval guns in the world that fired 1.36 tonne shells from its 18.1 inch barrels, but it was also largely obsolete as the day of the battleship had passed to be replaced by aircraft carrier groups.The Yamato saw very little action, and was sunk by U.S. Navy aircraft in April 1945 on its final mission, a suicide mission to defend Okinawa that cost the lives of almost all its full complement of 3,000 crew.In 2005 the movie "Yamato" (Otoko-tachi no Yamato in Japanese) was released and was very popular. Like almost all Japanese World War II movies it focused on the suffering and sacrifice of Japanese, and not on their victims.In April 2005, on the anniversary of the sinking of the Yamato, a new museum opened in Kure, Hiroshima , once the largest naval shipyard in the Orient, ... More About: Museum
Nagoya Friends Party, April 26th, 2008
2008-04-15 01:04:00 Nagoya Friends is holding it's 51st party in Nagoya!Date: Saturday Apr. 26th, 2008 Time: 18:15 - 20:45 Drinks will be served between 6:30pm-8:40pm. Place: Nagoya Tsurumai City Public Hall, 1-1-3 Tsurumai (very close to JR Nagoya Station) Fee:3000 Yen Gentlemen, 2500 Yen Ladies 1st 15 foreigners 2000 yen each!Dress code: Anything (Casual, etc) Reservations: Not necessary but recommended and appreciated. Just show up to the party!Over 25,000 Yen worth of exciting prize giveaways each month! FREE Travel vouchers from JST Travel Group in Sakae!A free 1 GB iPod Shuffle There will be free food along with free drinks (beers, wine, cocktail drinks and juices). Our party is not a dinner party, but we will have light food & snacks. Quantities are limited, so please come early! Please free to come alone or bring your friends. EVERYBODY is welcome to join regardless of nationality/gender. Reservation is greatly appreciated. About 125-150+ people are expected to attend. Approximately 55% fem... More About: Party , April , Nagoya
Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo
2008-04-14 02:05:00 ?????????????Opened in 2007, this new 9,000 square meter museum, located next to the Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine , is well worth a visit.With the explosion of archeological work done in Japan in the last 50 years, our understanding of ancient Japan has grown tremendously, and the scale and importance of the ancient civilization centered on the Izumo area has begun to be understood. The museum showcases some of the major finds in the Izumo area of recent years.There are galleries for temporary exhibitions, an exhibition including animated movies suitable for kids on Izumo's ancient myths, a gallery on daily life in Izumo from ancient times to the present that includes materials relating to Lafcadio Hearn, well-landscaped grounds that include replicas of Haniwa, but the heart of the museum is the permanent collection divided into several sections.There is a section on the grand shrine of Izumo taisha. In the tenth century a visiting monk from Kyoto wrote in his journal that the shrine a... More About: Museum , Shimane , Ancient
Japan This Week 13/04/07
2008-04-13 13:42:00 ?????Dalai Lama, at Narita, supports both demonstrators and Beijing Olympics.NY TimesThe cherry blossom.GuardianFilm distributor pulls "Yasukuni"--and it will not be screened in Kochi.Japan TimesOlympic torch relay route to remain unchanged in Nagano.Daily YomiuriUS military promises to inform Japanese authorities of deserters in Japan.AsahiJapan will not allow Chinese torch procession guards to take part in Nagano.Yahoo! SportsStalker stalks, slays, and mutilates a Filipina--once again.MainichiJapan's "Geisha guys".CNNLast week's Japan newsJapan StatisticsIn 2006 there were 277,927 doctors in Japan, 168,327 hospital doctors and 95,213 at clinics.Source: Health MinistryIn fiscal 2006, 71% of all reported counterfeiting of Japanese goods took place in China.Source: Japan Patent OfficeBook a hotel in Japan with BookingsJapanese FictionHappi CoatsTagsJapan Japan News Japan Statistics politics More About: Politics , Week
Spring comes to Takashimaya, Shinjuku.
