A pair of Japanese hankos with your Kanji names. (Red and White)
-Why kanji hanko?-
Kanji not only shows the sounds but also the meanings. We’ll find the perfect kanji combination for you and your partner, and will then make your hankos. You can have a one-of-a-kind pair of hankos in the world.
-Campaign term-
September 10th to September 16th, 2018.
The lucky winner will receive a message from us (GetYourKanji staff) via Facebook Messanger, by September 18th, 2018
-Entry conditions-
The “Pair Hanko Giveaway” post
The addressee lives in Japan until the end of October at least. (* International shipping is not available)
Have you enjoyed a swimming pool last summer? Summer is short. You couldn’t find the time to go to a swimming pool, maybe? This page introduces 3 swimming pools in the Kansai area for all of you who are looking for places you can swim still in September.
You’ll have both inside and outside swimming pools at Reso Naruohama. One of the biggest features here is that it has a wonderful ocean view, thanks to the location.
It also has a real onsen and you can bathe in your swimming wear. There is nothing more perfect thing than to have swimming and onsen at the same time, is there?
Have a nice “Sea and Swimming” time at Reso Naruohama!
Price: 1,750yen / adult (1,240yen from 5:00 p.m.) Open: 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (Outside swimming pool closes on 8th October) Access: 15 to 20-minute bus trip from Hanshin-Koshien station * Because of the typhoon, some facilities are not available. Please have a contact for the detail.
Nesta Resort Kobe is proud of its open outdoor swimming pools. Especially, people like the unique water attractions from the water slides to the great water shower so much.
Nesta Resort Kobe is a famous all-in-one activity spot. Onsen, outdoor activities, glamping, illumination… which are you interested in? Check the HP and try anything you want to do the best!
* Does it look far from Osaka on the map? Not so! It’s a just 45-minute drive from Osaka city and they have a shuttle bus too.
Price: 2,300yen Open: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Close on September 24th) Access: 60-minute bus trip from JR Osaka station or 40-minute bus trip from JR Sannomiya station
Spa World is located in Shin-Sekai, a downtown area.
Spa World in Osaka originally started as a spa facility and has offered various kinds of baths and bedrock baths. However, you’ll enjoy not only bathing but also inside the swimming pool which is open throughout the year at the Spa World.
This Spa World is open 24 hours and proud of its decor and food. Why don’t you enjoy a long “swimming and spa stay”?
Price: 1,200yen / adult Open: 10:00 am. to 7:00 p.m. on weekdays, 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on weekends and holidays * Spa facility is open 24 hours Access: A few minutes’ walk from JR Shin-Imamiya station
One note lastly. If you have a tattoo on your body, you may not be allowed to enter the public swimming pool area and onsen area. It is recommended to confirm in advance if you have a tattoo.
Other swimming pool spots?
Have you already visited some swimming pools? Please share your favorite swimming pool on the comment below!
As you can see, there are all kinds of sushi restaurants in Japan. From small to big, cheap to expensive. How would you find your favorite one among the tremendous amount of sushi restaurants? It’s not a bad idea to try major conveyor belt sushi restaurants, or kaiten sushi restaurants, at least once. You should be able to find one near your house, office or in the big cities you hangout on weekends. Or, check the location maps in the article along with the ways to order specific menu. Enjoy your sushi time!
Hamasushi is the largest conveyor belt sushi chain with the biggest number of sushi restaurants all over Japan. Most of the sushi menus are usually 100yen, but they are 90yen on weekdays, unbelievable. How about dropping by Hamasushi near your home after work?
Sushiro (スシロー)
People say that Sushiro offers the best quality for the price. Side dishes are also very popular. Even if you don’t like sushi or you usually get tired of sushi’s vinegary taste fast, you’ll be satisfied with Sushiro’s vast variety of side dishes.
Kurasushi (くら寿司)
Kurasushi declares its menus have no chemical seasonings, artificial sweeteners, artificial colorings or artificial preservatives. They have the widest range of menus. Also, there are fun tricks for kids including the famous bullet train conveyor belt. Kurasuhi can be the most kids friendly and health conscious chain among the big four.
Kappa sushi (かっぱ寿司)
If you are a sushi lover, there is no way to miss Kappa sushi’s 60-minute all-you-can-eat deal. It’s offered only from 2pm to 5pm on weekdays. 1580yen for man, 1480yen for woman.
How to order sushi in Nihongo
Is it okay to order a specific sushi menu at conveyor belt sushi chains?
Of course! Just start with pushing the bell on the table or call a staff by saying “Sumimasen!” or “Excuse me!”.
Then, use the list below to order. You might find Hamasushi’s English Menu useful.
