At a Glance: Cooling Down at Itadori River Park
Top photo: Joseph Cerezo (original author), used with permission
Itadori River Park is not a well-known tourist spot, but for the locals it is a hidden gem perfect for swimming, camping, and barbecues. About 2 kilometers in expanse, this river bank boasts of a gentle, steady flow and crystal-clear water, tucked away in the mountains of Nagase, Mino-shi in Gifu Prefecture. With the weather reaching temperatures in the 40’s (Celsius) during the peak of summer, this river’s invitation is hard to turn down. We came across this beautiful spot in one of our adventures just by driving around!
You can easily set up for a day (may it be a tent or just chairs and a barbecue grill) with your own private patch on the banks and enjoy some first class R&R. Swimming in the deep pools here is awesome, and while the water is honestly just a bit too cold for my tastes on a cloudier day, it is easily neutralized by the hot sun when the weather’s clear.
On those days, you really can swim all your cares away! The water is so clean, clear and beautiful that you can see straight down the bottom in places, admiring the rocks below as if they were marbles in an aquarium. And if you are lucky enough, you might even spot some fish and turtles swimming around.
And when you’re done with a dip, enjoy some smoky barbecue by the river banks- it’s easy to lose track of time in a place like this! And if you are brave enough, you can try some first-class rock jumping here. Some folks even set up a rope swing for endless amusement, only if you have the courage to try it. The locals are very nice and welcoming as well.
The only drawback for me in coming here is the drive, about 30 minutes away from Mino City proer, but that is easily negated by the beautiful mountains and fields you’ll pass by on the way. Beautiful scenery is my weakness!
So if you find yourself longing for a swim, a barbecue, free fun, and some rest
and relaxation amidst the business of work, or just want a place to enjoy some family time on the weekend, Itadori River Park in Gifu is definitely one to check out!
Photo Credits:
Top photo: Joseph Cerezo (original author), used with permission
All other content (text) created by the original author and © 2021 MUSUBI by Borderlink
Top photo: Kaede KBYS on Unsplash
During the cold, dark days of winter, I am reminded that this time of year is the best time for enjoying one of the finest things Japan has to offer. I speak of course of the onsen, Japan’s natural hot springs. To stew in them until you can bear it no longer only to rise from the waters into the frigid winter air is truly a sublime experience. Onsen are so popular, in fact, that several towns dedicated to serving patrons who wish to enjoy them have sprung up all over the country. Here’s a short list of some of my (as well as others’) favorite locales.
Kusatsu
Kusatsu is considered the premier onsen town of Japan. Located in Gunma prefecture only a few hours from Tokyo, Kusatsu is especially majestic in the winter due to its mountaintop location. Thousands of liters of water flow into the town from the mountains every single minute of the day. Be sure to watch a traditional Yumomi performance, which occurs six times a day.
Noboribetsu
Located in the southern portion of Hokkaido, Noboribetsu is widely known as the best onsen town on the northern island, and one of the best in all of Japan. The waters contain sulfur and hydrogen sulfide, which are said to soften and lighten skin, as well as iron, which lessens fatigue. The minerals in the water paint the surrounding landscape, giving it the nickname “Hell Valley”.
Gero
Another onsen town situated in the Gifu region, Gero is a little harder to get to than its neighbor Kusatsu. However, this adds to its charm and makes it a great discreet getaway for a weekend of solitude or romance. A Yu-meguri Tegata spa pass will allow you access to three onsen of your choice from a list of twenty, so do your homework before visiting!
Arima
Famously referred to as one of the three top three onsen in Japan (along with Gero and Kusatsu), it’s time for Kansai to shine. Located just within the city limits of Kobe, Arima is compact, which makes it easy to navigate on-foot. The town has two types of waters: the knsen (“gold water”) is colored brown with iron deposits and is said to be good for skin ailments and muscle pain. The clear ginsen (“silver water”) on the other hand contains radium and carbonate, and is said to cure various muscle and joint ailments.
Kurokawa
All the way west in the Kyushu region sits Kurokawa, an onsen town that has intentionally maintained its traditional atmosphere for centuries. Thanks to the community’s steadfast unity in this goal, all you’ll see are the original forms of the onsen dating back many years ago, built with wooden materials, earthen walls, cobblestone stairs, and curved roofs.
