Read folk tales from Japan or learn about native foods and dress.  Learn more about what’s cool, the language or even play some virtual games.  There is a lot of information available on this great website and it is one that I recommend exploring with or without your kids.

The time spent learning about Japan will enrich your visit and allow you to recognize the significance, and understand the history, behind many of the of the things that you will see and do on your trip.

Image Credit:  Flickr, taking notes

Post from: The Tokyo Traveler

Most of these newspapers can be found at major newsstands in Tokyo. If you are outside the city they are a little harder to come by but you can always check out the news from the comfort of your own home with these links.

• The Daily Yomiuri
• The Japan Times
• The Asahi Shimbun
• Mainichi Daily News

While I don’t subscribe to any of the papers listed above I find that The Japan Times Festival Listings page is a handy guide to some fun things to do in and around Tokyo. The Japan Times also issues “Weekend Scene” on weekly basis which is a good source for event listings and reviews along with some great features. Weekend Scene is available for free at a number or tourist destinations and other establishments where foreigners tend to congregate. The main features of Weekend Scene are usually online via the The Japan Times link above.

Photo Credit: Personal Collection

Post from: The Tokyo Traveler