Japanspecialist

Japanspecialist Japanspecialist is a travel agency and tour operator part of the JTB Group. JTB is the biggest and oldest travel agency in Japan born in 1912.

Our specialization is Japan travel. Our slogan is "Lifetime adventure since 1912".

🍡 What are Wagashi?Wagashi are traditional Japanese confections that beautifully blend flavor, art, and seasonality, oft...
25/01/2025

🍡 What are Wagashi?

Wagashi are traditional Japanese confections that beautifully blend flavor, art, and seasonality, often enjoyed with tea.

🌸 Made from natural ingredients like red bean paste, mochi, and chestnuts, wagashi come in various shapes and colors that reflect seasonal motifs, such as cherry blossoms in spring or maple leaves in autumn.

🍵 These sweets not only delight the palate but also embody Japan's aesthetic appreciation for nature and fleeting moments.

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👘 Kimono Thrifting in TokyoKimono thrifting in Japan is a delightful way to find authentic, vintage garments at affordab...
23/01/2025

👘 Kimono Thrifting in Tokyo

Kimono thrifting in Japan is a delightful way to find authentic, vintage garments at affordable prices. Many shops and flea markets offer secondhand kimono, obi, and accessories that reflect traditional craftsmanship.

🎌 Thrifting not only gives these beautiful pieces a second life but also allows visitors to connect with Japan’s cultural heritage in a sustainable and accessible way.

📍 You can find second-hand kimonos in Tokyo in a lot of shops in Sensoji Temple area, or at flea markets such as the ones in Tomioka Hachiman Shrine or Hanazono Shrine.

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🐧 Bullfinch Festival in TokyoThe Bullfinch Festival (Usokae Shinji) at Kameido Tenjin Shrine in Tokyo is held annually i...
20/01/2025

🐧 Bullfinch Festival in Tokyo

The Bullfinch Festival (Usokae Shinji) at Kameido Tenjin Shrine in Tokyo is held annually in January to mark the start of the new year.

🐂 Tenjin shrines are known for 3 things: plum blossoms, ox statues, and luck for academic success. These are all linked to "Sugawara-no-Michizane", the scholor whom Tejin shrines are dedicated to. He was born in the year of the Ox and had a love for plum blossoms. As the scholar was born on the 25th, that day of the month is known as "Tenjin Day".

🎴 In the new year, you give back religious items such as amulets from the previous year to attract new luck in the coming year.

During the Bullfinch festival, participants exchange small wooden bullfinch figurines (uso), believed to transform past lies or hardships into positive outcomes for the future.

Festival dates: 24th & 25th of January

♨️ Enjoying onsens as a couple or familyIf you'd like to try dipping in hot springs in Japan, but you're wondering how t...
19/01/2025

♨️ Enjoying onsens as a couple or family

If you'd like to try dipping in hot springs in Japan, but you're wondering how to do it as a couple or family, here are 3 ways to do it:

1. Footbath: these are commonly found in onsen towns nearby train stations where you can sit down and dip just your feet in the warm water. You only need to take your shoes and socks off.

2. Private baths: these can be in-room or hourly rental within the onsen ryokan where you are free to enjoy the baths as a couple or family

3. Mixed baths: though not common, there are some places with mixed public baths so both female and male guests bathe in the same bath

If you are someone with tattoos, then option 1 or 2 would also work for you.

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🌲Traditional Japanese Garden with Skytree viewThe Kyu Yasuda Garden in Sumida, Tokyo, is a tranquil traditional Japanese...
18/01/2025

🌲Traditional Japanese Garden with Skytree view

The Kyu Yasuda Garden in Sumida, Tokyo, is a tranquil traditional Japanese garden that dates back to the Edo period.

🍃 Its central pond, designed in the chisen-kaiyushiki (strolling garden) style, is surrounded by lush greenery, stone bridges, and a view of the iconic Tokyo Skytree. This peaceful oasis, once part of a samurai residence, offers visitors a serene retreat in the heart of the bustling city.

