Travel Tips

There are plenty of horrifying yokai (ghosts) out there that would guarantee a terrifying Halloween. Take the jorogumo, a terrifying eight-legged, spider-lady monster, for example.

However, these days Japan has been moving towards making Halloween a happy event. This is good news for parents because children can have a creative Halloween without getting too frightened (hopefully).

This Halloween, why not look for some inspiration from Japanese legends? Here are some ghoulies from Japan’s mystical past that are cute enough for kids but creepy enough for Halloween.

1. Dancing cat yokai
Photo: WikiCommons/ Brigham Young UniversityIt’ll play you a song, just don’t get too close.
Few ghosts can match the cat yokai of Japanese lore. Because cats were a vital part of many farming communities, many of these furry ghosts are out there, and some are downright adorable.

While the nekomata (forked cat) of legend is said to be malicious, images of the two-tailed cat playing the shamisen (three-..

Run by famous Kyoto cosmetics brand, Yojiya, the beloved Yojiya Cafe in Arashiyama will be offering a special take-out sweets menu this spring!
With the new multi-layered parfait-like crepe as the highlight, it’s now easier than ever to grab a bite while checking out Kyoto’s most famous sights! Let’s take a closer look!
What Kind of Brand is Yojiya?
If you're not familiar with the brand, established in 1904, Yojiya is most famous for its iconic blotting paper featuring a drawing of a face on the package.
The founder, Kunieda Shigeo, who was once consulted during movie production regarding facial gleam, created a product to remove facial oil from paper used in gold foil production.
The product worked extremely well at reducing facial gleam on camera, and its popularity began to expand throughout the ‘Kagai’ – traditional areas in Kyoto full of teahouses and geigi/maiko.
After spreading across Japan, Yojiya’s products eventually began to be exported overseas, marking the peak of..

Visit Yamagata Prefecture, in Japan's Tohoku region, and you'll fall in love. Known as “another Japan over the mountains,” when the fall leaves in Yamagata start turning colors, this popular tourist destination truly glows with its unique culture, food, and natural beauty.
Yamagata Prefecture is dyed with vivid autumn colors from mid-October to late November, especially in the mountains. People come from all over the country and globe to see the beautiful color-changing foliage. But there's also the stunning scenery from the surrounding valleys and mountain paths, plus the famous onsen hot springs, historic shrines and parks, and more!
Let's look at 10 great spots for fall leaves in Yamagata, where you can enjoy the autumn colors, as well as the best time to see them.
3 Yamagata Onsen Ryokan: Enjoy Autumn Colors While Peacefully Soaking in Hot Springs
Save on transportation! Browse rail passes here
1. Zao Ropeway: The many shades of autumn foliage seen from up above..

Yokocho (side streets) are narrow alleys lined with a myriad of smokey izakaya (Japanese pubs) and bars tucked in the backstreets of Japan’s busy cities. You can expect to be squeezed in with the locals, knocking back a cold beer or three and enjoying a no-frills, laid-back atmosphere late into the night. Over the last few years, we have seen a boom in the new “Neo-Yokocho” in Tokyo. They’re bigger, a little more stylish and tend to be in the comfort of a building rather than on street level.

Head to one of these five new Yokocho in Tokyo’s metropolis for a unique Japanese dining experience.

1. Asakusa Yokocho
Photo: Rachel LeeFinish off your tour of Asakusa with a nightcap at Asakusa Yokocho.
Asakusa is an iconic area of Tokyo with its rich history and culturally significant attractions. After taking in the sights at Senso-ji Temple and exhausting all of the shops along Nakamise Dori, why not carry on the party at the newly opened Asakusa Yokocho.

On the fourth floor of the Tokyo R..

