1. Have you ever visited an active volcanic area? in Japan
If you are in Hakone you cannot miss Owakudani!
It's an active volcanic area surrounding the crater created during Mount Hakone's the last eruption, more than 3000 years ago 🌋
Eggs🥚cooked in Owakudani thermal pools with shells blackened by sulfur are on sale in packs of five in local shops.
❕️ Eating one of them is said to extend life by seven years. Don't miss this opportunity!
Furthermore, on a clear day you can also see the top of Mount Fuji 🏔
👣How to reach Owakudani?
🚠 You can take the Hakone Ropeway from either Sounzan or Togendai station.
Sounzan can be reached from Hakone Yumoto via the Hakone Tozan line.
Togendai, on the other hand, is located on the shores of Lake Ashinoko.
🔎 What do you say? Will you visit Owakudani and eat black eggs on your next trip to Japan?
From @wedangotravel
2. We have the place for you: Waseda!
We especially recommend Ana-Hachimangu Shrine ⛩️ (穴八幡宮) and Hōrin-ji Temple 📿 (法輪寺).
👣 How to reach them?
They are located one in front of the other, just a few minutes away from the metro station 🚇 Waseda (早稲田), on the Tozai line, the light blue one on the maps.
Not being a tourist area, you can walk peacefully among the famous Japanese red maple trees 🍁
In our opinion, you will be able to enjoy this wonderful experience to the fullest, also having a taste of real Japanese life, away from the main tourist attractions.
🔎What do you think? Will you be visiting Waseda on your next trip to Japan to enjoy momiji like a local?
From @wedangotravel
3. Tokyo Skytree Town on the 4th floor of Tokyo Skytree is for you
Tokyo Skytree Town hosts a special Christmas event from early November to late December. The event features Christmas illuminations 💫 a gorgeous Christmas tree 🎄 light shows ✨️ and a Christmas Market
‼️But be careful: this year the lighs will be displayed until December 25th.
Don't miss the opportunity to go up to the top floor of the Tokyo Skytree (the cost is 2700 yen) and enjoy the splendid view over the entire city of Tokyo from 450 meters of altitude
🔎 What are you waiting for? Go immediately to Tokyo Skytree to enjoy your Japanese Christmas!
From @wedangotravel
4. Happy dangoyoubi everyone
🔎Newcomers might be wondering: "What is a dangoyoubi?"
The word dangoyoubi is composed by dango (obviously) and youbi (曜 日), which means day. It means the day of the dango.
🔎But what is a dango?
🍡Dango is our favorite Japanese dessert. Three balls of happiness made of tofu and rice flour.
The classic dango, called mitarashi dango (みたらし団子), is covered with the sauce that has the same name and has a sweet and sour taste. However, there are many versions of it! As you can see in this video, each color represents a different flavor!
We have:
🍃 Dark green: japanese mugwort
🎃 Orange: pumpkin
🍠 Purple: sweet potato
🌸 Pink: sakura, meaning cherry blossoms
🍚 White: classic taste
🍵 Light green: matcha, meaning green tea
◼️Black: sesame
Trying out dango will be a must during your trip to Japan and we want it to be unforgettable. Therefore, once a month, we will recommend you our favorite places🥇
📍Cafe Komon is a spot that you cannot miss to enjoy this delicious japanese sweet. The shop is located in Hakone, on the shores of Lake Ashi, just a couple hours from Tokyo.
🔎 Will you add Cafe Komon to your must-see list on your next trip to Japan?
From @wedangotravel
5. Roppongi is for you
This area of Tokyo is in fact decorated for the season with numerous lights 🌟, Christmas trees 🎄 and a small market 🎁
Our advise is to go to Tokyo Midtown and Roppongi Hills.
✨️ Tokyo Midtown: in and around this shopping center you will find several illuminations, an ice rink and beautiful light shows.
✨️ Roppongi Hills: here you will find the small market and a beautiful and very original Christmas tree made with plastic sheets that reflect the lights. A must see!
‼️But be careful: this year the time period of the lighs is until December 25th.
🔎 What are you waiting for? Go immediately to Roppongi to enjoy your Japanese Christmas!
From @wedangotravel
6. Have you ever visit Ebisu in Japan?
In this area of Tokyo, Yebisu Garden Palace is in fact decorated for the season with numerous lights 🌟 and the world biggest baccarat chandelier💡
✨️ We especially recommend you to watch the light show that takes place everyday every 30 minutes from 5pm.
‼️But be careful: this year the time period of the lighs is until January 9th.
🔎 What are you waiting for? Go immediately to Ebisu to enjoy your Japanese Christmas!
From @wedangotravel
7. Do you want to see momiji during your trip to Japan but don't know where to go?
Today we will recommend you another place: Koishikawa Korakuen!
It's a small but beautiful botanical garden where, in all seasons, you can observe flowers and plants in full bloom
Between the end of November and the beginning of December you will be able to see lots of momiji 🍁 The red and orange colors are truly spectacular!
💰 The admission fee is only 300yen and, believe us, it's worth it!
👣 How to reach Koishikawa Korakuen?
You have tons of options! This is because the park is just a few minutes away from both Iidabashi and Korakuen station. Lots of trains and subways stop there 🚅
Reaching this place won't be a problem!
