Me Time Guide

Solo Travel & Living, Practical Tips From Japanese Local Solos

Japan is one of the safest countries in the world which makes it a great place and experience for a solo traveling getaway. Here are typical questions from international tourists, and we are going to answer them! Is traveling solo popular in Japan? Yes, from teenagers to elders, Japanese enjoy traveling, especially in solo settings. Even people who are married or living with a partner also enjoy traveling and dining solo… that is not a rare thing. Here are more articles about the Japanese way of living alone in Japan. Where can I enjoy traveling or dining solo in Japan? Many cafes, restaurants, and bars offer a table for one,

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Cultural Footprint

Creative Halloween Costumes Inspired by the Japanese 19th Century

Halloween is a Western culture, and it has been gaining mass participation in Japan, especially among the youth. In 1997, Tokyo Disneyland held the “Disney Happy Halloween” costume event, which led to the spread of this celebration in the country. It is said that the Disneyland event began Halloween to take roots in Japan, after candy manufacturers and apparel stores began to sell Halloween items. The original meaning of the concept of Halloween has almost been lost in this country, and it has become a more “costume event”. Many Japanese say that this is because Japan has had a cosplay culture since the Edo period (1603 – 1867). There seems

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Cultural Footprint Japanese Diaspora Life Style

South Korean Literature Brings Hope & Empowerment: K-book Store in Tokyo Chekccori

South Korean literature is increasingly popular amid the fourth wave of the Hallyu boom. Kim Seung-bok, who founded Cuon, a publishing company specializing in South Korean content, possesses a wide range of literary works. South Korea is considered both geographically the closest and yet one of the most distant countries from Japan due to its historical conflicts and divergent political views. On the other hand, there are many Japanese who enjoy visiting the country on vacation.  The younger Japanese generation is drawn to the Korean lifestyles and values through their exposure to K-pop, K-dramas, and movies. It is not surprising to encounter Japanese students, who diligently follow South Korean culture

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Japanese Diaspora

Your Story is Our Story: Uncovering the Little-known History of Japanese Americans

Portland, Oregon, once had a Japantown, where many Nikkei lived. We trace the past and present of Japanese Americans with Jana Iwasaki, a board member of the Japanese American Museum of Oregon. There are two places in Portland with deep ties to Japan. One is the Japanese American Museum of Oregon (JAMO), formerly known as the Oregon Nikkei Legacy Center, which has served as a community center and a place to educate and explore the Japanese American experience and its role in Oregon’s multicultural community. Visitors can find archival materials about Japantown as well as exhibits about World War II American concentration camps for people of Japanese descent.  The other

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Cultural Footprint Me Time Guide

Discover a Better Connection of You, Best Hiking Destinations

Mountains have long served a major role in people’s lives, providing water, food, and housing materials such as woods and rocks. Throughout history, mountains have also been an integral part of many of the world’s religions. From the ancient times of Japanese mythology to the present day, mountains have been important, and many have become spiritual spots. Many Japanese people want to visit the pilgrimage sites in Japan at least once in their lifetime. The following list is two of the three most sacred mountains in Japan, Mt.Tate, and Mt.Haku. The other one is Japan’s highest mountain, Fuji. Characteristics of Female Salvation: Mt.Tate (Toyama Prefecture) The most distinctive feature of

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Cultural Footprint

Recharge Your Mind and Soul: Zen Hiking to Mt. Fuji

In Japan, roughly 70 percent of the country is mountainous. And in those areas, there are many major holy mountains. Climbing these sacred mountains of faith is called Zenjyo. People also refer to Zenyjo as the ultimate destination or the mountain summit. Since the Muromachi period (1336-1573), many people have begun to practice Zenjyo. The top 3 Japanese holy mountains are Fuji, Tate and Haku. Many Japanese Me Time lovers travel to these 3 sacred mountains at least once in their lives. Mt. Fuji is the most well-known Japanese peak in the world. This article will take you on a journey through the history and worship of Mount Fuji and its current

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Cultural Footprint

Amazing Travel Destinations That Will Enrich Your Life

In Japan, people of all ages and genders are climbing & hiking mountains alone. Some people who are not familiar with going to the mountains ask, “Isn’t it dangerous to walk alone in the mountains or nature?”. It is actually safe because there are many alone mountain climbers, especially on the weekends, from spring to early autumn. Some of the main reasons why people are climbing mountains alone include; they want to go during their own favorite time and own chosen places and; they want to hike at their own pace; hiking is considered a great way to enjoy self-reflection and is a peaceful method of personal meditation. Mountains Represent

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Cultural Footprint

Mindfulness Travel is the New Way to Refresh Our Health

What are your reasons to travel alone? For Japanese solo travelers, the reasons to travel alone are numerous and varying among individuals. Some of the main reasons include; they want to enjoy their time away from everyday life; this is a way to reward themselves; individuals want to travel at their favorite time without the inconvenience of someone else’s schedule. The adventurous travelers feel this the time/moment to do things they haven’t experienced before in their lives. In addition, by staying and interacting with the local indigenous people while traveling, the experience becomes authentic, educational, and rewarding. Today, it is not uncommon for women of all ages to travel alone,

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Cultural Footprint

Trailblazing Female Who Pioneered Solo Travel in 1800s

Isabella Bird was a true pioneer and adventure seeker in her time. She was a nineteenth-century British traveler best known in Japan for her book, Unbeaten Tracks in Japan. Bird made her trip to Japan in 1878, at the age of 47. It was first published in two volumes in 1880. She talks about her travels where she walked approximately 1200 miles in the hinterlands of Hokkaido. She walked many roads and streets and stayed at the Ryokans, the Japanese traditional inns, where the remnants of the Edo period remained. During her trip to Japan, Bird said she felt very safe and peaceful. She believed there was not another country

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Life Style

Zen Meditation in a Trailblazing Mobile Teahouse

When you pursue a lifestyle inspired by Zen—live like a floating cloud without obsessing over anything, it may create an opportunity to build a positive society that shares happiness universally. Joe Jun Liao, an entrepreneur originally from Hong Kong, is building a network to improve personal wellness and the common good in Hong Kong, Thailand, and Japan. While studying architecture at Harvard Graduate School of Design, he started to think about how designing spaces to create invaluable experiences could lead to a mindful society and help solve social problems. After working as a software engineer in California, he founded Hong Kong’s first capsule hotel, SLEEEP, with his childhood friend and

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