'Kaiseki' is one of the more intricate forms of Japanese cuisine you might come across. As soon as they learn of it, many people may even like to try authentic Japanese cuisine kaiseki when they visit Japan. However, some people may be hesitant to give it a go because they think the etiquette involved may be complicated.
This article, supervised by Food Journalist Kazuhiro Soga (of Creators Factory Ltd.), will detail what kind of food kaiseki is, what order it is served on the menu, and any rules for eating it.
1. What Exactly is Kaiseki Ryori?
Kaiseki Ryori (懐石料理) is a type of cuisine that was served at tea ceremonies (cha-kaiseki), and after the kaiseki meal, a tea called koicha was served.
There is some detailed etiquette involved, but the main premise is the host “entertaining” guests.
To express the tea ceremony philosophy of “wabi sabi” (a world view centered on the acceptance of transience and imperfection), dishes are prepared based on the three themes of using seas..

About a two-hour train ride from Tokyo is Ito, a gorgeous coastal town located in Shizuoka Prefecture. Popular for overnights from Tokyo, this nostalgic area is filled with onsen, and is often seen as the starting point of any trip through east Izu.
This time, we took a stroll through the shopping district in front of Ito Station all the way to Roadside Station Ito Marine Town. From Izu onsen to famous sightseeing spots, as well as tasty bites, let us take you through Ito’s various charms.
Ito, Shizuoka: One of Japan’s most prominent hot springs areas
Kaito, a hot springs town that is said to have been around since the Heian Period
First is a 2-hour long ride from Tokyo Station to Atami Station via the Tokaido Line, after which a line transfer towards the JR Ito Line’s Izukyu-Shimoda Station for an additional 25 minutes, and you’ll arrive at Ito Station.
Ito’s onsens have the biggest outputs of hot springs within the prefecture, not to mention one of the best under countrywide standard..

If you’re looking to work in Japan, check back here each week as we look through our database of top jobs in Japan posted to GaijinPot and showcase some of the most interesting ones.

You can apply directly to these companies by creating a profile on GaijinPot Jobs!

Real-estate SalesCompany: Real Estate Distribution System Salary: ¥1,500 ~ ¥2,200 / HourLocation: Tokyo, JapanEnglish: Business levelJapanese: Business levelApplication: Must currently reside in JapanThis real estate company in Tokyo is looking for sales staff to help deal with overseas customers.
Your main duty will be to manage property sales activities and on-site viewings.
You must have prior experience. Candidates with Chinese abilities are highly appreciated.
Share this Job Apply Here
Day/Night Front Staff and Reservation StaffCompany: Ivy HospitalitySalary: ¥200,000 ~ ¥400,000 / Month, NegotiableLocation: Hokkaido, JapanEnglish: Business levelJapanese: Business levelApplication: Overseas applications OKIvy Hospit..

Here are three of the best luxury hotels in Niseko that will enhance your stay. Relax in comfort after a vigorous day of fun summer outdoor activities in Niseko like trekking and rafting, or enjoying the top-quality powder the area has to offer during winter.
Most visitors to Niseko travel with family or friends. Some pack light, while others are looking for the most luxurious experience they can find. If the latter is on your mind, you've come to the right page!
You'll also be happy to know that all hotels on this list are well-equipped to communicate with foreign guests, even if they speak little to no Japanese.
Main image: booking.com
1. Higashiyama Niseko Village, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve: The first hotel in Japan under Marriott's most premium brand
Higashiyama Niseko Village, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, is the first hotel in Japan to open under the Ritz-Carlton Reserve brand, a premium line of hotels offered by Marriott, the world's largest hotel chain.
Directly co..

The ancient city of Nara rivals Kyoto in its number of famous autumn foliage attractions. In 2022, Nara will see its fall leaves – known as momiji in Japanese – changing color from late November to early December.
As a result, you can enjoy the spectacular Nara momiji at the many historic shrines and temples, at Nara Park, or at Mount Yoshino (also well-known for its cherry blossoms).
Plus, during Nara's foliage season, many places have various events, special viewing admissions, and events at night where the momiji are lit up.
While there are many places to see autumn leaves in Nara, this article will introduce five of our most recommended spots.
1. Nara Park: Enjoy autumn leaves together with deer
Photo credit by: Nara City Tourist Association
Nara Park is a nature park that spans the eastern side of Nara City, for a total of 4 km east to west and 2 km north to south.
Deer frolic in the grass, and within the park are several shrines and temples, including Kasuga Grand Shrine,..