Exploring the Magnificent Himeji Castle: A Journey into Japan’s Rich History

When I was little, one of my favorite things to do during summer vacation was to take the Shinkansen from Hakata Station, where I lived, to my grandparents’ house in Hyogo Prefecture. The beautiful white castle that I always saw on the Shinkansen was Himeji Castle, also known as Shirasagi Castle. It is a World Heritage Site.

I’ve wished since I was in elementary school that I could go there someday, and now that I’m an adult, that dream has finally come true!

I am actually a history buff. When I was in elementary school, I used to look forward to visiting Kyoto and castles during summer vacation. I was finally able to visit the Shirasagi Castle that I had been longing to see.

Himeji Castle

Access

JR姫路駅

It is an 18-minute walk (about 1.3 km) from JR Himeji Station. JR Himeji Station is a big station for bullet trains to stop. There are a lot of shops in the building, too.

姫路城

When you exit JR Himeji Station, you can see Himeji Castle directly in front of you, so there is no way to get lost. You can go straight down the main street or walk along Miyuki-dori shopping street, which has a roof. There is also a restaurant called “Yamayogi” off Miyuki-dori shopping street, which is famous for its conger eel.

Admission Fee

姫路城の入場料

Admission to Himeji Castle is charged. The admission fee for Himeji Castle alone is 1,000 yen, and a set of admission tickets for the neighboring garden “Himeji Garden” is 1,040 yen, so the set ticket is a good deal. Isn’t this a strange pricing scheme? The set ticket is too cheap!

姫路城の入場券

We didn’t hesitate to buy a set of tickets! We didn’t have high expectations for “Koko-En”, but the autumn leaves were even more beautiful and the atmosphere was even better than we expected. We didn’t have enough time. I highly recommend that you visit “Koko-En”. This is a hidden gem.

Himeji Castle Tour

姫路城

We visited on a weekday in mid-November, so there was no waiting time to visit the castle tower, but signs like the one above mean that there will be a waiting time on holidays, etc. Visiting the castle tower is strictly shoes-only. Himeji Castle is made of wood. Especially in winter, it is recommended to wear socks because the floor gets cold.

姫路城

To go up one floor, we climbed up the stairs. Those stairs are steep! If you have bad knees, it might be hard for you.

姫路城 最上階

And what was enshrined on the top floor of Himeji Castle was God! I was a little surprised.

姫路城

From the top floor, you can see this spectacular view. I wonder if the former lords of the castle were thinking about their next move while looking at this view.

姫路城 西の丸

After visiting the castle tower, we walked around the surrounding gardens and the Nishinomaru area. The Nishinomaru was once the residence of Senhime, the granddaughter of Tokugawa Ieyasu. We were able to see the rooms where the maids used to sleep. It wasn’t fancy, but it was surprisingly interesting. It must have been cold in the winter if they lived in such a boarded-up place.

Required hours for Himeji Visit

姫路城

It took an hour around the castle tower. It also took us an hour to go around the Nishinomaru area. The entrance to Himeji Castle closes at 16:00, so please allow plenty of time for your visit. We didn’t have enough time for the last part of the tour, which was the Yoshikoen Garden, so we had to rush around.

Overview

Himeji Castle, as expected of a World Heritage Site, is a sight to behold. I’ve been admiring it for over 30 years. Himeji Castle is beautiful to look at, but as you would expect, there are also a sword resting place and a lid on the stairs, so there was a lot to see inside as well. Here is some advice for those who are going to visit Himeji Castle!

  • Dress warmly for a winter visit.
  • It takes a long time, so start your visit early in the morning.
  • The neighboring garden “Koko-En” is also beautiful and recommended.

Ultimate Guide to Accommodation in Fukuoka: Best Places to Stay and Hidden Gems

Fukuoka is a compact city. The attractions are clustered in certain areas and the transportation system is well developed. In this article, I will introduce where you should stay when sightseeing in Fukuoka, as I was born and raised in Fukuoka.

This article answers to the following questions :
– Where should I stay in Tenjin or Fukuoka Hakata?
– Where is the best location to book a hotel in Fukuoka, Japan?

Overview

写真提供:福岡市

In Fukuoka, everything is concentrated around Tenjin and Hakata Station. The transportation system is well developed, so you don’t need to rent a car unless you want to go to the suburbs. Subways, trains, and buses can be used to access most of the tourist spots. Furthermore, Fukuoka is famous for its airport being located within the city. From Fukuoka Airport, you can get to JR Hakata Station or Tenjin in less than 30 minutes by subway, making it really easy to get to the city center.

The main areas for tourists are Fukuoka Airport, JR Hakata Station, Tenjin, and Nakasu Kawabata. All of these are on the subway line. The distance between Tenjin and Hakata Station is only 2km, which is about 10 minutes by subway. It takes about 10 minutes by subway or 45 minutes on foot.

Tenjin is the center of Fukuoka, with its shopping malls and restaurants. The next most prosperous area is the Hakata Station area. The area around Hakata Station used to be a business district, but nowadays, the Hakata Station building houses fashionable stores and restaurants, making it an efficient place to shop and eat. Nakasu Kawabata is well known in Japan as “Nakasu” for its nightlife. On the other hand, Nakasu Kawabata is the downtown of Hakata. There are many old streets and old stores, and you can also enjoy the old Japanese townscape.

If you are planning to visit Fukuoka, you can definitely stay in JR Hakata Station, Tenjin, or Nakasu Kawabata. Nakasu Kawabata is located between Tenjin and Hakata Station, as you can access all places on foot, subway, or by foot. Here are some details about each area.

Tenjin

写真提供:福岡市

Tenjin is an area with a high concentration of department stores and restaurants. You can purchase most of local foods in Fukuoka at department stores in Tenjin.

–> Here is the list of Fukuoka Confectionery.

Tenjin has the first station of the Nishitetsu Omuta Line, Nishitetsu bus terminal, and Tenjin subway station, making it convenient for sightseeing. Tenjin is also within walking distance of Hakata Port. From Hakata Port, you can take a day trip to Busan, South Korea by high-speed boat. The transportation is excellent.

However, Tenjin is a busy shopping district. There are no supermarkets or shopping malls for the locals to shop at. There are also few parks. If you want to enjoy nature, you need to go to the suburbs. Hotels in Tenjin are relatively expensive in Fukuoka.

But all in all, it is by far the most convenient to stay in Tenjin because of the convenient transportation and you don’t have to worry about the last train. If in doubt, I recommend staying in the Tenjin area.

The ocean side (north side) of Tenjin, such as Oyafuko Dori and the Maizuru area, is a drinking area lined with clubs and pubs. If you want to stay quietly, the south side is recommended. For example, the Daimyo, Akasaka, Imaizumi, Kego, and Yakuin areas, which are a bit far from Tenjin, are also recommended as they are about a 10-minute walk from Tenjin. Akasaka, Kego, and Yakuin are high-class residential areas. I’ve known this area for a long time, and it’s safe, so I recommend it for women traveling alone. Imaizumi is a residential area, but it is also lined with love hotels along the Bic Camera and Nishitetsu Omuta line. I used to stay in the area closer to Daimyo in Tenjin, where there are many quiet and reasonably priced hotels.

