http://www.essential-japan-guide.com/Japan-Guide-blog.html Essential Japan Guide Updates en-us japan guide Wed, 17 Feb 2010 15:58:09 GMT Wed, 17 Feb 2010 15:58:09 GMT essential-japan-guide.com http://www.essential-japan-guide.com/about-essential-japan-guide.html About Essential Japan Guide, Or an Unlikely Tale of How an American Midwesterner Developed a Website about Japan Thu, 11 Feb 2010 17:46:51 GMT http://www.essential-japan-guide.com/banana-moon-in-shimokitazawa.html Shimokitazawa is 10 minutes away from Shinjuku on the Odakyu line. If you're looking for a fun night out in this energized part of Tokyo, get out on Fri, 29 Jan 2010 17:26:38 GMT http://www.essential-japan-guide.com/first-kitchen-japanese-fast-food-restaurant.html With all do respect to Freshness Burger and Mo's Burger, which are also great, my favorite fast food restaurant in Japan is First Kitchen. What's Tue, 24 Nov 2009 15:39:11 GMT http://www.essential-japan-guide.com/japanese-culture.html Discover the many dimensions of Japanese culture and customs, along with a wealth of info on Japanese holidays, festivals, fashions, and more! Sat, 21 Nov 2009 02:23:55 GMT http://www.essential-japan-guide.com/cool-japan-stuff.html This section of our website is reserved simply for uniquely cool Japan stuff. If it's cool, if it's Japan or Japanese, and if it's stuff, then you'll find it right here! You know the kind of stuff we're talking about. Japanese vending machines. Japanese toilets. Japanese convenience stores. Japanese depachika. Cool Stuff like that! Sat, 21 Nov 2009 02:05:54 GMT http://www.essential-japan-guide.com/japanese-convenience-stores.html Japanese convenience stores are one of the truly great Japanese institutions. The operative word is convenient. Called Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:06:28 GMT http://www.essential-japan-guide.com/kaiten-sushi.html Kaiten sushi (actually pronounced kaiten-zushi in Japanese) are special sushi restaurants where plates of sushi are brought around to diners on a revolving conveyor belt. Kaiten- zushi restaurants are where you can fine some of Japan's most inexpensive yet still high-quality sushi, and have tons of fun while you eat! Wed, 18 Nov 2009 02:29:08 GMT http://www.essential-japan-guide.com/japanese-depachika.html Japanese depachika are Japan's department store food floors which boast a mind-boggling array of foods. Depachika are located on the bottom floor of Japanese department stores. The word Thu, 12 Nov 2009 18:00:17 GMT http://www.essential-japan-guide.com/japanese-vending-machines.html Japanese vending machines are invariably a source of fascination for visitors to Japan. It's not so much the machines themselves but the variety of things sold in them. Beverage varieties by the hundreds it seems. Beer. Hot tea. Corn soup. And yes, even panties and porn. Discover the fascinating world of vending machines in Japan. Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:59:57 GMT http://www.essential-japan-guide.com/japan-temples-and-shrines.html Awe inspiring Japan temples and shrines are found in abundance and such historically rich locations as Kyoto, Nara, Kamakura, as well as Tokyo, all of which at one time served as Japan's capital city and center of art, culture, and religion. Discover Japan's most culturally important and interesting to visit Buddhist temples and shinto shrines. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 16:03:25 GMT http://www.essential-japan-guide.com/places-to-visit-in-japan.html Where are the best places to visit in Japan? Start out by exploring the exciting and vibrant capital city of Tokyo, the temples and shines of the ancient capitals of Kyoto, Nara, and Kamakura, the modern international city of Yokohama, or the friendly city of Osaka. Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:16:20 GMT http://www.essential-japan-guide.com/dining-in-japan.html In our EJG Dining in Japan Guide you'll find first-hand reviews of our favorite Japan eating experiences! Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:33:00 GMT http://www.essential-japan-guide.com/beard-papas-cream-puffs.html OK, I know it's not exactly fine dining, but I just had to share my love of Beard Papa's Cream Puffs! These things are amazing. Beard Papa's is a Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:03:40 GMT http://www.essential-japan-guide.com/index.html The Essential Japan Guide is a friendly, easy-to-understand guide to the best of Japan, with a special emphasis on info for first-time Japan travelers. Wed, 04 Nov 2009 03:25:51 GMT http://www.essential-japan-guide.com/motomachi-yokohama.html Motomachi Yokohama originally developed in the late 1800s as a residential area with a high concentration of foreign residents, along with bakeries, cafes, and other Western-influenced shops that were unique to Japan at the time. Today, Motomachi is a five-block-long stretch of upscale shops, boutiques, restaurants and cafes that still retains its Western influence. Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:15:46 GMT http://www.essential-japan-guide.com/japan-travel-guide.html How will you experience Japan? Check out the EJG's Japan travel guide to Japan's best sightseeing, destinations, activities and attractions. Sun, 01 Nov 2009 15:21:44 GMT http://www.essential-japan-guide.com/yokohama-guide.html In our Yokohama Guide, we introduce you to one of Japan's best-kept secrets: the city of Yokohama. Sun, 01 Nov 2009 15:16:29 GMT http://www.essential-japan-guide.com/yokohama-chinatown.html Yokohama Chinatown, also called Chukagai, is the largest Chinatown in Asia, and one of the largest in the world. Located just a couple blocks from Motomachi, Chukagai consists of several blocks packed full of authentic Chinese restaurants, food stalls, shops, and temples. Fri, 30 Oct 2009 02:09:17 GMT http://www.essential-japan-guide.com/hikawa-maru.html Hikawa Maru is a luxury trans-Pacific passenger liner that operated between 1930 and 1960. Nicknamed the Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:00:55 GMT http://www.essential-japan-guide.com/yamashita-park.html Yamashita Park is a pleasant stretch of Yokohama waterfront that looks out over Yokohama Bay and offers stunning romantic views of Yokohama Bay Bridge and the Yokohama skyline. Thu, 29 Oct 2009 14:53:41 GMT http://www.essential-japan-guide.com/minato-mirai-21.html Minato Mirai 21 (MM21) is the product of a masive development project, begun in 1983, that dramatically transformed Yokohama's central waterfront area from an industrial shipping yard into Japan's newest and most exciting center for shopping, dining, and commerce, and entertainment. Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:33:33 GMT http://www.essential-japan-guide.com/banking-in-japan.html Learn where and how to exchange your currency for yen and other essentials of banking in Japan. Sun, 25 Oct 2009 16:21:33 GMT http://www.essential-japan-guide.com/rocket-japanese-review.html In our Rocket Japanese Review, we take a look at Rocket Japanese Premium, one of the most popular online Japanese courses available on the Internet. Wed, 21 Oct 2009 15:32:17 GMT http://www.essential-japan-guide.com/japanese-language-learning-resources.html On this page, we introduce you to our favorite Japanese language learning resources. When choosing Japanese learning resources, be sure to consider your personal learning goals, learning style, budget, and your available study time. Wed, 21 Oct 2009 15:29:58 GMT http://www.essential-japan-guide.com/kyoto-sightseeing-guide.html In our Kyoto sightseeing guide, we provide you a one-stop guide to our favorite Kyoto temples, shrines, and other attractions and sightseeing spots. Sun, 18 Oct 2009 01:55:27 GMT http://www.essential-japan-guide.com/japanese-business-etiquette.html Learn the basics of Japanese business etiquette, including proper Japanese business attire, exchanging of business cards, and proper forms of business address. Sat, 17 Oct 2009 20:57:43 GMT http://www.essential-japan-guide.com/kiyomizu-temple.html Kiyomizu Temple (Kiyomizudera) is a spectacular Kyoto temple with a massive veranda overlooking the city of Kyoto. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this is one Kyoto attraction you won't want to miss. Sat, 17 Oct 2009 01:24:48 GMT http://www.essential-japan-guide.com/nijo-castle.html Nijo Castle is one of Kyoto's UNESCO world heritage sites and a beautiful Kyoto tourist attraction. Fri, 16 Oct 2009 01:56:28 GMT http://www.essential-japan-guide.com/ginkakuji-silver-pavilion.html Ginkakuji Silver Pavilion, though not actually silver in color, is a Kyoto temple with an immaculately sculptured Zen sand garden, a tranquil Japanese pond, and lush wooded grounds, making this temple a worthwhile Kyoto sightseeing attraction to visit. Thu, 15 Oct 2009 14:54:43 GMT http://www.essential-japan-guide.com/kinkakuji-golden-pavilion.html Kinkakuji Golden Pavilion is a beautiful gold-colored temple built on the edge of a reflective lake and surrounded by an exquisite Japanese Garden. It is among Japan's most well-known temples, and is one of the most