Best Japanese Castles Series Part 4: Top 3 Castles of Japan

by Sakura Mobile

Best Japanese Castles

Welcome back to our Best Japanese Castles series! As we introduced Nijo Castle and Himeji Castle last time, today we’ll introduce three more “premier castles” of Japan – Kumamoto Castle, Osaka Castle, and Nagoya Castle.

These three castles were ranked as 三名城 (sanmeijo), or the top 3 castles of Japan, by Ogyu Sorai in the Edo Period for their functionality and beauty. But, if you search “sanmeijo,” you’ll find that this is a contentious topic! Although there is no official top 3, let’s look closely at three significant castles chosen for their design.

We’ll also share some surprising trivia related to a giant green monster who can be found towering over Shinjuku on his off days. 🦖

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Study Abroad in Japan (Part 7) Shopping for Groceries in Japan

by Sakura Mobile

Welcome to Part 7 of our <Study Abroad in Japan> series! 

As a student studying abroad, you might be buying a lot of your meals from convenience stores (konbini), like 7-Eleven. Doing this is easy because the food is already made, and at most, all you have to do is add hot water or microwave it.  

However, now that you’re making money from your part time job, if you’re tired of eating konbini food everyday,  or you miss some of the food from home and you’re looking to cook, your first step might be to find a grocery store to buy your ingredients.  

Here, you can hopefully find a grocery store near you that best suits your needs, from on-a-budget to international ingredients.  

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Discover Hyotan Onsen: Beppu’s Michelin 3-Star Hot Spring

by Sakura Mobile

Hyotan Onsen

Located in Oita Prefecture, the city of Beppu is known as Japan’s hot spring capital. In this article, we will introduce a popular hot spring nestled in the heart of Beppu’s Kannawa district—Hyotan Onsen.

With its Michelin three-star rating, this onsen offers unique experiences that make visitors want to return, including private baths, sand baths, and Beppu’s famous “jigoku mushi” cuisine.

Whether you’re a tourist or a local, this onsen welcomes everyone—guests with tattoos included!
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Study Abroad in Japan (Part 6) How to Find Part-Time Jobs in Japan (Arubaito)

by Sakura Mobile

Find a part time job in Japan

Welcome to Part 6 of our <Study Abroad in Japan> series! 

You’re a student, why would you want to work? As a student studying abroad, you might be looking for a little extra money to spend, or if you need the money to pay bills or rent.  

Whatever your reasons are for looking for a part-time job (arubaito or baito for short), read to learn more about what you need to find part-time jobs in Japan and how to find one from start to finish.   

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Moving to Japan for the JET Programme

by Sakura Mobile

Moving to japan for JET programme

Are you getting ready to move to Japan for the JET Programme? Or are you new to JET and want to know about living in Japan?

Hello! My name is SJ. I’ve been a JET-ALT in Minoh, Osaka since 2022.

For anyone unfamiliar with the JET Programme, I’ll briefly explain it. After that, I’ll share tips about moving to Japan!
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Best Japanese Castles Series Part 3: Nijo Castle

by Sakura Mobile

Best Japanese Castles PT 3 Nijo

Welcome back to our Best Japanese Castles Series!  As we introduced Best Japanese Castles Series Part 2: Himeji Castle before, we will introduce Nijo Castle in Kyoto this time!

Nijo Castle was built in 1603 and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. If you visit Nijo Castle, you can truly experience the history of the Edo period.

In Part 3, we will introduce several recommended spots in Nijo-Castle. You will be intrigued by Nijo-jo’s history and beauty, so let’s explore the fascinating details of Nijo Castle and find out everything you need to know about this fantastic Japanese castle 😊

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Tasting Sake in Japan Part 4: Best Izakaya from Ginza to Asakusa

by Sakura Mobile

Let’s continue another exciting chapter of our ‘Tasting Sake in Japan’ journey!

In the first two articles, we covered the fundamental knowledge of Japan’s iconic alcoholic beverage, “sake.” In the third article, we introduced several izakayas—pub-style restaurants that focus on serving alcohol—in Shinjuku, the central area of Tokyo.

This time, we will explore the best Izakaya for sake in other major tourist areas of Tokyo, such as Tokyo Station, Ginza, Asakusa, and Ueno!👣
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Study Abroad in Japan (Part 5) Furniture Shop Recommendations

by Sakura Mobile

Welcome to Part 5 of our <Study Abroad in Japan> series!

Now, the real Japanese living experience begins! When you first move into a house in Japan, you’ll find a completely empty room. There’s so much to prepare, not just furniture but also home electronics and household items.

In my home country, rented rooms usually come with furniture, which was quite shocking. I never imagined there wouldn’t even be lighting, so for the first five days after moving in, I lived using only a flashlight.

Today, I’ll introduce multiple ways you can furnish your dream room, including rental shops, furniture retail shops, e-commerce websites, 100-yen shops, and second-hand shops!

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Best Japanese Castles Series Part 2: Himeji Castle

by Sakura Mobile

Welcome back to our Best Japanese Castles series! As we introduced Best Japanese Castles Series Part 1: Japanese Castle Basics, today we introduce Himeji Castle!

Himeji Castle is a World Heritage site and one of Japan’s 12 remaining original castles. You will be surprised when you see the castle because its brilliant white keep and grand architecture are truly breathtaking. Enjoy the stunning scenery from Himeji Castle, a blend of history and nature that makes Himeji Castle an unforgettable destination.

In Part 2, we will explore Himeji Castles, one of the best Japanese castles, and introduce some good resting spots. Let’s dive into the fascinating details of Himeji Castle and discover everything you need to know about this stunning landmark😊

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