Savour Japanese Cuisine to find Out its Specialty

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One of the aspects that are most fascinating about Japan is its food. Japanese food is varied in flavour and preparation. Japanese cuisine is nothing like any of the occidental cuisines. Japanese food consists of oriental flavours, a lot of seafood and an array of different spices and herbs exclusive to Asia.

After taking a look at the entries at the Asian Food Fest, you can easily make out that Japanese food is truly one of a kind and purely Asian in form, texture and taste. Japanese cuisine consists of a variety of staples from different kinds of rice preps to a wide range of noodle. Rice and noodles is used in a various number of dishes that are incredibly delicious.

Some of the dishes that consist of rice, noodles, and different sorts of protein are:

• Gyudon

• Nabeyaki Udon

• Yakisoba

• Tonkotsu Ramen

• Matcha soba noodle salad

• Unadon

• Soboro Donburi

• Open Sushi

• Onigiri

• Omurice

• Hosomaki

• Katsudon

• Onsen Tamago Tofu

• Chicken Katsu

• Tempura (Vegetable, seafood, etc.)

• Tebasaki

• Chicken Karaage

• Daikon no Soboroni

• Buta Kakuni

• Supearibu no Nikomi

• Miso Soup

• Bacon Enoki Rolls with Teriyaki Sauce, etc.

These are some of the dishes that you must try out if you visit Japan. Various Japanese food items are available easily at restaurants and street side stalls. Japanese food can also be savoured in other countries but if you want the authentic taste, you will only get it if you eat Japanese food in Japan or made by chefs who have received training from Japan. The dishes that were presented in the Asian Food Fest are reflections of how important food is in Japanese society. You can also read up about Japanese cuisine if you are interested in knowing more about it.

Find a Holy Mystery in your Tour to Japan

If you ever go to Japan you can experience all your money not really going away from you, which you spend shopping. It may sound ambiguous, but this is a belief that has its roots deep into the peoples’ mind in Japan. But, to witness such marvel, you have to visit Kamakura, and pay your respect to Goddess Benzai at the shrine of Zeniarai Bentzaiten Ugafuku Jinja, to turn the supernatural soliciting on your favour. Goddess Benzai is one of the seven Gods of good fortune, and revered as the goddess of art, beauty, music, knowledge and anything that is believed to flow.

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Flow of money tends more to get away from you than towards you. It is a common phenomenon we have always witnessed in life. But, the miracle of this place can prove the fact reversed. Performing some specific rituals, according to the systematic worshipping process of this place you are said to get all your money, spent on shopping, back to you by the holy blessing of Goddess Benzai. This belief secured its place in the legends of Japan with the tale of Minamito Yoritimo who received a visionary massage from the God of Ugajin to go a valley to the northwest where a spring is gushing out of the rocks. He was instructed to go there, and worship the god with the holy water to bring peace to the people there.

Natural Beauty of the Place

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The panoramic view of this shrine is serene enough to invite one to immerse into a peaceful ambience of meditation. Located in a beautiful vale to be accessed through a short tunnel burrowed through the hills of Kamakura, the shrine has an entrance embellished with a large stone and tori. Out of the dim tunnel you will find slopes or rocky terrain standing gravely with verdurous growth and acoustic pleasure of water-flow around, perfecting the charm. You cannot resist yourself from wandering about, and there you will find the small alter inset in to the rocks, surrounded by still ponds and a small waterfall.

At the Holy Cave

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On your way to the holy cave you receive a bamboo basket, a packet of incense and two candles against a donation of 100 Yen. After lighting the candles and the incense you are now to enter the main cave where the holy shrine is housed. An unusual coolness of the place will be wrapping you up, and you cannot stop witnessing the beauty of the cave. Golden gourds and origami cranes hanging from the ceiling upon a rocky ledge, resting row upon row of wooden tori, with the rocky walls reflecting the natural rays lit with paper lantern will be enough to transport you to a world of fantasy.

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As the bubbling sound of water attracts your attention to be nearing towards it, you will find a beautiful wooden alter where you have to empty your wallet on the bamboo basket and scoop up some holy spring water to pour over your money and pray. The performance is expected to bring back the money you will be spending on your bills, miraculously again in your treasury. You will have to complete a 25 minute walk from Kamakura station (about 1 hour from Tokyo station by train) to arrive at Zeniarai Bentzaiten Ugafuku Jinja. You can explore the scenic beauty of this place with a rental bike ride after you perform your prayer to the holy shrine.