Booking.com

Nakasu-Kawabata

写真提供:福岡市

Nakasu Kawabata is located in the middle of Tenjin and Hakata Station. It is a downtown area in Fukuoka, with many traditional stores. Kushida Shrine, where the Hakata Yamakasa festival is held, and Canal City are also in the Nakasu Kawabata area. The area is also home to a large drinking area called Nakasu. Many long-established restaurants and famous ramen stores can be found in Nakasu, so you can enjoy the nightlife if you stay in Nakasu Kawabata.

The downside is that some areas are noisy even at night, as there is a lot of nightlife. You may also get the impression that the area is a bit trashy. However, if you move around a bit, you can find quiet apartment hotels and many highly rated Japanese-style hotels, so you are spoiled for choice. Security is not that bad, but it is an area where many different people come and go and there are many touts, so I think you should be aware of what is going on around you in some passages.

There are many hotels that make use of the old streets, so this area is recommended for those who want to stay in a cosy and highly rated hotel.

Booking.com

Hakata Station

写真提供:福岡市

The area around JR Hakata Station used to be a business district, but it has recently been redeveloped to include fashionable restaurants and shopping malls, making it more convenient for sightseeing. However, the Nishitetsu Omuta Line, which is used to visit Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine and Yanagawa, is not available from Hakata Station, so you will need to go to Tenjin and change trains.

I have the impression that the Hakata exit side (Tenjin and Nakasu Kawabata side) is more prosperous because of the bus terminal and department stores, but the Chikushi exit is also a busy area with many buildings.

I don’t think there are any problems staying on either side of Hakata Station. Safety is also not a problem.

Booking.com

Nishijin

写真提供:福岡市

If you want to stay in Fukuoka while experiencing the atmosphere of local people’s life, Nishijin is the place for you. Nishijin is a 15-minute subway ride from Tenjin. It is an area where you can enjoy shopping streets, department stores, and even Fukuoka Tower if you walk a little further to the sea. In particular, the shopping street in Nishijin is an area where small stores are clustered together, giving you a local feel that you can’t find in Tenjin or Hakata Station. When I was a student, I often went to Nishijin to eat Houraku Manju and buy clothes.

The downside is that the transportation is a bit poor. It is a bit far to walk from Nishijin to Tenjin, so you will most likely have to take a bus or subway to Tenjin. Nishishin is a town where locals gather, so you can’t expect the same nightlife as in Nakasu. I think it is safe.

Booking.com

Fukuoka Airport for transfer

写真提供:福岡市

Fukuoka Airport is close to the city center and it takes about 20 minutes by subway to the city center. The area around Fukuoka Airport is a residential area. There are almost no tourist spots around the airport. There are some restaurants, but most of them are chain stores, and all the famous stores and shopping spots in Fukuoka are concentrated around Tenjin or Hakata Station. As a result, for all sightseeing, you will probably have to take the subway or bus to Tenjin or Nakasu Kawabata. If you are staying one night just to change trains, staying around Fukuoka Airport is a good idea. However, if you want to enjoy sightseeing in Fukuoka for a few days, I think it would be cheaper to avoid the Fukuoka Airport area and go to Tenjin area for transportation.

Summary

The standard lodging areas for sightseeing in Fukuoka are either Hakata Station, Nakasu Kawabata, or Tenjin. The most recommended area is Tenjin, which is the main transportation hub and has a lot of stores. If you are looking for a deeper experience of local life, Nishijin is also recommended, as it is less crowded with tourists.

Exploring Fukuoka’s Sweet Delights: A Guide to Irresistible Confectionery

Each region of Japan has its own famous sweets. When Japanese people go on a trip to a local area, it is customary for them to buy some of the local sweets, which are a little more expensive than supermarket sweets, as souvenirs for their friends and colleagues.
In this article, I would like to introduce some of the best confections that visitors to Fukuoka often buy.

Hiyoko (Hiyoko honpo Yoshinodo) / 名菓ひよ子(ひよ子本舗吉野堂)

A product of a confectionery manufacturer in Fukuoka, Japan, founded in 1912. The cute figure of a hiyoko is impressive. The moist skin is filled with yellow bean paste.

Many people in Tokyo say that Hiyoko is a Tokyo’s confectionery, but this is truly Fukuoka ‘s one.

When I was a kid, I loved it so much that my siblings and I used to fight over it whenever we got a hiyoko from our relatives. It was fun to argue with friends over whether to eat the hiyoko from the head or the butt.

At a factory located in Iizuka-city, Fukuoka, you can join a factory tour. The detail is here.

Hakata Torimon (Meigetsudo) / 博多通りもん(明月堂)

The sweet was born in 1993. A relatively new Hakata specialty snack. However, it gets quickly a standard Hakata souvenir.

A steamed bun with white bean jam wrapped in a moist, milk-flavored skin. Although it is called “manju”, it is a western-style Japanese confectionery that tastes like a western confectionery.

This is one item that anyone would be happy to receive. Truly delicious.

Chidori Manju (Chidoriya) / 千鳥饅頭(千鳥饅頭総本舗)

A confectionery manufacturer established in 1630. The buns are made by baking a dough wrapped with sweet bean paste . The top of the bun is branded with a bird.

I have eaten these buns since I was a little girl, and I love them. It is really delicious. At the directly-managed store in Tenjin, they sell slightly misshapen buns at a reasonable price, so I always buy a lot of those buns to take home.

  • Head Quarter : 9-157 Kamikawabata-machi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka
  • Shop : Daimaru, Iwataya, Fukuoka Airport etc.
  • https://www.chidoriya.co.jp/english/index.html

Hakata no Hito (Nikakudo) / 博多の女(二鶴堂)

A sweet made by wrapping red bean yokan in a baumkuchen and cutting it into small pieces. A long-time favorite in Fukuoka. The Hakata doll packaging has not changed since the old days, and it is always delicious.

I used to bring them to my colleagues in Tokyo. Many people love this sweet.

  • Head Quarter : 15-21 Maedashi 6-chome, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka
  • Shop : Hakata Deitos, Mitsukoshi, Hakata Ming, Fukuoka Airport etc.
  • https://www.nikakudou.co.jp/commodity/index.html

Tsukushi Mochi (Jyosuian) / 筑紫もち(如水庵)

Mochi rice cakes made from kneaded rice produced in Kyushu and covered with kinako (soybean flour). It is eaten with the accompanying kuromitsu.

I used to get them from my relatives who lived in Fukuoka. Very well-known confectionery.

Niwaka Senbei (Toundo) / 二〇加煎餅(にわかせんべい本舗 東雲堂)

Rice crackers made by a company founded in 1906. These egg-flavored crackers are shaped like the masks of the local performing art “Hakata Niwaka”. Most people probably don’t know about the local entertainment, but the TV commercial where a child goes to apologize with a Niwaka cracker is very famous. This is another cracker that has been well known for a long time, and I used to eat it from time to time.

Hakata BuraBura (Saemon) / 博多ぶらぶら(博多菓匠左衛門)

A long-time seller since 1929. Gyuhi made from Saga’s rice is wrapped in red bean paste.

“Hakata Burabura” is very famous for its TV commercials. I haven’t had a chance to try it.

