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I visited the Osaka-Kansai Expo, which opened on April 13, on its fourth day (April 16), and I’m here to share the on-site conditions with you! I hope this information proves useful for anyone planning to attend. At Entry I took the train to get there, so I entered through the East Gate. Since many people head to the Expo by train, the East Gate tends to be more crowded than the West Gate. In particular, the 9:00 entry slot is almost always packed and extremely busy. I had an entry reservation for 9:00, but I arrived around 8:55 and managed to enter by about 9:30. Since there’s an airport-style baggage inspection, you should expect some waiting time. There is little shade, so if you’re visiting during the hot season, be sure to take proper heat precautions. Japanese summers can be very intense, so always prioritize your well-being. • The last car of the train (on the Osaka Metro Chuo Line) is closest to the exit at Yumeshima Station.• Gates located farther from the station tend to be less crowded with shorter lines.• Gates 21 and 23, for example, feature two X-ray baggage inspection lanes, allowing you to move through at roughly twice the speed compared to gates with just one lane, making them highly recommended.• On the Expo’s opening day, the sheer number of visitors even triggered network issues, so it’s a good idea to have a screenshot or printed copy of your QR code handy. Carrying prohibited items will delay your entry, so ...

Welcome to the world of Handmade Japan! When you think of Japan, you might imagine bustling cities and cutting-edge technology. But beyond the modern facade, there's a rich tradition of craftsmanship that has been passed down for generations. This article will guide you through three beautiful examples of this tradition: ceramics, lacquerware, and dyeing. These aren't just crafts; they are a way of life, reflecting the Japanese spirit and connection to nature. Prepare to be enchanted by the timeless allure of Handmade Japan. Ceramics: Unearthing the Beauty of Japanese Pottery (陶芸) Takatori-yaki (高取焼) Japanese ceramics, known as "Tougei" (陶芸), are incredibly diverse. From rustic, earthy pottery to delicate, refined porcelain, there's a style for every taste. Each region in Japan has its own unique ceramic tradition, influenced by the local clay and history. Imagine holding a warm, handmade teacup in your hands. You can feel the texture of the clay and see the subtle variations in the glaze. This isn't just a cup; it's a piece of art with a story. Exploring Japanese pottery is like taking a journey through the country's regional identities, one exquisite piece at a time. Whether you're interested in simple everyday ware or elaborate artistic creations, Japanese ceramics offer a deep appreciation for beauty in form and function. Lacquerware (漆器): Where Artistry Meets Everyday Elegance Shunkei-nuri (春慶塗) Lacquerware, or "Shikki" (漆器), is another jewel in the crown of Japanese crafts. Lacquer is a natural resin that is carefully applied in layers to wood, then polished to a lustrous finish. This ...

Tokyo is a food lover's paradise! When you visit, you'll find so many tasty dishes. Among them, soba, yakitori, and tempura are must-try foods that show the best of Tokyo's food culture. These dishes are loved by locals and visitors alike, and offer a delicious taste of Japan. Let's explore why these three are so special and how you can enjoy them in Tokyo! Dive into Tokyo's Delicious Trio: Soba, Yakitori, and Tempura Soba, yakitori, and tempura are not just meals; they are experiences. Each dish has a unique history and showcases Japanese culinary skills. Soba is about simple yet flavorful buckwheat noodles. Yakitori is about perfectly grilled chicken skewers with various seasonings. Tempura is about lightly fried, crispy seafood and vegetables. Together, they offer a range of tastes and textures that represent Tokyo's diverse food scene. Trying these three dishes will give you a fantastic introduction to Japanese cuisine. Soba Noodles: More Than Just a Slurp in Tokyo Soba (蕎麦) Soba noodles are thin buckwheat noodles, and they are a staple food in Japan. In Tokyo, soba restaurants are everywhere, from cheap standing-noodle shops to fancy places. Soba can be eaten hot or cold. Hot soba usually comes in a flavorful broth with toppings like tempura or meat. Cold soba is often served with a dipping sauce called "tsuyu." You dip the noodles into the cold sauce before eating. Many people enjoy the simple taste of soba itself. Don't be shy to slurp your soba! Slurping is a way to cool down the noodles ...

