Yokota Travel

23/02/2024

GIVEAWAY UPDATE: We realized some people were having issues sharing the post, so we took away that requirement! Please make sure you are clicking the original post on the Bazaar FB page to like and tag. Thank YOU for your continued support and we can’t wait to see you all at the Bazaar!❤️

🎉❄️ Happy Snowy Friday, everyone! ❄️🎉

To kick off the excitement, we're starting with our very first giveaway! 🎁 Simply like this post, and tag 1 friend for your chance to win. We'll be selecting 3 lucky winners on March 14th! Here are the fabulous prizes up for grabs:

1. Early Shopping Pass – Gain access to our exclusive early shopping hours on March 15th (3pm-4pm) or March 16th (8am-9am).
2. $25 Bazaar Bucks – Shop 'til you drop with $25 to spend at the Bazaar!
3. Gift from one of our vendors (selected at random) – Enjoy a special treat courtesy of one of our amazing vendors.

Don't miss out on your chance to win – enter now and spread the word! Good luck to all! 🌟

16/03/2023

Make sure to check out the Yokota Spouses' Club Asian Bazaar page! There’s 2 great giveaways happening for this weekends bazaar!
March 18th 9am-6pm
March 19th 10am-4pm

🚨It’s time for another giveaway!! Who wants the chance for early shopping!! 🛍️

👍🏽Like a vendor spotlight
🏷️Tag a friend on at least one vendor spotlight of a vendor you are excited to check out at the Yokota Spouses' Club Asian Bazaar!
🗣️Comment Done on this post
March 18th 9am-6pm
March 19th 10am-4pm
Taiyo Community Center

Winner will be announced tomorrow.
Early shopping hours (March 17th 3pm-5pm or March 18th 7:30am-8:30 am)

25/08/2022

Did you know you can camp lakeside right on the shores of Motosu, where the exact view shown of Fuji on the 1000 bill is?

Just 2 hours away from Yokota by car is this serene location that seemingly transports you further away from the hustle (and heat!) the Kanto Plain often gives its inhabitants.

The easy drive takes you past the lava tunnels (caves) we wrote about earlier this summer and into the valleys beneath Fuji formally known as “Five Lakes Fuji.”

Motosu Lake, the most pristine and sought after of the five lakes, is small in comparison of many of the others. However, it’s waters are still and blue, making it perfect for water sports such as kayaking and paddle boarding.

There are several locations you can camp on this lake, but the most awe-inspiring is at Motosuko Koan Camping Ground.

There are several locations you can camp at, space providing. One can camp on the lake, near the lake with unobstructed lake view, or in the forest with Fuji view within steps of the campsite.

Although there are perks to all camping areas, a seasoned camper would probably recommend either near the lake or the forest over lakeside pitches. The forest provides shade (with a 2 minute walk to the shore), while lakeside adjacent is on more even ground with less gravel.
Of course, there’s no wrong answer when it comes to waking up with these views! 🏔

Koan Camping Ground
0556-38-0117
https://goo.gl/maps/oe1bQxNhisL3oCDR7

http://kouan-motosuko.com/

👏 Tips! 👏

🔸Go to the website for all the detail and click on the links below to book your reservation.

https://reserva.be/kouan/reserve

https://kouan-motosuko.com/camp/index.html

🔹Although you don’t pay until you get there, you MUST show a reservation number (received by email) to begin the process.
To give an idea on cost, our party was 3 adults, 2 kids, 1 car, 1 pitch (tent) and it was 10,200 yen for TWO nights.

🔸Cash is preferred and knowing your car’s license plate number will save a few minutes when getting the placard to enter the campsite.

🔹Some employees know English pretty well and masks are worn by only 50% of guests on the campgrounds. Equipment can easily be rented by the campground at the inn where check in is.

🔸While there’s no access to electricity, there’s ample access to drinkable water and areas to wash dishes. There are also toilets and showers that cost 100 yen/2 minutes

🔹There’s a FANTASTIC photo spot just left of the lakeside camping area (when facing the water) where there’s no one allowed to camp. And even though there’s no swimming allowed in the lake, you are free to stand in the shallow waters to get portraits with Fuji. 🏔 Example pictures and a screenshot of the exact location is in the post.