I hope you have the chance to visit one of these fine establishments some day, and soak in the scenery (and rejuvenating waters!)
Already thinking about booking a weekend in an onsen town? That’s something you can do when you only work on weekdays like Assistant Language Teachers! For more information on how you can too, read all about the job of an ALT and then how to apply!
Photo Credits:
Top photo: Kaede KBYS on Unsplash
All other content (text) created by the original author and © 2021 MUSUBI by Borderlink
Top Image: LuckyLife11 on Pixabay
When short on time or in need of an immediate cure to the hungry bug, a common solution can be found in convenience stores. They’re always right around the corner and stocked full of foods that look good, taste good, and are ready to be purchased. With so many choices available, the packaged sandwich has become a popular item among many consumers. Its popularity stems from the fact that it offers variety, convenience to eat on the move, a visually-pleasing cross-section cut presentation, and most importantly, an inexpensive price.
Perhaps in the past, you have picked up a sandwich from the convenience store based on one of reasons mentioned above. However, after consuming the sandwich, have you really considered the actual value you got from your purchase? Today on MUSUBI, let’s take a look at the inside of some of the most popular packaged sandwiches found in most every convenience stores, and decide if you are truly getting the most bang for your buck. Why? Well, how many other places are you going to be able to read an in-depth analysis of Japanese convenience store sandwiches, right?
First up is the Chicken Katsu Sandwich, Chicken Katsu is a breaded chicken cutlet that has been deep fried to give it a crunchy texture. It is a common dish in many Japanese households and a very popular item on the school lunch menu among many Japanese students.
The cutlets are covered in a savory sauce while accompanied with shredded cabbage to help ease the oily grease during digestion. As you can see from the photo, the Chicken Katsu took up most of the sandwich space and finished off with the cabbages filled to the brim. At the usual price of around 298 yen, the Chicken Katsu Sandwich checks off all the boxes of a value bite.
Next up is the pork ham and cucumber sandwich. Just as there is no mystery to its name, anyone would assume there should be ham slices and cucumbers inside the sandwich.
Upon opening the sandwich up, it certainly tells a different story as the sandwich is lightly sprinkled with tiny cucumber slices at the edge of the cross section to give the sandwich more colors and the illusion of a lot more cucumbers inside. However, to the sandwich’s defense, it is called a “Juicy Ham” sandwich in Japanese. So, the sandwich was not falsely advertised that there would be a lot more cucumbers than ham slices. At the cost of around 250 yen, perhaps not as good a value as the Chicken Katsu Sandwich though.
The last sandwich we will be looking at is the infamous “Atsu Yaki Tamago Mix Sand“. When translated to English, its “Thick Omelet Mixed Sandwich.” Like its English name implies, Atsu Yaki Tamago is a Japanese style omelet cooked in thick layers and seasoned with a sugar to give it a sweeter taste. It is also a famous traditional side dish in both household and lunch menus.
Although it’s a popular item, it has also been infamously labeled as the “Paper Tiger Sandwich.” The nickname stems from the false representation the cross-cut design of the sandwich gives off. A long thin piece of the egg is placed at the center cut while a smaller slice of the omelet is at the rear. Similar to the Ham sandwich, the Omelet sandwich is made to look like there’s a lot more egg from the outside than there really is inside. It’s harder to justify than the others, and at the price of 310 yen, it’s the most expensive of the 3 sandwiches.
Based on the highly competitive nature of the convenience store industry, it is a common practice for companies to avoid raising the prices by downsizing its products. As a result, presentation tricks are used to cover up the changes made by the reduced cost. Even with that said, consumers expect companies to be trustworthy when they are making their purchase.
Perhaps convenience store companies should try to be more transparent with their products as customers have the right to know what they are getting
for their money. Next time when you visit a convenience store for a quick bite, think carefully before making your selection, to make sure you get the most for your money!
MUSUBI Editor’s note: When in doubt, go with the BLT, Sauce Katsu or Egg Salad sandwiches. You can never go wrong with those.