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☕️ Cafes in FukuokaFukuoka is home to a vibrant café scene that blends traditional Japanese charm with modern coffee cul...
16/01/2025

☕️ Cafes in Fukuoka

Fukuoka is home to a vibrant café scene that blends traditional Japanese charm with modern coffee culture. Today, Fukuoka’s café culture thrives, reflecting its identity as a gateway city for new ideas and its warm, welcoming vibe. Here are 3 cafes you can try when in Fukuoka:

🥞 1. Itoshimasabo: famous for their pancakes, they have a beautiful seaside view in Itoshima

🍓 2. Mei Cafe in Hotel Mei: a cozy cafe inside the lobby of a boutique hotel that has delicious fruit sandwiches

🛫 3. F*K Coffee: F*K stands for the airport code of Fukuoka, and that is reflected in the theme and interior design of the cafe. This is perfect for those who have a love for air travel

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♨️ Snowy Onsen spots in Northern JapanThere's nothing that beats sitting in a hot outdoor onsen during the snowy winter ...
13/01/2025

♨️ Snowy Onsen spots in Northern Japan

There's nothing that beats sitting in a hot outdoor onsen during the snowy winter season in Japan. Here are 3 onsens you can visit in winter in Japan:

Photos 1 & 2: Zao Onsen (Yamagata)
You might've heard of the famous Ginzan Onsen which is also close to this area, however it's incredibly difficult to make a booking and they have plans to limit visitors. Zao Onsen is a great alternative and it is also a famous ski resort.

Photos 3: Nyuto Onsen (Akita)
Located in the mountains of Akita is Nyuto Onsen. It features several outdoors baths, including one for female, male, and mixed gender bath. You can visit for a day trip or stay in one of the huts there.

Photos 4 & 5: Yonezawa (Yamagata)
Famous for their beef, Yonezawa is a small onsen town that has a lantern festival in February. It is also surrounded with many ski slopes for those looking to enjoy winter sports.

🚅 All of these locations can be reached via the Shinkansen with a transfer to a local train or bus

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🪆 Daruma Dolls and their meaningA daruma is a traditional Japanese doll that symbolizes perseverance, good luck, and the...
12/01/2025

🪆 Daruma Dolls and their meaning

A daruma is a traditional Japanese doll that symbolizes perseverance, good luck, and the fulfillment of goals. They are weighted at the bottom, so they always return to an upright position when tipped over—as the saying goes, "fall seven times, stand up eight."

The eyes of a daruma doll are blank when purchased. One eye is painted when you set a goal, and the other is painted once the goal is achieved.

The various colors typically mean:
1. Red: Good luck and success
2. Gold & Yellow: wealth and prosperity
3. Purple: longevity of life
4. Green: health
5. Black: business prosperity and warding off evil
6. Pink: love and romance
7. White: purity and new beginnings

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🖐🏼 Grand Sumo TournamentThis historical sport of Japan is held 6 times a year, with 3 times in Tokyo taking place in Jan...
11/01/2025

🖐🏼 Grand Sumo Tournament

This historical sport of Japan is held 6 times a year, with 3 times in Tokyo taking place in January, July, and September. Over 600 sumo wrestlers across 10 ranks compete with each other over a 15-day period.

Book a box seat for 4 people to enjoy the tournament up close while enjoying the food and beverages sold at the arena. Aside from wrestling matches, there are also sacred rituals performed before and after the top-ranked matches.

The January Grand Sumo Tournamnet in Tokyo will take place from January 12 ~ 26.

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🌊 Hokusai Museum in TokyoThe Hokusai Museum in Sumida, Tokyo, is dedicated to the life and works of the renowned Japanes...
09/01/2025

🌊 Hokusai Museum in Tokyo

The Hokusai Museum in Sumida, Tokyo, is dedicated to the life and works of the renowned Japanese ukiyo-e artist Katsushika Hokusai. The museum showcases a vast collection of his iconic woodblock prints, paintings, and sketches, including his famous series "Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji."

