Why Winter Is The Perfect Time To Visit Japan

Above, following a snowstorm in Chiba Prefecture. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Over the years, I've been in Japan during winter only once. That was in February 2014 and at the same time I was there, the country was hit by two big snowstorms. The first one arrived when I did.

Above, Nakamise Street shops. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

That didn't stop me from enjoying the trip. It made it more interesting, especially when I was stuck aboard a commuter train between Narita Airport and Tokyo for several hours due to snow. 

Above, Kurihama's Godzilla slide with a dusting of snow. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

According to an article in National Geographic, there are some advantages of traveling to Japan during winter.

They begin with:

There’s no question Japan is one of the most popular destinations on the planet right now and with good reason. From its deeply distinctive culture to great food to fascinating historic sites, it has so much of what travelers love, and that also means it’s often crowded, even overtouristed. This is why I recommend it for a winter trip when many people are seeking sun and sand. Last winter I put together a 12-day getaway for myself and my husband that included Tokyo, Kyoto, and a drive across the region known as the Japanese Alps. It was perfect and gave us a taste of what makes Japan so great without intense crowds or logistical hassles.  

Above, my hotel in Ueno following the second snowstorm. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here. 

Top 25 Things To Do In Yokohama

Above, a view of Yokohama's waterfront and Cosmo World from the Landmark Tower. Photo by Armand Vaquer,

The last time I had been through Yokohama, Japan was in 2014 when I traveled by commuter train to visit the Godzilla Slide at the Kurihama Flower World in Yokosuka. 

Before that, I spent a few hours in 2005 roaming around the waterfront of Yokohama.

Gaijinpot has posted a list of 25 things to do in Yokohama.

They begin it with:

Yokohama is a 30-minute train ride from central Tokyo, you’d be forgiven for thinking that this harbor town was simply another ’burb caught up in the capital’s urban sprawl. That is, until you cross the prefectural border and are greeted by wide waterfront views, gleaming cruise ships and expansive green spaces. A step back from the water lies an array of quirky museums, Japan’s biggest Chinatown and top-notch shopping to boot. All across the city, you’ll feel the relaxed, seaside vibes of somewhere like L.A. or Vancouver, but with a distinctly Japanese spirit.

Keen to make the trip? We’ve teamed up with Marine & Walk Yokohama, an innovative mall and event space, to bring you 25 things to do in Yokohama.

To read more, go here.

G-FAN #140

Since I have been holed up due to our season of biting gnats (it seems to be subsiding), seeing G-FAN (issue #140) arrive in today's mail was a welcome sight. Now I have something new to read.

First, the cover by Chris Scalf is quite beautiful. It reminds me of a Godzilla cover in Famous Monsters of Filmland of decades ago. It portrays an imaginary battle between Godzilla and Gorgo (or is it Gorgo's mother?).

Inside, there is an article with a comparison of the abilities of Godzilla and Gorgo by Allen Debus and the likelihood of a battle between the two, if one should ever take place. 

This issue is the final issue just before next month's G-FEST. I would be going except my ex-roommate is coming over for a two-week visit and the dates weren't firmed up until last week. She's coming in August. It is probably too late to get a hotel room or airfare at reasonable rates now, so I'll have to put it off to next year.

Above, Yokosuka's Godzilla slide. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

My contribution to the issue is a look back (2014, to be exact) at my visit to the Kurihama Flower World in Yokosuka, Japan to see the famous Godzilla slide (page 52). (The Monster Movie Fan's Guide to Japan provides directions on getting there.)

For more information on G-FAN and G-FEST, go here.

Foreign Tourists Shun Japan Over COVID Rules

Above, the Godzilla slide at Kurihama Flower World. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Before the pandemic, tourism to Japan was "red-hot" in international popularity.

Now, even though foreign tourism is allowed (albeit on a very restricted basis), foreigners are shunning Japan as a vacation destination. This comes as no surprise according to an Asahi Shimbun article. 

The start it with:

Japan’s eased border restrictions have resulted in a relative trickle of international tourists entering the country, a disappointing but unsurprising development in the long-struggling travel and hospitality industry.

Industry sources said travelers are put off by Japan’s remaining entry rules concerning PCR tests and chaperoned travel packages. Others noted that the COVID-19 pandemic has not gone away.

“Japan still imposes tough restrictions,” said an official of TAS Co., a Tokyo-based company that specializes in inbound trips. “It is lagging behind other countries in letting in tourists despite its claim to be a tourism powerhouse.”