Photo Credits:
Top Image: LuckyLife11 on Pixabay
Additional information provided by SoraNews24
All other content (text) created by the original author and © 2021 MUSUBI by Borderlink
Top photo: “Shinkansen N700 with Mount Fuji” by tansaisuketti, licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license. (CC BY-SA 3.0) No changes or modifications made. Wikimedia Commons Link
A member of our team shares their experiences traveling throughout Japan.
I have had the opportunity to work and live in both the Netherlands and Japan. Part of my motivation to work and live in Europe and Asia was to have the opportunity to travel. Before moving to the Netherlands, I had an idea of where I wanted to travel to in and around Europe (including the Netherlands). Likewise, before moving to Japan, I had an idea of where I wanted to travel to in and around Asia (including, well, Japan!) Overall, I feel am pretty well-travelled by now, and I can tell you that it is easy and comfortable to travel throughout the land I now call home.
First of all, Japan has an excellent public transportation system. The railways and roads are modernized, and therefore offer a comfortable journey. The main methods of public transportation that I have used are trains, subways, the Shinkansen (bullet train) and buses. Overall, the public transportation here uses the hub system and is very timely, making it easy to transfer between different modes of public transportation.
Japanese people & society is very clean in general, and therefore public transportation is very clean. I believe all forms of public transportation are cleaned at least once a day, and I have never had an issue with filth or dirt. In some countries, public transportation (depending on location) may be stigmatized as being dangerous. This is not the case in Japan. Japan’s crime rate is very low and it appears that Japan doesn’t have dangerous suburbs or regions. I have never felt afraid while using public transportation or when traveling to a new location in Japan.
The Shinkansen can be a bit pricey; however, there are alternatives. During my first year in Japan, I can recall doing a cross country trip using trains and buses. We started our tour from a small town in Yamaguchi prefecture and managed to travel to Osaka, Kyoto, Mt. Fuji, Kamakura and Tokyo by use of train. The standard train is not as fast as the Shinkensen, but is much more affordable and offers a better opportunity to look through the windows to enjoy the Japanese landscape. When our trip finished, we returned to Yamaguchi (from Tokyo) on a night bus. It took 17 hours and wasn’t expensive. It is easy to keep travel affordable if you do your research / planning / booking 3 months before a major trip.
In addition, accommodations are affordable too. I have always travelled with a partner or travelling buddy, so I have never stayed in a hostel in Japan. I have stayed in many small hotel rooms and often times was charged ¥5000 – ¥6000 per night (or ¥2500 – ¥3000 per person per night). The hotels were good enough. The rooms were small, but clean and offered internet / TV access a small fridge, bed/s and a bathroom. If you are looking to stay in one location for a prolonged period of time, you may want to look into a guest house as it may be a more affordable option for a longer stay.
The three major holiday seasons in Japan are Golden Week, Obon & New Year’s (Winter Vacation). Many Japanese citizens use these periods to travel. If you are planning on travelling during Golden Week, Obon & New Year’s, I recommend planning / booking your vacation months in advance. If you procrastinate, travel prices may go up, or accommodations may not be available.
During my first year in Japan, I did a two week trip across Japan and used long weekends to partake in shorter trips. In addition, I travelled to South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Myanmar and Cambodia. I thoroughly enjoyed myself, and we were reasonably thrifty (allowing us to travel more). I returned to Canada for a year before deciding to come back to Japan, because I realized that I really enjoyed my experiences & adventure in and around Japan so much, I wanted more. And that’s why I’m still here today!
Traveling these days is tough. But that won’t be the case forever, and sooner or later you’ll have the opportunity to see more of this wonderful country. But do you want to be stuck in an office all day and night, or do you want a career that gives you free weekends and school vacations for traveling around? That’s just one of the many great things being an Assistant Language Teacher can give you! For more information, read all about the job of an ALT and then how to apply!
Photo Credits:
Top photo: “Shinkansen N700 with Mount Fuji” by tansaisuketti, licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license. (CC BY-SA 3.0) No changes or modifications made. Wikimedia Commons Link
Additional image provided by the original author, used with permission
All other content (text) created by the original author and © 2021 MUSUBI by Borderlink
Top Photo: Martha Dominguez de Gouveia on Unsplash
Few things are more daunting for foreigners living in Japan than the mountain you face when you’re suddenly sick. Facing a medical system that seems unpredictable to you, where you may not know what to say or how to read, can add stress that compounds on the symptoms you already face.
