Map of Japan

Yamagata Scream!

2009-07-27T10:13:00.003+09:00

Yamagata is a prefecture in Japan.
Yamagata Scream is a Japanese horror comedy movie coming up on 1st of August. The film was directed by Japanese actor Naoto Takenaka. The heroin in the movie is Riko Narumi. She is very cute. I like her voice. The movie takes place in Yamagata Prefecture.

Yamagata is a prefecture of northern Japan. My image of Yamagata is snow, cherry, Yonezawa-Beef, Swing Girls, and strong dialect.

It snows a lot in Yamagata.
Cherry is specialty of Yamagata.
Cherry Kitty chan

Yonezawa-Beef is a tasty beef of Yamagata. Yonezawa is a city in Yamagata. It is the land of legendary Samurai Kenshin Uesugi.
Swing Girls is my favorit movie that takes place in Yamagara. You can see the strong dialect of Yamagata in this movie.

Useful links of Yamagata with English Maps
1. Yamagata Official HP
- Welcome to Yamagata Outline

2. Oishi Yamagata
-Welcome to Yamagata Access Information

3. About.com: Japan Travel
-Yamagata Map

4. YAHOO! Travel
-Interactive Map of Yamagata, 06

5. Yamagata prefecture Wikipedia

6. Welcome to Yamagata

7. Yamagata Scream

8. Yonezawa Info

What does manhole in your cities look like?

2009-07-24T09:37:00.003+09:00

If you have visited Japan, you might have noticed, manhole in Japan are quite interesting.
Every prefecture, cities and town in Japan usually has a manhole with original pictures. It should be fun to check the manhole at every place you visit in Japan.

Here is some pictures of interesting manhole.
Some of the cities have colored manhole.
These pictures are posted on Yahoo map Colorful! Manhole Map.
I think this map is really interesting, so if you are interested, check it out.

Here is a another HP that post pictures of manhole, Yahoo Blog Manhole Musium. This HP has 350 pictures of manhole.
Although I live in Japan, I never put much focus to manhole. I didn’t know that there are so many manholes in Japan. Probably there are much more.

What does manhole in your country looks like?

Know Akita Prefecture, Japan?

2009-07-22T09:52:00.002+09:00

Akita Prefecture is probably not a poplar place to go on a vacation but is known for many things in Japan.

Famous things in Akita Prefecture
-Akita Komachi: a kind of rice counted as one of the tasty rice in Japan.
-Akita Ken: Japanese originating dog. It is very cute
-Akita Bijin: Japanese beauties of Akita. Akita is somehow known for beautiful Japanese women. Their skin is white and growing up in a country side, they appeal pure.
-Inaniwa Udon: Kind of Udon noodles. It is one of the 3 big udon noodles in Japan.
-Kiritanpo: a traditional food of Akita, Japan. It is stick rapped with rice. Eat with a hot stew. You must eat this if you go to Akita.
Kiritanpo

-Mage Wappa: Curved wooden craft. Tradiditonal craft of Akita Japan
Mage Wappa

Here are useful map of Akita, Japan and general information site of Akita prefecture.
1. Akita-Prefectural Guide
-Illustrated Map of Akita

This webpage has the best English map of Akita.

2. Akita Fan Dot Com
-Traffic Information

This website is the best if you are going to Akita for travel. It has it covers general information and has useful info of a international hotels for foreign travelers.

3. Land of Beauty; Akita Net Information in English
-Location of Akita Prefecture

4. About.com Japan Travel
-Akita Map

5. Msn Encarta
-Map of Akita, Akita Japan

6. YAHOO! Travel
-Interactive Map of Akita,05

7. Akita Wikipedia

2009-07-17T09:51:00.003+09:00

Went to Gion Masturi?

Gion Masturi is one of the three big masturi in Japan.
Matsuri is a festival.

Yesterday, it was the climax of the Gion masturi.
Here is the picture of Gion Matsuri.

for more...

Past post relating to Kyoto, Japan
Can you guess which prefecture this is?
Exchange students and Gion Masturi?
Where is Yasaka Shrine? Map of Japan-Kyoto
Know the incarnation of Japanese God? Map of Japan-Kyoto
Checked the Map of Gion Matsuri? Map of Japan-Kyoto
Looking for English Map of Kyoto, Japan?

Know Miyagi, Japan? Map of Japan-Miyagi

2009-07-16T10:44:00.005+09:00

Miyagi prefecture in Japan is known for its big city Sendai.
Sendai is known as the land of famous samurai Masamune Date. Masamune Date is know as one-eyed dragon. He is so famous, and popular. He appears in many Manga and Anime in Japan.

Sendai is know for beef tongue. Beef tongue yakuniku is great! Must eat!

Here are links to web pages with English Map of Miyagi and Sendai Japan

1. Miyagi Prefectual Government
- Sightseeing

- Miyagi Movie

2. The City of Sendai Economic Affairs Bureau
- Location Map

3. Sendai traveling information
- My Map! Sendai

4. japan-guide.com
- Sendai Travel Guide

5. About. Com Japan Travel
- Miyagi Map

6. Info Hub Specialty Travel Guide
- Sendai Map

Know Iwate, Japan? Map of Japan

2009-07-15T12:00:00.003+09:00

Iwate prefecture is … uh, umm, hmmm, isn’t popular in Japan.
People of Iwate will probably get mad, I’m sorry but really, I don’t know much about Iwate. Nothing comes out in my mind.

I think Miyagi prefecture has taken all the popularity. Miyagi has a big city Sendai and it is famous.

Why don’t you go to Iwate, Japan and discover Japan that Japanese don’t know.

Here are links to websites about Iwate with English Map of Iwate, Japan.
There are very few websites about Iwate in English and other foreign languages.
I bet is not a popular places to go for sightseeing in Japan. Most people would go to Sendai, Miyagi, Japan.

I’m sure it is a wonderful place if you actually go their, people just don’t know it.

1. Living Guide for Foreign Nationals in Iwate
-Iwate Tourism Map

2. Hiraizumi Cultural Landscape Associated with Pure Land Buddhist Cosmology
-Access

3. Iwate no Tabi
The best tour map of Iwate Japan. If you are thinking to travel to Iwate, check this site
-map

4. japan-guide.com Hiraizumi Iwate
-Access and Orientation

5. About.com Japan travel
-Iwate map

6. Msn Encarta
-Map of Morioka, Iwate, Japan

Have you ever heard of Aomori, Japan? Map of Japan

2009-07-14T11:29:00.005+09:00

Looking for English map of Japan?
There aren’t many useful map of Japan in English.
It’s hard to find a detailed English map of cities in Japan.
So I’ve collected several websites with English map of Aomori, Japan this time.
Hope this links will come in handy for you!
Here are useful links of map of Aomori, Japan in English

Aomori is the second northern prefecture in Japan. First is Hokkaido.
In Japan, Aomori is known as winter land. Aomori isn’t a famous place for sight seeing in Japan but it is still a good place. The dialect used in Aomori sounds like French for us. Aomori is fond of Modern Arts.