🔎What are you waiting for? Run to see the momiji and tag us in your stories!
From @wedangotravel
8. Are you in Japan during the momiji season (紅葉) and you're looking for some hidden spots to admire them?
Here are our 4 reccomandations to enjoy a more local experience!
🍁 Koishikawa Botanical Garden
Here you can walk under a momiji tunnel.
💰 The admission is only 500 yen and it's absolutely worth it.
👣 The closest station is Hakusan, on the Mita line (the dark blue one) and it's only a 10 minutes walk away from the park.
🍁 Denzuin Temple (伝通院)
Located near Koishikawa Botanical Garden, here you can enjoy momiji while visiting the Buddhist temple. On the avenue leading to it you can also find Ginkgo trees, the famous yellow ones.
👣 The closest station is Korakuen, on the Namboku line (the teal one) or on the Marunouchi line (the red one). It will only take you 10 minutes to get there.
🍁 Korakuen Garden
💰 With only 300 yen you can walk in this beautiful historical garden.
👣 To reach it, you have many options, because it's just a few minutes away from Korakuen and Iidabashi stations, where many lines stop.
🍁 Waseda
We especially recommend visiting Ana-Hachimangu Shrine ⛩️ (穴八幡宮) and Hōrin-ji Temple 📿 (法輪寺).
👣 They face each other and are located just outside of Waseda station, on the Tozai line (the light blue one).
🔎Did you already know these places? Which one of this hidden spots would you like to visit on your next trip to Japan?
From @wedangotravel
9. Do you want to experience Christmas in Tokyo Dome, Japan??
The christmas lights are just one more reason to go to Tokyo Dome, as you can also enjoy the LaQua Spa ♨️ the shopping center 🛍 restaurants 🥘 and the amusement park 🎡
The theme for the 2022 illumination is “gifts” 🎁 and you can admire them everyday from 5pm until midnight.
✨️ On December 17th, 18th, 24th and 25th, Tokyo Dome will also hold a Christmas event that includes a market, photoshoots with Santa, an outdoor cinema and workshops.
‼️But be careful: this year the lighs will be displayed until February 28th.
🔎 What are you waiting for? Go immediately to Tokyo Dome to enjoy your Japanese Christmas!
From @wedangotravel
10. Would you like to attend a local Japanese festival?
✨️ Today we will take you to Toshi no ichi (歳の市).
This festival is held annually during the month of December in Asakusa. This year it's taking place from the 17th to the 19th, a special festival day for Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy.
The festival is also known as the Hagoita Ichi (羽子板市, meaning battledore fair) because merchants sell and display gorgeous battledores 🏸 decorated with various images of women in kimono 👘 kabuki actors 🎭 and so on.
Usually this wooden paddles are used to play the traditional Japanese game called hanetsuki (羽根突き) during New Year. This game is similar to badminton but without a net 🏸 and, because of the movement made when playing it, Japanese people also see it is a way to drive away evil spirits. This is why playing hanetsuki with an hagoita is often used as a charm against evil.
‼️But it doesn't end here!
During the Toshi no ichi you will hear rhythmically clapping 👏🏼 around the stalls. In fact, when a customer buys an hagoita, the seller claps three times and cheers for the customer's good luck.
All is left to do is clap along with them 👏🏼
🔎What do you say? Will you attend Toshi no ichi during your next trip to Japan?
From @wedangotravel
11. Do you want to experience Christmas in Japan?
We have some perfect spots for you!
✨️ Tokyo Skytree Town on the 4th floor of Tokyo Skytree
The Christmas event that will take place until December 25th features Christmas illuminations 💫 a gorgeous Christmas tree 🎄 light shows ✨️ and a Christmas Market 🎅
✨️ Hibiya
Here, until December 25th, you will find Christmas illumination 💫 surrounding the station and Tokyo Christmas Market, an outdoor European style Christmas market 🎅
‼️If you want to visit the market make sure to buy the ticket in advance on the official website! The cost is 1000 yen 💰 and it also includes a mug ☕️ that you can use to enjoy your drink inside the Christmas market.
✨️ Tokyo Dome
The theme for the 2022 Christmas illumination is “gifts” 🎁 and you can admire them everyday until February 28th starting from 5pm.
‼️ On December 24th and 25th, Tokyo Dome will also hold a Christmas event that includes a market, photoshoots with Santa 🎅 an outdoor cinema and workshops.
✨️ Ebisu
In this area of Tokyo, until January 9th, Yebisu Garden Palace is decorated for the season with numerous lights 🌟 and the world biggest baccarat chandelier💡 with a light show that takes place everyday every 30 minutes starting from 5pm.
✨️ Roppongi
In this area, until December 25th, Tokyo Midtown and Roppongi Hills are decorated for the season with numerous lights 🌟 Christmas trees 🎄 and a small market 🎁
‼️ We especially recomend seeing the Christmas tree made with plastic sheets that reflect the lights in Roppongi Hills. A must see!
🔎 What are you waiting for? Chose your favourite spot and enjoy you local Japanese Christmas experience!
From @wedangotravel
12. Have you ever tried shabu shubu and sukiyaki?
They are two delicious Japanese dishes!