With its modern design and interactive exhibits, the museum offers visitors a deeper understanding of Hokusai's artistic legacy and influence on both Japanese and global art.

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🌸 First glimpse of spring! Japan's 2025 cherry blossom forecast is here—time to plan your sakura adventures.
09/01/2025

🌸 First glimpse of spring! Japan's 2025 cherry blossom forecast is here—time to plan your sakura adventures.

🪴 Omiya Bonsai MuseumThe Omiya Bonsai Museum, located in Saitama is dedicated to showcasing the art and culture of bonsa...
06/01/2025

🪴 Omiya Bonsai Museum

The Omiya Bonsai Museum, located in Saitama is dedicated to showcasing the art and culture of bonsai.

It features a collection of meticulously cared-for bonsai trees, highlighting the history and craftsmanship behind this traditional Japanese art form. The museum offers educational programs and workshops, making it a hub for both enthusiasts and those new to bonsai.

*The Museum is currently closed and will reopen in March 20, 2025.

🚃 Omiya is 45 minutes by train from Shinjuku

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🥣 Kappabashi Kitchenware Street in TokyoIf you are looking for Made in Japan kitchenware, then you can visit Kappabashi ...
05/01/2025

🥣 Kappabashi Kitchenware Street in Tokyo

If you are looking for Made in Japan kitchenware, then you can visit Kappabashi which is just nearby Sensoji Temple in Tokyo. You can find items such as tea pots, tea cups, bowls and plates, bamboo lunch boxes, and even replica food for displays.

There are so many stores you can easily spend a whole day browsing there. Of course, there's high quality Japanese kitchen knives as well you can purchase. (Photos not included here as knife shops are strict about photos).

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📺 Showa Era Lifestyle Museum in NagoyaThe Showa Era spans from 1926 to 1989, when Emperor Showa reigned. It is considere...
04/01/2025

📺 Showa Era Lifestyle Museum in Nagoya

The Showa Era spans from 1926 to 1989, when Emperor Showa reigned. It is considered a very nostalgic and retro era.

At this museum in Nagoya, you can see everyday household items, food, products, and vehicles from this era. This is a free museum for everyone to enjoy and learn about what life in the Showa era is like.

🚅 Nagoya is 80 minutes by Shinkansen from Tokyo

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💮 What is a Goshuin?A goshuin is a traditional Japanese stamp or seal that is collected at Shinto shrines or Buddhist te...
02/01/2025

💮 What is a Goshuin?

A goshuin is a traditional Japanese stamp or seal that is collected at Shinto shrines or Buddhist temples. Each goshuin is hand-painted with calligraphy, typically including the name of the temple or shrine, the date of visit, and an official seal.

These stamps serve as a record of one's visits to sacred locations in Japan. You can find them at the shrine or temple office.

You can also purchase a Goshuin book to collect these stamps; however, please do not write in the book or stamp with anything else other than a Goshuin. 💮

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⛩ Ise Jingu, the origin of the JapaneseIse Jingu is a prominent Shinto shrine located in Ise and is dedicated to the sun...
01/01/2025

⛩ Ise Jingu, the origin of the Japanese

Ise Jingu is a prominent Shinto shrine located in Ise and is dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu. It consists of two main shrines: the Inner Shrine (Naikū) and the Outer Shrine (Gekū), both surrounded by lush forests and a serene natural setting. Oharai-machi is a town with an 800m-long road full of shops right outside of the Inner Shrine. Make sure to try some Ise-ebi (Japanese spiny lobster), a delicacy from the area.

🚅 It's a 3 hour journey from Tokyo to Ise with a transfer in Nagoya

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🎄Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays from Japanspecialist! 🎌Thank you for making 2024 unforgettable! Whether it's snow-dust...
30/12/2024

🎄Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays from Japanspecialist! 🎌

Thank you for making 2024 unforgettable! Whether it's snow-dusted temples, cozy onsens, or sushi feasts under Tokyo lights, Japan’s magic is waiting for you in 2025. 🌸✈️

Here’s to more adventures and memories in the year ahead! 🗾❤️

Stay curious, stay cosy, and we’ll see you in Japan! 😉

🎅 The Japanspecialist Team

🎍 New year's shrine visit: HatsumodeIf you visit Japan for the new years, you wont find fireworks or countdowns. Instead...
30/12/2024

🎍 New year's shrine visit: Hatsumode

If you visit Japan for the new years, you wont find fireworks or countdowns. Instead people are gathered at their local shrine to wait for the clock to strick midnight so they can make their first visit to the shrine.