Here are useful links of Aomori with English map of Aomori Japan.
1. Aomori Prefectural Government
-Introduction of Aomori

2. I Love Aomori
-Introducing Aomori Prefecture though real time video

3. Aomori City
-Location

4. Yahoo.Travel
-Interactive Map of Aomori, 02

5. About.com Travel Japan
-Aomori Map

6.Apti net
-100 attractive selected spots in Aomori

Basic Information about Aomori, Japan in English
1. Aomori Prefecture Wikipedia
2. Japan Guide

Museum in Aomori
1. Aomori Museum of Art
2. Towada Art Center

2009-07-10T11:03:00.002+09:00

Map of Japan-Aichi

Been to Nagoya?

I’ve been living in Japan for 23 years but I been to Nagoya just once. I’ve passed through Nagoya several time on my way to Tokyo, but never got off at Nagoya. Nagoya is third biggest city in Japan.

Nagoya girls and Kobe girls are rivals. They are know for girls of own fashion. Nagoya girls has Nagoya style curled hair, and Kobe girls has Kobe style curls in her hair. What’s the difference? They look the same third persons eye.

From Japanese people, Nagoya is considered a city of Toyota. It is taken as the city flourished by the success of Toyota.

People of Nagoya thinks they are the center of Japan. While people except Nayoya, Aichi don’t. People of Nagoya thinks their culture are on Tokyo side not Osaka. Nagoya people hate Osaka. People of east tend to heat Oska. People of west tend to love Osaka.

Looking for English map of Japan?
I know, there aren’t many useful map of Japan in English.
It’s much more harder to find a detailed English map of cities in Japan.
So I’ve collected several websites with English map of Kobe, Japan this time.
Hope this links will come in handy for you!
Here are useful links of map of Nagoya, Japan in English

1. City of Nagoya
This site has the most accurate information about Nagoya. It is the official webpage of the city of Nagoya. Too detailed map of Nagoya, Japan but it is the best.
- Map of Shelters & Safe Areas

2. Nagoya Kanko Hotel
This site is a English page of Nagoya Kanko Hotel but it has nicely organized travel information in Nagoya
-Access

3. Nagoya Information Navi
This site is managed by Nagoya Convention & visitors Bureau. I guess the information can be trusted. These kind of websites just offers good information, you know. It is hard to see the real Nagoya.
-Tourist information

Basic Information about Nagoya
1. Nagoya wikipedia

2. japan-guide Nagoya

Been to Kobe Japan?

2009-07-09T11:23:00.003+09:00

Looking for English map of Japan?
I know, there aren’t many useful map of Japan in English.
It’s much more harder to find a detailed English map of cities in Japan.
So I’ve collected several websites with English map of Kobe, Japan this time.
Hope this links will come in handy for you!

Kobe, Japan is the city that was deeply damaged by Hanshi Awaji earthquake. Now it have mostly recovered from the damage of the earthquake, and popular as fashionable city. Kobe had been a port town

Here are the links to English websites about Kobe Japan and English map of Kobe, Japan.

1. Feel Kobe Official Kobe Tourism Site
-Guide map

2. Kobe Airport Terminal
-Sightseeing Map of Kobe and Hyogo

3. Infomap Japan Kobe
-Map

4. Kobe Institute
-Map

Basic imformation of Kobe Japan
1. Kobe Wikipedia
2. japan-guide
3. Japan-Almanach Kobe

Going to Firework Matsuri in Japan?

2009-07-08T11:57:00.000+09:00

Here is a map of Japan you must check this season.
This is a map of Firework Matsuri in Japan 2009.

Unfortunately, this website doesn’t have a English version of map of firework Matsuri in Japan 2009.

Know Hakone, Japan? Map of Japan-Kanagawa

2009-07-06T10:07:00.004+09:00

Know Hakone, Japan? Map of Japan-Kanagawa

Hakone is know by annual Hakone Ekiden; a long-distance relay race.
Hakone Ekiden is an annual New Year event in Japan. It is a 2 days relay race from Tokyo to Hakone round course. Tokyo to Hakone one way is divided in to 5 sections, and one runner is uncharged of one section. 10 runners are required for the relay race and it will be competed by Universities in Japan.

Winning the Hakone Ekiden is the dream of all university Ekiden runners. I hear that the team member competing is also extreme. Every one wants to run in Hakone Ekiden. It is the fame for the university to win the Hakone Ekiden too.

Other than Hakone Ekiden, Hakone is know for rich hot spring.

Links of Japanese websites with English pages and map of Hakone, Japan in English.

1. Hakone Zenzan National Park Hakone
-Map of Hakone

This is the best web site about Hakone, Japan in English. An overall map to close up maps, this web page has the richest variety of English maps of Hakone, Japan.

2. Hakone Navi
-Hakone Route Map

3. japan-guide.com Hakone

Saw Himeji Castle? Map of Japan-Hyogo

2009-07-03T14:29:00.003+09:00

Himeji Castle is a popular place for Japanese to go for tour in Japan, but I’m surprised to know that there are very few Japanese websites about Hoygo with map in English. Which is not nice for a foreign tourist. I don’t understand why there are only few information about Hyogo, Japan in English and other languages. There are so many places to visit in Hyogo. I think there is much more things to see in Hyogo than Osaka or Kyoto.

Osaka, is a second big city in Japan but there aren’t much cultural places as Kyoto and Nara. Kyoto, there are lot of temples and shrines but how many of them need to see? It’s rude, but they look all the same? Each of them has great history but how much can you learn? It takes much more deep study to understand them. Would tourist study that hard on a trip? Several viewing of temples and shrines should be enough trip in Kyoto, which will take a day.

Hyogo on the other hand, has Himeji castle, the world heritage, Kobe, a port town a popular place to go shopping among Japanese girls, night view of Rokou mountain, probably one of the most prettiest night views in Japan, Arima Onsen, one of the 3 good Onsen (hot spring) in Japan, Nanking Machi, a China town, Akashi-Kaikyo bridge, the world’s longest suspension bridge.

See, it will take at least 2 day to see.

Here are the links to English pages of Japanese websites about Hokyo,Japan.
It’s probably not enough, but should help a little.

1. Hyogo Prefecture

2. japan-guide.com Himeji

3. Hyogo International Tourism Guide
4. Himeji City
5. Himeji Help Site for Foreigner
-Map around Himeji Castle

6. Himeji Convention & Visitors Bureau Web Site "Hime no Michi"
7. Hogo International Association
-site for people seeking for exchange in Hyogo
8. Hyogo Business & Cultural Center
9. Hyogo Wikipedia

Know where giant Buda is? Map of Japan-Kamakura, Kanagawa

2009-07-02T12:08:00.004+09:00

Kamakura city is known for it’s great Buda in Japan and that’s pretty much it.
Many Japanese visit there for sightseeing. We hear about Kamakura but, we don’t really know what’s in Kamakura other than the great Buda. I think everyone goes to Kamakura because it’s famous, but they don’t know much about Kamakura.

It is a good place to go on a side trip from Tokyo.

Here are some links in English written about Kamakura.
I’ve been searching Japanese websites that has English pages and maps in English.
But there are very few resources compared to Tokyo and Kyoto.