Fewer than 8,000 international tourists visited Japan last month after the government lifted the ban on sightseers from abroad in June.

To read the full article, go here. 

Snow Pummels Japan

Above, the commuter train car I was stuck in for nearly 22 hours in Chiba Prefecture in 2014. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This certainly brings back memories of my February 2014 trip to Japan.

It was that trip that I managed to arrive at Narita Airport at about the same time one of the biggest snowstorms in years also arrived. I was stuck in a commuter train car for about 22 hours before managing to get into Tokyo from the airport. Later that week, a second big snowstorm hit Tokyo.

During that week, I did manage to go to Kurihama to see the Godzilla slide at the Yokosuka Kurihama Flower Park.

Above, the Godzilla slide at the Yokosuka Kurihama Flower Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

According to The Japan Times:

Heavy snow hit the Sea of Japan coast from the Tohoku to Kyushu regions Sunday, disrupting transportation and prompting authorities to urge people to stay indoors.

The Meteorological Agency predicts snow and blizzard conditions will continue until Tuesday, with up to 90 centimeters of snow projected to fall in some regions.

Television footage Sunday showed heavy blizzard conditions in Aomori and Niigata prefectures, as well as parts of Ishikawa, Toyama, and Fukui prefectures on the Sea of Japan coast. Snow also fell in Tokyo for the first time this year, as well as in Nagoya and Hiroshima.

The weather, including snow squalls and heavy winds at times, played havoc with road, rail and air transportation. Train service was canceled on sections of the Uetsu Main Line, which runs up the Sea of Japan coast through Niigata, Yamagata, and Akita prefectures; the Joetsu Line in Gunma and Niigata prefectures; the Oito Line in Niigata and Nagano prefectures; as well as parts of the Sanin Main Line along the Sea of Japan coast from Kyoto to Yamaguchi prefectures.

 To read more, go here.

While You Visit The Godzilla Slide, She Can Shop At A New Yokosuka Shopping Complex

Above, you can visit the Godzilla slide while she shops at a new shopping complex. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When the coronavirus pandemic ends and there's no more cases, a trip to Japan would then be possible.

If one happens to be a Godzilla fan, a day trip to Yokosuka from Tokyo to visit the Godzilla slide at the Kurihama Flower World is a must-do. But if that fan is in Japan with a spouse or girlfriend and she couldn't care less about Godzilla, she can go shop at a new shopping and entertainment complex while the fan is savoring the Big G. (See? I am always looking out for ya!)

According to Stripes Japan:

A new shopping and entertainment complex near Yokosuka Naval Base has finally opened its doors after months of delayed openings due to COVID-19.

Coaska Bayside opened its supermarket in April, but the rest of the building’s 100 shops remained closed due to the State of Emergency declared on April 7. 

The rest of the 6-story complex, which opened June 5, features a large food court, clothing, home and cosmetics shops. The top two floors include various entertainment facilities like a movie theater, bowling alley and more.

The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan provides directions on how to get to the Godzilla slide at Kurihama Flower World.

To read more, go here.

Out-of-Season Snow Hits Tokyo

Above, the Godzilla slide at the Kurihama Flower World in Yokosuka. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This story reminds me of my trip to Japan six years ago when heavy snowfall covered the country by two storms. It was during the month of February and I arrived at the same time as the first storm.

According to Kyoto News Plus, an out-of-season storm hit Tokyo and that, plus the stay at home requests by the government, left Tokyo streets almost barren.

They wrote:

TOKYO - Crowds disappeared from bustling business and tourist districts as out-of-season snow fell in Tokyo and surrounding areas on Sunday, the second day under stay-at-home requests in the capital region due to the coronavirus outbreak. 

It was the first time in 32 years that central Tokyo witnessed the accumulation of snow measuring 1 centimeter or more in late March, according to the Japan Weather Association. 

As cold air gripped the Kanto-Koshin region, including the Tokyo metropolitan area and the prefectures of Yamanashi and Nagano, the temperature dropped below 1 C in Tokyo in the morning, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. 

Tokyo's Akihabara district, a subculture hub known for attracting anime fans from across the country and overseas, observed a quiet Sunday with accumulated snow.

To read more, go here. 

Foreign Visitors To Japan Set New Record In February

Above, the Godzilla slide in Yokosuka at the Kurihama Flower World. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The number of foreign visitors to Japan set a new record for February.

The Nikkei Asian Review reported:

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The estimated number of foreign visitors to Japan in February soared 23.3 percent from a year earlier to 2,509,300, a record for the month, the Japan Tourism Agency said Tuesday. 