Common sushi menus
English
Kanji
Hiragana
Katakana
Romaji
Salmon
鮭
さけ
サケ
Sake
Tuna
鮪
まぐろ
マグロ
Maguro
Shrimp
海老
えび
エビ
Ebi
Scallop
帆立
ほたて
ホタテ
Hotate
Octopus
蛸
たこ
タコ
Tako
Red Seabream
鯛
たい
タイ
Tai
Squid
烏賊
いか
イカ
Ika
Sea Urchin
雲丹
うに
ウニ
Uni
Types/Styles of sushi
English
Kanji
Hiragana
Katakana
Romaji
Sliced ingredients on top
握り
にぎり
ニギリ
Nigiri
Rolled
巻き
まき
マキ
Maki
Boat Shaped Rolled
軍艦巻き
ぐんかんまき
グンカンマキ
Gunkan-maki
Thin Rolled
細巻き
ほそまき
ほそまき
Hoso-maki
Practice your Nihongo every meal
Ordering food at restaurants is a very simple yet a practical way to improve your Nihongo. You’ll get used to speaking Nihongo since you have the opportunity during each meal. Eventually, you’ll feel more comfortable having a small talk with a restaurant staff.
Hope you enjoy both sushi and conversations with the staffs. We’d be more than happy to update the list of the sushi menu or any information in the article. Feel free to share your opinions in the comment section below!
Maybe, you think every year “What is the Tsukimi after all”? It is literally a moon viewing, but it’s not just about that! Hold a Tsukimi party and enjoy the traditional fall event casually!
What do we have for Tsukimi party?
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Tsukimi udon
A sample image of Tsukimi burger
Basically, it is said that we have Tsukimi dango dumplings, and the harvest of fall like sweet potatoes, sweet chestnuts, grapes and Japanese sake. This is because the harvests and people’s lives were closely related to the phases of the moon. People enjoyed watching the moon and appreciated the harvest.
If you don’t like those foods (maybe they don’t sound too mouth-watering), today’s Tsukimi menus are recommended.
Tsukimi udon, udon with an egg is the popular example. You’ll enjoy two moons, the real one and the moon looking egg. Of course, soba is replaced with udon.
Or, if you love junk-foods, the McDonald’s Tsukimi Burger is another Tsukimi seasonal food.
What do we offer for the God?
As mentioned above, the original object of Tsukimi was to appreciate the year’s harvest for the God. What we offer for the God is almost the same as what we have, such as Tsukimi dango dumplings, the harvest fall, and Japanese silver grass.
Actually, it is not necessary to offer those things, but don’t you think the offering raises the atmosphere of the Tsukimi party?
What do we see on the moon?
Japanese people see a rabbit making rice cakes on the moon, but what people see depends on the culture and the place. It is said that people in Europe see a man and Chinese people see a toad. It’s fun to talk about the differences between what you and your friends see on the moon.
Share your Tsukimi party!
September 24th is the main Tsukimi day in 2018. It’s a national holiday! Invite your friends and have a party! Please share your Tsukimi party experiences in the comments below!
Have you planned this year’s September holidays? Mondays the 17th and 24th are the national holidays this year, so it would be the best timing to have a short trip. This page introduces Nagoya and Ise city for food lovers. If you are a more outdoor kind of person, check another page!
Nagoya- From Friday night to Saturday
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Waraji Tonkatsu, 1,404yen
Teppan Tonkatsu, 1,296yen
Remember him as an icon of "Misokatsu Yabaton"!
Nagoya, one of the biggest cities in Japan, is also a trendy food city. From the Kansai area, Kintetsu railway leads you to Nagoya directly in . If you have enough time, it would be fun to start the trip on Friday night after work. The “Weekend Free Pass” ticket could be the best way to get to Nagoya.
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Kishimen noodle
Hitsumabushi
Misokatsu (a cutlet with miso sauce) at Misokatsu Yabaton is our recommended dinner. Also, Hitsumabushi (ひつまぶし, eel menu in the Nagoya style) and Kishimen (きしめん, flat noodle udon) are the famous Nagoya dishes. Have a stroll in the downtown Sakae area and find your best Nagoya food.
* If you are a baseball fan, Nagoya dome holds a night game on September 23rd, 24th, and 25th.
Ise- From Saturday to Monday
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Ise-udon
Tekone-zushi
After having Nagoya dishes, Saturday is the moving day to Ise. Just get on the Kintetsu railway with the pass ticket!
Our plan says you will visit Ise Jingu Shrine on Sunday morning, so it is recommended to stay near Uji-Yamada station because the station is close to the shrine.
Ise Jingu Shrine is one of the most historical and famous shrines in Japan. If you visit early in the morning, you’ll avoid the crowd and feel the solemn atmosphere.