🥘 Shabu shabu (しゃぶしゃぶ) is the Japanese version of the Chinese dish known as hot pot, where vegetables and thin slices of meat are cooked in a pot placed in the center of the table. There are different types of broth: beef 🥩 vegetable 🥬 spicy🌶 and many others.
🫕 Sukiyaki (すき焼き) is very similar, but there are two main differences:
- the sweet and sour broth obtained by combining soy sauce, sugar and mirin 🥢
- the egg 🍳 Yes, before eating it, you have to dip the meat in beaten egg. Trust me, it's delicious!
🔎Where to eat them?
If you are in Tokyo, we recommend Shabu Shabu Onyasai (しゃぶしゃぶ温野菜). It's a chain, so you'll find restaurants scattered all over town!
💸 The costs are affordable and the meat is really delicious. You can order it à la carte, choose a three-course set or, as we did, take advantage of the Tabehodai (食べ放題) the all you can eat.
🔎How does it work?
You will have to choose the type of all you can eat you prefer (💰 costs range from 3058 yen to 5148 yen based on the cuts of meat you can choose from) and two types of broth (we tried the spicy one and the sukiyaki).
And it's done! For 2 hours you can eat as much meat and vegetables as you want!
And don't forget the dessert 🍰
🔎What do you say? Will you try this local experience on your next trip to Japan?
From @wedangotravel
13. Are you tired of the usual bars and want to spend a different evening in Tokyo but don't know where to go?
Do not worry! We have the right place for you:
Tìr na nÒg ✨️
Open every day from 11am to 4am, this fairy bar will win you over 🧚♀️
The delicious and unique cocktails 🍹 are made with homemade syrups and we're sure that you'll find something you have never tried before! 😋
We tried:
🍨 Heaven lonely flows: white rum, raspberry, lemon and cotton candy (1700yen)
🍓 Empress Garden: vodka, strawberry, blackberry, lemon and champagne (1600yen)
🍏 Soft sin: southern comfort, cinnamon, apple and pineapple (1500yen)
🍐 Butterflies in her stomach: white rum, pear, lemon and maple syrup (1600yen)
🍪 Parisienne's Capreline: vodka, pistachio, rose jam, lemon and macaron (1700yen)
We also had the mixed cheese place 🧀 (1700yen) and the dried fruits assortment 🥭 (1300yen).
We highly recommend all of this!
👣 How to reach the Tìr na nÒg?
You can take several subway lines and stop at either Ginza (銀座) or Higashi Ginza (東銀座). The bar is a few minutes walk🚶🏻♀️from both stations.
🔎 What do you say? Will you visit this hidden gem on your next trip to Japan?
From @wedangotravel
14. 2023 has begun and what's better than begin it with a dangoyoubi?
🔎Newcomers might be wondering: "What is a dangoyoubi?"
The word dangoyoubi is composed by dango (obviously) and youbi (曜 日), which means day. It means the day of the dango.
🔎But what is a dango?
🍡Dango is our favorite Japanese dessert. Three balls of happiness made of tofu and rice flour.
The classic dango, called mitarashi dango (みたらし団子), is covered with the sauce that has the same name and has a sweet and sour taste. However, there are many versions of it! As you can see, even with ice cream🍦
Trying out dango will be a must during your trip to Japan and we want it to be unforgettable. Therefore, once a month, we will recommend you our favorite places🥇
📍Japanese Ice Ouca is a spot that you cannot miss to enjoy this delicious japanese sweet.
👣 The shop is located in Tokyo, just 3 minutes away from Ebisu Station on the Yamanote Line.
🔎 Will you add Japanese Ice Ouca to your must-see list on your next trip to Japan?
From @wedangotravel
15. Do you know Ueno Park. Surely many of you have already included it in the must-see things in Japan
But be careful! It's not just a zoo.
The park is very big and we advise you to take at least one whole afternoon to visit it.
It's absolutely worth stopping there to eat street food 🥡 Some stands are always present, others only during special events.
In our opinion, you have to try yakisoba 🍜 and takoyaki 🐙. Yummy! 😋
However, there are also yakitori and various skewers 🍢 caramelized fruit 🍓 cheese rolls 🧀 chips 🍟 kakigori 🍧 and much more.
A paradise for food lovers! (Just like us 😇)
🔎So, when you will stop in Ueno on your next trip to Japan, what will you try?
From @wedangotravel
16. Are you an art lover and find yourself in Tokyo? You can't miss Artwine
And no, the name of this place won't let you down! It's about art and wine. What's better than that? 😏
Artwine will allow you to spend a few hours immersed in art. You can, as we did, create your own painting 🎨 or try to replicate a famous work of art 🖼
You will be helped by professionals in the sector 👨🏻🎨👩🏻🎨
And don't worry! Even those who have never tried to paint are more than welcome 🤗
We tried a particular technique that uses alcohol, colors and, if you want, glitters ✨️ These are then distributed on the canvas using a hair dryer 😱
You can create two paintings, one of which will also be framed.
And it doesn't end here! 😏
Each class has its own specific bottle of wine 🍷 and appetizers 🍱 to make you live an unforgettable experience.
👣 How to reach Artwine?
