Arigato Travel Weblog
Sip Like a Local: 3 Regions Where Japan’s Sake Traditions Run Deep
What is Sake? If you’ve ever wandered into a Japanese izakaya and seen people sipping from small ceramic cups, chances are they were enjoying sake, Japan’s beloved rice-based alcohol. Sake has been part of Japanese life for over a thousand years, made with just three ingredients […]
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Beyond Mt. Fuji: Must-Visit Scenic Spots in Shizuoka
Looking for an active vacation in Japan? You’ll enjoy Shizuoka Prefecture, then. Shizuoka has dozens of picturesque spots because it lies between Japan’s iconic Mt. Fuji and its deepest bay – Suruga Bay. Easily accessible from Tokyo via the Tokaido Shinkansen, it is also home to […]
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WALKING IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF WARRIORS: A SAMURAI-THEMED JOURNEY THROUGH SHIGA
The relentless influx of tourists means that popular destinations like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka are getting noticeably more crowded as the day goes by. More importantly, sticking strictly to an itinerary focused on these three major hubs means easily bypassing the locations that were absolutely central […]
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LET’S DIVE IN: OKINAWA’S UNDERWATER ADVENTURES
No one can argue that up here on land, we have more than our fair share of fun. Those of us left ashore sure aren’t left wanting for action, and if you’ve been following our blog, then you know for a fact there’s more than a […]
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Winter Solstice Traditions to Keep Warm in Japan
The winter solstice in Japan is called Toji, which usually falls around December 21st or 22nd. Toji is not only the year’s shortest day but also the time when the sun’s power begins to return, symbolizing a shift from yin to yang or cold to warmth. […]
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A TEA CEREMONY CELEBRATING WINTER’S DEPTHS: YOBANASHI 夜話
If you’re reading this post in late winter and happen to be in Tokyo, today you’ve enjoyed fewer than 10 hours of daylight. Where I’m writing from, mid-Coast Maine, the sun sets very early, at an alarming 4:30 pm, offering up fewer than 9 hours of […]
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Explore Tohoku With Us Part 1: The Story Behind the Michinoku Coastal Trail
Have you heard of the Tohoku region? Perhaps you might remember it from the tragic earthquake and tsunami back in 2011. But the area is so much more than a simple tale of tragedy and destruction. It’s a place with a rich and deep history, where […]
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The Spirit of Yamanashi Aboard the Hamanashi Houseboat: An Interview
When people think of dining with a view, few would think of a meal on a lake with an iconic landmark in the background. But imagine enjoying a fine dining experience of meals curated using locally sourced food and wines, while drifting seamlessly across Lake Kawaguchi, […]
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Pre-Arrival Checklist: Getting Ready for Your Adventure in Japan
So you’ve decided to go to Japan! The excitement is bubbling, the Pinterest boards are full of sushi and sakura, and you might even be wondering if you packed enough socks. Before you let your imagination run wild through Kyoto’s alleyways or Tokyo’s neon streets, there […]
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Strawberry Season in Japan: The Sweetest Time of the Year
Winter in Japan is not just about the snow and hot springs, but it is also the season for one of Japan’s most famous fruits, strawberries! From December to May, farms across Japan open their land for ichigo-gari (いちご狩り), or strawberry picking, letting visitors in to […]
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