Voyapon

61 articles

Articles by Voyapon

Greetings in Japan: you have to introduce yourself when you are new at school

Greetings Tips: How to Introduce Yourself in Japanese

June 11, 2021 Culture, Etiquette, First Time in Japan, Language

Greetings and manners are especially important at business meetings in Japan. Be sure to observe the proper etiquette when exchanging business cards.

Addressing someone in Japanese without using “You”

September 5, 2020 Culture, Etiquette, Language

Addressing someone in Japanese is a bit complicated, as honorific titles or suffixes will have to be used accordingly and correctly.

Why Do So Many Japanese People Wear Face Masks?

August 7, 2020 Culture, Etiquette, Health Insurance, Safety

When I first arrived in Japan, like many people, I thought that Japanese people wore face masks because they were afraid of germs. So I was pretty surprised to discover there are many other reasons, and that is not even...

Enjoy cocktails at Diamond Turn Buffet Restaurant

The Tokyo Nightlife Travel Guide

March 25, 2020 Basketball, Nightlife, Sponsored, Summer, Surfing, Tokyo, Tokyo

There's certainly no shortage of interesting things to do during the day in Tokyo, but as night falls on Japan's capital, what kind of activities are available to travelers who still have energy to burn? As it turns out, plenty!...

Detail of a buidling replica made of paper

The Voyapon Ultimate Travel Guide to Northern Kumamoto

December 14, 2019 Cycling, Hiking, Kaiseki, Kumamoto, Kyushu, Luxury Accommodation, Onsen & Sento, Ryokan, Sponsored

sponsored by Northern Kumamoto Administrative Headquarters In the heart of Kyushu, Kumamoto Prefecture is a natural paradise best known as the home of the world-famous active volcano, Mt. Aso, and the enormous caldera created by its eruption thousands of years...

Hammering the impurities out of iron in making a traditional Japanese sword in Kumamoto

The Unbroken Tradition of Japanese Swords and Samurai Culture in Arao, Kyushu

November 6, 2019 Castles, Culture, Historic Sites, Kumamoto, Kyushu, Martial Arts, Sponsored 2 Comments

“Strike while the iron's hot.” I always knew what this meant, though never witnessed it in its complete, literal meaning. That is, until one stormy day, while the furnace roars and hammers clang, Mr. Matsunaga of Arao, Kumamoto leads us...

Yokohama meets Scotland – Uncover Historic Connections and Enjoy the City!

February 25, 2019 Autumn Leaves, Gardens & Parks, Izakaya, Mount Fuji, Rail Passes, Sponsored, Yokohama

Sponsored by Yokohama City Yokohama - Welcome to the international harbor city! Yokohama is a mere 30 minute train ride from the hustle and bustle of the Tokyo metropolis as well as the modern and convenient gateway to Japan which...

Top 3 Pilgrimage Trails That Let You Experience the Rich History of Japan!

February 2, 2018 Culture, Highway Buses, Historic Sites, Kyoto, Kyoto, Mountains, Onsen & Sento, Osaka, Osaka, Sponsored, Temples & Shrines, Tohoku, Wakayama

Kumano Kodo - A Pilgrimage Trail Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site Japan has an ancient ascetic religion which combines aspects of mountain worship, Buddhism, Shintoism, and Taoism, and it is easy to find several Shugendo (which literally means "the path...

Hakone: The History and Nature of Lake Ashi

January 16, 2018 Sponsored

In the heart of Hakone lies Lake Ashi, brimming with vast, beautiful landscapes and stunning views of the icon of Japan, Mount Fuji. And, while it's easy to get caught up in the beauty of the place, it would be...

Rugby World Cup 2019 will be held at Oita Bank Dorm

The Rugby World Cup 2019 Oita Match Scheduled!

December 21, 2017 Autumn, Football, Kyushu, Oita, Sponsored, Tourist Visa

Sponsored by Tourism Oita The 2019 Rugby World Cup will be hosted by 12 cities throughout Japan, over 44 days from September 20th to November the 2nd. We are excited to watch the international matches here in the beautiful city of Oita, located on the...