2008-04-12 00:57:00 ???????Takashimaya Times Square, accessible from the south exit of JR Shinjuku Station (but actually in next door Shibuya ward), is a one of Tokyo's most chic and spacious shopping complexes. Incorporating the Takashima Department Store, the Tokyu Hands DIY/interior store, the Kinokuniya bookstore and the HMV music store, it is a massive treasure trove of consumables. Think arty money.From the B2 floor underground carpark to the 14th floor restaurants, from 10am to 8pm (8.30pm on Saturdays) it offers a thousand and one very tasteful ways to convert those boring bills into something more memorable.Cartier, Fendi, Prada, Gucci and many, many more big fashion brand names, an art gallery, a cinema, an overseas goods delivery service, and travel agencies are among the services on offer.Takashimaya Times Square was built in 1996 as the long-awaited Shinjuku presence that the Takashimaya Group had been aiming for since the 1960s. In the 1970s, the site nearly became the Tokyo shinkansen (... More About: Shopping , Spring
Trainspotting in Japan
2008-04-11 02:31:00 ?????1000?????????With scores of different engine types employed by numerous private railway companies, Japan is a trainspotter's dreamland.Every weekend thousands of mostly young to middle aged men gather at stations across the nation photographing and videoing their speeding steel idols.I rode with a group of spotters in the front seats of a train recently and was amused to see them flashing the V peace sign with their fingers as we roared through stations to be caught on film by their rival geeks shooting away on the platforms. Every station on the trip had someone taking photographs or video.Here is a video homage on YouTube to Meitetsu's Panorama Super shot mainly at Nagoya , Kanayama, Jingu-mae and Arimatsu stations. The video is set lovingly to Abba's "Dancing Queen.""Having the time of your life. UUUHHH!"Yahoo Japan Auction ServiceBook a hotel in Japan with BookingsTokyo Serviced ApartmentsBudget accommodation in JapanHappi CoatsJapanese For Busy PeopleTagsJapan Panorama S...
In group, out group Japanese terms
2008-04-10 05:21:00 ????????As has often been noted, in Japan ese society much is made of the in/out group distinction. The way you relate to, talk to, and consider people depends to a great extent on whether that person is part of your group or, conversely, outside of your group.These groups can be as simple as your family, but also your college club, a company, etc.Today we will look briefly at the appropriate way to describe someone. This depends on your relationship to the person you are talking about.If, for example, you are talking about your own mother to a neighbor, you would use the word ?? (haha), which means "mother." If the neighbor was talking about the same person--your mom--he would would say ???? (oka-a-san). You are talking about a person in your group; he is talking about a person not in his group.Below is a list of terms for various people, and which to use depending on the relationship of the person you are referring to. The first example, on the left, is how you describe a person in... More About: Tokyo , Japanese , Terms , Group
Kumogahata, Kyoto
2008-04-08 13:25:00 ??????In the mountains of far north Kyoto , a small village lies at the end of a narrow road that snakes its way up from the Kamo River: Kumogahata.Hard as it is to believe, you are still within the city limits of Kyoto.For a tourist, there is little to see. It is however a step back in time, and the area is popular with hikers, cyclists, and campers.The road follows a narrow, fast-flowing river that feeds into the larger Kamo River. In spite of recent road work, in many places only one car can pass at a time.The buildings in the village have tiled roofs, white plaster walls, and an engawa porch.Our purpose was to clean my wife's family's ancestral grave. My father-in-law brought flowers, incense, and matches. We cleaned the sticks and leaves that had fallen on the plot. Then he placed flowers on either side of the headstone. Finally, each of us put a lit stick of incense into the altar on the headstone.We placed our hands together briefly and prayed.The area was in the past the ma... More About: Tokyo , Kyushu