Hakata no Ishidatami (Chocolate Shop) / 博多の石畳(チョコレートショップ)

This is a long-established restaurant established in 1942. In fact, although I didn’t know the name of this store when I was little, I found out about it when I grew up and tried it and it was delicious. Chocolate cake with sponge cake, mousse, and fresh cream. There are also variations of strawberry and green tea flavors.

  • 3-17 Amiba-cho, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka
  • Shop : Hakata JR Station (Amu plaza Hakata 1F), Fukuoka Airport
  • https://chocolateshop.jp/

Menbei (Fukutaro) / めんべい(福太郎)

A thin, crispy rice cracker snack. They come in a variety of flavors, including mentai flavor, and are quite tasty.

It was once served on an international flight of All Nippon Airways. It is one of the crackers that I always buy for myself to take home. Hakata Hankyu has a limited supply of premium menbei.

You can visit Menbei Factory in Fukuoka, Japan. The detail is here. (Japanese Website)

Tirolian (Chidoriya) / チロリアン(千鳥饅頭総本舗)

Rolled cookie dough filled with vanilla or chocolate cream. You can buy similar ones at the supermarket, but Chidori-ya’s rolled cookies are much better. I’ve been eating them since I was a little girl, and I love them.

  • Head Quarter : 9-157 Kamikawabata-machi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka
  • Shop : Daimaru, Iwataya, Fukuoka Airport etc.
  • https://www.chidoriya.co.jp/english/index.html

Nanban Ourai (Sakaeya) / なんばん往来(さかえ屋)

Nanban Ourai

“Namban Orai” is a popular snack sold by Sakaeya, a well-known confectionery manufacturer in Fukuoka. It is made of moist dough made of almond flour and pie dough, and is really delicious.

Personally, I really like it so much that it is one of my top three favorites, and there was a time when I only bought “Namban Orai”. There is a limited edition product that can only be bought at Hakata Hankyu department store.

  • Head Quarter : 128-1 Horiike, Iizuka-city
  • Shop : Hakata Ming
  • http://sakaeya.co.jp/

Summary

In this article, I have introduced Hakata’s famous sweets that can be purchased in Hakata. All of them are standard, long-loved sweets. Why don’t you buy some for yourself or as souvenirs? I always buy them for myself!

Culinary Adventure in Fukuoka: Must-Try Delicacies and Local Delights

Fukuoka is famous among Japanese people for its many delicious foods. I grew up in Fukuoka, and after moving to Tokyo, I realized how good the food was in Fukuoka. Even now, when I go back to Fukuoka, I look forward to eating delicious food. I am such a big fan of Fukuoka. In this article, I will introduce 7 dishes you should eat on your trip to Fukuoka.

This article will answer to the following questions:
– What are the sights to see and food to eat in Fukuoka as a tourist?

Hakata Ramen

Hakata Ramen ShinShin

Hakata Ramen is one of the most popular foods in Fukuoka, and is so well known in Japan. Hakata Ramen is made with pork bone soup and thin noodles. Depending on the restaurant, the soup can range from rich to lightly flavored. I hope you will try Hakata Ramen at various restaurants.

Hakata Ramen is really Fukuoka’s soul food that the locals have been eating on a regular basis. When I was in high school, I used to eat Hakata Ramen on my way home from school. The ramen I ate back then was pork bone ramen made by an old man in a small store. The price was 450 Japanese Yen then. It was really delicious. I looked it up and found out that it is still in business. It’s a bowl of ramen I want to try when I go back to Fukuoka.

Here are the must-eat ramens in Fukuoka.

Motsu Nabe

写真提供:福岡市

There are many types of hot pot in Japan, but Fukuoka is famous for its Motsu-nabe. Motsu-nabe is a hot pot with beef mots, cabbage, and chives. The soup is either soy sauce or miso flavored. It is also popular among women as they can eat a lot of vegetables. I have actually eaten motsunabe myself, and it is delicious. Now, I sometimes eat motsu-nabe at home as well.

  • [Nakasu Kawabata] Hakata Motsu-Nabe Ooyama HQ 博多もつ鍋 おおやま 本店
  • [Nakasu Kawabata] Motsu Kou もつ幸
  • [Gion] Kawano かわ乃 博多店
  • [Nishi Nakasu] Motsu Nabe Syouraku HQ もつ鍋 笑楽 本店

Mizu-taki

写真提供:福岡市

Another hot pot in Fukuoka is Mizu-taki. Mizu-taki is a hot pot that I have eaten often since I was a kid. When relatives gathered at my parents’ house, it was one of the traditions to have Mizu-taki together. Mizu-taki is a local dish that originated in the Meiji era. It is said to have originated as a Japanese version of Chinese cuisine and consommé soup.

The meat and vegetables are simmered in a chicken-based soup and eaten with ponzu sauce. When the vegetables and meat are finished, it is best to add rice or noodles to soak up the soup before eating.

  • [Daimyo] Iwatoya 岩戸屋
  • [Nakasu Kawabata] Mizutaki Nagano 水たき 長野
  • [Tenjin] Hakata Mizudaki Shinmiura 博多水だき 新三浦
  • [Nakasu Kawabata] Hakata Hanamidori Nakasu HQ 博多華味鳥 中洲本店

Fresh Fish

Fukuoka is famous for its delicious seafood as well as ramen and hot pot. I really think this is true for me as well. When I went to Tokyo for the first time, I was surprised at how tasteless the sushi I bought at the Tokyo supermarket was. Sushi at supermarkets in Fukuoka is cheaper and tastes so much better. The secret of the delicious seafood is thanks to the sea that Fukuoka faces, the Genkai Sea. Because Genkai Sea is one of the best fishing grounds in Japan, it is easy to get fresh seafood in Fukuoka. If you want to enjoy seafood in Fukuoka, go for sushi or izakaya restaurants and order fish .

Also, each season has different fish to enjoy, so enjoy the freshest fish according to the time of year you travel. Here is a list of typical fish for each season.

  • June – October : horse mackerel and cuttlefish
  • October – November : sand crayfish and mackerel
  • December – January : saw-edged perch

Here is the list of recommending restaurants.

  • Hyotan no Kaiten Sushi ひょうたんの回転寿司
  • Mawaru Sushi Hakata Uogashi まわる寿司 博多魚がし
  • Kaisendon Hinode 海鮮丼 日の出
  • Okiyo おきよ

Additionally next prefecture “Saga” is famous for squid. You can enjoy fresh squid in Fukuoka as well. The best way to eat squid is to go to Karatsu, Saga. However you can still fresh squid. This squid is very different from normal squids. I highly recommend to eat squid in Fukuoka or Saga.

Hakata Hitokuchi Gyoza

写真提供:福岡市

Hitokuchi gyoza is a popular food as soul food in Hakata these days. The size is 4-6cm, which is smaller than most gyoza. It is said that they were made so that impatient Hakata people could eat them.

Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve heard from adults that there are restaurants that serve delicious gyoza, but I never knew that the size of gyoza in Hakata was so small and so popular. Upon closer inspection, I found that there are many specialty gyoza restaurants in Fukuoka, including some that have been in business for over 70 years. In Fukuoka, gyoza is often eaten as a side dish to ramen, but be sure to try the gyoza from specialty stores.