It's about 10 minutes away from the Nezu station (根津) on the Chiyoda line 🚇
🔎What do you think? What kind of painting would you like to create?
From @wedangotravel
17. Boarding a pirate ship has always been your dream?
In Japan you can!
We are on Lake Ashi in Hakone, where every 45 minutes this pirate ship sets sail 🚢 taking you on an unforgettable journey.
You can enjoy the journey both inside and outside on the deck. If you're lucky you could sail with the view of Mount Fuji in front of you! 🏔
If you have purchased the Hakone Free Pass 🎫 (6,500 yen from Shinjuku) the ticket for the ship is included.
‼️But be careful: Japanese pirates go home early! The last vessel sets sail around 4.30pm and if you miss it, as we did, you will be stranded on the wrong side of the lake.
🔎What do you think? Will you be sailing with the pirates on your next trip to Japan?
From @wedangotravel
18. Japan is an amazing country where you can also enjoy tons of deliciously yummy food
The most worldwide famous are of course sushi 🍣 and ramen 🍜 and yes, they are delicious, they are famous for a reason after all.
But Japan can offer much more to you when it comes to food.
Whether you are a passionate food lover (like we are) or a more sober eater, you will sure find something that will make your taste buds super happy✨️
Here are some tasty options:
🥟 Gyoza (steamed or grilled dumplings stuffed with different fillings)
🫕 Sukiyaki (meat cooked in broth and deeped in raw egg)
🥘 Shabu shabu (meat cooked broth with different flavours)
🍜 Soba (buckwheat noodles)
🍤 Tempura (fried vegetable and fish)
🥞 Fluffy pancakes
🫔 Crepes
🍵 Matcha flavored sweets (a japanese type of green tea)
🍚 Oyakodon (rice with egg and chicken)
🥘 Hot-pots
🥞 Okonomiyaki (savory pancake made with flour and ingredients such as cabbage, meat, seafood etc)
🍓 Daifuku (rice cake with anko, sweetned red bean paste)
🍧 Kakigori (shaved ice with condenced milk topped with flavored syrups)
🍡 Dango (small cake made with rice and tofu covered with sauce)
🐟 Sashimi (raw fish sliced in thin pieces)
🍨 Parfait
🍜 Udon (thick noodles made from wheat flour)
🍖Tonkatsu (breaded, deep-fried pork cutlet)
We are sure that your stomach has already started to rumble reclaiming your attention after all of this. Do not try to lie, we're on the same boat here! 👩🏻🍳
🔎But the question is which of these japanese foods made your heart skip a beat and convinced you that travel to Japan is something that you absolutely need to do?
From @wedangotravel
19. Daikoku Matsuri. It takes place at Kanda Myojin Shrine in mid January every year
We always seek a way to enjoy the country as locals do, so we could't miss out on this oh-so-very-nativesque event: Daikoku Matsuri 💦
📍 It takes place at Kanda Myojin Shrine in mid January every year.
The highlight of the festival is misogi (禊)💧a japanese shinto practice of purification to obtain good fortune from the Gods🤞🏻
Participants wear a typical loincloth called fudoshi (褌) 🩲 and a headband 🤕
🔎How the ritual works:
➡️ The group gather in front of the temple and together recite a prayer ⛩️
➡️ To unify with the spirits present within themselves, they perform furitama (降り魂), spirit shaking: they clench their hands in front of their stomach and shake them up and down vibrating the torso 🙏🏻
➡️ Then, they perform tori-fune (鳥船) bird boat rowing, a warm-up exercise accompanied by special prayers 🚣🏻♂️
➡️ After that, before entering the ice cold pool 🏊♂️ they cut the air with their hand while shouting "yei!" to banish impurity.
➡️ Finally, they enter the pool and by using wooden buckets they wash themselves with the cold water 💦
From @wedangotravel
20. Do you wanna spend a weekend in Osaka? Here's the itenerary that worked best for us as first time visitors
➡️ Day 1
🏰 Osaka castle: nothing is better than starting the day by strolling in a beautiful park while admiring the castle.
❗️Our tip: the interior of the castle has been completely renovated with a modern design. So, if you're not interested, skip it and instead visit Hokoku shrine complex ⛩️ just in front of the castle entrance.
🦀 Dotonburi: this colorful and crazy looking neightbourhood is not only a very fun place to visit, but also the perfect spot for lunch time.
❗️Our tip: try okonomiyaki 🥞
👹 Namba Yasaka Jinja: don't miss the chance to take a picture in front of or, if you're brave enough, inside the mouth of the lion head-shaped monster.
🌳 Tennoji: here you can visit the zoo or simply enjoy a walk in the park, where you can spot lots of herons.
❗️Our tip: visit the very small Horijoshi Jinja ⛩️ a beautiful hidden gem that only locals know about.
🗼Shinsekai: another colorful neightbourhood that gets very lively in the evening.
❗️Our tip: try takoyaki 🐙
➡️ Day 2
🎢 Universal Studios: this famous amusement park gives you the chance to immerse yourself in your favourite fictional universe, making it absolutely worth it to spend a whole day here.
You can find Mario world 🍄 Jurassic world 🦖 Attack on titan 👄 Spiderman 🕷 and our personal favourite, the Harry Potter world 🧙♂️
❗️Our tip: buy the tickes online to skip the queue.