Nagoya Friends Latin Fever Night @ Salsa One 4/12
2008-04-07 12:35:00 Latin Fever at Salsa One in SakaeDate: April 12th, 2008 (2nd Saturday)Time: 18:30 - 21:00Drinks will be served between 6:30pm-8:45pm.Free Salsa Lessons for anyone who wants one!Place: Salsa One, Okuda Bldg 3F, 5-3-4 Sakae, Naka-ku, NagoyaFee: 3000 Yen Gentlemen, 2500 Yen LadiesDress code: Anything (Casual, etc)Reservations: Not necessary but recommended and appreciated. Just show up to the party!Over 25,000 Yen worth of exciting prize giveaways each month!First 15 foreigners in the DOOR, only 2000 YENReserve HEREThere will be free food along with free drinks (beers, wine, cocktail drinks and juices). Our party is not a dinner party, but we will have light food & snacks. Quantities are limited, so please come early! Please free to come alone or bring your friends. EVERYBODY is welcome to join regardless of nationality/gender. Reservations are greatly appreciated. About 125-150+ people are expected to attend. Approximately 55% female and 45% male, 70% Japan ese and 30% non-Japanes... More About: Friends , Tokyo , Night , Latin
Kansai International Airport KIX
2008-04-07 02:36:00 ??????For those travelling to and from KIX from Kobe or points further west and north, a new connection service has started that cuts down on the journey time AND is cheaper. The high-speed ferry runs from Kobe Airport and takes just 30 minutes to cut across the bay. The fare is 1500yen for adults, 700 yen for kids.Due to Japanese transport systems shutting down through the night, it can sometimes be difficult to get to KIX for early morning flights without having to book a hotel in Osaka or at the ridiculously expensive airport hotel the night before, but a new service has opened that also offers a comfortable place to relax for a few hours between flights.The Kanku Lounge is open 24 hours a day, and is modelled on an internet/Manga cafe. There are public spaces with comfortable seating, internet connection with movies, and shelves and shelves of manga.For a slightly higher fee there are "private" booths, both smoking and non-smoking, and there is also a "Ladies Only" space.Soft dr... More About: International , Flights , Kansai
Japan This Week 06/04/08
2008-04-06 13:48:00 ?????Court rejects suit against writer and Nobel laureate Kenzaburo Oe.NY TimesSexlessness in Japan .GuardianMt. Fuji can "cure" depression.GuardianUS sailor admits guilt in murder of Japanese taxi driver.Japan TimesGlobal survey ranks Japan as the country with the most positive international influence.Daily YomiuriPenguins in Matsue fall in love with white rubber boots--and draw in huge crowds.AsahiNew restrictions placed on US troops based in Japan following murder of cab driver.BBCSpectacular debut for Chicago Cubs Yosuke Fukudome.Yahoo! SportsApril 1st marked the 50th anniversary of the banning of prostitution in Japan.MainichiLast week's Japan newsJapan StatisticsIn February 2007, the Asahi Shimbun surveyed 2,642 adults concerning the question: ?Does a company name or brand name matter when you buy processed food products??. 14% said yes, 55% said a qualified yes. 31% said no.The Sankei Shimbun reported that public pay phones throughout Japan have decreased from 800,000 in 1986... More About: Politics , Week
Miyajima
2008-04-05 04:39:00 ??The cherry blossoms have arrived on Miyajima this week. While this UNESCO World Heritage Site is more famous for its displays of autumn colors, there are plenty of cherry blossoms to be seen along the streets and at Omoto Park and along the nature walk that winds its way along the hills just above the small town.The deer of Miyajima are well known, and to my mind are a lot more "genki" (lively) than the deer of Nara, probably owing to the fact that the Miyajima deer live in the forested mountains and only come down into the town to be fed by the hordes of tourists.From Hiroshima Station, take the JR Line to Miyajima-guchi. It costs 400 yen, and the ride takes about 25 minutes. From there you will take a short ferry ride to the island.Another option is to take street car line #2, which runs from Hiroshima Station past the Atomic Dome and on to Miyajima-guchi, the final stop. It costs 270 yen from Hiroshima, but takes more than an hour.If you are going to be traveling in and around ... More About: Deer , Cherry Blossoms