10/08/2022

Beat the heat in Aokigahara Forest (Sea of Trees), which is a lush green, lava-rock enriched area beneath Mt Fuji that began to thrive after the last major volcanic explosion over 1000 years ago.
Below the forest is around 80 caves created by lava flow from that eruption. We at Yokota Travel visited two of most popular ones, the Ice Cave and the Wind Cave.
In both caves, it’s so cold that even in the prime of summer 🥵, there are *still* large mounds of ice 🧊.
In the wind cave, they take advantage of the natural cool temperatures by storing tree seeds so they can be planted all over Japan throughout the year. They also preserve silk worm eggs so larva can hatch multiple times a year.
In the Ice Cave, it lives up to its name! Many areas had ice that looked like it was 4 foot high. Much cooler than the Wind Cave too 🥶😅

Both of these caves can be walked to through a beautiful trail in the forest 🌳

Another popular cave is the Bat Cave, located close-by 🦇

Fugaku Wind Cave
0555-85-2300
https://goo.gl/maps/bVp5R9PCJY3oh7Y28

Narusawa Ice Cave
0555-85-2301
https://goo.gl/maps/BTN2JmfxtatqDecn6

Lake Saiko Bat Cave
https://goo.gl/maps/BLhDD5t2GRXuqoi17

08/07/2022

Just off the beaten path in Shibuya (near Harajuku) is this unique “can’t-miss-it” three story Alice in Wonderland themed store.
♥️♠️♦️♣️🐛

At the front entrance is a series of doors, to include a tiny door, which leads its patrons into the store. Throughout the store are nods to Alice in Wonderland, like the Cheshire Cat, Absalom the Caterpillar, and the Mad Hatter.
The fashion and accessories store, named Alice on Wednesday, has much more to offer than just ascetics, however. Each of the three floors offer specific types of items and the rooms are decorated accordingly. Customers can peruse a selection of jewelry, hair pieces, clothing (to include shoes and handbags), and snacks. On top of everything, the prices are are quite reasonable with the average price of a necklace around 800 yen and color changing tea at 200 yen per tea bag (for example.)

Be sure to check their hours before you take the trip and remember…always be “Curiouser and Curiouser!”

Alice on wednesday
03-6427-9868
https://goo.gl/maps/jryVmiZ8bFf7vbQL9

Website: aliceonwednesday.jp

07/06/2022

Hello, Summer! 🎉

Who’s ready to get this party started?!

There’s a FREE TeamLab pop up in Harajuku and it’s incredible. ✨

This small, interactive exhibit, is designed to inform its visitors about extinct animals. Each person receives a Samsung phone on a lanyard upon every. The goal is to “catch” animals you see by shooting an arrow at them. If you catch one, it reappears on the phone’s screen, along with details about its species. You can release them when you’re done reading so someone else can catch it. There are 34 total to catch and collect and the total is tallied at the bottom of the phone.

You can stay in for a LONG time so there’s no rush. It’s limited entrance so it’s not crowded either.

Although it is free, there are priority entry times you can sign up for up to 3 days in advance. Requires a LINE account. The standby line could get long, but I’d say that the exhibit is still worth it if making advanced plans are not in the cards.

Videos are posted in the comments to show what it looks like!

For more info and for priority entry:
https://www.galaxymobile.jp/galaxy-harajuku/teamlab/

Location: Galaxy Harajuku
0120-327-527
https://goo.gl/maps/QnkNjuDx9twbJmHT7
(3rd floor)

26/05/2022

Located on a flower-lined mountainside in Kamakura, this historic temple offers stunning scenery, particularly in the spring cherry blossom or autumn foliage seasons. However, the summer is still quite lush and worth a visit.
Stroll leisurely through the charming temple town, then climb a covered stairway to the main attraction, a 12m-tall statue of the 11-faced Kannon deity, called “The Miracle Statue.”
In 721, a monk commissioned two statues of Kannon (the 11-faced god) to be made from the same camphor tree. One was enshrined in a town named Nara, and the other was thrown into the sea as an offering. It washed up not far from Kamakura 15 years later. Hasedera, was built to contain it. Today, it is the largest wooden statue in Japan, standing at nearly 10 meters tall.

These sacred temple grounds have so much in store.

For example, The Amida-do Hall is the home of a golden statue of Amida Buddha, the same deity immortalized in the Great Buddha of Kamakura. The temple bell has also been officially recognized as an Important Cultural Property.

With all to admire at this holy location, you will see the beauty in this meditative space. The Japanese Gardens below the large temple on the hill will be a great place to start. Make sure you reserve plenty of time to explore and reflect 😌

Hasedera
0467-22-6300
https://goo.gl/maps/Czh36LZqVmCq5FtK8

📹 Videos in the comments 📹

17/05/2022

Our write up on Tokyo’s “Little Europe” was the Yokota Travel’s most talked-about post to date and because of that, we decided to go back and find more to do in this neighborhood.

