Located in Kurayoshi City in Tottori Prefecture (Japan’s least-populated prefecture), Utsubuki Park is an off-the-beaten-path destination that lets visitors enjoy cherry blossoms away from large crowds. Thousands of trees bloom here from late March to mid-April, and the park is counted among Japan’s top 100 city parks and cherry blossom viewing spots. Aside from cherry blossoms, the park has hiking trails, a pond garden and other seasonal views. Best of all, public transportation makes this park accessible from other regional attractions such as the Tottori Sand Dunes and Mount Daisen. Built f...
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Japan could be said to be a country of yokai (ghosts). Often called goblins in English, yokai are much more varied than that poor translation suggests. These folklore beasties, like European fairies, can be scary, weird and benign. We often think of them in the summer when scary Obon season comes, but they’re present for all seasons, including the fall harvest season and winter’s dead cold. In this article, we’ll be talking about the Japanese yokai of spring. Spring yokai tends towards natural phenomena, like plants and animals. After all, spring is when the natural world comes alive again aft...
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Located about 30 minutes from the center of Hakata, Aburayama is a popular destination for those looking to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. The site is amid a relaunch which began in April 2023 to bring people back to nature. With a camping ground, hiking trails, a farm and more, Aburayama has plenty of fun for visitors of all ages. From Farm to TableMaking its debut in September 2023, Shiiji Farm is all about getting back to the earth when it comes to thinking about and consuming the food we eat. Overlooking Fukuoka City, this farm has several paid experiences all year ro...
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Central Tokyo’s renowned attractions, like the Shibuya Scramble and Shinjuku lights, often captivate the attention and budgets of numerous tourists. However, if you want to establish a long-term residence in the city, East Tokyo can offer many advantages. When looking for a place to call home in Tokyo, it’s easy to be drawn to the bustling energy of the city’s famous hubs. Yet, if you prioritize quieter neighborhoods, a warm and family-friendly atmosphere, and affordable rental options, it’s worth exploring the real estate opportunities on the east side through GaijinPot Apartments. Choosing o...
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Japanese castles are an essential part of Japan’s cultural heritage. Although many people associate them with imposing structures and tall towers, that isn’t the case for some. An example of such a castle is Kanazawa Castle, which is unique in its features. Located in Kanazawa City in Ishikawa Prefecture, the castle was built in 1580 by Lord Maeda Toshiie. It served as the residence of the Maeda family, who governed the Kaga Domain for over 280 years. Kanazawa Castle RestorationDespite facing numerous devastating fires over the years, some of the castle’s structures have been reconstructed to ...
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If you have yet to embrace the convenience of mobile Suica or Pasmo in Japan, you’re missing out. Suica or Pasmo cards streamline your commute by allowing you to tap in and out at train stations or buses and use them at convenience stores, eateries, and vending machines. However, getting an IC card has become more complex. Due to a worldwide semiconductor shortage, physical cards are less readily available. Tourists still have options, though, with special versions of these cards available. Additionally, digital alternatives are better than ever, offering flexibility in how users access these ...
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Some of the scariest Japanese urban legends, like those in this bone-chilling list, are intertwined with reality. Whether from cautionary tales, mysterious occurrences or eerie happenings, these legends possess a disturbing semblance of truth. More than just Japanese ghosts and monsters, urban legends’ creepiness, strangeness and unnerving plausibility leave an indelible mark of fear on those who dare to delve into their depths. 1. The Cow HeadThe legend of Gozu, the Cow Head, instills fear in all who dare to hear its complete tale. The story is believed to bring dire consequences to those who...
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Tottori—the least populated prefecture in Japan, invites visitors to experience sand dunes, delectable food and classic anime and manga. Best of all, Tottori is off the beaten path and a great place to avoid large crowds. The prefectural capital, Tottori City, is a particularly popular destination because it offers convenient access to the sand dunes and cherry blossom viewing spots such as Kyusho Park. Built atop the ruins of Tottori Castle and home to hundreds of cherry blossom trees, Kyusho Park is a place where visitors and locals alike enjoy the seasons and connect with regional history. ...
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Are there jobs in Japan that don’t require Japanese language skills? You bet they do! Of course, knowing the language will go a long way. But these days, there are more jobs in Japan for foreigners that can be found without knowing a single word of Japanese than ever before. Let’s look at three common jobs foreigners find in Japan, even with basic Japanese skills, and discuss some considerations for each. 1. English TeachingTeaching English in Japan is, for most, the quickest route to securing work in Japan. Generally speaking, minimal restrictions exist, and the work is seemingly everywhere. ...
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April in Japan is a time for new beginnings and taking chances. If you’ve been considering moving to Japan, now is as good a time as any. Whether you come to study Japanese or start the next chapter of your career, the moving process doesn’t have to be complicated. Move to Japan Like a Pro WebinarOn April 17 from 10 A.M. (JST), GaijinPot and Mobal will host Move to Japan Like a Pro, a free webinar about what it’s really like moving to Japan. Using real-life accounts by existing Mobal customers and other foreign residents, tune in to learn the ins and outs of starting your journey in Japan. All...
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