1. Kamakura City Tourist Association
-Welcome to Kamakura Information map

-Access & Meeting Point

2. Kamakura City Official Web Site Guide for Foreign Residents and Visitors
-Access Guide

- How about this type of course ?

3. Kamakura, Kanagawa Wikipedia

4. Japan_Guide.com Kamakura

Been to Hiroshima? Map of Japan-Hiroshima

2009-07-01T10:41:00.003+09:00

Hiroshima is a place where attacked by atomic bomb. This is the biggest notion of Hiroshima. I think it is a place where a lot of people visited on school trip to learn about the tragedy of war. I went their on school trip on my third year of my junior high. I went to Horoshima Peace Memorial Museum, Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Dome. In Peace Park we give paper crane offering.

Hiroshima is also known for Hirosima Yaki. You must eat when you go to Hirosima. Also Oyster is famous.

One of the 3 most beautiful view in Japan is Miyajima in Hirosima. Rice scooper lucky charm is famous.

For souvenir, you should get Momiji Manju. It’s like THE souvenir of Hiroshima. It is the most typical souvenir of Hiroshima, but it’s probably the best.

Useful links of Hiroshima with English pages

1. Official Site of Hiroshima Prefecture Government

2. Hiroshima Tourist Navigator BEST SITE
-Map of Hiroshima pdf

3. Hiroshima Navigator
-Accesss Map to Hiroshima

4. japan_guide.com Hiroshima

5. Hiroshima wikipedia

Been to Yokohama? Map of Japan-Yokohama,Kanagawa

2009-06-30T10:11:00.004+09:00

Yokohama is a port city in Japan. Close enough from Tokyo. It is good place to on a day side trip from Tokyo. 2009 is the 150th anniversary of port opening. Yokohama is also a home of Japanese baseball team Yokohama Bay Stars.

In Yokohama, there is a china town and most of Japanese tourist will visit when they come to Yokohama. Kiyouken’s Shoumai Bento is something you must eat when you go to China town in Yokohama. It is soled every where in Yokohama.

Links to Useful sites and Map of Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan

1. Wikipedia Yokohama

2. City of Yokohama
-Map of Yokohama pdf

3. japan-guide.com Yokohama
-Access and Orientation

4. Yokohama Visitors’ Guide
-Map of Yokohama DL Best English map of Yokohama Japan!

Know Japanese ancient city of Japan? Map of Japan-Nara

2009-06-29T11:09:00.006+09:00

Nara is a ancient city of Japan. Its history is much much r than Kyoto.
There are gigantic Buda, deer park and historical heritage in Nara.

Probably, many Japanese have visited Nara on school camp. In Japanese overall education curriculum, school camp to historically important place is scheduled on the final grade of school year. Usualy, the 6th grade of elementary school, and the third year of Junior high, and 3rd year of high school. In Japan, we take 6-3-3 style of education system. In my case, I went to Nara in the 6th grade of elementary school, and Hiroshima on the third year of Junior high, and Hokkaido on my 3rd year of high school.

Nara is an ancient city in Japan. So it’s nothing other than historical tuff. It’s not a place popular by a young people. I’ve only visited their once in my life time, on school camp. Nara is never in spot. Kyoto always takes popularity, although Nara is historically older and important. People of Nara tend to hate people of Kyoto because they are more city than Nara, and they walk like as if they are THE center of Japanese culture and history.

Recently, Nara is gaining its popularity by the power of Sento-kun.
Sento-kun is a mascot character of coming “The Commemorative Events of the 1300th Anniversary of Nara Heijyo-kyo Capital” in 2010. It is famous for being gross.

Picture of Sento-Kun

Link to basic information of Nara and Map of Nara in English
1. Nara prefecture Official Page

2. Nara Wikipedia

3. japan-guide.com Nara English
- Access and Orientation

4. Nara City Sightseeing Information Center
-Map of Nara

-Transportation Map in Nara

5. Nara Travel Organization
-Search on the Map

Need English Map of Osaka, Japan? Map of Japan-Osaka

2009-06-26T10:18:00.004+09:00

Here are some useful links to websites with English map of Osaka, Japan.

1. Handy Access Guide for Trips to the Kansai Area
This website is part of Osaka prefecture’s official site. It offers several types of English maps of Osaka, Japan. All the maps on this site is in PDF format, so it is good if you are looking for printable map of Osaka, Japan.

e.g.
- PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION GUIDEBOOK
-Access Guide
-Maps of Deboarding Points in Osaka and Umeda
-Point-it-Out Japanese Phrase Sheet

2. Osaka-Info Osaka Tourist Guide
This web site offers good English map of Osaka Japan. It covers breaf map of Osaka, Japan to Pricice map of Osaka, Japan. There are printable map of Osaka, Japan in PDF format. The best map of Osaka in this website is close up map of main big train station.

Location Map
Area Map & Guidebook Download

3. Osaka Municipal Transportation Bureau
This website offers information about train transportaion in Osaka. A site you need to check if you are visiting Osaka. Trains and subways are the must and the accurate transportation in Osaka.

Map of subways in Osaka Japan.pdf

4. Rail road Map of Kansai Aria in Japan.pdf
I’m not quite sure what part of which site this is. Ended up in direct URL of a PDF of Rail road Map of Kansai Aria. This map will come in handy if you are willing to take a side trip from Osaka.

5. Osaka Japan Map - Tourist Map of Japan
A breaf map of Osaka Japan in English. I would recommend the first one if you are looking for a English map of Japan.

Know 3 big Matsuri Festival in Japan?

2009-06-24T10:13:00.005+09:00

Where is Japan?
Where is Osaka?

3 big Masruti in Japan is Gion Masturi in Kyoto, Kanda Masturi in Tokyo, and Tenjin Masturi in Osaka.

What is Matsuri?
Simply speaking, religious ceremony to thank the god or a festival to celebrate the god. Celebrating god differs by which god the main shrine in the festival worships. There are many gods in Japan. In Japan, there is a word for all the gods in Japan, “Yaoyorozu no kami.” “Yaoyorozu” is spelled “Eight Million” and “Kami” means god. So it is considered that there is eight millon gods in Japan.

Kanda Matsuri in Tokyo was in May, But Gion Matsuri in Kyoto and Tenjin Masturi in Osaka is coming up!
I’ve posted several about Gion Matsuri, so I’ll write about Tenjin Masturi in Osaka.

Tenjin Matsutri is a Matsuri held Tenmangu Shrine in Japan.
Tenmangu Shrine refers to the entire shrine that worship the god called “Sugawara no Michizane.” Known as the god of study. He is a real existing historical figure in Japan.
But the biggest and the most know Tenjin Masturi in Osaka.

Tenjin Masturi in Osaka will start around this weekend. But the climax is the fire works in 25th July. Don’t miss this!

Usefull Links
Osaka Info(Japanese/English/Chinese/Korean)
Tenjin Matsuri(Japanese/English/Chinese/Korean)
Osaka Tenmangu (Japanese)
Map of Tenjin Maturi (English)

Where is Osaka? Map of Japan-Osaka

2009-06-24T10:12:00.002+09:00

Where is Japan?