‼️For potterheads: buy your own Hogwards house cape (muggles are welcome too).
🔎Save this post if this Osaka itinerary is what you're looking for and let us know in the comment what is the activity you will try out.
From @wedangotravel
21. Hakone is just a couple of hours away from Tokyo
Located on the shores of Lake Ashi 🏞 surrounded by nature, here you can relax in Hakone famous natural onsen ♨️ the Japanese spa.
Places you must visit:
⛩️ Hakone Jinja, the famous shrine dedicated to three spirits (Hakone Okami) and the nine-headed dragon, Kuzuryu🐉;
🏞 Lake Ashi with its pirate ship, that set sail every 45 minutes 🚢 taking you on an unforgettable journey;
🚪Hakone Checkpoint, the old Edo checkpoint marking the Kanto region border (Tokyo region);
🍵 Amazake tea house, one of the oldest tea house in Japan, whose interior is made entirely of wood 🪵 and remained exactly as it was in the Edo period (1603-1868);
🌋 The active volcanic area of Owakudani, surrounding the crater created during Mount Hakone's the last eruption;
🎨 Hakone open air museum, one of the most famous open air museums in Japan, where they try to combine art 🖼 with the famous Hakone nature🌲;
💧Tamadero Falls, located just a few minutes walk from the main streets of Hakone-Yumoto.
All attractions are included or have discounts if you buy the Hakone free pass in Shinjuku 🎫
💰 The cost is 6100 yen for 2 days or 6500 yen for 3 days.
‼️Be careful: the transportation stop working super early (some even at 16.30), so make sure to save plenty of time to come back to your hotel.
Or, if you're the adventurous type (just like us 😏), you can also walk your way home in the pitch black woods 🔦 The choice is yours 😂
From @wedangotravel
22. Are you in Tokyo and want to escape the city for a weekend?
Well, you can! Hakone is just a couple of hours away from Tokyo.
Located on the shores of Lake Ashi 🏞 surrounded by nature, here you can relax in Hakone famous natural onsen ♨️ the Japanese spa.
Places you must visit:
⛩️ Hakone Jinja, the famous shrine dedicated to three spirits (Hakone Okami) and the nine-headed dragon, Kuzuryu🐉;
🏞 Lake Ashi with its pirate ship, that set sail every 45 minutes 🚢 taking you on an unforgettable journey;
🚪Hakone Checkpoint, the old Edo checkpoint marking the Kanto region border (Tokyo region);
🍵 Amazake tea house, one of the oldest tea house in Japan, whose interior is made entirely of wood 🪵 and remained exactly as it was in the Edo period (1603-1868);
🌋 The active volcanic area of Owakudani, surrounding the crater created during Mount Hakone's the last eruption;
🎨 Hakone open air museum, one of the most famous open air museums in Japan, where they try to combine art 🖼 with the famous Hakone nature🌲;
💧Tamadero Falls, located just a few minutes walk from the main streets of Hakone-Yumoto.
All attractions are included or have discounts if you buy the Hakone free pass in Shinjuku 🎫
💰 The cost is 6100 yen for 2 days or 6500 yen for 3 days.
‼️Be careful: the transportation stop working super early (some even at 16.30), so make sure to save plenty of time to come back to your hotel.
Or, if you're the adventurous type (just like us 😏), you can also walk your way home in the pitch black woods 🔦 The choice is yours 😂
🔎Save this post if you found it helpful and follow us to discover more exciting places to visit during your trip in Japan
From @wedangotravel
23. We found out that animals love spa just as much as we humans do, at Nagano
Here in Nagano you will find this unique place in the world where you can see monkeys enjoying a relaxing hot bath: Snow Monkey Park 🐒♨️
During the 1950s, as ski resorts were developped ⛷️monkeys had no choice but to migrate to the lower mountain regions, where they began raiding crops from farms. For this reason farmers started hunting them down.
A men called Soga Hara 🙋🏻♂️ an employee of the Nagano Electric Railway who loved hiking, wanted to ensure the protection of his beloved monkeys 🐵 With the help of the owner of a local inn called Korakukan, they began to leave apples (a local treat 🍎) outside the inn to gather the monkeys back into the valley.
Here the monkeys observed humans soaking in the hotsprings and, after a while, pioneer baby monkeys started doing the same 🐒♨️
In 1964 the park was opened to witness this unique phenomenom.
‼️But don't worry for the monkeys. They are free to come and go as they please! 😍
👣How to get there:
You can reach it by bus 🚍 from Nagano station in 1 hour (💰 the prince is around 1500 yen). From the bus stop to the hotspring it takes a 30 minutes walk🚶♂️ The entrance to the park is 800 yen 💰 Absolutely worth it!
If you're in Japan 🇯🇵 and love nature🌲 you can't miss this hidden gem that not many people in the world have the chance to witness.
Save this post if you'd like to visit this destination and especially if you like the idea of watching completely wild and free animals up close. We sure do! 😍
From @wedangotravel
24. Ogawanoshodaimonten (小川の庄大門店) This extremely long name is not a joke!
Ogawanoshodaimonten (小川の庄大門店) it's the name of this cute shop in Nagano where you can enjoy delicious oyaki (おやき), both steamed and grilled 🫓
They are typical stuffed buns from Nagano. If you are a pumpkin lover 🎃 just like us you are going to love them!