Kagurazaka Slope: One of the Greatest Tourist Attractions of Japan

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Are you planning to go to Japan anytime soon? If yes, then you might want to find out a little about the country before you visit. If you want to visit unique areas of Japan, then it is best to do an in-depth study of the place. There are various places where you can visit but if you want to go to a place that is not too crowded and something other than a castle or a colossal statue of Buddha, then you may consider taking a trip to Kagurazaka Slope. This place is in the middle of the Yamanote line in Tokyo. In this area, years ago, politicians, artists and Geishas used to mingle.

The word Kagurazaka is a combination of two words, kagura and saka. Kagura means ‘a shrine-dance to music’ and saka means ‘hill’. This area of Tokyo is very beautiful. Most of the area had to be rebuilt as it was burned during an air raid in 1920. However, even after restoration, it looks a lot like what it used to look like in the 17th century.

A Kagurazaka festival takes place on a yearly basis every July and is one of the greatest Japan tourist attractions. The festival includes a Hozuki Ichi which literally means ‘ground cherry pod festival’, and parades that feature folk dancers called Awa Odori. The area is great to explore during the time of the festival. As the events of the festival are scheduled in the evening, you can start early in the day to explore this beautiful area. This was the area where Geisha culture or Karyukai was born. Around 1910, around 600 Geisha made this area their home. In fact, till date, a few Geisha houses or Ryotei, still operate out of this area. You can also grab yourself a copy of a walking guide of this place, which will make things easier for you.

Awa Odori, the folk dance, on Kagurazaka Slope

This is the highlight of the entire festival. This local dance is performed by 15 dance troupes who parade down the Kagurazaka Dori.

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Hozuki Ichi

The Hozuki Ichi is hosted near the area around the temple Bishamonten Zenkokuji. You take a lovely stroll through the beer garden and enjoy the fair.

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This is truly a unique and wonderful place to visit on your next trip to Japan. Read up on it before you go, so that it is easier for you.

Shinjuku: A Place you should visit in Japan

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If you are going to Japan any time soon, first sit down and make an itinerary of the places you want to visit there. You can go online and check out a few blogs that will help you to decide which places are worth visiting.

Japan is not just a place for historical castles and spiritual temples. As it is the tech capital of the world, it is also a modernised place to visit. So, on your next trip to Japan, try visiting the modern side of the country. In Tokyo, the capital, try visiting Shinjuku, one of the busiest places on Earth. When you are in Shinjuku, try and make the best of it. Here are some places you must visit in Shinjuku.

Okadaya

This is a lovely store full of craft items like fabric, craft books, various supplies, craft kits, and so much more. If you are looking at a map, do not confuse it with Odakyu.

Tokyu Hands

In Times Square, Tokyo, this is a multi-floor division where you can find home ware, various kinds of stationary items, and a fantastic collection of novelty gifts.

Uniqlo

This is in Takashimaya and is not very big but decently sized. It has simple yet good quality clothes for both girls and guys.

Yuzawaya

This is also in Takashimaya and is a small division of a very famous craft store. The main and colossal branch is in Kichijoji and is much talked about. Here you’ll find a decent range of fabrics but not as much as the main branch.

Shinjuku Gyoen

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If you want to get away from all the chaos of Shinjuku, you can go to this beautiful garden for some serenity and greenery for just ¥200. By looking at the entry fee you can make out that this garden is well maintained and less crowded than other parks in the district that have no entry fee. This park has picaresque lakes and ponds and is quite big so you can either take a stroll or just simply relax.

So, before you travel to Japan, make a list of places you should visit with the help of travel guides and blogs online. This way, your trip will be more organised.

Must-visit Tourist Attractions in Tokyo

You will fall in love with Tokyo, if you spend a few days in the city. This city has everything to attract you. Tokyo is one of the most civilised and well organised cities in the world. You can reach to the Tokyo’s tourist destinations by subway or train. It is advised to get a Japan Rail Pass for commuting by the trains.