The Chinese New Year, which started in late January last year, began in the middle of February this year, boosting the number of tourists from Asian countries.

To read more, go here. 

Tokyo Cheapo's Kamakura Mega Guide

Above, the Great Buddha of Kamakura. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Visitors to Japan, and Tokyo in particular, who have limited amounts of time but would also like to venture out of the metropolis, then a day trip to Kamakura is something to consider.

I visited Kamakura during the first G-TOUR in 2004. Two of the places we stopped at were the Great Daibutsu and the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu shrine.

Tokyo Cheapo has posted their "mega guide" on Kamakura that focuses on 7 historical sites.

They start with:

Whether you want a day of hiking from shrine to temple through beautiful mountains and valleys, a day at the beach or a stroll around a bustling town with its fair share of culture, Kamakura (just south of Tokyo) is perfect. A long-ago political capital alongside Nara and Kyoto, Kamakura shares many of the traditional features and is a great place to get your taste of ancient Japan if you can’t reach Kansai. 

Once a great fortress town thanks to the surrounding mountains and open sea, it is now  thriving city filled with quaint shopping streets, stunning temples and peaceful shrines, along with the famous Buddha of course. With a history of inhabitants stretching back 10,000 years, Kamakura developed into the political capital of medieval Japan and was the site of numerous battles, mainly during the Kamakura period, which ended in 1333 with a brutal siege. The city originally had 7 entrances, also known as the seven mouths of Kamakura, but has since been opened up with roads and tunnels for a more city-like feel, and less of a battlefield stronghold. These days there is plenty to explore for everyone, but we have listed a few ideas for a great day in one of our favorite cities!

Another nice thing about Kamakura, it is not too far from Yokosuka, where the Godzilla slide is located at the Kurihama Flower World.

The article also has information on getting to Kamakura from Tokyo.

To read more, go here.

Tips For Weebing Out In Japan

Above, the Godzilla slide in Yokosuka, Japan. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

If you happen to be an otaku, geek, nerd, Japanophile of any sort, Geek.com has 7 helpful tips for first-time visitors to Japan to make their trip much easier.

They begin with:

Going to Japan is one of those lofty nerd goals that nearly anyone who remotely likes video games or anime dreams of. And, if you haven’t gone before and don’t know Japanese, it’s a pretty daunting task. I recently spent two weeks in Glorious Nippon, and I had a blast despite my linguistic ignorance. It’s not hard to have a great time if you keep a few things in mind while planning your trip. 

It’s a vastly different country from the United States, but the commercial and tourist areas are generally friendly and accommodating to English speakers. Most important signs are in English, and most of the symbols and icons we’re used to are used in Japan to the same extent. You don’t have to be intimidated by it. 

Preparation is everything, and even if you can’t teach yourself to be fluent in Japanese in time for your vacation/sabbatical/pilgrimage you can still get ready in some simple and helpful ways. Getting a passing familiarity with maps, locations, and pleasantries can go a long way, and plotting out your trip in advance can save a lot of headaches while still giving you plenty of wiggle room.

It just so happens that it was one year ago today that I made my last trip to Japan. I plan on heading back as soon as the updated edition of The Monsiter Movie Fan's Guide To Japan is completed.

To read more, go here. 

9 Sightseeing Spots In Yokosuka

Above, the Godzilla slide after a heavy snowstorm. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Two days ago, I blogged about two attractions in Yokosuka: The Godzilla slide at Kurihama Flower World and the Japanese-Russo War-era battleship Mikasa.

Besides those, City-Cost.com has seven other attractions in Yokosuka for visitors to see. Included in their list of nine places, are the Mikasa and Godzilla slide.

They begin with:

The city of Yokosuka Japan is most known for its Japanese and American Navy bases. The culture has been crossed and mixed and reflects in its food, atmosphere, and shopping. The US navy base opens to the public every year for Yokosuka Friendship Day in order to demonstrate the strong relationship between Japan and the US. If you plan on coming to Yokosuka for this event, consider staying for the weekend and visit the surrounding areas as well. If you live and work in this city, you may be surprised that you don’t have to go towards Tokyo or Yokohama to see something interesting. 

To see what the other attractions are, go here.

Yokosuka: Godzilla Slide and the Battleship Mikasa

Above, the Godzilla slide at Kurihama Flower World. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For Godzilla fans, a visit to the Kurihama Flower World in Yokosuka to see the Godzilla slide is one of those "must-do" things while in Japan. But there's something more to see while in Yokosuka.

