By Rodger Baker Vice President of East Asia Analysis Sep 25, 2012 Sept. 29 will mark 40 years of normalized diplomatic relations between China and Japan, two countries that spent much of the 20th century in mutual enmity if not at outright war. The anniversary comes at a low point in Sino-Japanese relations amid a […]
China Tests Japanese and U.S. Patience
By Rodger Baker Vice President of East Asia Analysis Feb 26, 2013 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has warned Beijing that Tokyo is losing patience with China’s assertive maritime behavior in the East and South China seas, suggesting China consider the economic and military consequences of its actions. His warning followed similar statements from Washington […]
Things to Consider While Living in Tokyo
Tokyo, one of the 47 prefectures, is the largest city and the capital of Japan. It is better called a metropolis rather than a prefecture and is the largest in the world with more than 30 million inhabitants. Having Useful Addresses: One important aspect of living in Tokyo is finding addresses. It is important to […]
The Best Hot Springs and Resort Towns in Japan
Hundreds of hot springs known locally as Onsens dot the landscape of Japan. The natural hot springs have been developed into spas where people can rejuvenate and relax. There are many hot spring baths and resort towns in Japan. The popular Kusatsu Hot Spring Resort is located in the Gunma region. The town boasts of […]
Weekly Mansions in Japan
What is a Weekly Mansion? A weekly mansion is a furnished apartment for short-term stays. From a size vs price perspective, they are generally more expensive than other housing such as guesthouses and ryokans. One of the big differences between a guesthouse and a weekly mansion is that guesthouse accommodation is conducive to meeting other […]
Super Hotels in Japan
Super Hotels Although Super Hotels are classified as a budget hotel, they offer some pretty good services which separate them from other hotel chains. For example, they have a free breakfast buffet, well lit rooms and lobbies, wireless internet access, some buildings with all non-smoking rooms and even some hotels featuring hot springs (onsens). The […]
Serviced Apartments in Japan
Serviced Apartments in Japan Most serviced apartments are located in city areas in convenient locations and provide you with a more ‘homely’ stay than a normal hotel. In most cases, what separates a serviced apartment in Japan from a normal hotel are: 1. A separate work space 2. A kitchen area 3. Lounge area 4. […]
Business Travel Tokyo
The prominent economy of Tokyo attracts millions of business persons annually. The city being a hub for banking, finance and industry is completely geared to cater for those travelling for commercial purposes. The city is amazing. It’s a blend of style, glamour, success and interesting culture. It is also very much abuzz with activity but […]
Shibuya Hotels – Finding a Good, Cheap Shibuya Hotel
Shibuya Hotels are a great place to stay when you are visiting Tokyo. One of the 23 special wards of Tokyo, Shibuya is known for its shopping and youthful vibe. It is easy to get to, has a lot of shopping, and plenty of attractions. Shibuya is also known as one of the places where […]
Best Way to Learn Japanese – a Tale of Two Cities
Living in Japan is the best way to learn how to speak Japanese because you have the bonuses of having first hand experience of Japanese culture, the country and its people. But before you leave, you need to get your brain ready to take on Japanese and Japan. To lessen culture shock and fortify your […]
Climbing Fuji-san
In the year 2000, my wife Mandy and I celebrated the new millennium by climbing Mt Fuji, which straddles the border of Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures in central Japan. When we arrived back home two days later, every muscle in our body ached, our feet had blisters, and our toes were bruised, but it was […]
Summer Customs in Japan
Japanese summers are usually introduced by a warm, sunny spring season, but this year, the temperatures and conditions have been wildly erratic. However, ‘Tsuyu’ (the rainy season) has arrived on schedule as usual, bringing with it the typical heat and humidity that can be expected at this time of the year, and the realization that […]
Explore the Land of the Rising Sun
Japan, known as the ‘Land of the Rising Sun’, is the most developed country in entire Asia. Most of Japan’s terrain is mountainous and is dotted with numerous dormant and active volcanoes. Situated on eastern most point of the continent, Japan is an archipelago nation which comprises of more than 3000 islands. Japan is a […]
Comfortable, Home-Away-From-Home and Cheap Tokyo Hotels
Tokyo is one of Japan’s forty-seven prefectures. It is situated near the eastern section of the Honshu main island. It is not only the most populous metro area in the world with 35-39 million people, it also has the largest metro economy in the world at $US 1.479 trillion. Matter of fact, Tokyo is regarded […]
Tokyo Weather and Climate Conditions
Tokyo weather – plan your Tokyo trip in advance according to the weather forecast. Tokyo weather can be extreme. September is the typhoon season. Few of them are strong, usually it ends with some hard-hitting winds. If you are visiting Tokyo at this time of the year, I recommend paying attention to the weather forecast. […]
How to See a Sumo Match in Japan
Sumo is one of Japan’s most popular and long-running spectator sports with a 2,000 year legacy. Performed in the past to entertain the Shinto gods, sumo still holds much weight (literally) in the modern era. In sumo, two rikishi or wrestlers enter the ring wearing a silk sash. After throwing salt and performing rituals and […]
Ryokan, Japan – One of the Best Possible Travel Destinations
Japan has always been one of the top tourist destinations in Asia. Tourists want to revisit the country’s historic past and experience its rich culture. They would also want to check on the country’s diverse natural resources and have a taste of Japanese cuisines. The country boasts of several key cities and towns. There’s definitely […]
Business Etiquette in Japan – Tips for the First Time Visitor to Japan
Visiting Japan for your first business trip can be a daunting experience. This article provides some tips for the first time business traveler to Japan. Etiquette generally is an important aspect of Japanese life and culture, so it should come as no surprise that business etiquette in Japan is one of those things Westerners would […]