Tenichi Honten, in Tokyo, is known for it’s famous tempura as well as ambience. But there is a “secret” location on the upper floor of the Takashimaya Department store in Nihonbashi. Same great food, no reservations needed. We love the Tendon set!
Arghh! Pirates on Lake Ashi
The tourist boat ride from Togendai station (end of the Ropeway) to Moto Hakone is a classic tourist activity that, on a clear day (not here!) gives you scenic views of Mt. Fuji
Ten Minute Massage
Customers stand in line to get a 10-minute back massage at this anime-themed stand in Tokyo Station.
Fushima Souvenirs
The Fox is the the animal associated with Fushimi Inari shrine (10,000 torii gates). Lots of souvenirs with the fox theme are available.
Hats off to Tokyo
While American women are no longer wearing hats regularly, the Japanese women are. So the department stores all have large millinery departments.
Asakusa Statue
More guardians at the gate – this is found in the tourist areas of Asakusa, Tokyo
On the Move
With both trains moving at over 150 miles per hour, it’s only by accident that you can get a picture of the Shinkansen train that is passing you – notice the slanted windows?
Sword Umbrellas
Looking for a unique gifts – try an umbrella with a traditional Japanese katana handle. You won’t find these at home!
Bamboo Forest Overhead
The ceiling of the train station in Arashiyama reflects the most famous local landmark, the Bamboo Forest.
Classic Tokyo
The neon lit signs of Shinjuku on any evening are an iconic representation of Tokyo.
Miyajima’s Miyajimas
The town of Miyajima is famous for the wooden rice servers that bear their names. You can pick up souvenir ones on a visit or invest in some of the beautiful hand-carved ones in higher end shops on the island.
Strawberries in season
Strawberries delights! The Japanese love seasonal foods, so the offerings outside of tourist areas like Fushimi Inari reflect seasonal foods.
Bento Sushi – Yum!
You think of sushi and you think of Japan – these bento sushi boxes offer fresh, delicious sushi and are widely available throughout Japan, especially in train stations.
Fresh Fish For Sale
Kanazawa is located along the sea and is known for some of the best seafood and variety in Japan. Omicho Market has many fresh fish stands such as this one.
Asakusa Gargoyle
The Europeans have gargoyles guarding their important buildings, this lion guards the streets of Asakusa
Kimono Sighting: Kamogawa River
These ladies have dressed up in the locally available tourist kimonos for some photo ops along the Kamogawa River in Kyoto.
Sake Balls
Sugidama – these balls of fresh cedar branches are on display outside of sake establishments. Usually you find them in shades of brown, but when they are freshly made they are a vibrant green. They are hung fresh when the sake is pressed and when brown, the sake is ready to drink. Find these in the sake town of Saijo near Hiroshima.
Land of Customization and Choice
One of the most fascinating parts of Japanese shopping is the incredible range of customized products available. In the department stores’ kimono floors you can find custom geta with a wide range of styles, colors and fabrics.
Wall of Plants
This decorative wall of multi-colored ivy can be found on the second floor of Tokyo Station (Yeasu side, near Daimaru). It’s a little bit of nature in the midst of the city.
Owakudani Ropeway
While current volcanic activity does not permit visitors on the ground, you can get a good view of the Owakudani hot springs on the gondola ride over the springs in Hakone.