  • [Nakasu] Houuntei Nakasu HQ 宝雲亭 中洲本店
  • [Daimyo] Temjin Daimyo branch テムジン大名店
  • [Hakata Station] Asahiken Ekimae HQ 旭軒 駅前本店
  • [Hakata Station] Hakata Gion Tetsu Nabe 博多祇園鉄なべ

Hakata Udon

It is said that Hakata is the place where udon was first introduced. For this reason, there are many specialty stores in Hakata, Fukuoka. Udon is said to have been introduced by the monk Seiichi Kokushi, who returned from China in the Kamakura period. Udon in Fukuoka is characterized by its soft noodles and toppings such as burdock tempura and round tempura. I have been going to udon shops and eating udon since I was a little girl. During the summer Obon season when my relatives would gather, we would all go to “Karo no Uron”, one of the most famous udon shops in Fukuoka. “Karo no Uron” has been in business for over 130 years. It’s a very famous restaurant in Fukuoka.

  • [Nakasu Kawabata] Karo no Uron かろのうろん
  • [Tenjin] Inaba Udon 因幡うどん ソラリアステージ店
  • [Nakasu Kawabata] Miyake Udon みやけうどん

Yakitori

Yakitori is also available in other cities in Japan. Fukuoka’s yakitori is characterized by the fact that a pile of cabbage is served even without ordering it. And the cabbage is delicious. When I was a high school student, My mom took me to a yakitori restaurant for the first time and I was impressed by the deliciousness of the cabbage. Of course, the yakitori was also delicious. On weekdays, you can see people on their way home from work enjoying their yakitori while drinking beer.

  • [Yakuin] Torikawa Kyosui とりかわ粋恭
  • [Hakata Station] Yakitori Hachibee 焼き鳥の八兵衛
  • [Nakasu Kawabata] Tenka no Yakitori Nobuhide HQ 天下の焼鳥 信秀本店

Summary

I have introduced seven dishes that you must try when you visit Fukuoka. Fukuoka is a gourmet city with seriously cheap and delicious food. Instead of spending a fortune in Tokyo, I would recommend that you go to Fukuoka and enjoy the fresh and delicious local food.

Savor the Irresistible Delights of Hakata Ramen at ShinShin: A Flavorful Review

I’ve been eating Hakata ramen since I was a kid, and at this point, Shin Shin’s Hakata ramen is my number one choice. I’ve been eating Hakata Ramen since I was a little girl, and at this point, Shin Shin is my number one choice for Hakata Ramen. It’s orthodox Hakata Ramen, but I think Shin Shin is delicious! For those who love Hakata Ramen, I will introduce Shin Shin.

Note: The photo above is shot at the KITTE Hakata branch.

Hakata Ramen Shin Shin Information

  • 1-1 Hakataeki Chuo-gai, Hakata Deitos 2nd floor, Hakata, Fukuoka
  • +81 92-473-5057
  • 11am – 0am (Sat & Sun 10am – )
  • 42 seats
  • http://www.hakata-shinshin.com/

Access

There are several stores in Fukuoka City, with the main store located in Tenjin. One of the branches is also located in Hakata Menkaido, in Hakata Station. When I arrive at Hakata Station on the Shinkansen, I often go straight to the restaurant next to the ticket gate of Hakata Station to eat. If you arrive to Fukuoka (Hakata) via Bullet Train, you can visit the restaurant within 5 minutes. Please stop by!

Inside the restaurant

The Hakata Deitos branch has 42 seats at tables. I’m sure the number of seats will change in the future, but when I visit, there is almost no line to get in, but even so, the seats in the restaurant are often quite occupied even when I visit between 3 and 4 pm.

If you have large luggage, you can ask the staff at the entrance of the restaurant to keep it for you, so you don’t have to worry about having a large suitcase.

Menu

Shin Shin Ramen Menu

The menu is, of course, centered around ramen. You can choose the ramen first, and then add fried rice or gyoza to make a set. If you still can’t get enough, you can order a second bowl of noodles (called “Kaedama”), which is a Hakata specialty. If you eat a lot, you can get a ramen set including ramen and fried rice, and if you are a small eater, you can get only ramen to fill up your stomach.

Hakata Shin Shin Ramen (700 Japanese Yen)

Hakata Ramen ShinShin

It is the simplest Hakata ramen. It is really a royal pork bone ramen. Of course, the noodles are thin. When you order, you will be asked, “How long do you want to boil the noodles? When you order, you will be asked, “How long do you want to boil the noodles? I ask for “balikata (hard)”. When I come back to Fukuoka, this is the first ramen I eat!

Kaedama (150 Japanese Yen)

博多Shin Shinラーメン 替え玉

When you ask for a refill, you will get only noodles on a small plate like the one above. When you order a refill, leave out the ramen soup! Personally, I like to leave the red ginger and other ingredients out of the first bowl of ramen soup, and try to arrange it when the replacement ramen comes.

Fried Rice

Japanese fried rice! That’s what fried rice is called. You can enjoy the Japanese style fried rice, which is different from the fried rice you can get in Chinese restaurants. I love it.

Shin Shin is recommended for these people

In Fukuoka, there are many famous ramen stores that are known for their delicious ramen. All of them have their own individuality, but I think Shin Shin Ramen is pretty close to the basic form. Before trying the various Hakata ramen in Fukuoka, why not try the royal ramen first, and then try the other sub-types?

Savoring Fukuoka’s Best Ramen: Unveiling the Ultimate Noodle Delights

For those who are planning to visit Fukuoka (Hakata), the home of ramen, I will introduce best ramens. I grew up in Fukuoka and visit Fukuoka every year. If you like ramen, this article is a must to read. Hope you will find an interesting ramen for your trip to Fukuoka.

This article answers to the following questions :
Where is the best place to eat ramen in Fukuoka?

Hakata Ramen ShinShin

Hakata Ramen ShinShin

This is a popular restaurant in Hakata where you can find moderately good pork bone ramen. I have eaten there many times, and it is really delicious. You can also enjoy the extra-fine noodles that you can’t taste anywhere else. This restaurant is so popular that you can even buy a ramen set at the airport. This popular restaurant is always crowded because it is run by an owner who honed his skills at a food stall. There are several stores in Hakata Station and Tenjin.

Here is my review of Hakata Ramen ShinShin at Hakata Deitos (JR Hakata Station).

  • Tenjin Head Quarter: 2-19 3-Chome Tenjin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka (MAP)
  • Hakata Deitos (JR Hakata Station): 1-1 Hakata Eki Chuo-gai, 2nd floor, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka (MAP)
  • Kitte Hakata (near JR Hakata Station): 9-1 Chuo-gai, B1 floor, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka (MAP)
  • Sumiyoshi: 5-15 5-Chome Sumiyoshi, 1F, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka (MAP)
  • Website: http://www.hakata-shinshin.com/ (Japanese Only)

Ichiran

Ichiran

It is now a very famous restaurant that can be found all over Japan. However, the main restaurant is in Fukuoka. In Fukuoka, there is a Fukuoka-only menu called “Kamadare Tonkotsu Ramen,” which is interesting to try. The restaurant’s design is unique in that each seat has its own curtain, so you can concentrate on the ramen.

Ichiran Ramen

The Ramen is served by Japanese traditional bento box. The ramen is very tasty.