Amazake, or sweet sake, is drunk to stay warm, and some of the bigger shrines will have food and game stalls for several days. People also buy new year shrine goods for good luck. You'll also find Kadomatsu, which are bamboo bunches placed at entrances to homes and buildings to welcome ancestral spirits and good luck.

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🌸 Cherry blossoms in January? Atami, a coastal city in Shizuoka, is famous for its early-blooming cherry blossoms, known as Atami-zakura, which typically bloom from late January to February. 📍 These delicate pink flowers can be enjoyed along the Itogawa River and in parks like Atami Baien, creating a picturesque winter landscape. ♨ Visitors often pair hanami with relaxing in Atami's famous onsen, making it a perfect destination for early spring vibes. 🚅 It takes 30 minutes via the Shinkanse from Tokyo's Shinagawa to Atami station ✈️ Follow @japanspecialist_uk to learn more about Japan! #japanspecialist #japanspecialist_uk #cherryblossoms #atami #atamizakura

🚃 Historical day trip from Tokyo: Kawagoe Kawagoe, nicknamed "Little Edo," is a charming day trip from Tokyo, offering a glimpse into Japan’s Edo-period history with its kurazukuri (clay-walled warehouse) buildings and traditional streets. 🍬 Highlights include the iconic Toki no Kane (Time Bell Tower), a stroll down Candy Alley for nostalgic sweets, and delicious local delicacies like sweet potato-based treats. Just 30 minutes from central Tokyo, Kawagoe blends history, culture, and food in a perfect day-trip. ✈️ Follow @japanspecialist_uk to learn more about Japan! #japanspecialist #japanspecialist_uk #kawagoe #tokyodaytrip

🐧 Bullfinch Festival in Tokyo The Bullfinch Festival (Usokae Shinji) at Kameido Tenjin Shrine in Tokyo is held annually in January to mark the start of the new year. During the festival, participants exchange small wooden bullfinch figurines (uso), believed to transform past lies or hardships into positive outcomes for the future. The event also features prayers for good fortune and prosperity. Festival dates: 24th & 25th of January ✈️ Follow @japanspecialist_uk to learn more about Japan! #japanspecialist #japanspecialist_uk #usokae #kameidotenjin #tokyofestivals

🥟 Japan's art of food display Japan's food display art, known as sanpuru (food samples), is a unique craft that showcases hyper-realistic replicas of dishes made from resin or wax. 🍜 Originating in the early 20th century to help diners visualize unfamiliar dishes, these intricately crafted displays remain a staple in restaurant windows across Japan. 🍣 Beyond practicality, sanpuru exemplifies Japan's dedication to detail and aesthetic presentation, embodying the cultural value of making food visually appealing. ✈️ Follow @japanspecialist_uk to learn more about Japan! #japanspecialist #japanspecialist_uk #foodart #japanfood #sanpuru

☃️ Uesugi Snow Lantern Festival The Uesugi Snow Lantern Festival, held every February in Yonezawa, Yamagata, transforms the grounds of Uesugi Shrine into a magical winter wonderland. Hundreds of snow lanterns and candlelit snow sculptures illuminate the area, creating a serene and enchanting atmosphere. Visitors can also enjoy traditional performances, warm local foods, and a breathtaking snow-viewing experience unique to Japan’s snowy regions. 2025 festival dates: February 8 ~ 9 🚅 Take the Yamagata Shinkansen from Tokyo to Yonezawa in 2hrs 8 minutes ✈️ Follow @japanspecialist_uk to learn more about Japan! #japanspecialist #japanspecialist_uk #yonezawa #yamagata #snowfestival