We did not leave without new recommendations, and we even learned about about this bustling area.

Some History:

This neighborhood is named Jiyuugaoka, which translates to English as “Liberty Hill.”
It’s a quieter part of Tokyo, filled with mostly single family homes and locally owned shops. It was a rural community until the 1920 when the train station was built, connecting it to the main parts of Tokyo.

The neighborhood was known for its Liberal Hill Academy and came to be known as a place where progressively minded people and free thinkers could engage about issues without repercussion. This was a rarity at the time, much like it was in other parts of the world.

This direct connection led to its now name, “Liberty Hill,” and the proud legacy of the community lives on today. You can see it by the sheer number of non-Japanese restaurants and the bold ways it celebrates multiple cultures. It is also a place that embraces originality and beauty, all in one stroke. This exciting neighborhood shows freedoms of expression and cohesive respect for one another in a way that is truly magnificent.

If you need to reference the initial post, we’re linking it below. For better understanding, please read it before reading the rest of this Travel Spot Update:

https://www.facebook.com/116425201794645/posts/4542809779156143/?d=n

All of the pins in first post were directly out the train station and to the left, which is where we saw “Little Venice,” The Sunset Area, the chocolate shop, and so much more. The spots below are all over the place, including across the train tracks and behind the train station itself.

After checking out the entire neighborhood, we believed an “update” was necessary so here we go:

MONCEAU FLEURS 自由が丘本店
03-3717-4187
https://goo.gl/maps/ZKrrripmqdmV4D9N6

Monceau Fleurs is a European Style flower shop that could be right out of Paris’ Latin Quarter. Not only is it really scenic, but the prices of their large selection of flowers seemed reasonable.

Dropped pin
https://goo.gl/maps/DL5a1RKFF962h2vj8

A Beautiful Wall Mural (not findable on Google maps!). This work of art is beyond gorgeous. The strength of womanhood, motherhood, and power is so strong that you can feel it. Located under the rails of the train station, this tunnel mural commands an enormous space. It’s perfect for picture backdrops (tunnels make great for even lighting) or just sitting to admire the beauty. Above is a dropped pin.

Jiyūgaoka Kumano-jinja Shrine
03-3717-7720
https://goo.gl/maps/T7CLXHgpmRZFJZRU7

This Shrine complex is located in a forested area right inside of the neighborhood. You feel like you traveled hours away in a matter of seconds because the scenery is so starkly different. The Goushuin (book seal) is also only 300 yen, which is well below the normal 500 yen cost.

Peter Rabbit Garden Cafe
03-3725-4118
https://goo.gl/maps/LzunV5nPJhHEczSA6

A themed Peter Rabbit restaurant is in the area close to the shrine and wow, did it look great. Not only was the menu option super kawaii, but the prices didn’t seem unreasonable.

baguette rabbit JIYUGAOKA
03-6421-1208
https://goo.gl/maps/fbxxPY4bGR8H4mHc9

This bakery had the best baguette we’ve had by FAR outside of France. Hands down. Get one of each kind while you’re there. (And grab butter from the Hokkaido milk eatery while you’re at it 😉)

DevilCraft Jiyugaoka
03-5726-9072
https://goo.gl/maps/3XW6xJ9Hda2Z2gmbA

DevilCraft is a Chicago-Style pizza place with a large selection of craft beer to try. The prices were around 700 yen per glass and some of the selections come from rural places, like North Carolina.

Sekielberg Cafe
03-6421-1509
https://goo.gl/maps/VGEZdb5EYgdLfjfy5

This restaurant marks the beginning of an absolutely quaint row of buildings full of unparalleled character.

🔹🔹🔹🔹🔹🔹🔹🔹🔹🔹🔹🔹🔹🔹🔹

This list is of course, not all encompassing. There’s so much to explore. And who knows—perhaps there will be a post number three on this neighborhood in the not-too-distant future. 😉

10/05/2022

Step back in time by visiting Iyashi no Sato (いやしの里), which is a creation of a village that was destroyed by a landslide during a typhoon in 1966 in the very same spot this open air museum sits today.

The village's traditional thatched roofed houses were reconstructed to look authentic to the bustling farming village from before the storm.