  • Head Quarter (Nakasu) : 3-2 5-Chome Nakasu, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka (MAP)
  • Tenjin Nishi-dori : 1-57 2-Chome Daimyo, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka (MAP)
  • Canal City : 2-22, 1-Chome Sumiyoshi, B1 floor, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka (MAP)
  • Hakata Station : 1-1 Hakata-eki Chuo-gai, JR Hakata City 10F, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka (MAP)
  • Hakata (near Hakata Station) : 2-1 2-Chome Hakata Eki Mae, Fukuoka Center Building B2 floor, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka (MAP)
  • Fukuoka Airport : 778-1 Shimo-Usui, 2nd Floor, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka (MAP)
  • Website : https://en.ichiran.com/index.php (English website)

Ippudo

This is another famous restaurant that can be found all over Japan. The Daimyo main restaurant near Tenjin has a limited menu.

  • Head Quarter (Tenjin) : 13-14, 1-Chome Daimyo, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka (MAP)
  • Hakata Station : 1-1 Hakata-Eki Chuo-gai, JR Hakata City 10th Floor, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka (MAP)

Hakata Ikkosha

This is a very famous restaurant with more than 60 stores in Japan and overseas. It is called “Awakei (Bubble)” because the surface of the soup is covered with bubbles of fat. The soup is made from the skull, backbone, and bones of a pig, and is quite thick. The Founder “Kosuke Yoshimura” invented this soup in 2004. The homemade thin flat noodles are slightly thin. This is also a very popular restaurant that offers instant ramen sets at the airport.

  • Head Quarter : 23-12 3-Chome Hakata Eki Mae, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka (MAP)
  • Fukuoka Airport : 782-1 Shimo-Usui, 3rd floor, Hakata-ku, fukuoka (MAP)
  • Hakata Daitos (JR Hakata Station) : 1 Hakata Eki Chuo-gai, 2nd floor, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka (MAP)
  • Hakata Ichiban Gai (Hakata Station) : 1-1- Hakata Eki Chuo-gai, B1 floor, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka (MAP)
  • Website : https://www.ikkousha.com/ (Japanese)

Ramen Jinanbo

A popular ramen restaurant with a moderately rich taste. The noodles are very thin. The noodles are ultra-thin, so even people who don’t like tonkotsu can eat them. In addition to ramen, the main restaurant’s limited menu, Hakata Meat and Meat Rice, is also popular for its delicious taste.

  • Head Quarter (JR Hakata Station) : 16-4 2-Chome Hakata Eki Mae, Hakata-ku Fukuoka (MAP)
  • Hakata Oh (Canal City) : 2-22, 1-Chome Sumiyoshi, 5th Floor Hakata-ku, Fukuoka (MAP)
  • Website : http://www.r-jnb.jp/index.html (Japanese)

Fukuchan Ramen

Although it is located in the suburbs, a short distance from Tenjin and Hakata, it is a popular restaurant loved by the locals who never stop coming. The soup, made by mixing two different concentrations of pork bone soup, is moderately rich. The noodles are between thick and thin. The free chives and kimchi on the table is also a specialty of the restaurant, and is delicious wrapped around chashu pork. In addition, the grilled rice is also popular.

Hakata Issou

The attraction of Hakata Issou is its thick soup. Although it opened late in 2012, it is now a very popular restaurant. The noodles are slightly thinner.

Summary

We have introduced some of the most popular ramen stores in Fukuoka and Hakata. There are as many ramen stores in Fukuoka as there are Starbucks in New York, but these are the ones that are extremely popular among the locals. Ramen is one of the most popular meals in Fukuoka, and can be enjoyed at lunch, dinner, or even after a night of drinking at an izakaya.

Gregory Compass 40 Review: Unveiling the Ultimate Travel Companion

Are you looking for a backpack that you can use for a week-long trip or business trip? In this article, I will introduce the Gregory Compass 40, a popular backpack that I have been using for five years. I traveled with the Compass 40 for three months in about 20 countries around the world. This article focuses on the size of the Compass 40, my impressions, its advantages and disadvantages, and what I learned from using it for a long period of time.

In conclusion, buying the Compass 40 was a great decision! I can confidently recommend this backpack to both men and women. I recommend it not only for overseas travel but also for business trips.

Product Specification

グレゴリー・コンパス40はLCCに持ち込み可のサイズ
ItemSpecification
Capacity40 litre
Size23. 25″ X 13. 5″ X 9. 75″
(55 cm X 32 cm X 25 cm)
Weight2.2 lbs (963g)
Price$129.95
Price at Amazon$129.95 (Check the latest price here)
User Review at Amazon★★★★★ (4.7 out of 5)

The Compass 40 has a capacity of 40 liters and weighs only 963 grams. I researched and researched various backpacks when I bought it, and finally chose the Compass 40.

After using it, I found out that the 40-liter Compass 40 is just the right size for a trip of a few days to a week. I went on a three-month trip with just the Compass 40, and it was still fine. This is because even if I travel for more than a week, I just wash my clothes every week. The size is sufficient for medium to long term trips of several months.

And what’s even better is that it’s just barely big enough to be carried on LCCs, even though LCCs charge a fee for checked luggage and it’s expensive, but you don’t have to worry about that with the Compass 40.

Compartment Review of Gregory Compass40

グレゴリー・コンパス40

On the outside of the Gregory Compass 40, there are four pockets.

  1. Main pocket that opens like a suitcase
  2. Back computer pocket convenient for storing a computer
  3. Upper pocket for small items
  4. Expanding Bottom Compartment convenient for shoes or laundry

There are no side pockets, but on the contrary, it makes the Compass 40 a safer backpack. The pockets are very well designed. Let’s take a look at each one in detail.

Main Pocket

グレゴリー・コンパス40のメインポケット

The main pocket here is designed to open like a suitcase. Many backpacks, including the Karrimor I used to use, have an opening at the top, so you have to take things in and out from the top in order. Whenever I wanted to take something out, I had to take everything out and put it back in again, which was very painful.

I came across the Gregory Compass 40 when I was looking for a bag pack that would open up on the back like a suitcase. I wouldn’t go so far as to say it’s just like a suitcase, but it’s pretty close, and it’s saved me a lot of pain getting my stuff in and out! This is really convenient. When I get to my lodgings, I just open the main pocket up and it’s easy to organize my luggage.

Back computer pocket

There is a flat, separate pocket on the back side that can hold up to 15-inch computer. This pocket is quite convenient for those who carry a computer. This pocket is quite handy for those who carry their computers with them, allowing them to quickly retrieve their computers at the airport baggage checkpoint. Furthermore, it has a protective pad to protect it from shocks. I also carry my Mac with me all the time in my Compass 40, and thanks to it, it’s currently intact!

I always carry my computer with me when I travel, so this computer pocket is a must. There are times when I want to open my computer while I’m waiting for something, so the computer pocket is really convenient for me to take out my computer.

Upper Pocket

グレゴリー コンパス40の小物を入れるのに便利な上部ポケット

On the top of my backpack, there is a large top pocket that can hold about two bottles of water. I usually put things in that pocket that I need to take out quickly (for example, a book to read on the train, water, etc.). Of course, the zipper is on your back, so you can avoid the risk of strangers opening it without your permission. 

