Blog Entries for hdr tagged 'travel japan'

Karaoke Bars Japan

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Karaoke Bars

Karaoke bars probably established their roots in the early twentieth century in Japan during the Taisho rule. “Utagoe Kissa,” or “coffee shop,” became popular with customers who tried out their singing talents backed up by music from a live band. Soon, the trend caught up with the rest of the world, and karaoke bars are now the ideal place for fun and unwinding after a hardday’s work.

his form of entertainment has been p [...]

Tokyo Midtown

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If you are looking for the newest place to stay, shop and dine in Japan then check out Tokyo Midtown. Tokyo Midtown, located in Akasaka was completed just this March. It is already very popular and is especially well-known for having the tallest building in Tokyo as well as Tokyo’s newest park and the Suntory Museum.

Tokyo Midtown is as stylish as it can get and is made of six buildingsamidst lush greenery. The “town” features facilities such as stores, restaurants, of [...]

Takayama Festival, Japan

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The Takayama Festival is held annually at the Hie-Jinja Shrine in Shiroyama,Takayama City is considered to be one of the most beautiful festivals is Japan. The festival is most known for its Tokeiraku parade wherein people wearing costumes and bells drum a beat for dancers who dance the shishimai lion dance. The parade of people is followed by an equally if not more spectacular sight as the yatais(floats), featuring clever contrivances like marionettes, come into view. The contrivances showca [...]

Japan Karaoke Bars

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This form of entertainment has been popular in East Asia for two decades [...]

Hot Spring Onsen, Japan

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Communal bathing was once popular in Britain. The Romans brought it to us heathens along with things like straight roads and walls which, up until then, we English hadn't thought of. When the Romans finally headed home we decided to keep most of the infrastructure they left behind. However, the idea of fully-grown men sitting around in the bath together was just so foreign to us that "having mates around for some fun in the tub" was instantly erased from social agendas across th [...]

Japan Summer Kimono, Yukata

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After summer rains bring unrelenting heat and humidity to prefectures throughout Japan, donning a heavy kimono for social occasions becomes a dreaded thought and task. In lieu of the layers of fabric required for traditional kimono, many in Japan opt to wear yukata during the nation’s stifling summers.

As opposed to the heavy silk or synthetic fabrics used to make kimono, yukata are woven from lightweight cotton and are not lined. Though traditional yukata feature indigo designs, modern [...]

Japanese Kites

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In a country that revels in miniaturization; mini-discs, micro-cars and amazingly small cell phones reign supreme. However, the more traditional side of Japan appears to have a love for things somewhat larger. Sumo wrestlers, mountains and koi carp all seem to be valued on a bigger is better principle. Surprisingly the same system is also used for Japanese kites. Whereas kite flying in England tendsto be done by the young on a blustery day in the park, in Japan it is the chance for a team of men [...]

Jpop in Japan

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Around the world singers sing, actors act, models model and chat show hosts chat. Although, there are a few exceptions, like Bowie and Sting, the general rule is that entertainers have just the one job.

Japan is a little harder to understand. Take Katori Shingo for example. Over a twenty-four hour period, Shingo has more personas than Barbie. There is the singing and dancing boy bandShingo, TV Shingo (where he hosts the show SMAP SMAP), comedian Shingo, quiz-show contestant Shing [...]