Japan is famous for its busy cities and rich culture. But there is another side of Japan that is waiting for you to explore. Imagine stepping away from the crowds and finding yourself surrounded by peaceful nature. Japan has many beautiful places where you can enjoy quiet hikes in valleys and discover stunning waterfalls. These hidden gems offer a chance to relax and reconnect with nature. If you are looking for a peaceful escape, come and discover the serene beauty of Japan's waterfall and valley trails. The Soothing Symphony of Waterfalls: Nature's Soundtrack in Japan's Valleys Nikobuchi (にこ淵) Close your eyes and listen to the sound of water. In Japan's valleys, you can often hear the gentle sound of waterfalls. This natural music is very calming. Waterfalls in Japan are not just beautiful to look at; they also create a peaceful atmosphere. The sound of water falling and flowing is like nature's own song. Many hiking trails in Japan will lead you to these beautiful waterfalls. Walking through the valleys and listening to the waterfalls is a wonderful way to relax and feel connected to nature. It’s like nature is playing a soothing song just for you. Walking the Ancient Paths: Step Back in Time on Japan's Historic Trails When you hike in Japanese valleys, you are often walking on paths that have been used for centuries. Some of these trails are very old and were used by people long ago. Imagine walking where ancient travelers, monks, and villagers once walked. These historic trails offer ...

Hello! Have you ever seen Japanese calligraphy, or "Shodo"? It might look like just writing at first glance. But in Japan, Shodo is much more than that. It's a beautiful art form with a long history. It's like painting with words, using special tools and techniques. Come explore the fascinating world of Shodo with us and see why it's such a respected art in Japan. Unveiling Shodo: What Makes Japanese Calligraphy Unique? What makes Shodo different from just writing or even Western calligraphy? It's about capturing the spirit and energy in each stroke. Japanese calligraphy focuses on expressing yourself through the brush. It's not just about making letters look neat. Things like the balance of the whole piece, the flow of the ink, and even the white spaces around the characters are very important. Shodo is a way to show your inner self through writing. The Magic of Sumi Ink: Black Ink, Infinite Shades https://youtu.be/xGtdhwaCXFY?si=EjntHZSkuL7l8x_3 How to use an inkstone (硯) Sumi ink is essential for Shodo. It's traditionally made from soot, often from burning pine or oil. You don't just buy it in a bottle ready to use. Usually, you grind a solid ink stick with water on an inkstone to make liquid ink. This process itself is a calming part of calligraphy. What's amazing about Sumi ink is that even though it's black, it can create many different shades, from deep black to light gray, depending on how much water you use and how you apply the brush. This gives calligraphy depth and ...

The Osaka-Kansai Expo kicked off on April 13, and I visited on the fourth day, April 16! Although some pavilions were still under construction, I enjoyed the event from morning until night. In this article, I’ll share some essential tips on preparing for your visit to the expo. This year’s expo is highly digitized and many have commented that it can be rather complex, so I hope these tips will prove helpful for those planning a visit! What is the Osaka-Kansai Expo? This global event, which traces its origins back to the 1851 London Exposition, brings together nations from around the world to share their culture, science, technology, and visions for the future. After EXPO 2020 Dubai was held in 2021, this marks the first expo in four years – hosted on Yumeshima, an artificial island in Osaka Prefecture, Japan. Expo Name Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan Official Website Dates 2025/4/13 ~ 2025/10/13 (184 days) Venue Yumeshima, Osaka Bay Nearest Station Yumeshima (夢洲) Station (Osaka Metro Chuo Line) Main Theme Designing Future Society for Our Lives Participating Countries, Regions, & Organizations 158 countries and regions, 7 international organizations Official Website https://www.expo2025.or.jp/en/ Access Information EXPO 2025 Official Website You can reach the venue, Yumeshima, by shuttle bus, train (Osaka Metro Chuo Line), or bicycle. Please note that you cannot drive directly to Yumeshima with your private vehicle – you must park at a designated lot and then use a shuttle bus or other transit. While no reservation is needed for the train, shuttle bus reservations are ...

Japan is known for its beautiful temples, but Zen temples offer something truly special. They are places where you can find peace and learn about yourself. Zen Buddhism is a practice that focuses on meditation and mindfulness. Zen temples in Japan are not just for monks; they are open to everyone who wants to explore this philosophy. Visiting a Zen temple can be a wonderful way to experience Japanese culture and find a calm space away from the busy city life. In this article, we will introduce you to the world of Zen temples, especially the unique experience of Shukubo (temple lodging) and Zazen (Zen meditation). Shukubo: Your Gateway to Zen Temple Life in Japan Nanzen-ji (南禅寺) Imagine waking up to the peaceful sounds of nature in a traditional Japanese temple. Shukubo is a special type of accommodation offered at shrine or temples. It allows you to stay overnight within the temple grounds. This is more than just a place to sleep. Shukubo is an opportunity to experience the daily life of a Zen temple. You can participate in morning prayers, eat vegetarian Buddhist cuisine (Shojin Ryori), and explore the serene temple gardens. Staying in a Shukubo gives you a unique insight into Japanese spirituality and culture that you cannot get from a regular hotel. It's a chance to slow down, reflect, and connect with yourself in a peaceful environment. Many temples offer Shukubo to international visitors, making it easier to experience this special tradition. Zazen Meditation for Beginners: Finding Inner Peace in a Japanese ...