Map of Osaka in Japan

Map of Kyoto with city division

Area:1,897,86km2

Population:8,836,873

Prefecture Tree:Ginkgo biloba

Prefecture Flower:Primula sieboldii and Prunus mume

Prefecture Bird:Bull-headed Shrike

Governor: Toru Hashimoto

Toru Hashimoto is the governor of Osaka since 2008.

He uses to be a TV talent layer. He was very popular on TV show called “ Gyouretu no Dekiru Houritsu Soudan Jimusho.”

Osaka is known for cheep and junky Japanese food, great sense of humor, great sense of fashion. They speak dialect called “Kansai ben” Maybe some people have heard in Anime. Some Anime character speak “Kansai ben” in Anime but most of them sound weird made up dialect.

Osaka Wikipedia

Saw golden dog poop in Tokyo Japan?

2009-06-23T13:08:00.003+09:00

What do you think of this building?
Dowdy building and a golden dog poop.
That was my first impression, when I first saw this at Asakusa Tokyo Japan.

Where is Japan?
Where is Tokyo in Japan?

What is this building?
This is a head office of Japanese beverage company ASAHI BREWERIES, LTD.
The taller building supposed to look like a glass of beer with bubbles, called Asahi beer tower. The building with a golden dog poop on top is called super dry hall. It was designed by a well known French designer Philippe Starck. The dog shit looking object is a flame that symbolize prospering ASAHI BREWERIES, LTD. But known as poop building.

Where is the poop building?

View Larger Map

ASAHI BREWERIES, LTD.

Know Where Tokyo is?

2009-06-22T10:37:00.002+09:00

Where is Japan?

Outline Map of Tokyo, Japan

Map of Tokyo with city division

Area: 2,187.65km²
Population: 12,974,936 (by 2009)
Prefecture Tree: Ginkgo biloba
Prefecture Flower: Prunus × yedoensis
Prefecture Bird: Larus ridibundus (Black Headed Gull)
Governor: Shintaro Ishihara

Info and pictures from Wikipedia Tokyo (Japanese)

Links to English Map of Tokyo
Tokyo Japan Map - Tourist Map of Japan
Map of Tokyo by lonely planet

Online English Tokyo Transfer Guide

Usefull Links of Tokyo in English
Tokyo Tourism info
Web Japan
Metropolitan Government

Looking for English Map of Kyoto, Japan?

2009-06-19T11:16:00.001+09:00

Here are useful links of English Map of Kyoto, Japan.

1. Map of Kyoto (in Englihs)
I think this is the BEST Map of Kyoto, Japan on the web. When you click on the map, it will give you a close up of the detailed map.

2. Welcome to Kyoto World Heritage Map (of Kyoto Japan in English)
Picture bellow is the map introduced in this website. The icons of world heritage in Kyoto, Japan on the map is linked to the introductory pages. I think it comes in handy to get the general ideas where they are, but it is not detailed enough.

3. Kyoto Japan Map - Tourist Map of Japan (in English)
This one is little blurry.

4. English version of BasuNavi
This is a print able map of Kyoto, Japan. It is in the PDF style. This is a map of bus stop by Kyoto Transportation Bureau. The was published 1st of April 2009, so it is the newest

Overall Map of Bus map in Kyoto (English)
Bigger map is upper left Bus map in Kyoto (English)
Bigger map is upper right Bus map in Kyoto (English)
Bigger map is lower left Bus map in Kyoto (English)
Bigger map is lower right Bus map in Kyoto (English)

Checked the Map of Gion Matsuri? Map of Japan-Kyoto

2009-06-18T13:37:00.003+09:00

Here is a Map of Gion Matsuri Kyoto Japan.
You will need it when you go around Kyoto during Gion Masturi.
Streets name are in English.

Resource Map (Japanese)

What is Gion Matsuri?
Where is Japan?
Where is Kyoto in Japan?

A little icon spread out on the map is the place where you can see “Hoko” and “Yama.”

What is “Hoko”
“Hoko” literally means spear. In Gion Matsuri, it refers to a big decorated spear. It has wheals at the bottom and goes around Kyoto on Yoiyama.

What is Yoiyama?
Yoiyama is the climax of Gion Matsuri. Hoko and Yama goes around Kyoto. Yoiyama this year will be 14 to 17 of July 2009.

What is “Yama”
Similar to “Hoko.” Literally means mountain, but in Gion Matsuri, it refers to a decorative wagon.

Decoration of Hoko and Yama is tradidionally passed downed. I’ve never seen one but it is said that some of the decoration has picture of pyramid and camel.

Resource 1, 2

Know the incarnation of Japanese God? Map of Japan-Kyoto

2009-06-17T11:45:00.004+09:00

Gion Matsuri Festival, one of the biggest and famous Masturi in Japan, is going to start from 1^st of July 2009. Preparation for the Gion Matsuri is done every where in Kyoto.

15^th June 2009, the child of incantation of Japanese God Susanowo no mikoto for 2Gion Matsuri Festival009 was elected. They are called Kuzekomagata Chigo.

In Japan, there is a concept of gods having two souls, Aratama (brutal soul of god) and Nigitama (merciful soul of god). Sometime, two souls are too strong, they are depicted as two deferent gods. The main God in Gion Masturi, Susanowo no mikoto has two soul. Aratama (brutal soul of god) is dedicated in Ayato Kuninaka Shrine, and the Nigitama (merciful soul of god) is dedicated in Yasaka Shrine. The child will lead the wagon with Aratama (brutal soul of god) of Susanowo no mikoto, to Yasaka Shrine. At Yasaka Shrine, the two soul will come together and the becomes the incarnation of Susanowo no mikoto. The incarnate child may not put his foots on the ground until his mission as the incarnation of Susanowo no mikoto is complete.

Picture of Kuzekomagata Chigo;the incantation of Susanowo no mikoto

Pictures from Here

Where is Ayato Kuninaka Shrine?

Here is a Map of Ayato Kuninaka Shrine, Kyoto Japan.

View Larger Map

Where is Yasaka Shrine? Map of Japan-Kyoto

2009-06-16T12:12:00.003+09:00

Like I’ve been writing. Gion Matusri Festival is coming up in Kyoto! It is chance for you to lean
about Kyoto and Japanese tradition.

What is Yasaka Shrine?
Yasaka Shrine takes the main part of Gion Masturi. Gion Masturi is a festival to celebrate and appease gods believed in this shrine.This is THE Shrine you should go in Japan.

What god do Yasaka Shrine worship?
1. Susanowo no mikoto- Japanese god of storm and belive to bring plague
2. Kushiinada no mikoto-Goddest of rice field, wife of the god above
3. Yahashira no kakogami- Son of Susanowo

Where is Yasaka Shrine?
Access

Yasaka Shrine Kyoto Japan

Exchange students and Gion Masturi?

2009-06-15T11:45:00.003+09:00

Printable, guide of Kyoto Japan. Has printable map of Kyoto city inside.

Gion Matsuri is one of the big three Masturi Festibal in Japan. It will be held in Kyoto, Japan.

Where is Japan?
Where is Kyoto in Japan?

