After reading, book-loving locals usually sell their tomes back to second-hand bookstores so the books will find a new home. Luckily, there's an old street in the middle of Tokyo that has more than 100 stores dedicated to old books: Jimbocho.
The mountains of Hakone have been worshipped for at least 2,500 years. Hakone Shrine venerates the three most important deities of the region: two legendary ancestors of the Japanese imperial line, and the goddess of Mount Fuji herself!
The Hakone Sekisho was one of 53 checkpoints used by the Tokugawa Shogunate to maintain control over Japan's population. Now faithfully reconstructed, it makes for a pleasant visit while in Hakone, offering a nice view of Mount Fuji on a clear day.
Hakone 'yosegi zaiku' is a kind of woodworking technique typically used to make puzzle boxes with elaborate opening mechanisms. Not only do they make a great gift—at the Hakone Trick Museum you can even make one of your own!
Ginza, Omotesando and Shibuya are not the only places to shop in Japan. In some Tokyo suburbs, there are places worth a stop; outside Tokyo, you may just score even better deals!
With two hot spring sources and a vibrant atmosphere, this luxury 'ryokan' in Hakone feels less like a quiet retreat than an exciting 'onsen' resort!
One popular cherry blossom viewing spot in Tokyo has transformed its riverside property into a sakura tree light display.
So, how expensive is Japan really? Read on to find out the average cost of living in Japan in comparison to the US dollar and the UK pound sterling to see if a potential move to Japan is within your budget!