Inside the pockets, there are mesh pockets where I can put all the small things together, so I can keep my small things organized even though I am not good at organizing.

Expanding Bottom Compartment

グレゴリーコンパス40 草履や洗濯物を入れるのに便利な下部ポケット

There is also a pocket at the very bottom that is about twice the size of the top pocket. I usually put flip-flops and laundry in this pocket to keep things a little dirtier. It’s really convenient to have separate pockets for laundry that I want to keep separate. It is very useful.

No Side Pocket

It is close to the best in design and feel, but it does not have a side pocket to hold my bottle for drinking water. Instead of having no side pockets, it has a slim looking back. Also, many bag packs from other brands that look cool do not have side pockets.

Pros and Cons of Compass 40

I have actually been using Compass 40 for three years now. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages I have found in using it. Here are the details.

ProsCons
Easy to CarryNo waist belt
Storage CapacityAppearance
Easy access to luggage
Pickpocket-resistant safety design
Stain-resistant and break-resistant design

Cons: No waist belt

グレゴリー コンパス40

The Compass 40 does not have a waist belt to support the weight of the backpack. When you carry a heavy load, the weight goes directly to your shoulders.

To be honest, as a woman, I felt that it was “hard” for me to walk long distances with a heavy load in the Compass 40. However, it is not that big, only 40 liters in size, so if you don’t only put heavy things in it, I don’t think it will be that heavy.

I weighed the Compass 40 many times at airports. It always weighed between 10kg (22 pounds) and 12kg (27 pounds). 10kg is the weight limit for many LCCs, so if you are a little careful, you can clear the LCC weight limit.

Cons: Easy to Carry

The Gregory Company was founded in 1977 by Wayne Gregory, a famous climber. This outdoor brand was born in California, USA, and focuses on backpacks. It has been called the Rolls-Royce of the backpack world for its comfort. Because Gregory’s products have been made with a focus on backpacks, they are quite comfortable when carried on the back!

As long as you do not put a lot of heavy stuff, you can carry very comfortably. I carry my luggage all the time and did not need to ask any help for my husband during the 3-month travel.

Cons: Appearance

グレゴリー コンパス40

My husband said that when I carry my Compass 40, I look like a turtle in the back… See my picture above. Do I look like a turtle? My Compass 40 is khaki colored. And since I am a woman, I have a small back. I guess it made me look like a turtle. For women, the Compass 40 may look a bit large. However, if you are a man, your back is probably bigger than your backpack, so I don’t think you will be told that you look like a turtle like I did.

Sometimes I asked my husband to carry the Compass 40 on his back, but he didn’t look like a turtle.

Pros: Storage Capacity

グレゴリー コンパス40

Believe me. The Compass 40 gives you enough storage for your 1-week travel. Even you can use for 3-month travel as I did.

When we traveled all over the world with Compass 40 for 3 months, my husband traveled with a 40-liter Kalimar backpack and I traveled with a 40-liter Gregory Compass 40 backpack. My husband and I carried about the same amount of stuff (a week’s worth of clothes and toiletries), but his 40-liter Kalimar backpack was always full! Often, I couldn’t fit anything in it. Whenever there was more laundry to be done, there were times when I couldn’t fit anything in my Kalimah backpack.

The Compass 40 is square in shape and does not have a lot of dead space in its design, so it can hold a lot of stuff, even if I have more stuff. As a result, there were times when I had to carry a lot of stuff, but the Compass 40’s storage capacity helped me a lot!

Pros: Easy access to luggage

グレゴリー コンパス40 出し入れしやすい

One of the main features of the Compass 40 is this design, which can be opened like a suitcase. This is the reason why I chose the Compass 40, and it is really easy to use. You can use the backpack like a suitcase.

For example, when you are traveling for a long period of time, you may check out of your hotel the next day on short trips. It’s very tiring to arrive at the hotel every time, take out your luggage, and pack it up to leave the next day. I hate it too. With the Compass 40, however, the lid that holds the luggage in and out opens wide, so it is easy to put the luggage in and out. I don’t have to go through the nightmarish process of packing my stuff in order from the bottom up, and then taking out the bottom stuff again if I forgot to put something in… as is often the case with conventional backpacks! Packing is really done in 10 minutes.

I used to feel uneasy if I didn’t pack the night before, but now that I travel with the Compass 40, packing has become easier, so I always pack quickly on the morning of departure. My husband always looked at me sideways and murmured, “I like the Compass 40. It really, really made packing a lot easier!

A trick to make packing even shorter is to use travel pouches. If you put all your clothes, daily necessities, etc. in each pouch, you can just pop them in and out. The cheapest travel pouches start at around 2000 yen, so if you travel a lot, I highly recommend them. I’ve been using Amazon Basic brand travel pouches for about three years now, and they’ve made my travel packing much easier.

Pros: Pickpocket-resistant safety design

The openings for pockets and other compartments are all on the back. It was helpful for me to be able to carry my backpack without worrying about my back, even in cities where pickpockets are common, or in crowded bus and train stations. When you go to a foreign country, there are people who have a surprisingly small personal space with others, and I don’t know if they have bad intentions or not, but there are people who pack you in pretty tight. It was very helpful to be able to focus my attention on the second bag in front of me even in the presence of such people.

Additionally, the Compass 40 does not have a side pocket. When I first bought it, I thought that the lack of side pockets was a drawback. However, when I actually traveled for long periods of time, I found no inconvenience without the side pocket. Many travelers carry bottled water or sandals in their side pockets. I was one of them. However, when I checked them into the plane or squatted down, the things in the side pockets would fall out, fall out. With other backpacks, things in the side pockets would fall out, but with the Compass 40, there are no side pockets, so things no longer fall out or get lost, which I think is an advantage. The lack of side pockets was not a disadvantage!

Pros: Stain-resistant and break-resistant design

The Compass 40 is really sturdy, I’ve been using it for 5 years now and it hasn’t really broken down in any way, and I’m sure I can use it for another 10 years. I have used it for five years and it has not broken in any way. The zipper, which is the most fragile part of the bag, has not been broken at all.

The only part that is slightly damaged is the cushion part on the back side. The only part that is a little bit damaged is the cushion on the back side, which is slightly frayed as shown in the photo below. However, I can still use it without any problems.

グレゴリー コンパス40

User Review of Compass 40

I’m enthusiastically recommending Compass 40, but I’m not the only one giving it high marks! Others are giving it high marks as well. Others have given it high marks as well, including Amazon, which gave it a 4.7 out of 5! Also, 76% of users gave it a 5 out of 5 rating. Now you can see that I’m not the only one giving it a high rating, other people are too.

I want to see for myself! If that’s the case, you can access the Gregory Compass 40 rating on Amazon to check it out. Amazon Review Page of Gregory Compass 40

Compass 40 is recommended for

After using it, I would recommend the Gregory Compass 40 for short to long term travelers, as it can easily hold a week’s worth of clothes. I also recommend it for people who don’t want to check their luggage with the airline. It meets the baggage restrictions of many airlines, so I have never been caught in the baggage check before boarding. Even if I were to check it in as hand luggage, it would be durable enough as I have never had it tear.

