Category: souvenir

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Autumn Pottery Markets in Japan

In autumn in Japan, it’s not only the fall foliage that you can enjoy—there are also many festivals, events, and flea markets.

Among these, pottery markets held in various regions are especially not to be missed.
There is a convenient website that lists pottery markets held all across Japan, so be sure to check it out.

https://dai-toukiichi.com/

I visited the Kasama Pottery Market in Kasama City, Ibaraki Prefecture, which is held in early November.
Many ceramic artists had booths there, and it was truly fascinating.

There is also a ceramics museum within the grounds, and for anyone who loves pottery, it’s a place I would definitely recommend visiting at least once.
Kasama is also known as a famous chestnut-producing region. At the Kasama roadside station,笠間道の駅、 you can enjoy local specialties such as chestnut sweets and the unique “Mont Blanc Tantanmen (Spicy ramen with chestnuts cream on the top),” making it a fun stop for food lovers as well.

During periods when the Kasama Pottery Market or events at Kasama Geijutsu no Mori Park are held, special shuttle buses operate between the tourist sites and nearby stations—JR Kasama Station on the Mito Line and JR Tomobe Station on the Joban Line.
By using these buses, you can get around easily even without a car.

Especially in autumn, you can enjoy the beautiful fall foliage at the same time, so if you are in the greater Kanto area, it’s sure to feel like a perfect short getaway.

For those who don’t have much time, pottery markets are also held fairly often within Tokyo. If a market is happening nearby on a weekend, be sure to check regularly and try to find a one-of-a-kind treasure just for you.

In Japan, autumn is the season when the summer heat fades, making it easier to focus on a wide variety of activities. It is also a time to celebrate the harvest, which is why it is often referred to as the season of sports, the season of the arts, the harvest season, and even the season of good appetite.

Why not find an autumn activity that suits you best?

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Foodie’s heaven – Department store’s basement experience!

Welcome to Japan! When it comes to visiting Japan, you can’t resist delicious, tempting foods! Ramen, Sushi, Katsu Curry, Tempura, Teppanyaki Steak and Lobster –etcetera.

As you know, convenience stores – Seven Eleven, Lawson, Family Mart are famous for their delicious snacks, sweets, finger foods, light meals.

Moreover, even supermarkets set up a large special corner where displays all genres of foods to take away.

Whereas, most of department stores have food halls commonly are located at their basement floor. We call them as “Depa Chika デパ地下” . Chika means “Basement”.

  • Ginza Mitsukoshi
  • Umeda Hankyu

High-end and seasonal select foods and beverages are displayed everywhere in Depa Chika food streets. They look like Chelsea Market in NYC or Harrods Food Halls in London.

They entirely hold seasonal theme festivals like “Christmas”, “New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day”, “Cherry Blossom”, “Autumn”, “Hokkaido”, “Kyusyu”, throughout a year.

Takashimaya 高島屋,Isetan 伊勢丹, Mitsukoshi 三越, Matsuzakaya 松坂屋, Marui 丸井, Tobu 東武, Seibu 西武, Sogo 十河, Keio 京王, Daimaru 大丸, Hankyu 阪急, Hanshin 阪神 Fujisaki 藤崎department stores are open for foodies from all around the world!!

  • Meats & Fries Appetizers
  • Happousai Fried Vegitable
  • Cheu a la creme & Mont Blanc
  • Fruits Tarte
  • Wines
  • Ohagi Dango
  • Variety flavors of salads
  • Tempura
  • Pork Katsu Bento
  • Wa gyu Beef
  • Japanese Sake tasting

I say, some foods are so expensive, because they are literally collecting delicious, beautiful foods from around the world.

Sometime you might be feeling tired from walking so much, just relax, taking a rest at a hotel room with Depa Chika foods and /or having Spa massage.

Exploring Depa Chika might become highlighted, epic Japanesey experience on your itinerary.