Gion Masturi is a month long festival, many people come and see it from all over Japan and all over the world. It starts from July. It is the time to get ready to visit Kyoto! It is probably the time when you can experience the traditional Japan.

On June 14 2009, Exchange student participated tin Chimaki making for Gion Masturi.

What is Chimaki?

Chimaki is usually a food, it is a sticky rice raped in bamboo leaves. But this one is for Gion Masturi so it is not a food. It is a purifying charm, it will exorcise the evil spirit. This will be made by the people the in the area. 31 different Chimaki will be sold near the Yamaboko. When you buy it, usually people will tacke back to there home and place it in frond of the entrance door.

Here are the links you will need to go around Kyoto.
Gion Matsuri 2006
Kyoto Travel Guid

Saw Japanese Traditional fishing? Map of Japan-Kyoto

2009-06-12T11:00:00.005+09:00

Ukai Event will start today, (12th of June) in Kyoto Japan.

What is Ukai?
Ukai is a Japanese traditional fishing method by using bird called U. The fisher man ties rope around birds throat, and releases the bird to swim around and eat fish. When the bird swallows fish, the fisherman make the bird come back to the boat, then chokes the bird by pulling the rope and gets the fish.

This way of fishing is not common today. It is an old traditional method of fishing. There are several places where still uses this method. The most famous one is the one at Nagara river in Gifu. Ukai at Ujigawa Kyoto is also famous.

Ukai at Ujigawa Kyoto starts from today (12th of June) till 27th of September.
Boat Fee for Adult 1900 Yen (approx. 20 USD)
Boat Fee for Children under twelve 900 Yen (approx. 10 USD)

View Larger Map

Where is Japan?
Where is Kyoto in Japan?

Resource and Useful Links
Ukai at Ujigawa
Ukai Wikipedia Japanese
Ukai Wikipedia English
Uji City Touris Association

Can you guess which prefecture this is?

2009-06-12T10:28:00.004+09:00

Guess which Prefecture of Japan this is.

Answer is Kyoto

Where is Japan?
Map of Japan with Kyoto colored

Outline Map of Kyoto Japan

Map of Kyoto with city division

Area: 4,612.72 km2
Population: 2,644,331
Prefecture Tree: Kitayama Sugi
Prefecture Flower: Shidare Zakura, Chrysanthemum, Daianthus
Prefecture Bird: Streaked Shearwater
Governor: Keiji Yamada (11/06/2009 moment)
Symbol of Kyoto:

Resouce
Kyoto Prefecture Wikipedia

Know where Hokkaido is? Map of Japan-Hokkaido

2009-06-11T10:41:00.004+09:00

Where is Japan?

Map of Hokkaido Japan

Aria: 83,456.58 km2

Population 5,543,556 (03/31/2009)

Prefecture Tree: Jezo Spruce

Prefecture Flower: Rosa rugosa

Prefecture Bird: Red-crowned Crane. Every year when it arrives many people visit Hokkaido to take pictures.

Governor: Harumi Takahashi (since 2003 to now 2009/06/11)

Prefecture Flag:

Hokkaido is a place where Hokkaido Toyako Summit was held.

Hokkaido is famous for good food in Japan. It has dairy product and fresh sea food. Many Japanese go their for travel.

Useful Links images

Hokkaido Wikipedia images and info from here

Hokkaido Government has English, Chines, Korean, and Russian

Hokkaido Gururi Tabi Travel website of Hokkaido. Has English, Chinese, Korean

Looking for English Map of Japan? Map of Japan

2009-06-11T10:16:00.004+09:00

Where is Japan?

Japan in world map

Outline Map of Japan

Blank Map of Japan with prefecture border

Language: Japanese
Capital: Tokyo
Emperor: Akihito 125th Emperor (11/06/2009)
Prime Minister: Tarou Asou (11/06/2009)
Land: 377,835 km2
Population: 127,156,000 (year 2008)
Flag:

Emperial Seal:

Government Seal:

Useful Links
Japan Wikipedia (pictures from here)
att.Japan in English
Japan National Tourist Organization in English has useful English map of Japan!

Know about the big 3 Matsuri in Japan? Map of Japan-Kyoto

2009-06-10T11:09:00.003+09:00

One of the 3 biggest Matsuri is coming up! Get ready!
Here is the map of "Yamaboko Flow Route"

Gion Matsuri is one of the three biggest Matsuri in Japan.
It takes place in Kyoto. It is a month long event, and it starts from 1st to 31st of July.

Schedule is here

01/07/09 Start of Gion Matsuri

02/07/09 "kujiiri" Event to choose which a pike goes first.

10/07/09 "Omukae Chouchin" Event of volunteers, usually kids, walk around Kyoto with Japanese lantern Chouchin. Starts around 4 in the evening til 9.

10/07/09-14/07/09 "Yamaboko" will be built and displayed.

13/07/09 "Chigo" a secrete child will visit Yasaka Shrine. Chigo is the only one who goes on the Hoko. Chigo for this year was elected. Chigo will be elected from the wealthy family in Kyoto, because it will costs 20thousand Yen(200tousand USD). Movie of Chigo election.

14/07/09-16/07/09 The light up of "Yamaboko" and music will be played all over in kyoto

17/07/09 The climax of Gionmaturi. The Flow of "Yamaboko".

17/07/09 From 4 in the evening, ceremony at Yasaka shrine.

17/07/09 4 god's wagon will come back to Shijou after going around Kyoto.

24/07/09 Parade.

24/07/09 4 god's wagon will go back to Yasaka shrine

28/07/09 Takes one of the main god's wagon and baptize with holy water.

This is how Gion Matsuri will go.
If your are planing to visit Kyoto this summer, it is probably the best to visit on 17th on July. It is the climax of Gion Matsuri. But you should be aware of enormous crows of people. Many people form Japan and oversea comes to this event.

Better English description of Gion Masturi
Resource 1
Resource 2

Looking for place to go on a date in Japan? Map of Japan

2009-06-09T11:15:00.003+09:00

Here is a someones My google map.
It has marks on a place with nice night view. Japanese girls love night views. Places with great night views is THE dating spot. Really, trust me, most of the girls like these places. Take her on a drive to suberb and enjoy nature there, have nice dinner, go to the nigh view spot and there you go!

より大きな地図で Illumination を表示

Checked Masturi Map in Japan? Map of Japan-Masturi

2009-06-08T11:46:00.001+09:00

Matsuri is a Japanese traditional music and dance summer event where many people wear Yukata. What they celebrate in Matsturi differs in the places and the kind of Matsuri. But it doesn't matter at all, as long as you enjoy it!
This Matsuri Map in Japan will surely come in handy when you visit Japan!

First, pic the reagion you are looking for. Then it will give you choices and visit the event. This map will recomend you not only Matsuri but also any kinds of event heald in that reagion.

Matsuri Map in Japan

Do you know what's the Three Big Hot Spring in Japan?

2009-06-05T14:10:00.004+09:00

Looking for Hot Spring Map of Japan?

Find a hot spring that suites your request with this Hot Spring Map of Japan.
First select an area and prefecture in Japan. Then choose the palace you want to go.

