explore and learn more about this beautiful country
Free Calls to Japan!
Have you heard of Skype? Well for those who are still new to the cool things available through the internet, I’ll tell you. Skype is a way a super cheap way of keeping in touch with people in Japan at a fraction of a price! Both parties however do need a computer as well as a microphone but get this, you can even do a live video phone call where you see the other person talking (you will need a webcam for this). How amazing is that. They have a great system if you want to upgrade services, you can pay as you go or pay a monthly subscription and there’s no contract. Rates to call Japan are just 2 cents a minute for landlines and just 15 cents a minute to a cell phone. Great price right? We should all embrace how great technology is. I mean, what have you got to lose, definitely not money since you’ll be saving a ton! Phones Calls to Japan for FREE! CLICK BELOW NOW!
Vacation Rentals, Yes, in Japan!
When we travel to Japan, our mind is set pretty much on staying in a hotel or even with family, if you’re lucky. Ever thought about staying in a vacation home in Japan? It can be an amazing experience. Rather than staying in hotel, why not stay in a native person’s vacation rental home or condo where you have the entire place to yourself! You will get your own kitchen, living space and own everything! Sadly you will have to clean up after yourself since there are no maids but sometimes these rentals are cheaper than staying in a hotel and are in prime locations. These rentals are for rent by the person who owns the house and is willing to rent our their home for a certain price. If you like bargains and a place that you could feel “at home” while in Japan, this is a great option! CLICK BELOW for Japan Rentals!
Love Watching Sushi Being Made?
Sushi, a food that Japan is known for. Some people don’t like the idea of raw fish but for those who love sushi, you just can’t get enough. We all go to eat sushi, whether it be sitting at the sushi bar or at a table. No matter where you have it, it’s DELICIOUS! Yes, the thought of raw fish scares some people off but ironically, the fresher the fish, it should not have any smell! If the fish you are eating has odor, it maybe be older so beware. Just a little tip for ya! Sushi chefs attend special sushi schools to create these masterpieces. They have to be quick when an order is put in as well as personable. The preparation is all done before hand so it doesn’t take that long but to make the dish look like art is where the time is spent. Wouldn’t it be cool to be able to see real sushi chefs in Japan do their thing when creating these delicious masterpieces? Well you’re in luck. Tatsuro Sushi located in Tokyo, Japan has solved this. They have placed 2 webcams in their sushi bar, right at the counter, so everyone around the world can watch the chefs. Fun, right? Just make sure when you go to their site it is between the hours of 11:00-2:30pm and 4:30-10:40pm Japan time (there’s a clock on this site of the current time in Japan). They are closed for 2 hours of each day. Happy Sushi
Watch Haircuts Live from Japan!
Getting a haircut can be nerve racking sometimes. What will your hair look like after? Will they cut it the way you wanted? Will people notice? Well, what if the whole world was watching as you got your haircut? Pressure…maybe. Salon-net makes this possible. Check this out. A website for salons all over Japan posts a live web video of a chosen salon for the day and you get to watch them run their business. People walk in, get their hair shampooed, and get their haircut, all on your computer, LIVE! Interesting right, but so fun. Guess the manager can hang out at home and see their employees every move without stepping foot into the salon. Wonder if the customers are told before their haircut that the world may be watching… At least you can check out the salon before you step in for your makeover! CLICK HERE to Watch Salon-net Live Hair Cuts in Japan
Watch Japan Webcam Live?
Did you know that you can view webcams of practically any city in in the world? That’s right, you can even view a city in Japan as a live shot. It’s so amazing. Webcams are placed randomly (mostly for traffic reasons) around major Japanese cities and airports. It’s so fun to watch scenery from Japan right in the comfort of your own home regardless of where you are. It makes you feel like you’re right there! Though there are multiple live webcam sites of Japan, the one I found that was the best was by webhopper.com (see access link below). This site allows you to choose various cities throughout Japan. Choose any city and escape for awhile. Or maybe right before you go to Japan, you can see what the weather is like currently with your own eyes. How fun would it be if you knew someone in Japan and you communicated with them to be in front of a certain webcam in a certain city at a certain time! Instant viewing…so genius. Take a look at your favorite city! CLICK HERE for LIVE Japan Webcam Access
Ice Cream with Some Mochi Please!
We all love ice cream and if you know Japanese sweets, then you’ll know what Mochi is. Mochi basically made from sweet rice that gets pounded into a sticky, chewy texture concoction. It’s so YUMMY! Often times, inside the mochi are sweet red beans or chestnuts so sometimes nothing at all. Mochi has become so popular now if you go to Pinkberry or Yogurberry and other various trendy frozen yogurt eateries, you can get it as a optional topping. Again…so good! So, for a while now they have created a thing called Mochi Ice Cream. Basically a ball of ice cream is wrapped with a super soft, thin layer of mochi. There are various flavors from chocolate, vanilla to green tea and mango, strawberry and red bean. If you have never tried it, try it. But beware if it’s your first time eating mochi. You may not be used to the texture. They come in a pack of 6 so make sure you have people around you who can finish off the box in case it’s not your thing. They may sell mochi ice cream at your local grocery store or Trader Joe’s in the frozen foods department. TRY IT!
Phrases to Know When Traveling to Japan Part 2
When Dining Are you open?=Aite masu ka? How many in your party?=Nan mei sama desu ka (you will get asked this when you first step into the restauran There are _______ people in my party=(number in japanese) mei desu **When in doubt just hold up your fingers!** Smoking=Kitsu en seki Non-Smoking=Kinen seki How long is the wait?=Machi jikan wa dore kurai desu ka? Can I have a glass of water=Omizu kuda sai Excuse me (calling a waiter/waitress)=Sumimasen How much is it?=Ikura desu ka? Check please=Okanjyo onegai shimasu Thank you for the delicious meal (when paying or leaving restaurant)=Gochisou sama deshita
Phrases to Know When Traveling to Japan
(Phrases are broken up for pronunciation purpose) Hello=Kon nichi wa Hello (after noon)=Kon ban wa Good Bye=Sayou nara Good Morning=Ohayo gozai masu Good Night=Oyasumi nasai How are you?=O genki desu ka I’m fine=O genki desu See you again soon=Sore dewa mata Thank you very much for your hospitality=Osewa ni nari mashita Pleased to meet you=Hajime mashite (used when you meet someone for the first time) Pleased to meet you (in reply)=Kochira koso hajime mashite What is your name?=Ona mae wa nan desu ka My name is ______= (your name) desu Thank you very much=Arigato gozai masu No problem with pleasure=Dou itashimashi te (in response to Thank You) I’m sorry or Excuse me=Sumi masen (if you need something or if you bump into somebody) Yes-Hai No-Iie (pronounced like the letter “E”. E-E-eh) I understand-Wakari mashita I don’t understand-Wakari masen Are you ok?-Dai jyoubu desu ka I’m fine (in response to Are you ok?)=Dai jyou bu desu Please…=Dou zo (when offering something like a seat on the train) Please…=One gai shi masu (when requesting something like water at a restaurant) What phrases have you found helpful while in Japan? Let us know in the comments below.