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Top 10 Must-Have Japanese Souvenirs

One of the best ways to make a vacation memorable is by collecting travel souvenirs. It is always fun to bring home something from a place you visited regardless if it’s expensive or cheap; small or big and even if it’s useful or not so. Whether you keep the souvenir for yourself or give it to your friends and loved ones, collecting vacation memorabilia is indeed a worthwhile hobby in itself. Give your friend a decorative piece from Thailand and she’ll remember you whenever she sees it on her shelf. Bring home a shirt from Hawaii and you’ll remember all the amazing days you spent enjoying their awesome beaches. Indeed, souvenirs can stir so many memories. And with that said, here are the top 10 must-have Japanese souvenirs that you have to buy when you visit the Land of the Rising Sun!

1. Teapot Set

If you’re a tea person, you’ll surely love an authentic Japanese teapot set that comes complete with cute teacups. If you’re interested in hosting your own “chanoyu” or also known as the Japanese Tea Ceremony, this set will add a unique cultural accent to your tea party.

2. Maneki-neko

Attract good fortune with this world-famous lucky charm, the “beckoning cat.” Place this at the entrance of your business establishment or in your home and let the cute feline summon all the good vibes to bring you more prosperity.

3. Geta

If you love shoes or sandals, it’s your chance to grab a pair of geta. These are traditional Japanese footwear that look like clogs and flip-flops combined. The frame is made from wood and is equipped with a fabric thong that keeps the foot in position when used. These are worn with a kimono or yukata so if you have plans of going to a costume party, you might want to have them handy.

4. Daruma Dolls

You might find the daruma dolls a bit weird but you’ll surely get one of these when you find out what they’re for. Daruma are spherical dolls that usually come in red color. They are amulets that are believed to bring good luck, wealth and power to accomplish goals. When you buy one, the vendor will ask you to make a wish and then you’ll have to draw one of its eyes. You’ll only draw the second eye once your wish is fulfilled.

5. Japanese Lanterns

Japanese lanterns are my personal favorite. They are made from “washi”, also known as the traditional Japanese paper, and glued on a bamboo frame. As you may have noticed, they are widely used as festival illuminations, in parks, restaurants, hotels and even as home decorations. Buy a few of these and glam up your garden or porch to add a Japanese feel to your home!

6. Sake Set

What’s better than drinking sake in a cold night? It’s drinking sake using an authentic sake set. So get one for your home and add some fire to your sushi and tempura nights with a warm bottle of Japan’s favorite rice wine.

7. Wagasa

The wagasa is a traditional Japanese umbrella made from bamboo and paper. It is distinct from the Western umbrellas because of its unique shape, design and its numerous ribs. Aside from providing protection against the rain or the heat of the sun, the wagasa is also utilized in “kabuki” or traditional theater and the “chanoyu” or the Japanese tea ceremony.

8. Kokeshi Dolls

Kokeshi dolls were originally from northern Japan. These are handmade dolls made from wood and described as having a plain trunk and puffed-up head. They have a few painted details to define the face but do not have arms.  In Japan, these aren’t considered as mere toys but also a prominent part of the Japanese traditional art.

9. Japanese Porcelain

You may have heard about the popularity of Chinese porcelain but know that the Japanese also have their own style and design of making beautiful plates, bowls and cups. In fact, there are about 18 major Japanese pottery techniques and each of these has their own sub-styles. You can see distinct cultural and artistic characteristics in these pieces that are truly Japanese. Use them to serve delectable Japanese dishes on your dinner party to make the moment more eventful.

10. Samurai Sword Replicas

The samurai sword should not be forgotten when you shop for Japanese souvenirs. It’s available in a wide array of sizes and also from simple to more intricate details. Place this in your living area as a decoration or give it as a present to a friend who dreams of becoming a samurai.

I hope you liked my top 10 list of Japan’s must-have souvenirs! Hope you’ll shop for any of these the next time you visit the country. And oh, don’t forget to let us know if your wish with the daruma doll comes true! Good luck!

 Eileen

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Does Hooking Up To A Public WiFi Internet Safe?