Three Big Hot Spring in Japan in Kusatsu at Gunma prefecture, Arima at Hyougo prefecture, and Gero at Gifu prefecture.
I've heard that Arima is suffering from the big damage of the new flew.
It is not that, there are many people dieing at Arima, but the Hyougo prefecture was the first place to find inflected people.
That is why there are little people visiting Arima at the moment.

Hot Spring Map of Japan

2009-06-04T10:28:00.002+09:00

Checked Shellfish Hunting Map in Japan?

In Japan, from spring to summer, many family goes to Shellfish hunting. Shellfish hunting is a Japanese family leisure time activity. I used to go when I was a kid. Do you go shellfish hunting in your country? I didn't notice until now, but I think this is a Japanese culture.

Best time to go shellfish hunting is spring, because tide goes on the further ebb. The best season differs on the places you go, so check on this shellfish hunting map in Japan.
What kind of shellfish can you get. Of course it differs on the places you go, but here are the example

Asari

Kagamigai

Shiofuki

Bakagai

Hamaguri

Mategai
This shellfish, Mategai is little bit different from the other. In order to get, first you but salt in its hole, then wait until it come out, and pull it out.
Here is a video from You Tube of Mategai Hunting.

Seems like Mategai is called Razor clam in english. Video of Razor clam oversea. It is much bigger than Japanese.

Things to brig, dress up like this.

Map of Shellfish Hunting
About Shellfish Hunting (images from here)

Looking for place to go for BBQ? Map of Japan

2009-06-03T11:45:00.001+09:00

It is getting hotter and hotter. The summer is coming! It's time for BBQ! But where should I go? Use this map to state where to go.

Japanese houses don't have a big yard like an American houses in the movies. So we usually go out to like river side, lake side, or a park for BBQ. Places introduced in this BBQ map of Japan, it has water and toilet and a small places for fire and stuff. That is why this BBQ map pf Japan comes in handy!
For us BBQ is quite a work, because we have to bring thing for BBQ. So some of the place offers BBQ kit service. People come to that place with out anything, even meat. We just bring ourselves and friend. Then the place is prepared for us for BBQ. I herd that their is a BBQ staff, and the staff will do everything for you, prepare fire, bake meet, and clean. That's why this map show the number prepare service. But I think that's no fun. Doing all by our self is the fun of BBQ. Oh, I want to go BBQ now.

Mapple BBQ page

Hawaii in Old Japanese Map? Map of Japan

2009-06-02T10:42:00.003+09:00

Followup of Hatsusaburou Yoshida. Japanese map painter Hatsusaburou Yoshida (1884-1955) succeeded in Taisho to Souwa era. He left 3000 map of Japan in his life.

Unlike the map today, Hatsusaburou's map is unrealistic and very about written. I didn't know about him until yesterday, abut I kinda like his map. It is fun to see places that exist today in a old map of Japan. Also It is fun because in Hatsusaburou's map, places so far apart is written. In this picture, way in the horizon, there is Hawaii. Isn't is charming? Too bad this Picture is small. I couldn' t find a bigger map.

It is impossible to see Hawaii from Japan, but Hatsusabrou wrote it on the map. I bet it exited people in that age. I think people that age, didn't think about Hawaii in daily life, but when they look at the map they remember that there is Hawaii and imagines as if they are there. It is like, imaging as if you are there by looking at a travel book. Actually, Hatsutaro's maps were soled to traveling company for pamphlet, so it was like a travel book today.

Rsource
Wikipedia Hatsusabou Yoshida
Hatsusabou Yoshida and Choukanzu (images fome here)

Want to see old Map of Japan? Map of Japan-Tokyo

2009-06-01T10:52:00.004+09:00

Here is an old rail map of Tokyo Japan.

Crowded place in the very left of the map is Tokyo, the mountain on the back is Mt.Fuji, big facility with white road in front of Mt.Fuji is an amusement park, the mountain on the upper right is Takao-yama with Shrine Takaosan Yakuouinn and low right corner is the Tamagoryou the Imperial mausoleum.

Here is a Google Map with places marks of the places mentioned above. I marked it so maybe not precise.

View Old map of Tokyo in a larger map

This old map of Japan was drawn by Hatsusaburou Yoshida, a Japanese Map painter. Born 1884 and left 3000 pieces of map in his life. His way of drawing is called "Choukanzu" which is a technique of painting a map from above slightly from the side. Succeeded during sightseeing boom in Taisho and Shouwa era (1912-1989).

Old Map of Japan is interesting because they are non-realism pictures.

Recourse
World of Hatsusaburou Yoshida
Hatsusaburou Yoshida
Map Communications Museum (images borrowed from here)

Do you know the Best Online Street Map of Japan? Map of Japan

2009-05-29T10:48:00.004+09:00

Are you looking for an Online Street Map of Japan in English?
Here is the website to visit.

I think this is the best street map of Japan. It is simple. It has both Japanese and English names. How nice! But it's just too bad that it won't navigate you to the places you want to go. But still, graphic is the best. It is really simple. You know, when there is too much name of that land mark written, it get more complicated? This is why I recommend this OpenStereetMap Japan.

It is pretty fun to see how long the road you use in daily continues. Looking up how long rout 1 goes and stuff.

OpenStereetMap Japan
http://www.openstreetmap.jp/

Checked 100 beautiful mountains in Japan? Map of Japan

2009-05-28T11:14:00.002+09:00

Here is a mountain map of Japan. This map has 100 marks for 100 beautiful mountains in Japan. Not only the marks but it has panorama picture of the mountains that is marked in this mountain map. This Map is based on Google Map so it's a pretty neat map. It is in Japanese but just for looking at the pictures of the mountains, you should have no problems at all. Some of the mountains that is marked on the map doesn't have pictures, but that is probably because the managers of this mountain map haven't gone there yet. I think pictures will be updated as he/she visits.

Enjoy the 100 beautiful mountains with this mountain map of Japan!

Panorama Pictuters of 100 Beautiful Maoutains
http://www.mtpanorama.net/

Are you ready for the Evangelion Map? Map of Japan-Kanagawa

2009-05-27T14:49:00.002+09:00

Are you ready for the Evangelion Map?

Good news!
Hakone City Sightseeing Organization will release a collaborate map of Hakone with Japanese Anime Evangelion.
They will release 1 million prints and it will finish when the print goes out.
Pre release starts on 4th of June, and official release date is 11th of June.
The map will passed out at the main sightseeing facilities.I think it is Free.

Got to hurry!

Why map of Hakone?
Because it is said that In the Anime Evangelion, 3rd Tokyo City's (the place where Anime takes place) model is Hakone City.

Resours Article
http://zasshi.news.yahoo.co.jp/article?a=20090526-00000016-tkwalk-ent

Looking for Road Map of Japan? Map of Japan

2009-05-27T09:54:00.001+09:00

Looking for Road Map of Japan?

If you are looking for a road map of Japan, then go to Map Quest.
Map Quest offers free online web map.
It is like Google Map but I think it is easier to see.

If you are planing to travel Japan on car, you should definitely rent a car the car Navigation.
It is very nice. I went driving last weekend and the car navigator broken and the driving was a disaster.