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Torii gate of Ise Jingu Shrine
Okage-Yokocho
Okage-Yokocho
Then, the next spot is the streets of Okage-Yokocho. Indulge in Ise foods like Ise-udon (伊勢うどん) and Tekone-zushi (てこね寿司) there. Dinner? Absolutely, take the brand beef “Matsusaka-ushi”!
Bring back your memory- Monday
When you go home, the special express “Shimakaze” is a good option. Although it costs more, people like its elegant train trip. As a result, it’s worth trying to book your seat although it is uncertain whether you will win the reservation lot because of its popularity. Of course, your pass ticket is available in case you don’t take the Shimakaze.
You have other recommendations?
Have you already visited this area and have other recommendations? We’re glad to hear your comments below!
It sounds exciting to get your own kanji name and make your unique Japanese product with the kanji name, doesn’t it? This page shows such three online shopping services in Japan. Find your favorite and get your unique Japanese goods!
GetYourKanji offers to make your own hanko with your kanji name. They present your unique kanji name, or it’s also ok to request your favorite kanji name if you have.
Hanko is a practical proof tool which is used in your daily life in Japan. It is said that the origin of hanko in Japan goes back to around 2,000 year ago. What do you think about having your own unique, traditional and practical hanko?
Hara-koushu（原孝州）, an old shop which handles traditional Japanese products offers your unique Chouchin. You’ll order a chouchin with your favorite words in kanji, hiragana, katakana or English. The letters like your kanji name are placed on the surface of your chouchin. Chouchin is not only a summer festival item. It’s fun to hang or display your unique chouchin lantern in your room, isn’t it?
Masu square (枡)
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A Masu is not an ordinary cup in Japan. Japanese people use it when gathering like a wedding and party. People share the masu squares and have the same drink. You also have the chance to get your unique masu squares with your kanji. Masukobo-Masuya（枡工房枡屋）makes your favorite masu design from kanji name to your portrait. Which do you prefer to do, drink sake with masu or display masu as an interior?
Do you already have your kanji name products? We happily take your comments about your kanji name experience below!
Have you planned this year’s September holidays? Monday the 17th and 24th are the national holidays this year, so it would be the best timing to take a short trip. This page introduces Sasayama, Toyooka and Kinosaki city for outdoor activity lovers. If you are more of a gourmet food kind of person, check another page!
Sasayama and Toyooka- From Saturday to Sunday
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Forest adventure
UP Kannabe
Forest adventure
UP Kannabe
Forest adventure
UP Kannabe
In this trip plan, you’ll go to Sasayama with JR Fukuchiyama line, from Osaka station. It takes about one hour to Sasayamaguchi (篠山口) station, the mountainous area. After 30-minute taxi drive, you’ll arrive at Forest Adventure. This park is built in a forest as the name suggests, and offers various kinds of outdoor activities whose equipment is based on nature. Enjoy the nature and release your city-life stress!
When you get tired of physical playing, go down to the town. It is recommended that you drop by a café because it offers beautiful scenery and the relaxing atmosphere of Sasayama’s nature.
After leaving Sasayama, enjoy a mountain area train trip, again. You’ll get to the next spot UP Kannabe in around 2 hours. This has a popular ski slope course in winter, but special summer activities as well. Summer ski on the grass, paraglide, go in the hot air balloon… take your pick! They have not only outdoor activities, but also camping sites too. There are hotels near UP Kannabe too if you don’t like outside stays. Have a wonderful nature stay on the first trip day.
Kinosaki- From Sunday to Monday
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On the second day, let’s go to Kinosaki, one of the most famous onsen towns. People love to go to several onsens here, comparing the atmosphere and scenery. Onsen ryokans are especially popular. If you want to stay at such a type of ryokan, it is highly recommended that you check and book a room in advance.
You’ll see Kinosaki’s foods like Tajima beef and crab meat at the town. Also, it’d be enjoyable to find cool and cute Kinosaki souvenirs.
When you get back to Osaka, get on JR Fukuchiyama line, the same as when you come to Sasayama and Kinosaki.
Where have you been in the September holidays?
Why not share your plan and memory of the September holidays on the comment below!
Let’s say “kanpai” and make a toast with your own Japanese Masu, the wooden sake cup! Isn’t it a perfect way to start your next party and the great photo op with your friends and family? Even the same ol’ sake taste completely different. Your sake drinking experience would never be the same.
Share a Masu square with your partner, friends and family
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A Masu is not an ordinary cup in Japan. It’s for cerebration and parties. Or, you can enjoy the sip to make quiet jazzy nights with your partner even more relaxing. Whenever you share drinks, Masu adds an extra feel to it.
It would be even better if you put a your own design to turn your Masu into a unique piece.
When you order a unique Masu at Masukobo-Masuya, you’ll notice you have lots of options. You have three ways to design your Masu: branding, silkscreen printing with colors and laser engraving. The Masus have various sizes and all kinds of design, from kanji characters to pictures, can be drown on your Masu.
