The first iconic image that comes to mind when I think of Japan is Mt. Fuji.  This famous volcano is very picturesque with it's snow capped peak and beautiful surroundings.  This is the tallest mountain in Japan, so if you are adventurous, how could you not conquer this beast. It's a fantastic story to tell friends and the view from the top is indescribable.

Fuji has a season for hiking and it is rapidly approaching.  The peak season is mid June to August.  It's can get pretty crowded too.  If you have not considered hiking it, I would reconsider and start planning the adventure soon.  I had the pleasure of slaying this dragon last July and had no regrets.   The thing to do is hike it at night and reach the top just before dawn to catch the sunrise.

My friends and I took a taxi to the highest station possible.  Here we bought our Fuji stick.  This is an excellent souvenir.  It's a hiking stick that they burn a symbol into at ever station up the mountain.  We set out at about noon.  We reached the top about 5 pm and suffered from terrible sunburns and headaches. The hike itself is not very difficult and it's not very beautiful.  I remember seeing a guy with one leg, little kids, as well as old people.  They all made it, no problem.  So even if you smoke or are out of shape there is hope for you.

My crew and I stayed at the top in a cabin, which can be expensive.  They give you a small Japanese meal of rice and miso soup.  You have to sleep in small area with about 40 other people in the room.  Being a foreigner I was taller than most so my feet were hitting the person on the other side of me.  I did not sleep very well because of limited space and the terrible headache I had due to the lack of oxygen.  We woke up with everyone else before dawn and stumbled outside.  We then had  to fight for a spot on the mountain to see the sun just peak over the clouds.  This breathtaking view made it all worth while.  Then after taking hundreds of pictures we set out down a different side of the mountain to get a different view.  The way down is much faster, it took about 3 hours.  

There's a Japanese saying "a wise man climbs Mt. Fuji once, a fool does it twice."  I completely agree with this saying.  The view is worth it all, but I would not suffer it all again.  So if I have convinced you to accomplish this task here's some advice and a good website to check out.

Here's what you'll need for the adventure.

• lots of sunscreen
• at least 2L of water per person
• some good food to provide calories to burn (calorie mates, onigiri, bananas, hard boiled eggs)
• good boots preferred or sturdy shoes (they will get extremely dirty)
• a good flashlight, a headlight is preferred to free up your hands
• precautionary O2 tablets and an O2 can
• a good jacket to stay warm at the top
• a good camera
• a backpack to carry it all in

Don't forget to read the other advice for Newbies in Japan.

I don't think that is the question.  Some foreigners are uncomfortable with the public nudity involved with going to public baths, but I think it's a great, unique Japanese experience.  After the initial awkwardness I found them extremely relaxing. 

An onsen is a public bath with hot and sometimes scalding, natural mineral water. The water is drawn from a natural spring.  It is believed to be very healthy and great for the skin.  It is also very relaxing and therapeutic.

The really nice ones are found outside major cites in a natural setting and are often outdoors.  They have a great view and some can be very expensive.  Most are connected to a ryokan or traditional Japanese hotel.  At these ones you can enjoy a full weekend with a traditional Japanese meal included.

Co-ed onsens do not exist anymore.  I've heard there are still a few out there, but only in the very rural areas or really unique, natural onsens, and sorry men at these one you will not be likely to find any females.

My American co-worker makes an annual trip with his Japanese girlfriend.  They have a secluded, romantic weekend full of relaxing and pampering.  He does not enjoy the public nudity, so he rents the private onsen and these ones can be co-ed.  So if public nudity is not your thing, like many other foreigners in Japan, I recommend looking into the private onsens, you will have to pay a higher price though.

Sento's are also public baths but are found in the cities.  They do not have the natural spring water or the beautiful nature setting.  They are typically indoors.  These are often crowded, but are great for a quick hour trip after a long, hard week.  Sentos are a lot cheaper then an onsen.  They also have many different types of baths.

I have experienced electric baths where a small electric current is sent through the water.  This was a little uncomfortable for me so I wasn't soaking in there too long.  I've also experienced extremely hot baths and then jumping in the ice tub where ice is dropped into the tub at regular intervals.  This was a bit of a rush.  They also have large heat stones that you an fully recline and relax on.

So you now know about the onsen and sento, now for some proper etiquette.   Tattoos are usually forbidden in the public baths.  If you have one make sure it's ok, you don't want to be asked to leave at a later time.  You should bring your own towel, if you forget one they have towels available for purchase.  You are provided a locker or basket sometimes both for your belongings and valuables.

Strip down and stow all your gear, if you want you can bring your towel, and head for the shower.  Next sit down on the little stool and rinse off, if you are really dirty, use the provided soap and shampoo to clean off.  This hot water will also prepare you for the hot tub.  Once your clean hop into the tub.  No rules in here, I've heard you are not to bring the towel into the water, but I've seen many people do it anyway.  Most put the towel to the side or wear on their head.  You can also wear the towel walking around the place if you are not comfortable.

