http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/ Welcome to Been there. Your tips on the places you know - that you love, live in or have just visited - are what make this guide. http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33658 The Grand Hotel has a lovely outdoor pool area where you can sit in a warm pool surrounded by falling snow.
Don't be put off by the fact that the site is in Japanese. Look up onsen etiquette and there will be plenty of help when you arrive to buy tickets, point you in the right direction.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33658 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33563 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33563 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33501 The country that affects me that way above all others is Japan; a hypnotic mix of rigid convention and outlandish weirdness, and the home of Zen. Japan showed me how to appreciate beauty in a single moment or a simple object - the sweet hay smell of a tatami floor; a screen door sliding open to reveal the colours of the autumn trees; the sound of tea pouring.
The Japanese understand how beauty is most clearly seen in imperfection, and more importantly they understand the transience of nature - which is why cherry blossom is the perfect symbol of the Japanese soul.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33501 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33444 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33444 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33298 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33298 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/32814 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/32814 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/32778
Try the traditional-style Nakamise Market in Asakusa for reasonably priced souvenirs, and the Harajuku district for off-the-wall fashion. The vast department stores in Shinjuku and Shibuya are great for designer accessories, and often have basement food halls that are a feast for the senses. They are also one of the best places to buy kimonos - usually cheaper than those in souvenir shops. The noisy, garish electronics district, Akihabara, is worth a visit even if you aren’t buying. However, be aware that some goods are exclusively for the domestic market, so check voltages etc. To experience the latest innovations in technology, check out the Sony Building in Ginza.

The power of the yen means that bargains are hard to find - but try the ‘100 yen’ shops, where you can pick up cheap souvenirs such as chopsticks, kites and fans.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/32778 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/32632 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/32632 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/32576 The lodge is well linked to the resort free bus service which allows you to access some of the best snow in the world. Yes, the rumours are true, it does not stop snowing and it didn’t when were there. The staff (a mix of Canadian and Japanese) know Niseko like the back of their hand. They are also extremely helpful before you arrive and will offer you assistance with internal flights and transfers.
The backcountry tour packages they offer range from one day to longer trips in Niseko but also to Rusutsu and beyond. We did a day's guiding with Andrew, who took us through the back gates of Niseko for an unforgettable day of powder riding.
Once you have done all that you can return to the lodge and relax in their wonderful but strange massage chair!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/32576 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31873 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31873 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/30963 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/30963 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/30917 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/30917 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/30916 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/30916 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/29903 It is an incredible art gallery, complete with a forest littered with outdoor sculptures. Without a doubt the best art gallery I have visited.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/29903 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/29666 2000 tonnes of seafood is processed and sold here every day and the inner market is a maze of stalls selling every type of marine creature known to man. A plethora of fish, molluscs, seaweed and crustaceans, in every colour, shape and texture, from the beautiful to the grotesque.
Whatever you do, don’t miss breakfast at one of the tiny sushi restaurants in the outer market. Perch at the counter and feast on the freshest, tastiest sushi and sashimi. Without a doubt the most memorable breakfast I’ve ever eaten.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/29666 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/29600 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/29600 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/29552 However this is also the land of the quirky and downright daft, and one of it’s oddest carnivals is without doubt the Mount Tsukuba Toad Festival. This takes place every August at the Tsukuba Shinto Shrine, and is in honour of the toads that have surrendered their lives to the production of toad grease since feudal times, when it was believed that it protected the skin against sword wounds.
The shrine itself is toad shaped, and large models of the sacrificial amphibians are held aloft and paraded on palanquins. The traditional costumes and music are fabulous, and some of the dance displays are truly strange. As the sake flows aplenty, you’ll find yourself tempted by the array of ‘toady’ wares on offer.
This unique night ends with a spectacular firework display.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/29552 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/29293 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/29293 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/29233 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/29233 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/29085 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/29085