Travel Tips

Around July in Japan, you’ll start seeing ads for unagi (freshwater eel) everywhere. This is because of a special holiday called doyo no ushi no hi or “midsummer day of the ox” in English—a day in mid-July to celebrate the transitional period between spring and summer.

To celebrate, people eat unagi, thought to be filled with healthy vitamins and nutrients to enhance their stamina so they can get through Japan’s hot summer days. Typical dishes include unagi kabayaki, skewered and cooked over charcoal, then dipped in a sweet sticky sauce and unaju (broiled eel on rice).

It’s a long-honored tradition in Japan—despite sustainability concerns and a depleting population. But what’s the story behind eating eel, and what does it have to do with ushi (ox)?

What is ox day?
Photo: iStock/ AnttohohoThe usagi (rabbit) really lucked out.
Doyo no ushi no hi comes from Daoism, a school of philosophy from China. In both Chinese and Japanese, dao means “the way.” Simply put, Daoism emphasizes that e..

The Go To Travel Campaign, launched on July 22, 2020, was promptly suspended only months later, on December 28. However, with the lifting of the quasi-state of emergency on March 21, 2022, there are hopes that the campaign will soon return.
However, we still have yet to hear an official government announcement as of July 2022.
As far as a Go To Travel revival goes, however, rather than put it into action all at once, the travel campaign will be seeing a more gradual start, beginning with the resumption of the Prefectural Residents' Discount program in March and the launch of a new travel subsidy, the Regional Block Discount. Many people have taken advantage of these during the long holiday in May, Golden Week.
So, what exactly is the Go To Travel campaign? And when will it resume? What changes will take place? Also, what are the Prefectural Residents' Discount and Regional Block Discount programs all about?
You've probably asked these questions yourself. In this articl..

Having an early flight from Haneda airport one time, I decided that rather than struggle on the rush hour trains with my baggage, I'd treat myself to a hotel near the airport and a shorter, easier journey. Of the many choices available, I plumped for Rex Inn, close to the station and inexpensive to boot.
It's a very typical capsule hotel; traditionally, they're intended to provide somewhere to sleep for men who've been working late and/or missed their last train home, so that's who the facilities are designed for.
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The capsule floors look like the crew quarters on a long-haul spaceship; rows of neatly stacked boxes for sleeping in, with a screen for privacy, and inside the capsule are your adequately comfortable mattress, cover and pillow. You can pay more for a cabin, which gives you a more private space, with a desk and chair next to your capsule.
On the upper floors there are some more facilities, aimed squarely at tired sala..

The interest in Okinawa as a travel destination has been growing over the years, with international interest piqued from the prefecture's publicity in TripAdvisor's Traveler's Choice Awards. As a result, new accommodation facilities have been popping up, and one such option is the Ryukyu Hotel & Resort Nashiro Beach.
The resort is set to open on July 23rd, 2022, and the 11-story venue has over 400 guest rooms which all have balconies and water views. The modern interior was designed with both Okinawan and European elements in mind – for instance, the headboards in certain rooms are made using Miyako jofu, a type of textile made from the ramie plant found on Miyakojima.
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One of the highlights at Ryukyu Hotel & Resort Nashiro Beach is the number of on-site pools that guests can choose from. There are six in total, including an ocean pool, a kids pool, and an all-season pool which is heated year-round.
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In addit..

For most of Japan’s international community, a taxi driver is probably not one of the first professions that spring to mind when thinking about jobs. However, perhaps we should think again: Spearheaded by their “Go Driversity” initiative, Hinomaru Taxi in Tokyo has been steadily adding non-Japanese employees to its team in recent years.

Hinomaru Taxi’s employees enjoy a flexible schedule, competitive salary and a supportive working environment. We spoke with Karen Imada of the firm’s employment center about recent developments at Hinomaru Taxi and heard from several of the drivers themselves.

Diversity in the driver’s seat
Photo: Hinomaru KotsuOne of Hinomaru Taxi’s international drivers from Sri Lanka.
Hinomaru Transportation Co. was founded in 1991, when the parent company Hinomaru Limousine Co., a company with history and tradition established in 1950, made an independent taxi department. Today, Hinomaru has four offices, more than 700 vehicles and approximately 2,000 employees.

