HJJ Japan Info Blog

The unofficial “fifth” season has started in Japan. Yes, the rainy season is a difficult one to get used to for many foreign staff living in Japan. Is it going to rain or not? Being the big question on most days and yes, most days it’s pretty hard to tell what the weather has in store for us.

The safest bet is to just carry that umbrella everywhere you go and remember that those hot summer festival nights are on their way! Why not get out the traditional Japanese clothes maybe a Yukata for the girls and a Jinpei for the boys and head out to the Matsuri festivals?

The Matsuri festivals are held all over Japan and they demonstrate the fun side of traditional life in Japan. Often, fireworks displays and various traditional dances are the highlight of these events and fun can always be had at the various stalls and shops along the way. It’s a great way to see the real Japan. All of this is not far away now we just have to get through this rainy season!

Ah! There is always something to look forward to in Japan!

Omote Sando Hills is one of the new fashion trendy areas to visit in Tokyo, providing boutique shopping and restaurants serving everything from Italian style gourmet pizza to Chinese food for the person with a discerning taste.

The complex is interesting in its architecture to say the least, with its constantly sloping walkways that are either going slightly down or climbing slightly upwards, it has a spacious and modern feel to it while providing a showcase for the many “Brand mark” shops within.

The Omote Sando area has always been one of the trendy places in Tokyo, boasting wide and leafy streets, it is a destination for the local Tokyoite to relax and have a coffee in many of the outdoor style cafés, definitely a good place to visit for that relaxing Sunday afternoon walk.

Of course depending on where you are located escaping the summer heat can be easier for some and harder for others. Recently we have been looking at what Nagoya city has to offer during the hot summer break and two locations have come up that deserve mention.

One is Nagoya port aquarium. If you are looking for somewhere to cool down then the aquarium is definitely the place for you. The facilities are designed for maximum viewing pleasure and show you as much as possible of the various sea life in the park.

The aquarium is not only an educational experience either; it is quite popular as a date spot for young couples. After six O’clock the enclosure lights are dimmed to give you a better look at the more colourful specimens on display.

The dolphin show is a highlight of the day, with those magnificent creatures flying high through the sky showing not only their skill but also that of the trainers. During the summer months there is also a chance to see Koo Chan the Killer whale as training time for Koo is open to the public during summer. Weighing in at 3000 Kilograms it is an impressive sight to see him jumping out of the water, often landing to cause waves crashing over the audience. Great fun!

Another nice spot to visit is Nagoya TV Tower; located in the middle of Nagoya it offers views of the city from the observation deck. There are lounges and comfortable couched to sit down in, relax and take in the views of the city.

At the base of the tower there are some nice pub style alfresco dinning restaurants and cocktail bars offering relatively well priced beverages.

Close by is Oasis 21, this is another open area place to take a walk and see the water fountain displays.

Plenty to do in Nagoya during the summer!

Have you been to Nakanoshima area in Osaka? There are a few famous historical and cultural buildings such as the Osaka Central Public Hall, the National Museum of Art, and the Festival Hall, which means that Nakanoshima is the cradle of culture in Osaka.

Nakanoshima is located in the middle of the City, so it’s you can just go and have a look during the week days as well. To get there, you just need to go to Yodoyabashi Sta. on Midousuji line. The exit is 1.

Enjoy Nakanoshima with someone special!