It is now made up of more than twenty houses that have been converted into shops, restaurants, museums and galleries. Each of the shops specializes in a traditional craft such as pottery, art or fabrics. Some of the handicraft shops, provide hands-on workshops for visitors to make traditional products, including washi paper, charcoal and soba noodles. Please refer to their website for up to date activities:

https://saikoiyashinosatonenba.jp/

A few of the houses contain museums. These include the Watanabe House, which has exhibits on the daily life of the farmers who used to live in the region. There is also an Erosion and Sediment Control Museum explaining the causes of the landslide that destroyed the village, and techniques used to prevent such disasters. Keep in mind that some of the buildings would like you to take off your shoes before entering, so wear shoes that are easy to slip on and off.
The remaining houses include an art gallery that displays local artworks, a produce shop and a portrait studio where visitors can try on kimono or samurai armor for a small fee and take photos.

Restaurants and rest houses can also be found around the village. Occasionally, there are small stalls just beside the parking lot to buy fresh produce and other homemade goods. Please bring yen for such items.

Hours: Open Daily 9:30am-4:30pm
Cost:
Adults: 500 yen
Children: 250 yen

Parking: Free

*Pets are able to enter the property but not to the buildings.

Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba (Traditional Japanese Village)
0555-20-4677
https://goo.gl/maps/u3kjGunWuCwftbKX9

03/05/2022

Looking for a beach to find sea glass this summer? 👀

Look no further than sea glass beach, close to Yokosuka! 🏖

Not only is there an ABUNDANCE of sea glass and pottery, but the waters are mild enough to feel assured as your family enjoys the ocean.
As a bonus, during low tide there are “craters” of smooth rocky spots where kids (and let’s be honest…adults too 😅🤣) can relax in clear water. A great spot for little toddlers for sure.

Parking available on location. 🚗

Glass Beach
https://goo.gl/maps/57e6zQ5sj6wjcPgF9

*Pictures are from last September 2021

26/04/2022

It’s Travel Tuesday! 🌎

If you haven’t added Maxwell Aqua Park to your must-do Tokyo attractions, you will now!

Located at the Shinagawa Prince Hotel’s massive entertainment, shopping, and dining complex, the aqua park consists of a sizable two-story building. With attractions reminiscent of TeamLab art on the first floor, the viewing of sea life will dazzle in front of the changing lights and moving projected objects. Wonderful for all ages!

The stadium where the dolphin show is held and the tunnel fishtanks are on the second floor.

Please check the website for dolphin showtimes as they are changing regularly. 🐬 💦

Important! Reserve times to enter and buy tickets on the website below.

http://www.aqua-park.jp/en/aqua/web_reserve/index.html

Current ticket prices will be in the comments, as well as pictures inside the park.

19/04/2022

It’s Travel Tuesday! 🌎

Since the last post about La Vida (Tokyo’s unofficial Little European Neighborhood) was so popular, we checked out another district in Minato City, Tokyo.

They call it Italia Street. 🇮🇹

It’s small, but undeniably inspired by Roman architecture. In this square, the roads are paved in cobblestones and the narrow buildings look like those that tower in many metropolitan Italian cities. Definitely a place to bring your camera. 📸

A five minute walk from the center of this square is a quaint, rectangular Italian Garden lined with white Roman statues and a large fountain on the northern end. To top it off, there are roman columns standing atop a platform and rival the ones you’d see in the Roman Forum ruins.

Although this area is unique, we would recommend pairing this adventure with something else you’re already visiting near the district, such as the Giant Ghibli Clock or the Ad Museum Tokyo.

📍 📍📍📍📍📍📍📍📍📍

Italia Street
https://goo.gl/maps/qC1hMtApfC7VNyEe8

Italy Park
080-9811-1659
https://goo.gl/maps/hzQR8zJq1wwK3SA36

Top rated Italian Restaurant:
Osteria Dolomiti
03-6459-0021
https://goo.gl/maps/9bF3oZULkFfVQbPk8

Other places in this area:

Giant Ghibli Clock
https://goo.gl/maps/y1kxFfrHeQQXzqxPA

Ad Museum Tokyo
03-6218-2500
https://goo.gl/maps/usLnDXa3TA2Uak3N7

The Old Shimbashi Station Railway History Exhibition Hall
03-3572-1872
https://goo.gl/maps/oLWC6WL7wjNnpwaQ8

300 Year-Old Pine
https://goo.gl/maps/RuoNQCuEKXwQriJDA

Hamarikyu Gardens
03-3541-0200
https://goo.gl/maps/wCNzHXeqvWCrNvRz8