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Satisfying Curiosity – EXPO 2025 Osaka Kansai World Expo

This summer, during the 2025 holiday season, some people might have up to a 9-day consecutive break due to the Obon holiday.

For those spending time with family, going on trips, returning to their hometowns, or paying respects at graves, there will be plenty to do.

Given the extreme heat this year (though I feel like every year is setting new records for the highest temperatures), I’d prefer not to stand in long lines under the blazing sun for leisure activities. But still, I really want to visit the Osaka Expo, as it’s a once-in-a-lifetime event this year.

The content of the Expo is enjoyable for adults, but it’s especially recommended for children because it provides a very compact and easy-to-understand look at the future of society, technology, and the diverse countries of the world. It’s an excellent opportunity for cultural exchange with people from abroad.

Recently, it seems that all tourist destinations in Japan are filled with inbound foreign visitors, but at the Osaka Expo venue, I felt that many of the attendees were Japanese people, especially retirees with more free time, and people from the Kansai region who had purchased full-term passes.

Of course, during summer vacation, it’s expected that there will be many families and children (there are also summer passes for this period), but it’s important to register for pavilion reservations in advance, such as two months, seven days, or even the day before the visit. If that’s not possible, there are also booths where you can make reservations after entering the venue. (While some pavilions don’t require reservations, due to increased congestion, more and more places are now requiring them).

You can find detailed information about pavilion reservations here:
Expo 2025 Reservation Page

Therefore, it’s recommended to enter the venue as early as possible. (Remember, you need to purchase an entrance ticket separately. Without it, you won’t be able to enter the pavilion lottery. Once inside, you can make reservations, so try to get there early. However, in the evening, the crowds thin out, so it becomes easier to enter pavilions just by standing in line).

  • Jamaica Pavilion
  • Romania Pavilion
  • Kuwait Pavilion
  • Austria Pavilion Restaurant
  • Czech Pavilion
  • Australia Pavilion

The Italy Pavilion, France Pavilion, USA Pavilion were amazing! the Jordan Pavilion where you can walk through the desert, and the Turkmenistan Pavilion (which is not yet open to the public as a tourist attraction) are often in the spotlight. But I recommend visiting the Commons, where there are booths from many countries within one building. You can see various local products, famous celebrity figures, cultural arts, and more, almost without having to wait in line. There are pavilions from A to F, and it’s impossible to see everything!

If you can’t get reservations, you’ll just have to stand in line. When I went, it was the day the Leonardo da Vinci exhibition was launched at the Italy Pavilion, so I had to wait about six hours! But it was worth it and very impressive.

It’s recommended to spend several days and visit the Expo in a planned manner. On the first day, take a quick tour to get an overview, and then, over the next few days, explore the places you really want to see. The large roofed area offers shade and seating, and there’s free drinking water available. Each country also has plenty of food and events, with Myaku Myaku being particularly popular.

There are also so many stamp rallies, so be sure to buy a stamp book and collect them. The unique stamps of each country will be great memories of the Expo.

After the summer vacation, I plan to visit again in September. It’s that fun! The ethnic costumes worn by the pavilion staff from each country are also wonderful. The Japan Pavilion was so popular that I couldn’t get a reservation, so I look forward to visiting it next time.

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“Japan, An Artistic Melting Pot” exhibition at the Kyoto National Museum

I visited the “Japan, An Artistic Melting Pot” exhibition at the Kyoto National Museum, and I was absolutely shaken by the gathering of Japan’s national treasure collections. I don’t think there will ever be another opportunity like this to see so many national treasures in one place at once!

With the Osaka and Kansai Expo in mind, the National Museum is certainly putting on quite a show. Works like the Fujin Raijin-zu byōbu (Wind and Thunder Gods Folding Screen) and Fugaku Sanjūrokkei – Kanagawa Oki Nami Ura, Gaifū Kaisei (Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji – The Great Wave off Kanagawa and the Fine Wind, Clear Morning) are on display together.