In a recent post we made on WiFi Hire’s Facebook Fan Page, we talked about the disadvantages of using public WiFi internet. We’re referring to the free internet connection available in airports, coffee shops, malls and many more. And although it’s really practical because you’re not paying fees, there are still downsides that you have to consider. Here’s a quick recap of the reasons why we don’t like free WiFi:

1. Because there are so many users connected, internet is sluggish. 2. Your personal information is at risk. You are in the same network with a whole bunch of people you don't really know. What are the chances that one of them knows how to tamper with other devices in an unsecured network? 3. The connection might be bogus. How easy is it to create a copycat connection? How sure are you that it's the coffee shop, the restaurant or the building's real WiFi ID and not some hacker's bait to steal your private information?

Aside from the speed issue, you’ll notice that the other two problems have something to do with user safety. How safe is a public WiFi anyway? How much threat does it pose when it comes to the security of your personal data, financial accounts and other sensitive information? Do you need to really risk yourself just to be able to connect to the internet? See this infographic published by Visual.ly to find out more:

Having learned about the low-level security of a public WiFi network, you should think about getting your personal internet connection. There sure are many internet service providers out there who provide mobile internet for a reasonable cost. But if you have multiple devices that you need to connect at once, it will be more cost effective for you to get a WiFi router and that’s where we come in! WiFi Hire offers a great array of WiFi devices that you can rent with cost-friendly plans! We’ll guarantee you a FAST, efficient and SECURE connection all over Japan! Visit our website to learn more.

Remember the valuable tips discussed in the infographic we shared to keep your personal information safe while on the internet. Until then, happy browsing everyone!

Eileen

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How People Celebrate New Year In Japan

The first day of January is referred to as “gantan” in Japanese and is recognized as the most important national holiday in Japan. The celebration of New Year is called the “shogatsu” and is enjoyed not only on the day itself (January 1) but until the 3rd of the month. During this enjoyable three-day celebration, families spend time together and businesses and schools close down to mark the passing of the previous year and welcome the coming of the new one. This holiday is indeed observed in several ways that are firmly rooted to the Japanese culture and traditions. So for this weeks’ post, I want to share with you how New Year is celebrated in Japan.

1. Bonenkai or forget-the-year parties are held. Because years are viewed separately, part of the Japanese tradition is to complete all duties by the end of the year. Holding a bonenkai party with colleagues and classmates symbolizes parting with old worries.

2. Hatsumode is also a New Year tradition wherein the Japanese people visit shrines or temples such as Tokyo’s Meiji Shrine. People pray for another bountiful year, good health, happiness, good fortune, safety and many more. In Buddhist temples, people clasp their hands together then pray silently. In Shinto shrines, people bow twice, clap hands twice and then bow again.

3. Festivities are not complete without decorations. Entrances to homes, buildings and shops in Japan are adorned with bamboo kadomatsu and pine with the belief that Shinto gods reside in trees. The pine remains evergreen even during winter and the bamboo represents virtuousness thus signifying the wish for strength amidst adversity.

4. There are a number of food items that are especially part of the Japanese shogatsu. Osechi-ryori are dishes served on the first three days of January. These are grilled and vinegary dishes prepared in multi-layered juubako boxes. The usual food items included in this meal are sea bream tail or medetai for a favorable year, sea tangle roll or kobumaki for happiness and herring roe or kazunoko for prosperity of one’s descendants.

Otoso or sweetened rice wine and ozoni, a special kind of soup with mocha, are also served. On New Year’s eve, toshikoshi soba or buckwheat noodles are eaten to symbolize longetivity.

5. Another very popular custom is the sending of cards or nengajo on January 1st. There are more than 35 billion cards sent on this special day and they account for almost 20% of all the annual postal revenues.

6. Otoshidama is monetary gift-giving in Japan during the New Year celebration. People prepare money in small envelopes and these are given to children as presents. 

These are some of the most popular Japanese New Year traditions that I know of. If you have other customs that you’d like to share, feel free to post them on Facebook page. Happy New Year everyone and may you have a prosperous 2014!

