Dango Sweets - Tokyo - Japan

I have received Japanese sweets from the friendly Eriko Kojima.
She offered me a box of Dango, that she got during her vacation in Shikoku area. Known also as Odango, this is a Japanese dumpling made from rice flour. Dango are eaten year-round, but the different varieties are traditionally eaten in given seasons. It’s very sweet and the texture is similar to wagashi.
It was a very pleasant surprise!!!
Domo Arigato Eriko!

Landing Away in Japan

Onsens (natural hot springs) - Japan

Natural hot springs (onsens) are highly popular across Japan, and you can find them in every region.
There are many types of hot springs, distinguished by the minerals dissolved in the water. Different minerals provide different health benefits, and all hot springs are supposed to have a relaxing effect on your body and mind.
Hot spring baths come in many varieties, indoors and outdoors, gender separated and mixed. Many hot spring baths belong to a Ryokan (hotel with onsen) while others are public bath houses. I’ve tried several options, but the one that impressed me the most was a private onsen in Nikko, that I reserved for one hour – it was enough due to the high temperature of the water. The onsen was made of wood, very simple but the view was spectacular!

Landing Away in Japan

The Private Onsen at Casual Euro Hotel Nikko

And the amazing view from that Onsen

The entrance for a Public Onsen in Bessho Onsen


Shoes outside with toes facing the street,

Shoes should never be left facing the house



Before entering the Onsen, one must wash properly, in an area similar to this

Tokyo Dome - Tokyo - Japan

Tokyo Dome City is an entertainment complex a few stations away from central Tokyo.
It has the Tokyo Dome that used for major events like baseball, LaQua a luxurious spa that is open 22 hours a day, an amusement park and several shops and restaurants.

As you can see from the pictures, the weather has changed, it’s raining and the temperatures are now around 23 degrees, so… the autumn has finally arrived to Japan.

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Shirahama Beach & Shimoda - Shimoda - Japan

Shimoda Shimoda is located at the southern tip of the Izu peninsula about 97 km southwest of Tokyo. Shimoda has the Amagi Mountains the north, and the warm Kyroshio Current to the south which give the city a humid, sub-tropical climate.
It’s the perfect escape from Tokyo, but as I mentioned must be reached by train due to heavy traffic especially during the summer. The city has a very relaxed vibe, some alternative shops, art galleries and nice restaurants. The sea is perfect, warm and crystal clear!

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Shimoda - Shirahama Beach- Japan

Shirahama is a white sand beach located just outside Shimoda. It’s a pretty beach, with relatively good surfing conditions and clear and warm waters. I’ve stayed at a nice hotel, a few minutes away from the beach so it was just perfect to forget my travel ordeal. Due to heavy traffic, it took me circa 7 hours to get to Shirahama from Tokyo (normally by car it takes circa 3 hours). The beach was also full of wood that was burned on Sunday early morning. Is it worth a visit? Yes, but by train!!!

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Moshi-Moshi - Hello? - Japan

When was the last time you have seen one of these telephones? I was so thrilled to have it at the hotel that I kept searching for excuses to call the reception. Oh… the good old days!!!

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Bessho Onsen - Japan

This weekend I’ve visited Bessho-onsen, a very small village near Nagano, which is famous for its hot springs (Onsens). Apparently these have been discovered over 1,000 years ago. There are several public hot springs, each with its own individual charm, that can be enjoyed for free. It’s common to see people outside wearing Kimonos and wooden shoes, on their way to the onsens. The most popular include the Ishi-yu, O-yu, Daishi-yu, and Aisome-no-yu. There are also many historic cultural monuments in the area, such as the three-tiered pagoda in Zenzan-ji Temple, and in the center of town, Kitamuki-kannon and Anraku-ji Temple, which has a three-tiered octagonal pagoda that has been designated a national treasure.

Landing Away in Japan