How to Prevent Heatstroke During Summertime in Japan

July 2, 2017 First Time in Japan, Health Insurance, Safety, Sponsored, Summer

Sponsored by Japan Weather Association What Will Summer Be Like in Japan? Summer in Japan is super hot and more humid than you would expect. According to a report in 2016, more than 50,000 people were transported to hospitals due to...

Takekura inn is located in Hida city, Gifu prefecture.

Stay in Tanekura Inn, in the heart of the Japanese Alps

June 16, 2017 Castles, Gifu, Mountains, Nagoya, Rail Passes, Ryokan, Shinkansen, Sponsored, Takayama, Tokyo, Tokyo

Sponsored by Hida City Sleeping in the countryside, surrounded by wild nature is possible! The village of Tanekura is a small rustic hamlet perched in the Japanese Alps. This small town located in the prefecture of Gifu could be your...

2019 Japan Rugby World Cup: Pool Allocation Draw Set in May 2017!

May 27, 2017 Oita, Onsen & Sento, Sponsored, Sports

Sponsored by Oita Prefecture/Tourism Oita The 2019 Rugby World Cup’s pool draw took place in Japan’s ancient capital, Kyoto, at the Kyoto State Guest House on 10th May 2017. The 2019 Rugby World Cup will be held in 12 cities throughout...

Lunch at Kobe Shushinkan, A Renowned Nada Sake Brewery

April 9, 2017 Costs, Culture, Hyogo, Izakaya, Kaiseki, Kobe, Sake & Alcohol, Sashimi

Kobe Shushinkan Brewery (神戸酒心館) is one of the favorite places that I like to show visiting friends and family. Situated in the heart of the historical Nada-Gogou (灘五郷) sake producing region, Shushinkan offers a quick glimpse into the region’s history...

Tokyo to Shikoku. How to Buy Tickets for Comfortable Reasonably Priced Overnight Bus!

December 3, 2016 Costs, Highway Buses, Kagawa, Saving Tips, Shikoku, Sponsored, Tokyo, Tokyo

Sponsored by KOTOHIRA BUS Overnight Bus Tips : Tokyo-Kagawa (Shikoku) Are you looking for a transportation method from Tokyo to Shikoku? How about a comfortable and reasonably priced overnight bus? It is easy to make a reservation and purchase a...

The Reason Why You Should Choose Kumamoto As a Sightseeing Base in Kyushu!

October 28, 2016 Highway Buses, Historic Sites, Kumamoto, Kyushu, Miyazaki, Mountains, Nagasaki, National Parks, Sponsored, Volcanoes

We have already showed you sightseeing spots such as Kumamoto city, Aso, and hotsprings in Kurokawa. But there are even more sightseeing spots in Kumamoto and Kyushu. Since Kumamoto is located in the center of Kyushu, it is easy to access other places in Kyushu from there. Its convenient location makes it a decent idea to designate Kumamoto as the base of your Kyushu trip. So we will recommend some of the great spots that are perfect for a 1 DAY TRIP from Kumamoto!

Mikage, Kobe – Granite, Luxury Real Estate and Ghibli

July 30, 2016 Anime & Manga, Historic Sites, Hyogo

Mikage, Kobe, is a quiet neighborhood that has been historically known for production of granite, or “Mikage-ishi” in Japanese. The area is viewed as luxury real estate by the locals, and is lesser known as being the backdrop of Grave of the Fireflies (Hotaru no Haka).

Watch the latest movie adaptation of the beloved animation, ONE PIECE with English subtitles at a Japanese movie theater!

July 6, 2016 Anime & Manga, Sponsored

Fans of ONE PIECE from all over the world, thank you for waiting! After a long wait of 3 and half years since the previous movie, ONE PIECE FILM Z, the new ONE PIECE FILM GOLD will finally hit theaters on July 23rd 2016!

Everyday Recipe: Gyuudon

June 27, 2016 Costs, Culture, Ramen, Rice, Saving Tips, Sushi

The fierce competition between gyuudon chains and their aggressive expansion in Japan have made gyuudon, or “beef rice bowl,” a natural alternative to other local fast food options. The apparently healthier choice of gyuudon is often ordered in a set...