Rentafone Japan
2008-04-03 17:41:00 Besides your passport, air tickets and credit card an essential travel accessory for Japan travel is a mobile phone.Rentafone Japan provide a cheap and convenient cell phone rental service for short-term visitors to Japan.Whether you are coming to Japan for business or pleasure, a rental cell phone is essential for keeping in touch with your contacts in Japan, as well as giving friends and family back home direct access to you.Rentafone's models are Sharp phones operating on the Softbank (formerly Vodafone) network.All Rentafone's models:Have an English menu and can be used all over Japan.Can be used to make/ receive both national and international calls.Can be used to send/ receive e-mail (not SMS), including pictures taken on the phone.Come with simple operating instructions, covering the basic phone features on one sheet of paper.201SH ---79g11.5 x 4.5 x 1.5 cmno camera301SH ---94g9 x 4.5 x 2 cm (folded)0.3 mega-pixel camera402SH ---132g9.5 x 5 x 2.5 cm (folded)1.3 mega-pixel c... More About: Cell Phone , Mobile Phone
Introductions in Japanese
2008-04-03 14:58:00 ??????With a level of formality higher in Japan than in the English-speaking world, introductions are an important linguistic ritual in Japanese . Fortunately, you can keep it fairly simple.Basic GreetingsGood morning ????????? (ohayo gozaimasu)Hello (in the afternoon) ????? (kon-nichiwa)Hello/good evening ????? (konbanwa)Introducing YourselfMy name is Smith ????? (Sumisu desu)I'm from England ????????????????????(igirisu kara kimashita, or, igirisu shusshin desu)There are four people in my family ?????? (kazoku wa yon nin desu)I have two children ???????? (kodomo ga futari imasu)My daughter is ten years old??????? (musume wa ju sai desu)I work at Kyoto University ????????? (kyoto daigaku dehatarakimasu)I teach English in the Law Faculty ??????????? (hohgakubu deeigo o oshiemasu)Yahoo Japan Auction ServiceBook a hotel in Japan with BookingsTokyo Serviced ApartmentsBudget accommodation in JapanHappi CoatsJapanese For Busy PeopleTagsJapan Tokyo Kyoto Japanese language Introductions
Japan This Week 23/3/08
2008-04-03 03:39:00 ?????Utagawa exhibit in Brooklyn, USA.NY TimesJapan ese Everest climber in limbo because of Tibet troubles.GuardianJapanese interrogations to be taped.Daily YomiuriForeign visa stays to be increased from 3 to 5 years.Daily YomiuriUS sailor's credit card found in murdered cab driver'scab and suspect apprehended by US authorities.Japan TimesJapanese navy boss sacked.BBCStabbing frenzy in Tsuchiura.BBCDelay on appoinment of new Bank of Japan (BOJ) head.BBCBoston Red Sox in Tokyo.Yahoo! SportsJapan's Pan-Asianism and the Legitimacy of Imperial World Order, 1931?1945.Japan FocusCoin shower in downtown Tokyo offers more than soap andwater.MainichiLast week's Japan newsJapan StatisticsJapan's population fell during the period October 2006 to October 2007. The number of births during the 12 months was 1,101,000 compared with 1,103,000 deaths.Japan's GDP growth rate in 2006 was 2.2%.Japan's GDP is world's second largest at approximately USD4.6 trillion in 2007.In 2004, the annual cut ... More About: Kyushu , Nagoya , Week , Kyoto
Takamatsu Symbol Tower
More articles from this author:2008-04-02 16:10:00 ?????????The Takamatsu Symbol Tower near Takamatsu JR Station is the city's major landmark and part of the Sunport Takamatsu revelopment project of Takamatsu's port area.The 30-storey tower, the highest building on Shikoku, has an observation deck (open 10am-8pm) with excellent views of the Inland Sea and Takamatsu city below, plus extensive shopping and restaurant options.Takamatsu Symbol TowerTel: 087 811 2111Restaurants are open 11am-10pm; shops 10am-10pmYahoo Japan Auction ServiceBook a hotel in Japan with BookingsTokyo Serviced ApartmentsBudget accommodation in JapanHappi CoatsJapanese For Busy PeopleTagsJapan Shikoku Takamatsu Skyscraper 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 |
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