Looking for Outline map of Japan? Map of Japan

2009-05-26T11:44:00.004+09:00

What do you think of a map of USA in Japanese?

Here is a website that offers several type of maps.
Colored map of Japan, outline map of Japan and more.
Why don't you check it out and see if their is a map of Japan that you are looking for.

It is kind of weird to see an English Map of Japan for me.
I doesn't seem like the cities and places I know when it is written in English.
I bet it is probably the opposite way around.

So here is a Map of USA written in Japanese.
States in USA is all written in Japanese.

Did you find it funny to see map of USA in Japanese?

WorldAtlas.com
http://www.worldatlas.com/webimage/countrys/asia/jp.htm

Maps & National Parks Info (Japanese)
http://homepage.mac.com/furup/map-j.htm

Can you say all the 47 prefectures of Japan? Map of Japan

2009-05-25T16:49:00.002+09:00

Can you say all the 47 prefectures of Japan?

This website has a map of 47 prefectures of Japan in English.
Prefecture is like a State in USA.

I think it is hard to memorize all of them but maybe it is good to know Tokyo and surrounding prefecture and Osaka and it's surrounding prefecture.

I can't say all the states in USA but I know where big cities are and witch states they are in.
How ever I can't say the name of states that surrounds the state with big cites.

Still I think it is good to know the name of the surrounding prefecture, because unlike USA, crossing border of prefecture is easy.
Prefecture in japan is probably much smaller compared to states in USA. So if you use a railway, you can Cross the border really easily.

So why don't you input the name prefecture that surrounds big cities in Japan, with this map of japan with the name of 47 prefecture in English.
It will come in handy when you travel japan.
Map of the prefectures of Japan in ISO
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Regions_and_Prefectures_of_Japan.svg

Looking for English Tokyo Rail Map? Map of Japan

2009-05-22T10:23:00.004+09:00

Looking for English Tokyo Rail Map?

Meik Design co.

English Map of Japan is bit difficult to find.
Here is a precise Rail Map of Tokyo Japan.
This website sales this map data so it is NOT FREE.
However, just glancing and viewing is free:)

If you a considering to buy, send a e-mail to the manager of the website.

This Rail Map of Tokyo Japan, has all of the rail lines, trains and subway.
There are many rails in Tokyo. They are very complicated but very useful. You can go almost anywhere!Plus it is cheap! Compared to Osaka. Did you know that?

I wish to collect Many types of map of Japan, from the cities to suburb town.
I hope tourist find interest in suburb too.

Are you going to Ginkakuji?

2009-05-21T09:34:00.006+09:00

Are you going to Ginkakuji?

Temples are Japanese culture. Its is said that there are 8 million temples in Japan.
Temples is like a symbol of Japan and we consider temple gardens are Japanese beauties.

Japanese people like visiting temples, not minding their religion.
Most of the Japanese people are Buddhist, but many people don't know what Buddhist stream they belong to, especially the young people.
On my case, I realized that I'm Buddhist of Jodoshinsyu stream on my grand fathers funeral. My grand father's funeral was done in Jodoshinsyu way by monks of Jodoshinsyu Temple.
Big difference is chanting. Each stream has it's own chanting.
I think this is also a characteristic of Japanese culture. We don't really mind religion.

I'm not sure if you will have a opportunity, but it is probably very interesting to see Japanese funeral for understanding Japanese culture.

Although I'm not a Buddhist of zen, I visited a Zen temple Ginkakuji.
It is famous for Its sand garden.
It is always considered a contrast of Kinkakuji because, Kinkakuji literally means "Gold Temple" and this Ginkakuji means "Silver temple"
on like Kinkakuji, Ginkakuji is not covered with silver foil.

Ginkakuji is now under complete construction.
Don't go.
It doesn't look like what it is supposed to be.

Ginkakuji Homepage
http://www.shokoku-ji.or.jp/ginkakuji/

looking for English map of Japan? Map of Japan-Free Online English map of Japan

2009-05-19T09:54:00.006+09:00

Are you looking for English map of Japan?

MapFanWeb offers free online map search.
It's pretty handy. I allows you to search hotels, restaurants, transportation and more within the area you pick.

So if you don't know which places to go in japan, or in the area you are at, then chose tourist attraction and search, then it will give you choice of places to go in the area.

Not only Tokyo but it is applied to all the 47 prefecture in japan.
You can search hotels and restaurants even in small cities and suburb in japan.

I think this is a good map tool for searching places in japan.

Map Fan Web home page
http://www.mapfan.com/

Map Fan Web English Version top
http://www.mapfan.com/en/en_m.cgi

Do you know where Japan is in Asia? Map of Japan

2009-05-18T09:21:00.004+09:00

Do you know where Japan is in Asia?

I've been writing about palaces and cities in Japan for the most of the times and introducing useful online map tools.
But first of all, do every one know where Japan is in the world?

So this time I'll post a map of Asia.

Universty of Texas at Austin-Asia Maps
http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/asia.html

Do you know the "Maiden rode" in Tokyo? Map of Japan-Tokyo

2009-05-17T23:24:00.004+09:00

Do you know the "Maiden rode"?

Almost all otaku knows about Akihabara right?
The sacred place for Otaku. Where anime related goods and electronic stor gather. Where the road is filled with Okaku. Where "Maid cafe" are managed.

But have you heard of "Maiden rode"?
It is the sacred place for female otaku. Where anime(prefered by female) related goods gather. Where the road is filled with female Otaku. Where "Steward cafe" are managed.

The most famous "steward cafe" is called "swallotail"
At the cafe, handsome steward will serve you.
Steward who works here took a lesson under real English steward, so he will serve you real English tea.

Stewart Cafe Swallowtail Official website
http://butlers-cafe.jp/

Having troubles deciding where to visit? Map of Japan

2009-05-16T22:10:00.003+09:00

Having troubles deciding where to visit?

This website is for tourists who are willing to visit Japan.
It has a nice map of Japan with name of the cities marked.
Not just the big cities in japan but it also cover lots of small cities in japan.
So if you wish to travel suburb of japan, try this site!

On the map, cities are marked an each of them are linked to an introduction page.
I recommend this site, because it is interesting enough for a Japanese who actually lives in japan.
It has pretty good pictures of japan.
It is enjoyable even just viewing.
Japan National Tourist Organization Top Page

http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/index.html

Japan National Tourist Organization Map of Japan Page
http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/index.html

Tasted it already? Map of Japan-Kyoto

2009-05-15T11:11:00.004+09:00

Tasted it already?

This is a green tea ice cream Sunday of a very famous green tea sweets shop in Kyoto.
If you have a chance to visit Kyoto, you must go!

The shop is called "Tsujiri." It is managed by tea field owner, so their green tea flavored stuff is great.

Their are lot of shop that offers green tea sweets, in Kyoto because Kyoto is famous for green tea "Matcha."
If you are going to eat green tea sweats at the other place, try "Tsujiri." This is the place to go.

Since it is famous, there is alway people in line.
If you want to avoid clowds, go their 30 before closeing.

Location

There are 4 shops in kyoto so, choes the one you have close access.