But keep in mind that many foreign residents in Japan have continued to survive here, and knowledge of a few basic facts can help you to survive too. Let’s look at some of the pieces of information that you have available to help you get healthy, stay healthy, and enjoy your life in Japan!
Doctors, Hospitals and Money
If you get sick and need a doctor, the best way is to get yourself to a hospital. University connected hospitals and public hospitals are usually larger, have a wider range of specialties and a greater chance of some English available, but there are more patients there too.
There are also smaller clinics in most neighborhoods, some of which are great for you, but a good thing to do is ask around to get recommendations and get medical information at your local city hall. One thing you should know is that a few hospitals or clinics take appointments (dentists do as well), so it’s usually on a first-come-first-serve basis each day. So go early, and be ready to wait a bit. Times are usually listed on the front door. (For more information about clinics, see one of our previous articles!)
Before going, write down your symptoms, etc. You can use a translator on your smartphone to get Japanese phrases, but relax, most doctors can read what you wrote in English! When you get there, go right to the the reception desk. It’s called 受付 (uketsuke), just look for those kanji. They will have two things for you to do. First they will ask to see you medical insurance card.
If you have entered Japan’s medical insurance system, just give them your card (For more information on that, see our guide here) If you have foreign-based insurance, try to let them know that you will pay in cash, 現金 (genkin) and get the money back later (but check with your insurance to see what coverage you have).
If they seem upset, don’t panic. They are just worried for you. Then they will give you a paper to write your personal information, medical history and what you are there for today. They will help if you need it. After that, the best thing is to stay calm and let them guide you through the steps. They will. The final thing is to pay, back at the front desk, before you leave. Maybe ask first if they only take cash.
Drugs & Medicine
Many drug store chains will have a variety of over the counter drugs. It’s a good idea to write out what you are looking for in terms of brand name and symptoms, since they might not sell the brand name in Japan. You can bring most over the counter type drugs into Japan and find some on Amazon. You should know that not all drug stores sell prescription drugs, unless they have a visible pharmacy corner. (For more on over the counter drugs in Japan, see our guide here!)
For prescription drugs, you usually go to a smaller pharmacy or 薬局 (yakkyoku) with very few shelf items and mostly a counter with a room behind. You can go to any pharmacy, but most clinics and hospitals have one in the same neighborhood. Just give them the prescription and wait. Most prescriptions are not auto-renewed. You have to see the doctor again to get another one.
Getting Help
Don’t always try to do it on your own! Stop and think of the sources of help around you. There may be other foreigners who have been here a little longer. Don’t be afraid to ask a Japanese person whom you’ve met for help. Many are quite willing to give you a hand. Remember that while you feel daunted by the process, the medical staff really do want to help you. If they seem unfriendly, it’s probably because they are nervous about their English! If you can relax a bit, they will too.
The internet has made it all so much easier. Don’t forget to check online for suggestions and locations. But try to check before you are sick! It’s a lot harder when you are dizzy with a fever! One of the best places to start is looking for foreigner support sites in your city. In Tokyo, go to the Life in Tokyo site for many English consultation contacts. They can maybe suggest similar sites in other cities too.
Finally, don’t forget that the emergency number is 119 here. Say “ambulance please” and they’ll know you need English help. But check if you do need an ambulance by calling #7119 for advice.
With a bit of help, and writing things down, you can make it through even sickness in Japan. Being able to relax about this a little will really improve your happiness in enjoying the experience of life in this beautiful country.
Photo Credits:
Top Photo: Martha Dominguez de Gouveia on Unsplash
All other content (text) created by the original author and © 2021 MUSUBI by Borderlink
Even with a new year underway, it can be easy to feel held down by the problems of the previous one. Right now, the world is still in the grips of the COVID-19 Pandemic, and things we used to enjoy with ease now seem difficult if not impossible. In times like these, we can reflect on the beauty in life, and the things that do bring us joy. Here’s one such story from Sean on his experience in Japan:
Have you ever wanted to a life of peace and happiness? Have you sought a culture that is based on the principles of humanity, respect, and honor? Well then, welcome to Japan!