Professionals in Ogaki city, Gifu pref. make your Masu by hand. Ogaki city is, so to speak, the holy city of Japanese Masu because it covers 80% of domestic Masu production.
We hear that the original Masu we see today was already used around 1,300 years ago. People have used it for measuring food and drinks, like rice and sake.
Very few Japanese people measure foods with a Masu today, but it is alive as the metrological standard “gou” and “shou”.
How do you use Masu in daily life?
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Do you like Japanese sake? If so, it’s fun to drink sake with a Masu at dinner. You’ll look like an extremely cultural Japanese person!
Or if you like Japanese interiors, Masu should be a good item to add to your gallery.
If you want a unique Masu or want to know more about it, contact Masukobo-Masuya (info@masukoubou.jp).
Even if you are leaning Nihongo, some signs and kanjis are too difficult to read. Only some of the restaurants and shops have English signs and menus, but not all translation services are easy to use.
Anyway, it is absolutely helpful to learn some Nihongo related to foods, especially when traveling. How many words do you understand now?
Food Nihongo
When you are looking for a lunch or dinner spot, it is very practical if you understand what the restaurant serves. Is it Sushi, Tempura, or…? Check the Nihongo list below!
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1. 寿司 (sushi)
2. 蕎麦 (soba)
3. 素麺 (somen)
4. 饂飩 (udon)
5. 餅 (rice cake)
6. 和牛 (Japanese beef)
寿司, 鮨 (Sushi)
The most popular Japanese food, Sushi, has mainly two types of kanji.
蕎麦 (Soba)
Cold Zaru-soba is good in the summer season and hot Kake-soba is tasty in the cold seasons.
素麺 (Somen)
Somen is a Japanese summer food. It has a unique activity associated with it called “Nagashi-somen”.
饂飩 (Udon)
Udon is getting more popular recently. Adding Tempura to Udon is fantastic, isn’t it?
餅 (Mochi, Rice cake)
People usually eat Rice cakes in the winter.
和牛 (Wagyu, Japanese beef)
If you are a Kobe beef lover, it is written as “神戸牛”.
Snack Nihongo
Not just Japanese food, but also Japanese sweets and snacks are very popular too. Read Nihongo and try the snack you want to!
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7,8. 饅頭, 小豆 (manju, bean paste)
11. 味噌ラーメン (miso ramen)
饅頭 (Manju)
A bun with paste-like anko – a bean paste.
小豆 (Azuki bean)
Azuki bean is a main ingredient of anko.
胡麻 (Goma, Sesame)
醤油 (Shoyu, Soy sauce)
味噌 (Miso)
Sesame, Soy sauce and Miso are used not only for foods but also for snacks.
Tea time Nihongo
Some people are coffee addicts and other people don’t like the Matcha taste. Thus, it is important for you to read which drinks the café serve.
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13. 抹茶 (matcha)
抹茶 (Matcha)
You’ll see this Nihongo for drinks, sweets, and sometimes even for cosmetics!
珈琲 (Coffee)
紅茶 (Tea)
Some say the Japanese language is interesting thanks to its many characters, but Nihongo is certainly not beginner-friendly! If you have other Nihongo words which you cannot read, leave us your comment below. We’ll answer it!
If you’re searching for summer activities, Biwako Lake in Shiga pref. offers fun and unique things to do. Marine play, cruising and outdoor play… which do you want to try most?
Who imagined we would be able to enjoy Marine plays at a lake? O’PAL offers many kinds of water activities at Biwako Lake. Most of the activities like “Waterball”, “SUP” and “WaterToy” are beginner friendly.
Whether it’s with your partner, friends, or family, everyone will enjoy the play at Biwako Lake. Did you find an activity you want to try?
Have you ever experienced cruising? On a lake? If your answer is “no”, you should try Michigan Cruising! They have 3 cruising courses and offer happy music and events, foods and snacks, and breathtaking views of Biwako Lake.
Not only is there day cruising, but they also have night cruising. When do you want to enjoy Biwako Lake cruising?
You’ll see a nature panorama while enjoying outdoor plays at Biwako Valley. First, the ropeway carries you from the lakeside 1,100m up. Does that sound scary?
Then, exciting activities like Sky Walker and Zip Line are waiting for you at the top of mountain. If you want a relaxing time, they also have Biwako Terrace.
Biwako Lake is the biggest lake in Japan. It covers about 1/6 of Shiga pref. and supplies water to the Kansai area. It has been an important water source historically, but people enjoy not only the water, but also the nature plays at Biwako Lake.
Share your Biwako Lake Experience
For a summer escape, playing with water is the best practice! We’re looking forward to reading about your experience at Biwako Lake in the comment form below!