But don't worry, you'll also find many other fillings. The next time we are definetly going to try the vegetable and mushroms one 🥬🍄
Tell me it doesn't sound delicious!
Oyaki was and still is a comfort food. Traditionally, families would sit around an open griddle and eat it together on a cold snowy night 👨👩👧👦
At ogawanoshodaimonten you will not only enjoy this local treat, but also witness its traditional preparation 😍 The owner of the shop will in fact grill them on the hearth right in front of you.
‼️ But make sure to get there on time! The last cooking show is at 3pm.
If you're a food lover and are looking for local, not so known japanese treats, you can't miss the opportunity to try oyaki!
Save this post if you found it useful (and delicious) and make sure to follow our page to discover more unique places and experiences that will make your trip to Japan unforgettably tasty.
From @wedangotravel
25. Are you in Tokyo and want to escape the city and the hordes of tourists? Nagano it's the place for you!
This hidden gem of a destination 💎 is not one of the most popular among tourists, but trust us when we say that it's definetly worth visiting 😍
Here's the itenerary that worked best for us as first time visitors🧭
We began our day by taking the first bus to Snow Monkey Park 🐵 a unique place in the world where you can see monkeys enjoying a relaxing hot bath ♨️🐒 This incredible park is located one hour away from the city of Nagano and can be reached with different buses, whose price is around 1500 yen 💰
If you take your time in the park, you should be able to enjoy a delicious lunch at Enza, just outside of the park. Make sure to try the apple pie and apple juice 🍎 as this fruit is an exquisite local treat.
Once you'll back in Nagano, if you are a food lover just like us, you can't miss the chance to tray oyaki, a typical stuffed bun 🫓 For a local experience we recomend Ogawanoshodaimonten (小川の庄大門店) where you'll also be able to witness oyaki's traditional preparation 😍 The owner of the shop will in fact grill them on the hearth right in front of you.
‼️ But make sure to get there on time! The last cooking show is at 3pm.
You can then take your time to visit Saiko-ji temple 📿 and, after a beautiful walk in the suggestive Zenko-ji Omotesando, you will reach Zenko-ji temple 📿 It's a big buddhist complex, where every day starting from 7am, for 365 days a year you can assist to buddhist functions. So don't forget to set your alarm! ⏰️
After this beautiful walk you might feel hungry, or at least we did 😋 Why not stopping to try melon pan at Arteria Bakery? 🥧 We're sure these sweet buns will win you over!
But, if you're looking for something more consistent, then soba is for you! 🍜 The region of Nagano is known for its buckwheat noodles and you won't struggle to find an incredibly delicious restaurant to try them out.
🔎So what do you say? Has Nagano been added to your Japan bucket list?
Save this post if you found it helpful 😍 and follow us to discover more exciting places to visit during your trip in Japan
From @wedangotravel
26. Want to live a local experience surrounded by a traditional atmosphere?
📍Nagano's Zenkoji Temple (善光寺, Zenkōji) will make you dive into the past!
This temple is one of the most important and popular in Japan. It was founded in the 7th century and stores the first Buddhist statue ever to be brought into the country 🗿 The original statue is hidden while a copy of it is shown to the public every six years for a few weeks. The next opportunity to see the statue is expected to be in 2028. So save the date! 📆
Zenkoji was extremely important to the development of Nagano. Many major Japanese cities have evolved either from castle towns 🏰 or harbor towns 🚣🏻♂️ while Nagano was a temple town 📿
Since it's so important, don't miss the chance to assist to a buddhist function. They are held every day starting from 7am, for 365 days a year. So don't forget to set your alarm! ⏰️
You can also pay a small fee of 500 yen 💰 and remove your shoes 👟 to enter the inner chamber. Here, beside the main altar, there is a staircase that will lead you in the underground passage. Here you will be on a quest to find the "key to paradise" 🗝
🔎What is it you ask?
It's a metal key secretly hidden on the right-hand wall of the passage and it is said those who are able to touch it will obtain enlightenment. There is a catch though: you will have to find it in complete darkness! 🔦
As you can see, it won't be just a visit to a temple, it will be an all-around experience! 😍
If this post convinced you to visit Zenkoji Temple, save it and follow us to discover amizing places and experiences that you can add to your Japan travel bucket list
From @wedangotravel
27. Being a vegan in Japan might be difficult. But don't worry, we've got you covered
📍Vegan Gyoza Yu will quickly become one of your favourite spots in Tokyo, not only if you're vegan!
These incredibly tasty handmade gyoza 🥟 are the demonstration that vegan food 🌱 does not equal boring and tasteless food.
On the contrary! Yu's gyozas rank extremely high on our list of gyoza restaurants 😋
You will have to chose between steamed and grilled (our personal favourite) and then chose the flavors. We always go for the discovery set 🧐 so we don't have to chose and can enjoy every single one of them!