🧵 Tokyo's traditional crafting experiences Tokyo’s historical crafts from the Edo period reflect the artistry and ingenuity of traditional Japanese culture. Notable items include Edo kiriko (cut glass) and Edo furin (glass wind chimes). In the old town areas of Sumida ward where Tokyo Skytree is located in, you can find many crafting experiences. Here are 3 you can try! Aizome: Indigo dyeing Kimekomi Ningyo: traditional dolls Tsumami-zaiku: cloth pinching accessories ✈️ Follow @japanspecialist_uk to learn more about Japan! #japanspecialist #japanspecialist_uk #aizome #kimekomi #tsumamizaiku #edocrafts #japancrafts

🐎 Sensoji's yearly events Tokyo's Sensoji temple hosts several vibrant annual events. The most famous one is the Sanja Matsuri which celebrates Asakusa's three founding deities. However, do you know of the other events that take place there? Here are 4 other events you should take note of: Spring (late April): Yabusame (Horseback Archery) Summer (July): The Hozuki-ichi (Ground Cherry Market) Autumn (November): Shirasagi no mai (The dance of the white heron) Winter (December): Hagoita no ichi (Battledore Fair) ✈️ Follow @japanspecialist_uk to learn more about Japan! #japanspecialist #japanspecialist_uk #asakusa #sensoji #tokyoevents

🎍 Hatsumode: New Year shrine visit Hatsumode is the first shrine visit in the new year, which often happens during the first few days of the year. People line up to pay their respects, purchase shrine goods for good luck, and also enjoy the yatai stalls at large shrines. Hatsumode starts as soon as the clock strikes midnight, and this is how Japan celebrates the new year. ✈️ Follow @japanspecialist_uk to learn more about Japan! #japanspecialist #japanspecialist_uk #hatsumode

🛍 Where to buy souvenirs in Tokyo It can often be overwhemling trying to buy souvenirs when travelling in Japan. Often times, tourist spots are filled with cheap items made overseas. Here are 3 places you can find some unique quality souvenirs from Japan to bring home. ✈️ Follow @japanspecialist_uk to learn more about Japan! #japanspecialist #japanspecialist_uk #loft #kappabashi #antiquemarket #japansouvenir

🎄 December Events In December, Japan celebrates the longer nights with many night time lightup events throughotu the country. There's also autumn leaves viewing for places where foliage color changes later. You can enjoy many Christmas markets throughout December until the 25th. Here are a few events you can enjoy in December when visiting Japan. ✈️ Follow @japanspecialist_uk to learn more about Japan! #japanspecialist #japanspecialist_uk #japanevents #japandecember

🍁 Koishikawa Korakuen in Tokyo Koishikawa Korakuen Garden is the oldest surviving garden from the Edo period and was built in 1629 by Tokugawa Yorifusa. The garden features a large pond in the middle as well as hills that represent mountains. A traditional red wooden bridge is also found in one of the corners of this traditional garden. In autumn, you can enjoy beautiful Japanese maple trees, which turn red around the end of November to early December. ✈️ Follow @japanspecialist_uk to learn more about Japan! #japanspecialist #japanspecialist_uk #japanesegarden #japanautumn #koishikawakorakuen

🍁 Quiet Autumn Spots in Kyoto Kyoto is undoubtedly the most popular spot to visit in autumn in Japan. It can get overwhelmingly crowded! To help you enjoy your time, we’ve compiled 3 quiet spots where you can relax and soak in the scenery without being surrounded by lots of other tourists. ✈️ Follow @japanspecialist_uk to learn more about Japan! #japanspecialist #japanspecialist_uk #kyotoautumn

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We are the Japan specialist, providing the latest in travel tips, special offers, Japan updates and cultural insights. Got a question about Japan? Let us know and put our expertise to the test! Based in London, we are a full ABTA and IATA tour operator offering both package travel and tailor-made holidays to Japan and the Far East.