View Larger Map

Tsujiri Official HomePage (No English)
http://www.giontsujiri.co.jp/saryo/index.html

Checked the 3D map of Japan yet? Map of Japan

2009-05-14T11:18:00.004+09:00

Checked the 3D map of Japan yet?

This 3D map might not be the best. Google earth is probably much better but its is very simply organized and very easy to use.
This page is in Japanese but you'll probably have no problem using.
It is that much simple.

I recommend this map system.

Aries Home Page
http://www.asahi-net.or.jp/~XJ6T-TKD/

Aries Home Page 3D map of Japan
http://www.asahi-net.or.jp/~hw3t-tkd/bou2/bou2all.html

Have you seen the Gorgeous Zen temple? Map of Japan-Kyoto

2009-05-13T11:12:00.005+09:00

Have you seen the Gorgeous Zen temple?

Rokuonji, so called Kinkakuji is the most gorgeous temple.

This temple belongs to a stream of Zen.
For a Zen themple, it is too gorgeous. This is how japanese will feel.

Location

View Larger Map

If you take a close look at it, you will find that square gold leaf is pasted very timidly side by side.
It is the beauty of Japan. You must see.

I found a lot of chinese tourist, and one of them was very pretty like a moddle.

Can you compleate the puzzle of Japan? Map of Japan

2009-05-12T10:00:00.015+09:00

Can you compleate the puzzle of Japan?

Try and see how much you know about Japan.
Even I(a Japanese) have little difficulties ^^;

But it's fun!
http://www.hanasuku.com/manabu/game/c_01.html

STEP1 Put your mouse over the pieces. then the name of the Prefecture shows up in japanese.

Japanese prefecture name
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prefectures_of_Japan

STEP2 Drag the peice to the map on the right

Have you felt Zen at the rock garden? Map of Japan-Kyoto

2009-05-11T14:08:00.006+09:00

Have you felt Zen at the rock garden?

Ryoanji is famos for its rock garden.

Ryoanji is now under construction. It will be completed Feb.2010.
I when to Ryoanji during the construction, without knowing.
Rock garden was still nice but not as it should be.
We were only alowed to see the garden from the stage besides the garden.
Dusy carpet was spread over the stage and it was filled with tourist like us.
peep, peep, peep, a shutter noise from thr digital camera every where.

No mood for silent meditation.

Silece and the zen atmosphere was captured in the pichture I took with my digital camera.
Picture avobe.

I assume that the dusty carpet will be removed after reconstruction and wooden stage will be back.
Not only the stage but other parts of the temple was on construction so is was kind of messy.
But, it is probably hard to experience Zen atmosphere anyway, because of noised made by visitors.

Other parts of the temple gaden was pretty. Greenery is relaxing.
Turetle was on the rock and another was on its back.

Official web site(has english)
http://www.ryoanji.jp/

Have you seen Electric Kitty-chan yet? Map of Japan - Osaka

2009-05-08T09:46:00.007+09:00

Have you seen Electric Kitty-chan yet?

There is Universal Studio theame park in Osaka,Japan.
We call it USJ for Universal Studio Japan.

I bough the annual pass for JPY12,500 (USD125.75) where it usually costs JPY22,000 (USD221.33).
I though it is cheap because I can get it almos JPY10,000 (USD100.00) cheaper.
But 12 Month No Black Out Annual Pass at Universal Studio Hollywood costs USD84.00 and mine DOES have black out days and costs more!

Why is things so expensive in Japan? or is is reasonable?

By the way,
12 Month Premiun Annual Pass costs JPY28,000 (USD282.00) in Universal Studio Hollywood, USD119.00
Day ticket costs JPY5,800 (USD58.40) in Universal Studio Hollywood,USD 77.00

BUT ANYWAY! I'm having great fun at USJ so thats all right ;)

Many character good and they are very KAWAI!
In USJ there are Shop filled with Kitty-chan.
Kitty-chan is not the character of universal studio so we feel it bit unconfortable to see her in USJ.

USJ is now helding Magic Night Parade. It is beautiful.

This soooo cute!
Elmo cream puff...I'm not sure if I'm saying it right in english. In french choux à la crème.
And Cookie Monster cookie! the cookie monster was made of layers of Icing and it was very hard.I don't recomend to eat. Just take pictures and that shoud be enough.

Where is USJ? Map to Universal Studio Japan

View Larger Map

English web site http://www.usj.co.jp/e/

Where is Japan's most famos zoo? Map of Japan - Hokkaido

2009-04-28T14:46:00.006+09:00

Where is Japan's most famos zoo?

Hokkaido is the most biggest prefecture in Japan and located in very north of Japan.

Map of Japan-Hokkaido

Map of Japan-Hokkaido Capital: Sapporo

Map of Japan-City in Hokkaido: Asahikawa
Japan's most famos zoo; Asahiyama zoo is located

Asahiyama Zoo, the most famous zoo in Japan today known for successfull zoo management.
Asahiyama Zoo is particulary a small zoo in the suburb of Hokkaido. The number of visiting people was declining every year and was facing a difficult buissiness situation. The Curator claimed a dramatic reconstruction of the zoo in order to avoide collasp. Theam of reconstraction was to show "animals as the way they are in the nature" which was compleatly new consept for zoo management in Japan. By the new original presentation of the animal, Asahiyama Zoo was able to avoid finacial collasp and animal's live was protected.　Now more than 2million people visit this Zoo.

Official website of Asahiyama Zoo
http://www5.city.asahikawa.hokkaido.jp/asahiyamazoo/

This Success story was made in to a move.
Move Site
http://www.kadokawa-pictures.co.jp/official/asahiyamazoo/

Looking for blank map of Japan? Map of Japan

2009-04-24T11:13:00.008+09:00

Complete blank map of Japan

This is the outline of Japan. May be good resource for teachers.

Complete blank map of Japan with borderline of Prefectures

What is Prefecture?
Prefecture is an area of local govermet in Japan

How many Prefectures in Japan?
47 Prefecture

Map of Japan with the names of the Prefecture

How do you say prefecture in Japanese?
There are 4 differnt words for Prefecture.1. To (都) 2. Dou(道) 3. Fu(府) 4. Ken(県) Only Tokyo can use To. Only Hollaidou can use Dou. (already in the name) Osaka and Kyoto can use Fu. Other prefecture is Ken.

Map of 3 big cities in Japan

1.Tokyo 2.Osaka 3.NAgoya

Map of 5 big cities in Japan

1.Tokyo 2.Osaka 3.NAgoya 4.Sapporo 5.Fukuoka

Checked Tokyo Dating spot? Pen-with New Attitude 5/1

2009-04-23T10:29:00.007+09:00

"pen" is a japanese magazine relesed every 1st and 15th from Hankyu Communications Co., Ltd.

The lates pen's topic is Tokyo Map for Guys. It features cool places in Tokyo. Introduces variety of old to modern shops and restraunt. Check it out before dating ; )

All in Japanese but come with a nicely organized map and actual address of the shops slected.
Filled with of pictures so even just glancing though will be fun.

Go to this pages for backnumbers:
http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=6770067687226752122

For more infomation about Tokyo:
http://www.tokyobookmark.net/guide/