Typically, national treasures and sculptures are preserved by the temples or institutions that have inherited them over generations, so it’s expected that many would be in the Kansai region. But even in Tokyo, it’s rare to see such a collection all in one place!

From Japan to abroad and from abroad to Japan: in many ways, Japan has been influenced by other countries, while also influencing the world. Amidst misunderstandings and modifications, there is a constant curiosity and awe in the artworks and sculptures that reflect newly seen animals, plants, people, foreign cultures, and first encounters with foreign artists and works of art.

Personally, I really like the ceramics and Nanban (Southern Barbarian) folding screens from the 16th century, Momoyama period. They beautifully blend Japanese and foreign cultures—just the right balance.

Also, the artworks featuring motifs of flowers, birds, wind, and moon, landscape paintings, mother-of-pearl inlay, and maki-e lacquerware boxes are all wonderful. The haniwa (ancient clay figures) are also adorable. (Yes, I love them all! Haha)

I spent a full three hours, and even participated in making a maki-e letter paper and envelope workshop, which took about four hours in total. Still, it felt like I didn’t have enough time.

Perhaps because of the rain, or maybe despite it, the Kyoto National Museum had a large crowd, and it was hard to view each piece slowly and carefully. It truly was an extraordinary exhibition, one that you rarely encounter!

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Kyoto tourist spots – must visit places and experience in Kyoto

Kyoto is the most famous and popular city, especially tourists from abroad. Kyoto is one of the oldest municipalities in which was set imperial court in 794 A.D. by Emperor Kanmu. This, one of the ancient city of Japan is considered the cultural and historical capital of Japan and is a major tourist destination.

There is lot of tourist spots and experience in Kyoto. Therefore, let me teach you the most convenient and effective way to see around this city – using public bus and subway.

The public transportations are in Kyoto is very cheap – for example, using public bus cost you only 230 yen (approx.1.5 dollars) for one ride.

Check the bus map below, which is divided into 5 points of areas of Kyoto, including famous shrines and temples.

Depending on the location, you may need to use the train or subway.

https://www2.city.kyoto.lg.jp/kotsu/webguide/files/tikabusnavi/en_tikabusnavi_1.pdf

https://www2.city.kyoto.lg.jp/kotsu/webguide/files/tikabusnavi/en_tikabusnavi_2.pdf

Not only visiting old shrines and temples, but also enjoying Japanese culture at Samurai Ninja museum or Kyoto International Manga museum and Nintendo museum.

You can also have a walk around Kyoto city with Japanese traditional kimono or yukata.

Meanwhile, the four seasons in Kyoto, each has its own beauty.

Spring – cherry blossom, Summer – bamboo forest, Autumn – fall foliage, Winter – snow etc.

Enjoy the scenery of each season with historical architectures and gardens.

  • Heian Shrine
  • Ginkakuji Temple
  • Kinkakuji Temple
  • The garden of Ryuan Temple
  • Kamo River
  • Fushimi Inari Shrine

Moreover, Kyoto has characteristic special quality of foods, especially foods that are made from soy beans and matcha (green tea). Kyoto Uji(京都 宇治) is one of the most famous production area of green tea leaves in Japan.

Tofu and yuba, soymilk cuisines have developed in temples at Kyoto, due to the prohibition of meat eating. It is called Shojin Ryori (精進料理).

Shojin Ryori could be a perfect meal for vegans.

Macha(greentea) ice creams are available anywhere in Kyoto.

Let’s try a fresh matcha ice cream here!

Besides, Kyoto vegetable pickles(京漬物)and Kyoto yatsuhashi mochi sheets with cinnamon powder(八つ橋)are also popular as souvenirs.

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The nearest ancient city from The Haneda Airport (Tokyo) is Kamakura!

Just 1 hour train ride will take you to Kamakura from The Haneda International Airport.