Not only in Asia but worldwide, Tokyo is a completely different place for the foreign tourists. Tokyo does not only represent peak of civilisation, law and order and fashion but the city stands out in many good ways.

Following are some of the most frequented tourist places to visit in Tokyo Japan, take a look:

Shibuya 109 and Shibuya Crossing

Shibuya is the Mecca of fashionistas in Japan. If you are looking for fashionable clothes and accessories, Shibuya is the point zero of fashion. You will be amazed to see the high pedigree of fashion sense followed by girls in Shibuya. The young girls sporting contact lenses, lace, ruffles, colourful socks and ribbons along with highly fashionable clothes make unique fashion statements at the streets of Shibuya. The boutiques at Shibuya 109 are available with a large number of trendy outfits, in different designs.

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At couple of minutes of distance from Shibuya 109 is one of the busiest places in the world, Shibuya crossing. It’s a sight to see the function of traffic signals at the busy crossing. You can experience an ultimate example of civilisation by looking at the people crossing the road at the crossing.

Meiji Shrine

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This is a Shinto shrine situated at the Shibuya Ward, in the midst of a beautiful forest. The Meiji Shrine is very near to the Harajaku Station on the JR Yamanote Line. This shrine is dedicated to the sacred spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife. The Meiji Shrine nowadays is a favourite place for wedding ceremonies.

Yoyogi Park on a Sunday

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This park is the best place to watch people in Tokyo. Popular with young Japanese people, you could spot the wacky aspect of an otherwise reserved nation on Sundays. You can spot classy girls to shy Lolitas enjoying their red wine drinks from crystal glasses. The Yoyogi Park is very much popular with couples in love and lots of club meetings and teenagers rehearsing plays are organised there on the Sundays.

Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Sky-tree

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Tokyo Tower holds lots of similarity with the Eiffel Tower and draws many tourists because of that. The Tokyo Sky-tree, on the other hand, is relatively a new kid in the town. Tokyo Sky-tree is 634m tall while Tokyo Tower is 333m of height. Both the artificial structures are favourites among tourists.

There are many other tourist destinations in Tokyo. You can get to know about them on blogs from Japan.

Know about Tourism in Japan on Blog from Japan

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Japan is globally famous for the technological advancements it has made over the years. Besides ultra-modern cityscapes, there are several landscapes, temples and shrines in the country. Japan houses some of the world’s most beautiful places, where cherry and plum blossom during the spring and maple trees covers the entire land with fiery red hues in autumn. Spring and autumn seasons are the most magical times to visit this country.

The highlights of Japan tour are liveliness of cities, serenity and charm of temples, shrines, museums and gardens, the demonstration of technology with a journey in lightning bullet trains and the courteous and polite hospitality of the Japanese.

So, if you are planning a holiday in Japan, you need to know about the tourism in this country in detail. The best way to collect information about Japan is to visit blog from Japan, wherein real-time visitors share their holidaying experience in Japan.

Japanese Tourism Industry is at its Peak

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Meanwhile, tourism in Japan is at its peak. The government’s goal of attracting about 10 million visitors each year is in the sight. According a report, the visitor count in the month of July alone reached up to more than 1 million, which is a record in itself. (Source: goo.gl/8zxeQ2)

Lots of efforts are being made in public as well as private sectors to draw foreign tourists but there are still some challenges being faced by the authorities. Language related problems are the most pertinent, as most staff members are unable to communicate with tourists in English or other foreign languages.

The Reasons Behind the Strong Rise in Tourists Number

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However, the strong rise in the number of tourists is recorded basically because of availability of low-cost airlines and weakening of the yen. The visa waivers policy introduced in July for the citizens of some countries is also being thought as a potential reason for such strong rise in Japanese tourism sector.

Encouraged with the increasing visitor count, which reached 5.96 million in the period between January-July, a JNTO official was quoted saying, “Achieving 10 million visitors is possible if this pace continues.” (Source: goo.gl/hrjoSk)

Hotels are Filled and Revenues for Retailers have Increased

The surge in the foreign visitors has noticeably made a positive impact on the economy, as hotel rooms are filled and revenues for retailers have pushed up.

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The Imperial Hotel in Tokyo recorded an increase of over 20 percent between the period April and July, whereas the Takashimaya department store in Tokyo said that sells figure of duty-free goods reached at a record high in the July month.