Every color represents a flavor:
🟡 Yellow: shitake, soy meat 🍄
💕 Pink: shitake, soy meat 🍄
💚 Green: celery, soy meat 🥬
🌲 Dark green: green pepper, soy meat 🫑
⚪️ White: chinese chives, soy meat 🥬
🥭 Mustard: coriander, soy meat ☘️
❤️ Red: kimchi, soy meat 🌶
🍊 Orange: eggplant miso, soy meat 🍆
⚫️ Black: green onion miso, soy meat 🧅
💜 Purple: ginger miso, soy meat 🪵
🟤 Brown: garlic miso, soy meat 🧄
🔎And why not accompany them with a vegan drink? 🍹
We went for a caramel macchiato ☕️ Very delicious! 😋
🔎And where do you think you're going without a dessert? There's no such thing as skipping it!
We tried Yu's vegan scones and were not disappointed! 🍪
👣How to reach Vegan Gyoza Yu:
It will only take you 5 minutes on foot 🚶🏻♀️from Uguisudani station, on the Yamanote Line, the one that you'll find in green on the maps 🚅
🔎So what do you say? Will you add Vegan Gyoza Yu to your list of restaurant to visit during your trip to Japan?
Save this post if you found it useful (and delicious 😋) and make sure to follow our page to discover more unique places and experiences that will make your trip to Japan unforgettably tasty
From @wedangotravel
28. Happy Dangoyoubi everyone
🔎Newcomers might be wondering: "What is a dangoyoubi?"
The word dangoyoubi is composed by dango (obviously) and youbi (曜 日), which means day. It means the day of the dango.
🔎But what is a dango?
🍡Dango is our favorite Japanese dessert. Three balls of happiness made of tofu and rice flour.
The classic dango, called mitarashi dango (みたらし団子), is covered with the sauce that has the same name and has a sweet and sour taste. However, there are many versions of it! As you can see in this video, even with strawberries! 🍓
Trying out dango will be a must during your trip to Japan and we want it to be unforgettable. Therefore, once a month, we will recommend you our favorite places🥇
📍Asakusa Soratsuki is a spot that you cannot miss to enjoy this delicious japanese sweet. The shop is located in Tokyo, just a minute away from the famous Senso-ji in Asakusa.
🔎What do you say? Will you add Asakusa Soratsuki to your must-see list on your next trip to Japan?
Save this post if you found it useful (and delicious) and make sure to follow our page to discover more unique places and experiences that will make your trip to Japan unforgettably tasty
From @wedangotravel
29. Japanese people's bond with tradition is still so very strong
Even though Japan can be perceived as an extremely technological country 🤖 Japanese people's bond with tradition is still so very strong. For this reason the number of matsuri (festivals) and traditional practices is very high, as are the chances of encountering at least one of them during your trip in Japan ✨️
We always seek a way to enjoy the country as locals do, so we could't miss out on this oh-so-very-nativesque event: Setsubun (節分) 👹
Setsubun 👹 is the day before the beginning of spring 🌸 according to the old japanese calendar.
The main idea behind this festival is cleansing the previous year and begin the new spring season 🌸
The main ritual of Setsubun is mamemaki (豆撒き) literally "bean scattering" 🧆
Traditionally, this ritual sees roasted soybeans known as fukumame (福豆) "fortune beans", either thrown out of the front door 🚪 or at a member of the family wearing an oni (demon 👹) mask while shouting "Devils out! Fortune in!" (鬼は外! 福は内!, Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!), before slamming the door.
Then, as part of bringing luck in, people eat the roasted soybeans 🧆 according to their age: one for each year of one's life, plus one more for bringing good luck for the upcoming year.
This is still a common practice in households. However, many people will also or instead attend a shrine ⛩️ or temple's 📿 festival, where the practice of mamemaki is performed.
🔎Why roasted soybeans, you ask?
Since ancient times, japanese people have believed in the existence of Kotodama, the belief that mystical powers dwell in words and names. Soybeans in Japanese is "mame", but this word can also be written with the kanji of 魔 (ma) which means "demon" 👹 and 目 (me) which means "eye" 👀
So they throw soybeans because it is believed that the demon eyes are being destroyed and the evil spirit dispelled!
🧐 If you love local experience just as much as us, follow us to discover more local events, hidden gems and curiosity that will spice up your trip in Japan
From @wedangotravel
30. Thinking about sumo, probably the first image that comes to mind are two huge players wrestling each other off balance
🔎But did you know that sumo is actually a religious ritual and that the ring is a sacred place?
Yes, Japan's national sport was born as a shinto ritual for a good harvest ⛩️🌱 and the religious aspect is still present today. In fact, the players called Rikishi, perform different rituals before every match.
➡️ Dohyoiri: before the match sumo wrestlers climb on the ring, called dohyo, to be introduced to the audience and perform a superstitious ritual to ward off evil.
➡️ Salt Throwing: before each match, you will see the rikishi sprinkle the dohyo with salt 🧂 In fact salt is believed to have purifying powers and protect from evil influences.
➡️ Shiko: rikishi lift one leg 🦵until it is almost perpendicular to the ground before vigorously lower it. This movement has two goals: stretch and scare away evil spirits away.
Only at this point the rikishi confront each other in a match that lasts from a handful of seconds to a few minutes 🤼🏻♂️ The purpose of the fight is to get the opponent out of the dohyo or make him fall. This is the reason why they need to weight a lot (the estimated weight is between 90 and 150 kg).