Along with the Godzilla slide, Yokosuka is the home of the only remaining pre-dreadnought battleship surviving in the world. It is also worth a visit while in Yokosuka.

According to CNET:

An hour south of Tokyo, on the edge of the bay is a piece of history unique in the world. Embedded in concrete just a few feet from the water is the 114-year-old battleship Mikasa. It's the only surviving pre-dreadnought battleship, not to mention one of the only Imperial navy vessels still intact from that era. 

After 21 years in service, the Mikasa was decommissioned, but not scrapped. Instead she was preserved at the request of the Japanese government, with her engines and armament removed, and her hull encased in concrete. 

After several extensive restorations, the Mikasa today is a museum ship, and a fascinating look back into turn-of-the-last century naval design.

The Godzilla slide is spotlighted on page 32 of The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan.

To read more, go here.

Godzilla's Seaside City Home

Above, the Godzilla slide with a dusting of snow. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Hardcore Godzilla fans are very much familiar with the (roughly) 30-foot Godzilla slide at the Kurihama Flower World park in Yokosuka.

I visited the Godzilla slide in February 2014 on a cold day that included occasional snow flurries. As the park's trams weren't operating that day, I had to hike up to it. Fortunately for me, I was in good enough condition with hiking experience to make the hike without having a heart attack in the process. I may go there again later this year when there's better weather conditions and the tram is operating.

Stripes Japan has posted an article on the Godzilla slide with some history on the current slide and one that was originally erected at Tatara Beach.

They begin with:

YOKOSUKA, Japan — The "Godzilla" series started in 1954. In the middle of the first film, a warning is broadcast as the nation braces for attack by the giant monster: "Godzilla has been detected undersea 15 miles northeast of Kannonzaki cape, moving toward the northwest." 

Spotted first off the cape in Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture, Godzilla lands on Tokyo's Shibaura waterfront, sweeps away high-voltage barbed-wire fences, stomps off unscathed by a barrage of bombardments and soon turns the bustling Shimbashi and Ginza districts into a sea of fire. 

In other words, the monster never set foot on the grounds of Yokosuka or destroyed the port city. Even so, Yokosukans strongly feel Godzilla still has a deep connection with their city.

If one is a "serious" Godzilla fan, a pilgrimage to the Godzilla slide in Yokosuka is a must.

To read more, go here.

Tyrannosauridae Teeth Fossils Found In Nagasaki

Above, the Godzilla slide at the Kurihama Flower Word in Yokosuka. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Mainichi Shimbun has posted an interesting story on the finding of two dinosaur teeth fossils in Nagasaki Prefecture.

According to the article:

FUKUI (Kyodo) -- Two fossilized teeth of what could be the largest carnivorous dinosaur that existed in Japan have been found from a layer of earth some 81 million years old in Nagasaki, the city and a Fukui prefectural museum said Tuesday. 

The teeth belonging to the dinosaur, estimated to be about 10 meters long, are the first fossils of a large dinosaur among the Tyrannosauridae family to be found in Japan, according to the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum. 

"Other fossils have been found in Nagasaki as well, leading us to reaffirm that various dinosaurs existed there," said Kazunori Miyata, chief researcher at the museum. 

The teeth fossils were unearthed in May 2014 from the same area but whether they belong to the same individual remains unclear, the museum said.

Beginning Friday, the fossils will be put on display at the Nagasaki Science Museum and replicas at the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum.
.
To read more, go here. 

New Toho Godzilla To Be Biggest Ever

Above, the Godzilla slide at Kurihama Flower World in Yokosuka, Japan. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The announcement Toho's creative team of Hideaki Anno and Shinji Higuchi for their soon-to-be-produced Godzilla movie set Godzilla fandom abuzz.

The Japan Times now has an article on the team as well. Plus, they have included some interesting tidbits.

They wrote:

Toho have confirmed [nice bit of "Engrish" here] the newest version of its 61-year-old radioactive monster will outsize all previous versions — including the 108-meter-tall version featured in the recent Hollywood production of the series directed by Gareth Edwards.

The new Godzilla flick begins production this autumn and its release is scheduled for 2016.

To read more, go here. 

After The Godzilla Slide, How About A Yokosuka Burger?

Above, Tsunami Restaurant and Bar in Yokosuka. Photo: Google Street View.

There is one day-trip that is only an hour away from Tokyo, and that is the Kurihama Flower World in Yokosuka, Japan to see the Godzilla slide.