On the other hand, I do not recommend using the Compass 40 for climbing or other purposes. The reason is that we feel that its ability to support the load of the luggage is weak.

Frequently Asked Questions for Compass 40

Q. Does it fit under the seat on flights?

A. According to United Airlines, the maximum dimensions for your personal item are 9 inches x 10 inches x 17 inches (22 centimeters x 25 centimeters x 43 centimeters). However, the dimensions of Compass 40 are 23. 25 inches X 13. 5 inches X 9. 75 inches. I would say the Compass 40 is slightly bigger than United’s seat size. If your compass 40 does not have a lot of stuff with plenty of empty spaces, you can fit it underneath of your seat. Otherwise it would be advised to store in the overhead bin.


Q. Can I bring Compass 40 as carry-on bag?

According to United Airlines, the maximum dimensions for a carry-on bag are 9 inches x 14 inches x 22 inches (22 centimeters x 35 centimeters x 56 centimeters). The dimensions of Compass 40 are 23. 25 inches X 13. 5 inches X 9. 75 inches. Very slightly the Compass 40 is bigger than the defined size of carry-on bag.

A. I boarded a lot of international flights with Compass 40. Even LCC flight. Most of time I could bring my Compass 40 as a carry-on bag since the bag is nylon. It is easy to push to fit the carry-on size.

Q. Is it waterproof or does it come with a rain cover?

A. This is not waterproof. This does not come with a rain cover. Based on my experience, in case of light rain, it does not get wet so much. It protected my laptop and clothes. However I think it needs a rain cover in case of heavy rain.

Q. Can luggage locks be used on this?

Yes for main storage compartment. I usually lock it. However, you cannot lock other compartments.

Q. Which one is better Compass 40 or Compass 30?

In fact, Compass 40 also has a compact size series called Compass 30. Both Compass 30 and Compass 40 have almost the same design. It’s troubling. The Compass 30 is a smaller version of the Compass 30, and 30 liters is said to be ideal for two days and one night. Let’s compare the specifications.

項目Compass 30Compass 40
画像
Capacity30 litle40 litre
Dimensions51 cm X 34 cm X 20 cm55 cm X 32 cm X 25 cm
Weight760g963g
Price$99.95$129.95
Price at Amazon.com$129.95
User Review at Amazon.com★★★★★4.7 (See the detail)

In fact, based on my experience of traveling for three months with Compass 40, here are my recommendations for Compass 30.

  • Often travel for 3 days and 2 nights
  • Often use LCC airlines with strict luggage restrictions
  • (e.g., Air Asia, Jet Star, Spring Airlines, HKExpress)
  • Petite women

Summary

Overall I am satisfied with my Compass 40 due to its quality and design. If my backpack is broken, I would buy Gregory Product again. If you are planning to buy a backpack for 1-week travel, I definitely recommend this product. Since this product is popular, you do not usually see a discount.

Exploring Authentic Japanese Markets in the Bay Area: Top Picks for Food, Culture, and Shopping

Want to buy Japanese food in the Bay Area? This is the list of Japanese grocery stores you should visit. When I first moved to the Bay Area, I had no idea where to buy Japanese food. However I found these by talking to local Japanese people. In this article, I will introduce some of Japanese grocery store in the Bay Area that Japanese people actually go to.

Marukai

Marukai is a supermarket that I go to at least once every two weeks, and the selection and prices are both excellent. Marukai is a supermarket that I go to once every two weeks, and I think the prices at Marukai have become more reasonable, partly due to the recent acquisition by Don Quijote, a major Japanese grocery store. It’s really convenient because they sell seasonings, frozen foods, fresh foods, vegetables, liquor, sweets, and even Japanese cosmetics and cooking tools.

Especially check out the weekly specials! Marukai also sells Japanese bento boxes, sushi and sashimi, but the sushi is not very good. Marukai sells Japanese bento boxes, sushi and sashimi, but the sushi is not great. The fish is not bad, but I recommend Suruki for freshness.

Suruki Supermarket

A privately owned supermarket in San Mateo. The selection is small to average, but the fish here is really good. I love Suruki’s fish so much that when I do sashimi or sushi, I always buy it at Suruki. Many of my neighbors also come here for the fish and sushi, and most of them buy the $50 to $100 sashimi platter. I’m happy to see that they have a wide variety of alcoholic beverages, from cheap to expensive. Some of the drinks are quite cheap sometimes, so check out the sale items. Overall, the prices are not cheap, but sometimes there are cheap products that are cheaper than what you can buy in Japan, so check out the sale section. The snack section in particular has a lot of bargain items. They also sell fresh ramen noodles and soup.

Osaka Marketplace

There are many large stores with a good selection of goods, and the stores are large enough to allow you to shop comfortably. Some stores have a food court where you can eat ramen or tendon. Overall, it is slightly more expensive than Marukai. However, the sale items are often cheaper, making it my second favorite supermarket after Marukai. The first area you enter the store is lined with sale items, so be sure to check it out.

Mitsuwa Marketplace – San José

This is a Japanese supermarket that operates throughout the United States. The prices are higher than Marukai. The prices are higher than Marukai, but they sell everything. The selection is as good as Marukai. The prices are generally high, although there are some cheap items. I only shop there for the specials. Mitsuwa also has a bookstore and a food court with high quality Japanese snacks and ramen stores, which is a big advantage.

Nijiya Market

This is a Japanese supermarket that also has a store in San Jose Japantown. Many of the stores are small, and the selection is small, depending on the store. However, they have the bare minimum of fresh food, seasonings, snacks, and liquor, so if you forgot to buy something, it’s enough. The prices are as high as Mitsuwa. Nijiya’s main sales day is Meat Day on the 29th of every month. Nijiya’s main selling point is Meat Day on the 29th of every month, when Japanese quality meat is cheap, so many Japanese people come here.

  • 1956 S El Camino Real, San Mateo, CA 94403
  • +16502127398
  • 143 E El Camino Real, Mountain View, CA 94040
  • +16506911600
  • 240 Jackson St, San Jose, CA 95112
  • +14082756916

Summary

There are many Japanese supermarkets in the Bay Area, so you honestly have no trouble buying Japanese food. If you want to buy Japanese products, I definitely recommend Japanese supermarkets. The prices are cheap and they sell standard products that are often used in Japan. Chinese and Korean supermarkets also sell Japanese food products, but at higher prices. I recommend Japanese supermarkets because they are more economical to buy.

The Ultimate Guide: Best Times to Visit Japan for an Unforgettable Experience

When is the best time to travel Japan? Hard to answer because Japan is a country with four seasons. It is divided into spring, summer, autumn, and winter. The temperature, weather, and rainfall are completely different depending on the season. Each season has pros and cons. In this article, I will introduce the best time to visit Japan based on my experience of living in Japan for 30 years.

Four seasons in Japan

Japan is divided into spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Generally speaking, spring is from March to May, summer is from June to August, autumn is from September to November, and winter is from December to February. Japan is a long country, and the climate differs slightly between Hokkaido in the north and Okinawa in the south, but if you are visiting Tokyo or Kyoto, you should refer to the general seasonal divisions mentioned above.