There is a saying, 新しい言語は、新たな人生の始まり or “A new language is a new life”. For those who pursue learning another other language, they’re opening up a door to what feels like a new world. In truth though, it’s just another part of the world we live in now, but one that learning a new language makes more accessible. No matter where you’re from, you’ve probably felt that at some point in life.
For me, that language was Japanese. And the world it let me step into was one I never want to leave. I love living in Japan, and here’s just three of the many reasons why:
The Land
Photo by Casia Charlie on Pexels https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-taking-picture-near-lake-with-view-of-mount-fuji-2451040/
There are so many places around Japan to see. From great cities to small towns, ancient shrines and temples to high-end hotels. Mountains, rivers and valleys. Even a ‘desert’ or two! Traveling to these places is easy and convenient with Japan’s great transportation system. Some of my favorite ways to travel are the Shinkansen (bullet train) and Japanese airlines such as ANA and JAL.
Some personal recommendations of places to visit include the majestic, beautiful, and historic castles in each prefecture; the Tenmangu shrines throughout Japan during the Fire Festival in the summer; and large cities like Osaka, Tokyo, and Hiroshima, each with their own eclectic and exciting nightlife.
The Lifestyle
The Japanese lifestyle is one built on the ideas of peace and harmony. While a homogenous country for many years, the nation has long been opening up its doors to the international friendship and melting pot aesthetics of the global community.
We’re lucky to live in an era where we can now experience the Japanese lifestyle for ourselves. I have enjoyed learning the language with the locals, exploring the simple pleasures of day-to-day life, and making friends wherever I go. Life in Japan is many things, and yes, it can be a lot of work. But in my experience, the satisfaction is always worth the effort.
The Culture
Photo by AKANE ZEN on Pexels https://www.pexels.com/photo/shallow-focus-photography-of-brown-wooden-handheld-baskets-634009/
For me, one of the best parts of living in Japan is being able to learn about the culture firsthand. Overseas we can get bits and pieces of it, but the sensation of experiencing Japanese culture in its homeland is indescribable. And it all starts with the Japanese people themselves, who have taught me so much through even the most basic of interactions.
Japan has maintained many cultural traditions passed down through generations while also adding new ones. Japan now is different from the one of 10, 20, 50 or 100 years ago, and yet there are many things that have remained. Culture is everywhere, and it’s something anyone can experience if they look for it.
In Summary
Right now, it’s hard to know when the world will be able to reopen its doors. International travel is still largely shut down. But it will return some day, and your chance to come to Japan will arrive.
And when you do, please visit the southern parts of Hoshu and learn about the ways of Bushido and Samurai culture. Please visit Iga, where Ninjutsu originated from. Please visit the Hokkaido Island and enjoy the Sopparo winter festival with beautiful designed ice sculptures. Please visit the relaxing Okinawa and enjoy the “Hawaiian atmosphere” environment there. At last, please visit Tokyo, the capital of Japan (from personal experience, I recommend the Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Tower, Imperial Palace, and Tokyo Disneyland!)
Find peace at Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines. Try new foods and sample new sweets, even if you’re not sure what they are (within reason, of course!) Get lost in the city or the countryside and make an adventure out of finding your way back. Make new friends. Learn new things. And above all, keep an open mind.
Please enjoy your new adventure and new life in Japan! It has been my honor so far, and I feel I have found peace and happiness living here! Japan is a truly amazing place and it is such a joy to be a part of it. So if you’re learning Japanese or thinking of trying it, I say go for it. It’s your key to opening up a door to a new life.
Photo Credits:
1 – Casia Charlie on Pexels
All other content (text) created by the original author and © 2021 MUSUBI by Borderlink
All of us at MUSUBI would like to wish you a Happy New Year, and welcome you to 2021!
Since we launched at the end of September 2020, we have strived to keep producing quality content about Japan twice a week, every week. We hope to not only continue doing this, but to also grow throughout this coming year.
We’re always working very hard on writing, editing and revising articles on the health, food and lifestyle of Japan. We couldn’t do it without the support of our great writers, editors, and of course, all of you readers out there!
Thank you to all who visit and enjoy MUSUBI. We hope to make 2021 even better than 2020 was!
本当にありがとうございます!
– The MUSUBI Staff
Photo Credits:
All other content (text) created by the original author and © 2021 MUSUBI by Borderlink