Foreign tourists have a huge impact on the economy of Japan; therefore, the government is planning to target more than 30 million foreign tourists each year by 2030.

Wonderful Places you must visit in Japan

Japan is a traveller’s paradise. The country is picturesque and considered to be the epitome of culture and tradition. A trip to this wonderful country where modernity and antiquity collide will be spellbinding and a life changing experience for you. There are many places in Japan that are worth visiting. As Japan is an amalgamation of beauty and history, the tourist spots in the technological capital of the world are breathtaking and really exciting.

Here are a few places that you must visit while you are in Japan:

Great Buddha of Kamakura

If you like to visit places that are culturally inclined, Japan is the right place. If you are spiritual and like tourist spots that speak volumes about the country’s cultural past, then the Great Buddha of Kamakura is a must visit. This is a massive representation of the Amida Buddha which is an extremely popular Buddhist figure in Japan. This statue weighs 93 tonnes and is 40 feet high. The statue stands outdoors in open air. It is cast in bronze and it is a tourist hot spot.

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Himeji Castle

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is also called the “White Egret Castle” as it looks like a bird that is about to take flight. This is one of the ideal places to visit in Japan as it is one of the greatest examples of Japanese castle architecture. It was built in the feudal period and survived the bombings of the Second World War. This castle is the perfect place to visit if you are truly interested in history and art.

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Ginza, Tokyo

Ginza captures the essence of technology and shopping in Tokyo. It is home to shops, malls and a lot of neon. It is best to visit Ginza at night as it is all lit up. If you are in Tokyo, you cannot afford to miss this place.

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Japan is full of fantastic and exquisite sights and sounds. If you are planning to visit Japan, make sure that you chalk out the places you want to visit so that your trip is memorable.

How to Cook Popular Ayu Fish with Rice Dish?

Japan is one of the most frequented locations by the foreign tourists. Foreign visitors have abundance of choice to visit picturesque locations in the country. Japanese lifestyle is major centre of attraction for the tourists. People visiting Japan get to see some unique and interesting aspects of Japanese culture and traditions.

Another striking thing about Japan is their foods. Japan is indeed a food loving nation and people there enjoy a wide variety of culinary dishes. The health conscious Japanese people are known for their particular food habits.

The food habits of Japanese people change with the season. If they like to gorge upon hot and spicy seafood dishes during the winter, fermented foods are preferred in the rainy season. In the beautiful spring season, they like to include exclusive home grown vegetables and fruits in their diet whereas summer is all about healthy and nutritious light foods and lots of fruits and vegetable intake.

Its summer in Japan and local fish market is full of different varieties of fishes. The eels and Ayu make popular Japanese food in summer. In the summer months, baked eels are eaten, as they are considered nutritious and full of vitamins to get you through the hot summer season. Ayu is loved by Japanese people for its distinctive smell like watermelon or cucumber. This variety of fish has got flesh tastes rather being sweet. The Ayu is commonly cooked on the grill but you can also get to taste Ayu cooked with rice at the country ryokans.

To prepare Ayu with rice, you need at first to de-scale it with the help of back side of knife. Then, squeeze it 1 inch above the tail and take out the excrement. Usually people eat while with guts but it depends on you how you want to eat the fish. Now, after washing the fish, dry it well and sprinkle salt on each side of the fish. You need to wash one cup of rice and soak it in a flavoured soup for almost 20 minutes after drying well. Other ingredients that you will need are 2 tablespoons of sake, 1 cup of water, 1 tablespoon of mirin and soy sauce, dreid kelp and two teaspoons of ginger juice and one teaspoon of salt.

Now, add the fish on the top of rice and put it on boil for a few minutes. Cook the rice at minimum heat and use sake instead of water. When rice is cooked, switch off the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes.

Now, you need to detach bones and heads from the fish and then, mix it with rice after breaking it into small pieces. You can replace the Ayu with white-fleshed fish like sea bream or others.

There are many other exclusive summer foods in Japan. Do not forget to enjoy the delicacy on your visit to Japan.