SeasonMonth
SpringMarch to May
SummerJune to August
AutumnSeptember to November
WinterDecember to February

Best time to visit Japan

If you don’t have any particular festival or event you are looking forward to, I would recommend spring and autumn as the most comfortable time to visit. In spring and autumn, the temperature during the day is around 20 degrees Celsius and there is not much rain, so you can spend a comfortable time. Whenever I visit Japan, I like to go back in spring and autumn if possible.

Things to Enjoy in Spring in Japan

Spring is the season when cherry blossoms bloom. It varies from place to place, but the cherry blossoms are in full bloom in March in the early southern regions and around May in the cold northern regions. In Tokyo, the best time to see cherry blossoms is from the end of March to the beginning of April. The best time to see cherry blossoms is hard to predict, and sometimes it rains and the best time to see cherry blossoms is over in a week or so, so if your goal is to see cherry blossoms, it is best to stay for about two weeks from the end of March.

Spring is also the season when the year begins in Japan, and with school entrance ceremonies in early April, you can see new students everywhere and feel the whole country in a buoyant mood.

  • Cherry Blossom

Things to Enjoy in Summer in Japan

Summer in Japan begins with the rainy season in June, followed by the hot and humid season from July. Anyway, it is a hot and humid season. In the evenings, it often rains like a squall, called guerrilla rain, and the weather is often unstable. If you want to enjoy swimming or scuba diving in Japan, I recommend the period from July to August 15, but not after August 15 because of the increase in jellyfish. Also, the typhoon season begins, so depending on your timing, the chances of encountering a typhoon may be higher during August and September. Also, July 20 to August 31 is the summer vacation period for Japanese students. In addition, August 13 to 15 is the season for Japanese people to return home. During this season, the prices of hotels and airplanes go up, and everywhere is crowded.

  • Beach

Things to Enjoy in Autumn in Japan

Autumn is a good season to visit because the weather is pleasant and the autumn leaves begin to change from October to November, turning the mountains of Japan red and yellow and providing a very beautiful view. Japanese people love to enjoy the autumn leaves and go to hot springs during this season. It is also a great season for hiking. Kyoto is quite crowded, especially in mid to late November, so if you are thinking of visiting Kyoto, I recommend making reservations as early as possible. There are so many people everywhere in Kyoto during this season that even the locals lament about it. That’s how much Japanese people long to see the autumn leaves in Kyoto. Autumn in Japan is also known as the harvest season, when delicious vegetables are harvested. There are many delicious foods to eat. Autumn is also a good time to visit for those who enjoy eating.

  • Leaves changing color

Things to Enjoy in Winter in Japan

In Japan, snow begins to fall around November in the Tohoku and Hokkaido regions. The real season in Japan is winter. If you want to enjoy skiing, December to January is the best time. In Japan, Christmas is a day to spend with your loved ones, and you can see Japanese lovers dating on Christmas Eve. It is also customary to eat Kentucky Fried Chicken on this day, and you can see the strange sight of many people standing in line to buy chicken at Kentucky Fried Chicken. For Japanese people, the year-end and New Year holidays have the same meaning as Christmas overseas. Companies in Japan are closed from December 29th to January 3rd. Many people return to their hometowns to spend time with their families. On January 1st, people stay at home with their families and relatives to enjoy the so-called “Osechi” (New Year’s food).

  • Skiing
  • Light-up

Summary

If you don’t have any particular preference, I recommend visiting Japan in spring or autumn. It is better to avoid is summer because it is hot and humid and travel prices in Japan are high. Go enjoy the beautiful nature of Japan!

Unveiling Japanese-American Heritage: Discover the Japanese American Museum of San Jose

I visited the Japanese American Museum of San Jose in San Jose Japantown, about an hour’s drive from San Francisco. Unlike San Francisco and Los Angeles, San Jose Japantown is not a place that attracts many tourists, but it is one of the places where Japanese culture remains deeply rooted in the local community.

There are not many tourist spots in San Jose Japantown, but the Immigration Museum is one of the places you should definitely visit. This museum is a great place to learn about how our Japanese ancestors survived in a foreign land, something that Japanese textbooks don’t tell you.

Japanese American Museum of San Jose

  • 535 N 5th St, San Jose, CA 95112 Google Map
  • Admission: Adult $8, Student & Senior $5, Kids under 5 Free
  • Hours: Thursday – Friday Noon – 4 pm
  • https://www.jamsj.org/

Admission Fee

We need to pay admission fee.

When you pay the entrance fee at the reception desk on your left as you enter, a receptionist will ask you if you need a guide. When I said that I didn’t need a guide, I received an instruction booklet of about 20 pages! It contained a detailed explanation of each exhibit. This is the first time I’ve been to a museum and received such a detailed explanation!

It’s a must-have for anyone who wants to know more about Japanese immigrants. There was a store next to the entrance, selling books about Japanese immigrants and Japanese goods (accessories, hanafuda, etc.).

Exhibits at the Japanese American Museum of San Jose

You can learn about the history of Japanese immigrants who came from Japan to the San Jose area in the Meiji era (1860’s).

A life in old Japantown

There is also a map of the time that shows that San Jose Japantown actually developed together with Chinatown, and you can learn about how people from the Orient cooperated with each other in America at that time.

Old Map of San Jose Japantown

This article introduces the history of the development of San Jose Japantown. See this article for San Jose Japantown.

Many of the Japanese immigrants at that time made their living from farming, so the tools used for farming and daily life are on display. There were also old sewing machines and katsuobushi shavers, which made me feel nostalgic for the tools I had seen at my grandparents’ house.

日系移民の方が使っていた生活道具

There were a lot of trunks which Japanese immigrants used at the time. They look a little heavy. But the design is retro and stylish.

日系移民の方が使っていたと思われるトランク

A life during World War II

There is also a model of the living space in the Japanese American internment camps on display, which gives you a pretty good idea of the harsh conditions of life back then.

日系人収容所の模型
日系人収容所の模型

There were also several internment camps for Japanese Americans, not just one, and there are displays about the conditions in the various camps. In fact, more than 110,000 people were forced to live in the camps.

日系人収容所に関する展示
日系人収容所に関する展示

I’m ashamed to say that I didn’t know that Japanese immigrants were in internment camps during World War II. Japanese public schools did not teach this fact if I remember correctly. Do I feel upset to know this fact? I feel sad to know and make me think how I should do if we have another war. At the same time I feel proud of Japanese immigrants who survived such a tough era. Thanks to their effort, I can live comfortably in the U.S.A. I would like to say big “thank you” to all immigrants.

Other places to learn Japanese immigrants

Japanese American National Museum (Los Angels, California)

Manzanar National Historic Site Visitor Center (Manzanar, California)

Kobe Center for Overseas Migration and Cultural Interaction (Kobe, Japan)

In fact, there is still a place in Sannomiya, Kobe where Japanese immigrants used to visit before emigrating to the US and Brazil. This museum was also really interesting, with many interesting exhibits about the personal stories of the immigrants. If you are interested, visit Kobe Center for Overseas Migration and Cultural Interaction.

Overview

This is an introduction to the Japanese American Immigration Museum in San Jose. If you are ever in San Jose Japantown, you should definitely visit it!

However, please note that the museum is only open from Thursday to Sunday. But please note that the museum is only open from Thursday to Sunday. For more information about the tourist attractions in San Jose Japantown, please see the article “How to visit San Jose Japantown”.