Remember to the Japanese this a very common experience, they have enjoyed this experience from childhood and are comfortable with it.  You will be the only one feeling awkward.  You will get some stares, but only because you're a foreigner, not because they are checking out your "junk."  Just try to enjoy this relaxing experience.  It's one more thing to cross off the list during your stay in Japan.

Don't forget to check out the other articles if you're Newbie in Japan.

In Japan there are lots of choices on where to lie your head at the end of the night.  Sometimes you miss the last train due to a late night drinking/party fest, or you're traveling around Japan and just need a place to crash.  Maybe you just want to save some cash and not stay in an expensive hotel.  Well, there are some other options available to you.

This first one is my favorite.  It's a 24 hour media cafe.  They are located just about everywhere in Japan, especially in bigger cities.  There are many different chains, but basically they are all the same.  Most require a membership card, but are relatively easy to get.  The cool thing about these places is that there are lots to do inside of them and they are open 24/7.  They have pool tables, dart boards, video games, a manga library (if your into that), and even your own little enclosed cubicle with a computer.  Most of these little rooms are dark and cushioned.  You can access the internet or play computer games.  You may not realize this, but many people sleep in there.  It's just big enough for you to catch a few zzzz's.  Most of the time it's quiet, occasionally you might encounter some rambunctious college kids.  These are popular hangouts for the "nothing to do" college crowds.  Another cool thing is that you can drink to your hearts content the juices, sodas, and coffees provided.  Some media cafe's even have showers available.  Most of these places charge by the hour, just ask them to break down the price guide.  It's definitely cheaper than a hotel or a long cab ride home.

A second option available is the capsule hotel.   These are also fairly common.  Japan started the unique idea and it hasn't spread to other countries yet.  It's just what it sounds like.  You get your own little capsule to sleep in.  Most of these capsule hotels have a t.v in your own little box.  Some also provide towels, slippers, and public baths or showers.  Typically there are separate sleeping quarters for males and females.  The prices range from 2000-4000 yen per night.  They are often occupied with traveling business men or drunks who don't want to make a trip home.  It is a must for the Japanese experience.

Another Japan experience to try is the famous "Love Hotel."   I regret missing this opportunity.  I did not partake in this quirky experience.  These are frequent in the major cities of Japan. You can usually tell it is a Love Hotel by the architecture.  The building will not look like anything else around it.  They are usually lit up with purple and pink neon lights and waterfalls everywhere.  These are mainly for couples to get a "short rest", if you know what I mean.  However, you can also sleep there.  There is minimal interaction with a person, usually just hands through a hole in a frosted glass window.  Most operate with just a vending machine.  You pay the machine and pick your room.  There are different rates depending on how long you plan to stay.  They are the most expensive of these 3 sleeping options.  They can run about 1000-2000 yen per half hour.  So this would be for a short nap if you miss the last train.  However, the fun part of these places are the different room choices.  They have many different kinds, decorations, and styles.  Rooms can come with big screen tvs, dvd players, karaoke machines, tanning beds, vibrating or rotating beds, and the theme's are endless.  Osaka is famous for these short stay rooms.  Don't miss checking one of these out, even if it's just a short 1/2 hour.

So the next time you catch yourself too far away from home and miss the last train, remember you have plenty of options to kill the time, even if you don't want to sleep.

Don't forget to check out the other articles about living in Japan.

It will soon be that time of year again.  That special week when people sleep on the ground, suffer the cold, and camp out to save a spot.  People plan parties with friends and co-workers.  Artists scope out the perfect view for the optimal picture opportunity or painting spot.  Sweet smells takes over the air, the beautiful pinks and whites fill up the trees.

I'm of course talking about sakura.  Hanami parties are a fantastic Japanese tradition.  The tasty meat sizzling on the grill, sharing an ice cold one with some friends in the spring weather is a great way to enjoy an afternoon. The sun is out, the weather is warmer, and mother nature blesses us with a beauty that is the cherry blossom.  Sakura is often only a week long.  There is a prime week for optimal viewing pleasure.  This week is announced by weather experts on the news and in the newspapers.  They will let you know when the best viewing time is for your area. Don't worry about missing the week you will hear the buzz from everyone else.

These little flowers blossom all over Japan.  However, some spots are more concentrated than others and are often a lot more people crowded.  These spots are not to be missed.  Kyoto has some famous spots where people often camp out over night just to reserve a good spot underneath the trees.  Maruyama Park is one of the most famous spots.  It's located just behind Yasaka Shrine.  It's about 20 minutes from the Kyoto station.  Take bus number 100 or 206 and get off at the Gion stop and follow the crowds.  Don't forget a tarp or blanket and a camera.

One of my favorite spots in the Osaka area is off the Hankyu line at the Shukugawa station.  When you exit the station turn left and follow the river.  This beautiful river is lined with the cherry blossom trees.  It's a little less crowded, and a very photogenic area.

Let us know what your favorite spots are around Japan.  Send us an email ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) and we'll post it to share it with others.

I recommend planning the party early, so you can get a good spot, before the blossoms all fall to the ground.  Enjoy your parties and your spring before the weather gets miserably hot and humid.