The Kamakura Shogunate was established in 1185 in Kamakura by Yoritomo Minamoto (源　頼朝). It was the feudal military government of Japan during the Kamakura period from 1185 to 1333.A.D.

Those who wish to learn something about the contrast of old toward urban Japanese culture and history may do so by visiting Japan’s old cities and other spots which form a backdrop to Japan’s long history, or visiting old temples, shrines, gardens and by admiring images of Buddha and objects of fine art.

  • Houkoku Ji
  • Houkoku Ji
  • Bamboo forest
  • Tea room in the bamboo forest
  • Tsuruoka Hachimangu bridge
  • Lotus flowers blooming
  • Tsuruoka Hachimangu
  • Tsuruoka Hachimangu
  • Side face of The Great Budda
  • Stone paving

There is many historical places and temples, shrines in Kamakura, especially where is famous for “Great Budda of Kamakura 鎌倉大仏” “Bamboo Forest Hokokuji Temple 報国寺” “Tsuruoka  Hachimangu Shrine 鶴岡八幡宮”.

Kamakura is very compact city to see around, also can access to many tourist spots easily by public bus. Small old shopping road is quaint.

Are you sick and tired of gathering the central area of Tokyo?  Tourist sightseeing spot like Tokyo and Osaka are so crowded?

Come to Kamakura! Kamakura is still crowded, but it is better than these cities and go to the ocean beach (Yuiga Hama 由比ヶ浜).

Kamakura is the best one-day short trip destination from Tokyo to feel great atmosphere of Japanese ancient city, worth visiting here rather than any cherry blossoms viewing spots in Japan.

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Japanese Bonsai Museum

The other day, I visited Japanese Bonsai Museum at Edogawa-ward in Tokyo.

It calls 春花園ＢＯＮＳＡI美術館(shunkaen Bosai Museum).

This bonsai museum is famous, which have been visited by world celebrities like Jeff Bezos, Cameron Diaz. More than 80 percent of visitors are foreigners.

Almost a thousand of bonsai trees in this garden, moreover, tea ceremony room and taiko bridge has built over a pond for kois in sight.

This museum founded by Kunio Kobayashi who is a prominent authority as   a Japanese bonsai artist since 1989. He has trained over 200 successors of all over the world.

https://kunio-kobayashi.com/en/index.html

So what, Bonsai? You don’t know that?  OK, let me explain what is Bonsai.

Bonsai (dwarf trees) is an art form that consists of planting a tree in a ceramic pot. Also, articles of taste to be admired through a process of cultivation that draws on the accents the plant’s vital powers, producing a natural elegance of form pleasing to the eye.

It was introduced to Japan the Nara and Heian Period (8 to 12 centuries) from China, whereafter it developed independently in Japan.

Bosai can last for periods ranging from decades to centuries, gradually gaining character as they age. Special cultivation method will be applied.

The essence of the art of cultivation lies in skillfully controlling the growth of the tree through promoting and restraining technics.

Bonsai are cultivated into variety of shapes by controlling such factors as the arrangement of the trunk (upright, learning, twisted, growing from a vertical face), the number of trees (single, multiple, clumped) and the root configuration (horizon with trunks rising from place to place, rock-clinging, partially exposed).

Trees are, mainly used pine tree, but many other types of trees can be used, such as various evergreens and deciduous trees, and trees that blossom, and bear fruit, and each has its own unique attractiveness.

Bonsai tree is, one symbolic subject, which is Japanese people love of natural beauty, Zen-inspired micro-world in the world.

This bonsai garden must be an oasis in concrete jungle of Tokyo, I felt a few degrees cooler in the center of the Tokyo, actually.

