Awaodori Restaurant is one of the many famous ‘Themed Restaurants’ that can be experienced throughout Japan! Located in Tokyo’s Shinjuku JR station area the Awaodori Restaurant  will help make your trip unforgettable.

 

 

Awaodori is a type of traditional dance (Similar to Okinawan dance) that originates from Tokushima prefecture on

Shikoku, the smallest of Japan’s four islands. It is Japan’s largest dance festival that is celebrated during ‘Obon’, a type

of Japanese summer break period for the working class. The festival is  full of energy, bright costumes, large pointy

hats, fans and chanting that attracts over 1.3 million guests EVERY YEAR!

 

 

Enjoy the festive atmosphere and great decorations as well as a LIVE PERFORMANCE that makes you feel like you

are right in the middle of a real Awaodori festival! That’s right, you get to enjoy a live dancing Awaodori performance

as you sit and enjoy your top quality food. You can even get up dance if the mood takes you.

 

The menu consists of a range of set dishes that cater to whatever your needs require, ranging from deep fried chicken,

salads, noodles dishes, sushi, sukiyaki, hot pot and delicious fresh sashimi.

 

 

Dishes start at around $20 USD and up, depending on what takes your fancy (Performance included. This also include starters,

mains and dessert.

So consider making your trip that little bit more authentic and special with a themed restaurant! There are also Okinawan style

and even ninja style restaurants available depending on what you want to experience.

 

 

Whatever you fancy, one thing is certain, a Themed Restaurant will make a lasting impression and an unforgettable

memory for your trip to Japan.

 

Regards your Virtual Guide

 

Tom

Shrouded in Japanese folk lore and rich with history, Mt. Fuji is the majestic symbol of Japan! If you have heard about Japan then you have

most likely heard about Mt. Fuji, seen it in pictures, on TV or have been told about it from a friend who has visited the mountain themselves.

But I can tell you something, seeing with your own two eyes is something else!

Whether it’s checking out the view from stage 5 in summer,  climbing to the 3,776 meter high summit or embarking on one of the

famous ‘sunrise climbs’, Mt. Fuji will take your breath away.

 

 

As you travel up the winding mountain road, ask your guide about the ‘Melody’ that greets you as you begin your assent to Mt. Fuji.

But you’ll never guess where the melody comes from! I’ll leave that as your little assignment when you visit.

Take a moment when you reach the station to take a deep breath of fresh air. From your perch atop of Japan, you can see as far as

Tokyo depending on the weather, as well as one or more of the Fuji 5 lakes!

As you relax with your view, you can watch the weary hikers complete their journey, or the fresh, bright eyed hikers getting ready to

embark on their own.

 

 

For those of you who are brave enough to dare the climb yourselves, here are a few tips form someone who’s been there and done that. (Yours truly)

 

Wear dark colored clothing! When climbing, the dirt blown around by the wind as well as that kicked up by the treads of other hikers will leave you thoroughly covered in fine black dust.Consider buying a walking stick.

They can help you on some of the steeper slopes and loose rocky areas as well as make a cool souvenir to take home (see below picture).Bring water and snacks!

There are water and snacks available for purchase along the way, but be warned they are outrageously expensive. So it’s best to buy your goodies BEFORE the climb. (You can also get cool little oxygen tanks for those who struggle a little with the altitude.

Hat and Sunscreen: though it may seem cool, it is only because of the altitude. I got wicked sunburn when I climbed Mt. Fuji, and no one likes to get sun burnt.

Get some decent shoes.  Shoes with a High ankle, deep treads.  Strong and sturdy. We don’t want any slipping or rolling an ankle.

 

 

For those who are intending to do the sunrise hike, you will be staying the night at the second highest stage. As Mt. Fuji is the highest peak in

Japan, it is usually above or right in the middle of the weather, so it can get cold/windy/rainy. So be prepared.

So bring very warm clothes to change into at night and early the next morning. See in the picture below everyone is wearing beanies and jackets.

(Water proof is naturally best)

 

 

When it comes down to it, the climb is worth it. That one perfect moment as the sun peaks of the horizon and  you are one of the first people a brand new day in Japan.

There is an old Japanese proverb that states, ‘If you don’t climb Mt. Fuji whilst in Japan, you’re a fool. If you do it more than one you’re and even bigger fool!’

So join us on one of our Fuji adventures.

 

Special thanks Chen-san for some of the fantastic photos! He took most of these on his most recent tour.

 

Regards your Virtual Tour Guide

 

Tom

Happy Birthday to Thanh Phuong san and Kobayashi san!

お誕生日おめでとうございます！

 

Here’s to another year of good health and good times!

宜しくお願いしま～す (/^0^)/