While there, if one happens to be there either during the lunch or dinner hours, a visit to the Tsunami Restaurant and Bar in Yokosuka might be in order. There, they have a menu of different hamburgers, including a specialty they (and other Yokosuka restaurants) created: the "Yokosuka Burger."

What's a Yokosuka Burger? Here's a description:

What’s unique about the Yokosuka burger is that each restaurant offering this dish has created their own secret recipe. So, no two restaurants’ burgers are alike. Also, there are a few rules to making a Yokosuka burger that constitutes as “American.” These rules include: the chef use a sesame bun, not allow any bread crumbs or milk in the beef patty, no extra Japanese spices, and an 80/20 lean to fat ratio of beef. With these rules in the mix, it’s surprising how authentic these burgers can taste.

Above, the Godzilla slide at the Kurihama Flower World. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Personally, I've never been there. GaijinPot posted an article on the Yokosuka Burger and since it is in the general vicinity as the Kurihama Flower World where the Godzilla slide is located, I figured I would present it to you as a "public service." It looked interesting.

Who knows? A person may have a big craving for a good hamburger after visiting the Godzilla slide.

To read the GaijinPot article (which also includes directions), go here.

Godzilla Via Satellite

Above, a satellite view of Kurihama Flower World. Can you spot the Godzilla slide?

The other night, I was looking up something in Yokosuka, Japan. After I was done finding what I was looking for, I decided (for the fun of it) to see if I can get a satellite view of the Godzilla slide at the Kurihama Flower World park.

Sure enough, once I located the park through Google Maps, I zoomed in on the park and hit the satellite view feature and was able to find the Godzilla slide pretty fast.

Above, a little closer view. The Godzilla slide casts a familiar-shaped shadow.

As you can see from the accompanying satellite photographs, Godzilla was relatively easy to spot by his distinctive shadow. The overhead power lines that I knew were there were also an aid to finding the Godzilla slide.

Above, zooming in on the Godzilla slide.

In the photographs, it is easy to spot the shadow image of his dorsal spikes and tail.

Above, a view of the Godzilla slide from the ground. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

If Godzilla were a real creature and the Japanese Self Defense Forces had to find him via satellite, this would be what they would likely see to pinpoint where to direct their weapons.

The Godzilla slide is covered in The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan on page 32.

Merry Christmas!

Yokosuka Is More Than Just The Godzilla Slide

Above, the Godzilla slide at the Kurihama Flower World. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To Godzilla fans, Yokosuka is best known for the Kurihama Flower World park that is home to the Godzilla slide.

Yokosuka is an hour's ride from Shinagawa Station in Tokyo on the Keikyu train line;

There are other things to see in Yokosuka besides the Godzilla slide. The Japan News (Yomiuri Shimbun) has posted an article on Yokosuka's role in Japanese history.

Here's a snippet:

Around the end of the Edo period (1603-1867), Yokosuka was visited by a fleet of U.S. ships — which locals nicknamed “Kurofune” (the black ships) — under the command of Matthew Calbraith Perry. The incident led to ending Japan’s longstanding isolation from foreign countries. 

Yokosuka then became a major base of the now-defunct Japanese Imperial Navy. Since the end of World War II, it has been home to U.S. military facilities.

According to the article, tourists are able to see Mikasa Park (where the battleship Mikasa is preserved), Yokosuka Port Market, Sarushima Island, Yokosuka Arts Theatre and the Dobuita-dori shopping street. And more.

So, if you're in Yokosuka to see the Godzilla slide, you may want to do a little more exploring to see what Yokosuka has to show.

To read more, go here.

Shinagawa: Rich In History

Above, a map showing where Shinagawa is located in Tokyo. Source: Google Maps.

Last February, I went to Shinagawa Station in Tokyo to catch the Keikyu Railway Line to go to Yokosuka to see the Godzilla slide at the Kurihama Flower World and to meet up with Tom Logan, a college buddy who was living in Yokohama at the time.

Shinagawa has quite a history and The Japan Times has a feature article on the area.

Here's a snippet:

Today, Shinagawa is a place where old meets new. Visitors can deviate from the old Tokaido road near Keikyu Railway’s Kita-Shinagawa Station by walking along a street south of it that will show how close Shinagawa once stood to the coastline before additional land was reclaimed from Tokyo Bay.

Had I known about the history of Shinagawa, I may have taken a stroll around. But then, it was cold and snowy on each day I was in Shinagawa anyway.

Above, Tom Logan and I at a very cold Starbucks in Shinagawa Station.

If one is interested in Tokyo or Japan history, the article is well worth a read.

To read the article, go here.