The Nihon Sun

The Nihon Sun is a Japan blog written by Shane Sakata. Her goal is to share some of the less written about gems in this country with anyone who wants to do more than follow the average tourist trail.

There's information about lifestyle, food, events, travel, and more so there's plenty to choose from. We've managed to pick up some great hints myself from Shane's blog so she comes highly recommended by us!

The Nihon Sun Interview

shane-sakata-of-the-nihon-sun

1. How did you first come to be living in Japan and how long have you been living here?

I have lived in Japan for the better part of 5 years, all in the Tokyo area, as a result of my husbands work. The first four years were in the late 1990's and we were blessed with the opportunity to come back in 2008. We are thrilled to be back and see old friends and visit our old haunts again.

2. You are the author and designer of The Nihon Sun. Tell us how you got into writing about your times in Japan?

When we had the opportunity to come back to Japan, I started a personal blog as a way of keeping in touch with friends and family back home in the United States and Canada. I also began using the internet to research all of the things that I wanted to do and see while I was in Japan as well as what others were saying about the experience of living in Japan.

It became apparent to me that many of the personal experiences that people wrote about were very cliche: crowded trains, language blunders, and a lot of other commentary with the underlying message "Japan is Weird". While there are aspects of life in Japan that are frustrating and seem odd to Westerners, I found very few people talking about the fun things that they were doing and what they were learning about the culture and people of Japan along the way.

So, I started The Nihon Sun to share my experiences in Japan. I do not consider myself an expert on Japan, but what I try to do at The Nihon Sun is to share some of my research and experiences while presenting some of the country's great travel destinations and local events.

In an effort to help others plan trips to Japan I have started a series called Japan: A Closer Look that offers readers a portal to tourism websites and suggested places to visit in the different regions of Japan.

I also share some of what I have learned about the history and culture of the country as well as reading suggestions that provide insight into various aspects of life in Japan at The Nihon Sun.

yasuda-garden-in-ryogoku

3. You also spend some of your time in Hawaii. Can you tell us what it's like to live between two places? What are the ups and downs?

I spend about 10 months each year in Japan and the remainder is spent in Hawaii. It sounds very glamorous, and it is nice, but it can be a challenge to maintain two households separated by an ocean. Sometimes neither place feels like home and I feel as though I don't have roots anywhere. Not to mention what to pack and what to leave behind in each place - I can't tell you how may times I've gone looking for something only to realize that it's not where I am!

The good thing is that this experience has taught me that stuff is just that, stuff, and that you really don't need that much of it to be content.

4. What brings you and The Nihon Sun back to Tokyo? What are the highlights of living in the big T?

Tokyo is a very vibrant city and it is very easy to get around. It offers visitors and residents glimpses into the ultra-modern and hip while still remaining firmly rooted in its historical past. I love the shrines and Japanese gardens, Meiji Jingu Shrine and Iris Garden is one of my favorites, and the art scene is spectacular.

There are so many Tokyo museums and galleries that offer great opportunities to view art from around the world at very reasonable prices.

asakusa-water-bus

5. Do you have a favorite haunt that you would recommend people visit? What, where, etc is it and what makes it so special?

I'm a big fan of the Asakusa area of Tokyo and think that it is an especially good place to visit if you have limited time in Tokyo. You can pick up souvenirs and taste street food along Nakamise dori, take a rickshaw tour and visit any number of historical shrines and monuments in the area.

Those with more time and who would like to rest their feet will enjoy the Suijo Water Bus that provides a view of the city from the Sumida River and offers transportation to other great areas like Hamariyku Detached Gardens or Odaiba.

6. If you had to describe Tokyo in three words, what would they be?

Vibrant, Historical, Multi-faceted

7. Do you have a favorite restaurant that you would recommend to visitors? What kind of food does it serve? Can you give us any background, directions, etc?

Sushizanmai in Tsukiji is one my favorite places to go for Sushi and it's open 24 hours. We take the 30 minute train ride in from Chiba once or twice a month to have a sushi feast in the shadow of Tsukiji Wholesale Fish Market - the sushi doesn't get much fresher than at Sushizanmai!

I really love Japanese food and am always looking to learn more about the country's cuisine. With that in mind I asked a local food and sake expert to write a series of guest posts featuring the regional foods of Japan at The Nihon Sun.

It's been a lot of fun to read about the variety of food specialties available in Japan and I think it makes the cuisine much more accessible and less daunting for new visitors.

sensoji-gate-asakusa

8. What one piece of advice would you give to a first time visitor to Tokyo?

Do some research and reading about the city before you come - it will enhance your experience tremendously. Bring a good pair of walking shoes and get on Tokyo Metro or the JR lines that run throughout the city and explore. Pop down the side streets and alleyways on the way to or from your destination to get a glimpse into what life in Tokyo is really like.

9. What should a first time visitor avoid doing in Tokyo? What's not so hot if you like?

Don't pack you itinerary too full - getting to and from places on the train may take more time than you think and the pace of the city can exhaust you by the end of the day.

If you plan on being out late, remember that many of the Tokyo's train lines shut down from around midnight to 5am and taxi rides across town can be expensive.

If you are a woman and wear anything over a size 6, don't try to go clothes shopping - I speak from experience on this one so trust me!

A big thanks to Shane from the The Nihon Sun. Make sure to check in with her blog to keep up with other Japan news!

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