🔎But don't let the wrestlers's appearence fool you! Did you know that their body is a concentrate of muscles?
Their fat mass is lower than the one of an avarage weight person. Can you believe that? 😱
Their training is extremely hard, paired with a diet of eight thousand calories a day. Generally, their diet consists of a dish called chanko nabe a soup rich in chicken meat fish tofu and vegetables It's rich in proteins and specifically designed to make them gain weight. To better assimilate it, a nap is a must after lunch
We are all sumo players sometimes!
Attending a game of this curious discipline is a unique experience that you really don't want to miss!
If you love local experience just as much as us, follow us to discover more local events, hidden gems and curiosity that will spice up your trip in Japan
From @wedangotravel
31. Places you must see during the trip to Kyoto
Day 1
⛩️ Fushimi Inari Taisha: nothing is better than starting the day by strolling in one of the most beautiful shrines in Japan.
🔎What makes it unforgettable?
Certainly his very famous tori, It is said that there are more than ten thousand of them!
🏔 Mount Inari: during your visit to Fushima Inari Taisha, you'll get the chance to climb until the very top of Mount Inari. The hike takes about a couple of hours, but it's worth it! The ten thousand tori ⛩️ and the numerous fox statues will keep you company throughout the entire suggestive journey.
📿 Tofuku-ji: this huge buddhist complex is not only one of the most important in the whole city of Kyoto, but one of the biggest in the country!
❗️Our tip: if you visit during fall, make sure to cross Tsutenkyo Bridge, a 100 meter long covered walkway sourrounded by red maple trees The perfect spot for momiji watching!
🏯 Hokan-ji: known for its 46 meters tall Yasaka Pagoda, this temple is one of the hidden treasures that will reward you while on a casual stroll through the Higashiyama District, one of Kyoto's old neightbourhoods.
⛩️ Kiyomizu-dera: is one of the most famous temple in Japan. It's best known for its 13 meters high wooden stage, from which you'll be able to admire breathtaking views of cherry and maple trees that erupt in a sea of color during spring and fall.
❗️Our tip: Kiyomizu-dera's neightbourhood will be the perfect spot to try some tasty japanese snacks and find the perfect souvenir.
From @wedangotravel
32. Visit the city of Kyoto Part 2
Day 2
🥇Kinkaku-ji: nothing is better than starting day 2 at one of the most famous attraction in Japan: the Temple of the Golden Pavilion. And no, the name is not lying: the building is really covered in pure gold leaf
The entry fee is 400 yen 💰 and is absolutely worth it!
👑 Imperial palace: your next stop will be the former palace of the Emperor of Japan. Kyoto was in fact the capital until the Meiji Restoration in 1869, when it was moved moved to Tokyo.
🏰 Nijo Castle: is one of the best examples of architecture of Japan feudal era. The price to visit the castle and garden is 800 yen
❗️Our tip: we recomend spending 500 yen more to also have access to Ninomaru-goten palace. Its interiors are magnificently decorated with wall paintings, intricately carved walls and exquisite metalwork.
While walking down the corridor make sure to keep silent to really enjoy the atmosphere: the floorboards of the palace sound like a nightingale when people walk on it 🐦🎶
🍧 Tsurara: if you are a bit hungry, you must stop here to try Kakigori, japanese shaved ice. Trust us when we say this was the best shaved ice we've ever had
⛩️ Yasaka Shrine: is one of the oldest and most famous in Kyoto.
❗️Our tip: visit it during sunset to fully enjoy the suggestive atmosphere created by the many lanterns
🏘 Gion: in this neightbourhood you can admire traditional japanese style houses, while walking surrounded by shops, restaurants and ochaya (teahouses).
💧Kamo river: you can unwind after a long day while strolling down this suggestive river. The tiny streets of this neightbourhood will also be the perfect spot a tasty dinner
So what do you say? Has Kyoto been added to your Japan bucket list?
From @wedangotravel
33. Do you wanna visit the city of Kyoto? Here's part 3 of the itenerary that worked best for us as first time visitors
Day 3
Arashiyama: take the bus or train and start day 3 in one of Kyoto's nicest suburbs area. Here you can stroll along the river and visit temples that only locals know of. And don't forget the food! The main street in Arashiyama is the perfect spot to try out yummy japanese snacks
📿 Otagi Nenbutsu-ji: this one is a real hidden gem (and one of our favourite temples in the entire country!). Being located outside of the city center, it's visited by very few people and is for sure worth it being one of them! With just 300 yen here you will admire hundreds of wonderful (and at times funny) sculptures carved by pilgrims🗿
🎍Bamboo forest: your visit in Arashiyama won't be completed without visiting the oh-so-famous bamboo forest and, trust us, is famous for a reason
🍡Koitomo Honpo: if you're in the mood for a snack, you're in the right place. At Koitomo Honpo you can try our all time favourite mitarashi dango. So so yummy!
🔎So what do you say? Has Kyoto been added to your Japan bucket list?
🔎Save this post if this itinerary is what you're looking for and let us know in the comments what is the place that you can't wait to visit
From @wedangotravel