Stories from Japan

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Destinations, food, culture and travel wisdom from the TokudAw team


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A journey into Japan’s Olympic past

A barrier-free museum with interactive Games, rich history, perfect for a rainy day or a hot summer day in Tokyo.

The Olympic Museum Tokyo opened 14th September 2019. The museum is host to a wide range of exhibits ranging from multimedia galleries, interactive athletic simulators and historical memorabilia. The museum covers the Summer and Winter Olympics hosted in Tokyo, Nagano and Sapporo games.

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How to Trace Your Japanese Ancestry (A Beginner’s Guide)

Tracing your Japanese roots is a deeply personal journey, a way to connect with your family's past and understand your own identity. But let’s be honest, it can also be a bit daunting: The language barrier, the unfamiliar record-keeping system, and the sheer distance can make the task seem overwhelming. This is a guide to help you get started.

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8 traditional Japanese villages to visit for an authentic experience

Feeling overwhelmed by the blur of Tokyo's neon lights and the shuffle of the crowd? Take a breath and step off the beaten path into the tranquil world of Japan’s traditional villages. Far from the city's clamor, these quaint hideaways offer more than just a quiet escape; they’re a portal to a time-preserved lifestyle. 

Perfect for culture seekers, these villages let you live like a local among landscapes rich with history and community tables laden with home-cooked dishes that are sure to surprise your tastebuds. Ready to trade skyscrapers for scenic vistas and discover flavors you’ve never even Googled before?

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Itineraries Itineraries

The Ultimate Kyushu Itinerary (For 7 and 3-Day Trips!)

Kyushu prefecture is a beautiful part of Japan down south. Among the four main islands in Japan, Kyushu is the third largest island. It hosts natural treasures with rich history, culture, modern stuff, and stunning views. You’ll find rough terrains, volcanoes, lively cities, cool hikes, and delicious Kyushu ramen here.

When time is short, you’ve to make every moment count. For that purpose, we’ve prepared a 7-day Kyushu itinerary for you so you can enjoy the best of Kyushu.

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Learn the way of the Ninja at Odawara Castle

Within the imposing walls of Odawara Castle, visitors to the Fuma Ninja Experience will learn to think, move and act as ninja once did, under the expert tutelage of Hiroshi Jinkawa, an expert on the methods and practices of the ninja. Visitors first undergo a period of meditation, to attain the oneness of body and mind necessary for the focus required by ninja warriors to execute their duties. Then they are introduced to the tools and equipment ninja would use, including the Shinobi Rokugu: six objects every ninja would carry. These range from cloth for carrying shuriken, to a hooked rope for climbing, and even a bamboo cylinder for carrying cinders for setting fires.

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