Plan Your Trip to Japan Before Visiting

If Japan is the next holiday destination high up in your agenda, keep in mind a few things to avoid embarrassment on your part. Here are a handful of tips which can prove handy during your stay in the land of rising sun and make your trip pleasurable.

Behaviour of Japanese People

Respect the People

It is very important that you show respect to people in Japan. They generally greet and apologise to each other by bowing heads. This is an intrinsic value of theirs. Since the childhood, Japanese people are taught to respect their elders and guests. Talking to people politely and behaving in courteous manner is important to show respect to the people.

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Table Manners

Japanese people follow particular and meticulous table manners and etiquettes. It is important to know that do not pour the beverage in your glass and start gulping down straight away at the parties. They always raise a toast before sipping their drinks. So, after taking a seat, let the waiters or waitresses do their job. They will give you an osdhibori, a small wet towel, to wipe your hands. It is imperative that you are aware of all the table manners before dining with Japanese people.

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Tipping is a strict no in Japan

Tipping the attendants at bar, restaurant, hotel or taxi is considered bad manner in Japanese society. You should keep in mind that your ignorance can cause embarrassment to the person before you.

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Using Chopsticks

Whether you go to any restaurant or have been invited at someone’s home for dining, you will notice that food is served with chopsticks. However, if you do not know how to use chopsticks, you can ask for silverware at the restaurants.

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Entering a House

Taking off shoes and other footwear at the entrance of house is an age old custom in Japan. Almost every house keeps a vestibule, where footwear is kept, at the entrance. You may be given home slippers to wear inside the house but remember to take off the home slippers before entering the tatami room or dining area. There are still some old companies and offices where you have to take off shoes before entering.

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Order and Harmony

Japanese people are very much strict in maintaining the order and harmony of society. Individualism does not find a favour in the Japanese society. You will be impressed by seeing people refraining from the usages of cell phones at public places. They avoid eating while commuting and do not blow their nose before others. There are many other habits considered as ill manners by the Japanese people.

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So, before you catch a flight to Japan it is important to go through a few blog about Japan. Some of the blogs from Japan provide you complete information on the Japanese culture, their lifestyle, places to visit, Japanese foods, etc. By reading these blogs, you will be able to plan a pleasurable trip to Japan.

Hot Springs in Niigata is a Beautiful place to visit in Japan

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If you love travelling and want to explore the world, there would have been certain places you would like to visit again or some places which are your dream. Japan is a wonderful country you must not miss! ‘The land of rising Sun’ has so many features and colors that you will be amazed every time you see or know something new. In Japan the old tradition and modern culture walk hand in hand. The entire nation is a marvelous blend of culture, tradition, history and heritage.

A trip to Japan will change your perspective about the tech giant country. Even though you will see highly advanced technology used in the country and well designed high rise towers all around, you will also come across well protected heritage sites, shrines and temples. Japanese people are extremely well rooted to their past. They still believe in age old customs and traditions and willingly follow them.

If you are planning to visit Japan in the near future, study about the country and its culture, lifestyle, tradition and beautiful landscapes. Then note down the names of places you would like to visit and what you are going to do. You may get the information from internet, blogs, travel guides and books etc. However if you are willing to visit the country during a winter holiday, you must not miss a chance to see Onsen Ryokan in Niigata.

Onsen Ryokan in Niigata

‘Onsen’ is a hot spring and ‘Ryokan’ is the Japanese version of ‘bed and breakfast’. Niigata is a beautiful place to visit during the chilly winter weather. Hot spring baths are one of the major attractions of the place. Niigata is one hour and twenty minutes ride away from Ueno station in Tokyo if you go by a bullet train. It is one among the snowiest places in Japan. Niigata is a perfect place you will love if you want to go away from the chaos of the city. The hot spring bath in a snowy weather has a different charm altogether.

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Typical Japanese style is followed to go to Onsen. Ryokans can offer you private as well as shared baths. Jizaikan is one of the best Ryokans in Niigata, having three private baths and two big baths which are shared with two other Ryokans. Outdoor bath gives you an amazing feeling of immersing in warm water with snow all around you. Delicious food is served by these Ryokans in a room on ground floor. If you are willing to enjoy such beautiful moment in the midst of tranquility then Onsen Ryokan is a must visit for you. Read more to get more information about the place and language so that you don’t face any problem.