Around Japan

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  Dressed to thrill: Clothes are important at weddings in Japan

  When my son, Mike, who lives in Japan, announced he was getting married to his Japanese girlfriend, Tomoko, my first question for him was: Will you dress up like a Samurai for the wedding?

  09:12 May 4, 2012
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  Japan: Fuji-Q Highland in the off-season

  It began with a countdown — “3, 2, 1” — and then the screaming commenced as my friends and I yelled our lungs out during a recent day trip to Fuji-Q Highland, the popular amusement park at the base of Mount Fuji in Japan.

  14:39 March 28, 2012
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  Japan: Ski with wraiths at Zao Mountain

  While day-tripping in the United States, I expect misadventure, perhaps even seek it out, as with the benefit of hindsight and a few drinks, these calamities, rarely of my own making, become endearing and laughable.

  16:44 February 29, 2012
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  Nagasaki, Japan: Tateyama Air-raid Shelter

  “If these walls could talk, what would they say?” I thought as I touched the cold, hard concrete on a brisk, gray December morning. “What horrors would they speak of?”

  16:24 February 1, 2012
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  Japan: Mount Nokogiri has lots to see and climb

  On a recent day trip to Mount Nokogiri — sawtooth mountain — in Chiba prefecture in Japan with friends, I saw yet another spectacular and magical travel destination. This one was filled with great views and had a really enormous Buddha.

  13:29 November 16, 2011
• Japan: Yokosuka park features historic ship
• Japan: In pursuit of geishas at an autumn festival
• Japan: Check out the pottery in Hasami
• Autumn in Japan
• Japan: Paragliding in Izu
• Ryutosen: Hidden gem features falls, restaurant & museum
• Chiran Peace Museum for Kamikaze Pilots
• Japan: Everything's still flying high at Misawa museum
• Enoshima: The isle in the bay
• Fussa: Have a drink and enjoy some history at Ishikawa Brewery
• Hachinohe: Kabushima shrine has plenty of drop-ins
• Hakone: Natural springs a geologic delight for visitors
• Hiroshima: Rebuilt city enjoys vibrant present, is determined to remember horrific past
• Hokkaido: There’s lots to see and do on island
• Itsukushima: Escape by ferry on a day trip to sacred island
• Jogashima Island: A gamble while in the car pays off with wild & majestic views
• Kamakura: Truly see Japanese culture and tradition with a day trip
• Kamakura: It's time for the Tsurugaoka Hachiman Shrine festival
• Karatsu: Ancient Japanese port city is fresh and fun
• Kawazu Nanadaru: Chasing waterfalls
• Kyoto: The essence of Japan
• Mount Fuji: Climbing Japan's peerless peak
• Mount Fuji: You might want to think twice before signing on for a bus trip to Fuji
• Mount Kokuzo: A moderate climb with stunning views
• Nagasaki: Lantern festival marks Chinese New Year
• Nihon-ji Temple: Getting there is half the fun
• Nikko: Cold lakes and monkey carvings
• Nikko: Fall color pops in picturesque area
• Obuse: Japanese town full of delights, including gardens, art & history
• Omiya: Third-generation bonsai planter supervises village
• Saikai: A pearl of a day trip
• Sarushima: Stroll across Monkey Island restores mind and frazzled nerves
• Sasebo: Shining Sea Aquarium has visitors all aglow
• Tokoname: Village showcases native pottery
• Tsuzureko: Catch the beat at the Tsuzureko Odaiko drum festival
• Yokosuka: Battleship Mikasa ship museum offers a glimpse at old Japanese navy