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Enjoy visiting Zoos & Aquariums @Tokyo

There are unique, characteristic zoos and aquariums all around the world, then, if you love animals or birds and fish, penguins, why don’t you visit zoo and aquarium while staying at Tokyo.

https://www.tokyo-zoo.net/

https://www.tokyo-zoo.net/english/kasai/index.html

  • Okapi “A lady of the forest”
  • Baby Panda sleeping
  • Winking white owl
  • Daddy panda
  • Alpaca like a rock star.
  • Polar bear

Tokyo Ueno Zoo (Tokyo Zoological Gardens)and Kasai Rinkai Aquarium(Tokyo Sea Life Park) are being managed their administrations by Tokyo Metropolitan Government.

You can see the animals along scenery close to its natural environment.

Meanwhile, Sumida Aquarium, Shinagawa Aquarium are private aquariums, inclined to be particular about presentation.

https://www.sumida-aquarium.com/en/index.html

https://sunshinecity.jp/en/aquarium/

Animals are endearing, wild, brave, humorous, huge and tiny.

You must see fish and penguins, fur seals, Chinese eels, a school of tunas, jelly fish in Tokyo.

Let’s chill out and watch some wildlife at the center of Metropolis.

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Lucky find @Ochanomizu – used vinyl records, vintage guitars etc!

If you are literally music player, you should visit Ochanomizu area where is located in the next stop from Akihabara station. As you know, you could dig in well-conditioned of used vinyl records and old electric guitars, acoustic guitars, electric bass guitars, acoustic drums, other musical instruments @ specialty shops in Ochanomizu.

Meanwhile, Japanese folk musical instruments like Shamisen(三味線), Taiko(和太鼓),Shakuhachi(尺八), etc most of Wa-Gakki(和楽器) are available in Shinjuku.

You may have already known Japanese vinyl record online shops, like Disk Union, RecoFAN, etc, however, on-site small vinyls shops @Ochanomizu are very exciting! Several genres are categorized and sorted at the record racks in each at those stores, help you find easily your favorite records in various bargains.

Japanese city-pop vinyls are many in the stocks, especially 1970’s and 80’s. I could find them also in the storage room or attic of my parent house though, it is very fun to find something special in your memories from those record racks. It would definitely remind you of your youthful memories very quickly.

I am sure, if you are curious about Japanese popular, folk music like Enka, Minyo or Kayou-kyoku, those are also in those stores.

Japanese city pop treasure “Mayonaka no door”.
“Shimauta”is based on Okinawa folk music, which is also covered by Alfredo Casero in Argentina.

Electric guitar brand products are, like Fender, Gibson, Martin, and many musical instruments brands in various shops at Ochanomizu and Jimbocho (Jimbocho is very close to Ochanomizu) area. There are also famous for gathering delicious curry restaurants area. After finding special vinyls and guitars, spicy curry lunch would be waiting for you.

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Used books flea market @Kanda, Jimbocho in 2024!

Believe it or not, Japanese is “bookworm”.

One of the reasons why Japanese books and comics have been enthusiastically published by Japanese publishers for almost a century is, just because they are bookworms.

Japanese TV anime show started in 1963, it was “Tetsuwan Atom (Astro Boy)” written by Osamu Tezuka. But still, Japanese kids were, not only reading comic magazines (Mangas) but also watching TV anime show. For example, “Dragon Ball” by Akira Toriyama, “One Piece” by Eiichiro Oda, was still really loved by Japanese people both animes and comics. They are legendary & symbolic authors in Japanese comic history!

The season has come for bookworms! “Kanda used book festival in 2024” started on 25th October until 4th November.

Kanda, Jimbocho area is broadly known as “booktown” in Tokyo. “Kanda used book festival” is held only once a year, the festival covers flea markets and many events, deals with used books, video, CDs, drawing, painting, and etc, more than 1 million of books are exhibited.

I am a kind of niche collectors of “Ukiyoe hanga 浮世絵版画”and cult movie pamphlet (brochures of cult movies which especially directed by foreign creators). I opened my eyes wide, found a couple of brochures of 80’s movie, some Ukiyoe hangas. I was so happy to find treasure buried in a heap of garbage. I prefer looking for treasure in flea markets to participate in internet auctions!!