Welcome to the world of Japanese tea! If you're exploring Japanese drinks, you'll quickly encounter green tea. But did you know there are many kinds of Japanese green tea? Two popular types are Sencha and Hojicha. Both are delicious and offer unique experiences. Let's dive into the flavors of Sencha and Hojicha and find your perfect cup! What is Sencha? Exploring the Fresh and Grassy Flavors of Japan's Most Popular Green Tea Sencha (煎茶) Sencha is the most common type of green tea in Japan. When Japanese people think of green tea, they often think of Sencha. It's made from tea leaves that are steamed soon after they are picked. This steaming process gives Sencha its bright green color and fresh, grassy flavor. Imagine the smell of fresh cut grass, with a hint of sweetness and a little bit of bitterness. That's Sencha! It’s a refreshing and invigorating drink that many Japanese people enjoy every day. You can drink it hot or cold, making it perfect for any season. Hojicha: Discover the Warmth and Roasted Aroma of Japanese Roasted Green Tea Hojicha (ほうじ茶) Hojicha is another type of Japanese green tea, but it’s very different from Sencha. Hojicha refers to a type of tea made by roasting green tea leaves. This roasting process changes the tea leaves' color from green to reddish-brown. It also gives Hojicha a unique roasted aroma and a toasty, nutty flavor. Think of the comforting smell of roasted nuts or coffee. Hojicha has a warm and mellow taste, with almost no ...

Japan has many kinds of traditional performing arts. Among them, Kabuki, Noh, and Kyogen are very famous and have been loved by Japanese people for a long time. These are not just performances; they are a deep part of Japanese culture and history. Let's explore the fascinating world of Japanese stage arts together. Unmasking Kabuki: The Glamorous World of Japanese Theater Kabuki (歌舞伎) Kabuki is known for its flashy costumes, dramatic makeup called "kesho," and dynamic stories that often involve bushi love stories, or historical events. It's like a Japanese opera with singing, dancing called "mai," and acting all combined in a spectacular way. Kabuki actors, especially those playing female roles (onnagata), spend years perfecting their art and are highly skilled and admired for their graceful movements and expressive performances. The stage is often colorful and exciting, with revolving stages and trap doors, making it a visually stunning and theatrical experience. Noh Theater: A Journey into the Soul of Japanese Drama Noh (能) Noh is different from Kabuki and is considered one of the oldest forms of Japanese theater. It's more quiet and focuses on expressing subtle emotions and inner feelings through symbolic movements and chanting. Noh masks are very important and are carefully crafted pieces of art. They are used by actors to show different characters, ages, and emotions, and even a slight tilt of the head can change the mask's expression. The movements in Noh are slow and graceful, refined over centuries, and the stories are often based on Japanese myths, legends, and ...

When you travel to Japan, you'll want to bring back some memories. Souvenirs are a great way to remember your trip. But instead of just buying something mass-produced, how about finding something truly special? Handmade crafts from Japan are perfect for this. They are unique, beautiful, and tell a story about the place you visited. This article will show you why Japanese handmade crafts are the best souvenirs and how you can find them. Why Handmade Crafts are the Best Travel Souvenirs from Japan Washi (和紙) Mass-produced souvenirs are easy to find. You see them everywhere. But handmade crafts are different. Each piece is made with care and skill by an artisan. They put their heart into their work. When you buy a handmade craft, you're not just buying an object. You're taking home a piece of Japanese culture and history. These crafts often use local materials and traditional techniques. They reflect the spirit of the region where they are made. Plus, handmade items are more personal. They have a warmth and character that factory-made goods just can't match. Imagine having a souvenir that is unlike anything anyone else has. That's the beauty of handmade Japanese crafts. Immerse Yourself in Regional Craftsmanship: Discover Local Craft Experiences One of the best ways to find handmade crafts is to visit local craft workshops or studios. Many regions in Japan are famous for specific crafts. For example, Kyoto is known for pottery and textiles. Kanazawa is famous for gold leaf crafts. Okinawa has beautiful Ryukyu glass (琉球ガラス). In ...