On a trip to Tokyo and the nearby Shizuoka Prefecture, we got to know not only cuisine and culture, nature and mega-city, but also many oddities. In addition, looking back, we can say that Japan is a dream destination for travelers in terms of hygiene and distance rules. Nowhere in the world have we encountered cleaner toilets, trains, subways, inns or kitchens. Even before the pandemic, people in Japan liked to wear masks and shake hands only for the sake of guests from the West. A friendly bow coupled with a nice smile is the Nippon style.
Culinary discoveries in Japan
Enigmatic and inaccessible are two attributes with which the Land of the Rising Sun is often described. It was only a good 150 years ago that Japan opened up to the rest of the world. With the 15th Shogun, a long period of total isolation ended. At first, many Japanese products came to us. Conversely, tourists from all over the world now want to get to know the country and its polite inhabitants.
- “Ramen” conditions – Tokyo’s trendy noodle soup
- Driving in Japan – we show what to watch out for
- Visiting Mr Slow Food Mt Fuji – the archaic process of making katsuobushi – bonito flakes that add depth of flavor to Japanese food.
- How to recognize a restaurant
- The rise of the house slipper
- Wasabi on shark skin
- Replica Food – Ultimate help with food selection.
- The hot chair – from high-tech toilets with the shame button
- The first and the last shogun – a visit to Shizuoka
- The most beautiful scarecrow in the world – a rice field at Mount Fuji
- Shabu-Shabu – The Japanese way of Fondue
- The handle of the emperor
- Crackle, rustle, smack – Picnic in the famous Kabuki Theater
- Soba Noodles – Cooking with Sumiko Sano: she is already 85, small and crooked, but foodies from all over the world make a pilgrimage to her.
- Spearfishing at night on Lake Hamana
- Soya sauce – the spice of the Japanese
- A sleepless night in the tea field – Green Sencha from Shizuoka
Reports from Japan
Louis Vuitton scores with Yayoi Kusama
On an advertising stretch of four infinite pages and the slogan “Creating Infinity”, luxury brand Louis Vuitton launches its collaboration with Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama.
Kawaii. Oh how cute!
Kawaii is an expression of pop culture in Japan and its superstar Hello Kitty. The fan base is growing as the projection screens for the cute kitten
Travel to Japan possible again
Tourists are welcome in Japan again. Corona pandemic entry restrictions lifted. Latest tips.
Yayoi Kusama. Art by the sea
Yayoi Kusama is the most famous artist in Japan. In the Setouchi region on the island of Naoshima are her famous pumpkins with polka dots.
Laugh in Translation
On the occasion of the lifting of entry restrictions in October 22, a report on our trip through the Japanese province appears in the Shizuoka Shimbun.
Something warm man needs
Every year, landlords in Germany are required to put heating systems into operation on October 1. This year, however, with a throttled temperature
What is the rabbit doing in the moon?
The hare is an iconic creature and many of its images are world famous. In Japan, the bunny gives you a whole new perspective on the moon
Nature and monument
Some imposing wonders of nature are revered by man as monuments. Some even achieve the status of a deity. For example, Mount Fuji in Japan
Bento – the snack for every situation in life
In Japan, the bento box contains a meal for students, workers, hikers or travelers. It contains protein, cooked or pickled vegetables and rice
Breakfast in Japan – Miso soup and more
Even the traditional breakfast in Japan is a feast for the eyes. It has a high value and is considered the basis for a long and healthy life
Typical Japan – Professions and Vocation
In Shizuoka Prefecture, we met people who have dedicated their entire lives to a profession and have no problems with work-life balance
Fujinomiya, city at the foot of Mount Fuji
Sake, Soba, Satoyama. Three typical Japanese terms can be associated with the visit to Fujinomiya, the city closest to the sacred Mount Fuji.
Shoyu – The black seasoning of the Japanese
A soy sauce factory in Shizuoka Prefecture passes on the knowledge of the traditional production of the Japanese basic seasoning to younger generations
Japan – Destinations around Mount Fuji
Shizuoka Prefecture fulfills travel preferences with a desire for more distance and nature. Experience Japan away from the big cities like Osaka or Kyoto.
Moonlight Spearfishing in Japan
Spear fishing is one of the oldest fishing techniques. It is practiced in many countries around the world and is considered a very resource-conserving way of fishing
Nippondaira Hotel in Shizuoka
A hotel with a fantastic view of the shy beauty. The Japanese revere the volcano as a female Fuji, which is usually veiled behind clouds.
Katsuobushi – traditional production
The traditional production of the Japanese basic seasoning begins with blood, water and fire. This is how the tuna species bonito becomes a rock-hard delicacy.
Green Tea as an Elixir of Life
The elixir of life for the Japanese grows in Shizuoka Prefecture. It is a potpourri of secondary plant substances that have a health-promoting effect
The new Hotel Okura in Tokyo
The old Hotel Okura was a showcase of Japanese craftsmanship coupled with modern architecture. The new building made better use of the valuable air space
Photos
The photos taken in Japan by Georg Berg can be licensed for all types of use from the international photo agency Alamy.
Print publication
Online
Japan National Tourism Organization: Spearfishing by moonlight in Shizuoka
Japan NationalTourism Organization: Japanese soy sauce – Visit to the shoyu master in Hamamatsu
Japan NationalTourism Organization: Laugh in Translation – Japan away from the metropolises