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Located right in the center of the city, Tokyo Dome is host to a variety of events, from concerts to sports matches! With restrictions on events with large numbers slowly relaxing, more and more of these events are being held. Staying at a hotel near Tokyo Dome lets you enjoy your event without the hassle of being far away.
We will introduce recommended hotels to visit to extend the excitement of a Tokyo Dome concert, sports match, or group event of any kind. Easily accessible, some of these spaces even include giant projectors and special group plans for oshikatsu. (Oshikatsu is a Japanese word used to describe the act of supporting or cheering on something – or someone – you really like.)
These hotels are perfect to keep the party going afterwards, with many offering unique perks, from self-check-ins to all-you-can-drink bars, to in-room kitchen spaces! It's easy to see why many of these hotels are top-ranking amongst tourists.
1. Tokyo Dome Hotel: Group party plan that puts you..

Fukushima Prefecture is a part of Japan's northeastern region of Tohoku. It is the third-largest prefecture in size behind Hokkaido and Iwate and is split between the three areas of Hamadori, Nakadori, and Aizu by a mountain range running north to south.
Each area has its own distinctive features, making it important to read up before visiting to make the most of each spot!
Main image: PIXTA
1. Quick facts about Fukushima
(Image: PIXTA)
Fukushima is a part of mainland Japan sitting in the south of the Tohoku region. It runs long from east to west and is split into the easternmost Hamadori, Nakadori, and Aizu by the north-south running Abukuma Highlands and Ou Mountains.
(Image: PIXTA)
The capital is Fukushima City in Nakadori. Fukushima Castle, which was renamed from Suginome Castle, was built in the area where the Fukushima Prefectural Office now stands around 1592, from which the domain of the Fukushima Clan ruled. Today, only part of the earthen wall and remnants of the garden..

Uji, Japan is a famous city near Kyoto renowned for its beautiful scenery, the Uji River, and Uji Tea. It also has ties to The Tale of Genji, a classic in Japanese literature. Especially for green tea lovers, Uji is definitely worth visiting. Conveniently, Uji is just a 20-minute train ride away from JR Kyoto Station.
Here, we will introduce World Cultural Heritage sites, Uji tea shops, and temples where you can experience zazen and sutra copying. All of the places introduced here are well-equipped with measures against coronavirus so that you can feel at ease during your visit.
Top Photo: ©Byodoin
1.1. See the National Treasures of Byodoin Temple2.2. Experience Zazen and Sutra-copying at Zen Buddhist Temple Koshoji3.3. Enjoy Uji Tea, Meals, and Experiences at Fukujuen Uji Tea Factory4.4. Check Out Ujigami Shrine, the Oldest Existing Shrine in Japan!5.5. Enjoy Delicious Matcha Sweets at Nakamura Tokichi Honten1.1. See the National Treasures of Byodoin Temple
Phoenix Hall, as seen on th..

Japan certainly isn't all sushi and ramen when it comes to the cuisine on offer, and here are plenty of destinations to enjoy high quality, hearty burgers across the country. One such option in Miyazaki is The Beach Burger House, which is operated by the same company that owns Tokyo's The Great Burger and Osaka's Critters Burger. Located within the Miyazaki Rinkai Park, the restaurant has an American beachside diner vibe with a menu to match.
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Naturally, burgers are the main focus of the offerings here, and there are several types of them available. Guests can choose from staples like bacon cheeseburgers and avocado burgers through to more inventive creations like the egg burger, teriyaki burger, and the grilled pineapple burger for a taste of the tropics. All burgers are served with a side of fries, but there are numerous other side dishes like chili con carne, beer battered onion rings, mashed potatoes, and homemade pickles to complement ..

A little extra money never hurts. Or maybe you’re looking for an excuse to get out of the house a few times a week. Whatever your reason for considering part-time work this season, we’ve got you covered.

Moreover, you’ll pick up some cool experiences and make connections. And, if you’re a fan of the hospitality industry, there are some excellent posts here at some pretty swanky establishments.

So, buckle in, and let’s get to it. It’s time for some part-time jobs at GaijinPot!

Saturday science wizard wanted
Want a chance to work with Japan’s next generation of STEM wunderkinds? Laurus International School of Science needs a Saturday homeroom teacher to help their young learners from 8:30 – 2:30 at one of their Tokyo area kindergarten campuses.

There, you’ll help internationally-minded students learn about science (as well as themselves) in a fully immersive English language environment where they can engage with robots, 3D printers and a host of other modern technologies. Laurus is ..