popular Kyoto tourist attractions. Tue, 13 Oct 2009 16:27:35 GMT http://www.essential-japan-guide.com/tokyo-travel-guide.html In our Tokyo Travel Guide, we provide you a launching pad from which to explore one of the world's most unique, vibrant and exciting cities. Tue, 13 Oct 2009 15:50:47 GMT http://www.essential-japan-guide.com/japanese-learning-guide.html In our Japanese learning guide, we provide you with all of the resources you need for learning to speak Japanese and give you some Japanese language learning tips to help you succeed in learning Japanese. Mon, 12 Oct 2009 22:25:53 GMT http://www.essential-japan-guide.com/contact-us.html Essential Japan Guide Contact Us page. Thu, 08 Oct 2009 13:59:51 GMT http://www.essential-japan-guide.com/economy-of-japan.html A brief overview of the economy of Japan Mon, 05 Oct 2009 13:25:33 GMT http://www.essential-japan-guide.com/japanese-capsule-hotel.html For a truly adventurous and unique Japan lodging experience, spend a night in a Japanese capsule hotel. Fri, 02 Oct 2009 20:58:05 GMT http://www.essential-japan-guide.com/internet-access-in-japan.html Essential information on Internet access in Japan, including cellular phone rental, free wi fi hot spots, and Internet cafes. Fri, 02 Oct 2009 20:54:37 GMT http://www.essential-japan-guide.com/japan-car-rental.html Essential information on Japan car rental, including requirements for rental, English-speaking rental agencies, and tips on renting a car in Japan. Fri, 02 Oct 2009 20:53:29 GMT http://www.essential-japan-guide.com/japan-cell-phone-rental.html Essential information on Japan cell phone rental. Guide to renting a mobile phone in Japan. Fri, 02 Oct 2009 20:51:50 GMT http://www.essential-japan-guide.com/japan-rail-pass.html Learn all you need to know about the JR Japan rail pass, including how much it costs, where and how to purchase it, and eligibility. Fri, 02 Oct 2009 20:49:22 GMT http://www.essential-japan-guide.com/japan-love-hotels.html Erotic encounters Japan style! Japan love hotels offer ideal accommodations for intimate encounters for consenting adults. Fri, 02 Oct 2009 20:47:50 GMT http://www.essential-japan-guide.com/japan-minshuku.html Japan minshuku are Japanese-style bed and breakfast accommodations, and are ideal for budget-minded travelers looking for friendly, cozy lodgings. Fri, 02 Oct 2009 20:45:54 GMT http://www.essential-japan-guide.com/japanese-ryokan.html Take a step back in time and stay at a Japanese Ryokan to experience traditional Japanese culture, hospitality and service at its finest. Fri, 02 Oct 2009 20:43:52 GMT http://www.essential-japan-guide.com/japan-apartment-rentals.html Essential info on Japan apartment rentals and guest houses, sometimes referred to as Fri, 02 Oct 2009 20:41:40 GMT http://www.essential-japan-guide.com/japan-luxury-hotels.html Your guide to Japan luxury hotels, including an overview of hotel amenities and a list of luxury hotels in Tokyo and Japan's other major cities. Fri, 02 Oct 2009 20:39:38 GMT http://www.essential-japan-guide.com/japan-business-hotels.html Your essential guide to Japan business hotels, including a description of business hotels in Japan, price ranges, and leading hotels. Fri, 02 Oct 2009 20:36:50 GMT http://www.essential-japan-guide.com/japanese-natto.html Japanese natto are the infamously pungent fermented soy beans. Sticky, stinky, stringy, and yet oh so healthy, there is no middle ground. You'll either love it or hate natto, but you can't ignore it. Wed, 30 Sep 2009 16:16:15 GMT http://www.essential-japan-guide.com/interesting-facts-about-japan.html Peek inside for some fun and interesting facts about Japan. Sun, 27 Sep 2009 16:23:53 GMT http://www.essential-japan-guide.com/japan-food.html The EJG Japan Food Guide to Japan's incomparable food culture. Inside, you'll find a wealth of info on food in Japan, restaurants in Japan, dining in Japan, and Japanese food recipes. Sun, 27 Sep 2009 16:09:54 GMT http://www.essential-japan-guide.com/onigiri-rice-balls.html Onigiri rice balls are a favorite picnic and snack food in Japan. Onigiri is a popular carry out food item in Japanese convenience stores, and is a common item found in bento boxed lunches. Simple to make and delicious to eat, onigiri is a staple food item in Japan. Sat, 26 Sep 2009 15:28:57 GMT http://www.essential-japan-guide.com/japanese-soba.html Japanese soba is a very popular noodle dish in Japan. Healthy, versitle, and inexpensive, soba can be served in a variety of ways hot or cold, and is a staple of the Japanese diet. Fri, 25 Sep 2009 14:11:49 GMT