Eileen

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A Roundup Of The Most Beautiful Winter Illuminations In Japan

Winter is one of the most anticipated seasons in Japan. It’s that time of the year when tourists and citizens alike get busy with their cameras especially at night. But what’s there to capture anyway? Well, you won’t get tired taking pictures of the bright and sparkling illuminations that make skyscrapers, bridges, gardens, trees, parks and temples even more stunning! You should see the trees fully clad with vivid lights of different colors. Even walkways are adorned with glimmering LEDs. Parks, temples and town centers attract crowds of different races every night. Winter is indeed the time to be joyous and high-spirited. It’s the last quarter of the year when people are just filled with love, peace and positivity. And if you don’t have a significant other to share this season with, just take a look at these spectacular Japan Christmas illuminations to get you in the mood.

Akasaka Sacas

Caretta Shiodome

Fukuoka Tower

Walkway in Ginza

Hinokicho Park

Hokkaido

Kiyomizudera Temple

Kyoto

Marunouchi

Meguro River

Midosuji Boulevard, Osaka

Roponggi Hills

Sapporo

Sendai

Shidome

Shinjuku

Togetsukyo Bridge

Tokyo Midtown

Tsuruoka

Yebisu Garden Place

I hope you'll love these magnificent photos of Japan the same way I do. And If you have photos of your own to share, please feel free to post them on WiFi-Hire's Official Facebook fan page. Don't forget to contact us via our website should you need affordable and speedy WiFi internet.

Have a wonderful season with your family, friends and loved ones!

Eileen

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Godzilla: A Bigger Comeback This 2014!

I was 14 when I watched the 1998 American-produced movie remake of Godzilla, the popular Japanese kaiju. I was already in high school that time and a girl my age would think romantic teen movies were way better to watch or more applicable to my age. But hey, I disagree.  I was born in the 1980s, the era of Bioman, Voltes V, Daimos, Maskman, Ultraman, Masked Rider. You name it. I can give you a long list of my favorite Japanese cartoons and (Ultra, Super Sentai, Kamen Rider) series that made Sunday mornings fun and exciting. And you know what? Godzilla is just one of the many Japanese flicks that I loved since my childhood years.

Anyway, the King of Monsters was a creation of Toho Co., Ltd., a Japanese film, theater production company that’s famous for producing kaiju [strange creature] and tokusatsu [special effects] movies and one of the core companies of Hankyu Hanshin Toho Group. Godzilla starred in more than 28 movies since the early 1950s and was ever since depicted as a giant creature with a robust build, a long tail and noticeable reptilian attributes. You might have noticed that its appearance changed over the years, because of technological advancement obviously. But it’s a wonder how its height changed from one movie to another, too. You don’t believe me? Take a look at this chart below to understand what I mean.

If you’re a fan of Godzilla, your eyes may have widened learning from the chart that there's going to be a 2014 movie remake. And this time, the King of Monsters is bigger with a height of 120-150 meters! How's that for a monster, eh? I sure have high expectations from director Gareth Edwards who is doing this much-awaited film with Legendary Pictures and Warner Bros. Anyway,the movie's going to be out in the cinemas by May 2014 and that leaves us with almost half a year to wait. So for now, watch this short trailer to soothe your excitement!

See you all in the movies, Godzilla fans!

Eileen

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Day trip to Odawara

I am back with another post about my adventures in Japan. This past weekend my friends and I decided to take a drive to the ocean and enjoy the perfectly clear autumn day. So we went to Odawara, Kanagawa which is about 2 hours south west of Tokyo and a coastal region facing the Pacific Ocean.

Odawara Castle was our first stop. This castle is situated on top of a hill, surrounded by moats, high walls, with mountains north of it and the sea to the south. It was known for its strong defenses but much of it was destroyed during the Great Kanto quake of 1923. It has been slowly been restored back to what it once was since then. From the top floor it provides beautiful views of the sea and the city of Odawara. Inside the castle, houses many artifacts used by the former inhabitants of the castle.

Our next stop was to this cafe with this stunning view of the ocean while you had your delicious fresh catch of the day. We just happened to find this place while driving around looking for a place to eat. Never know what you will find just by simply exploring and getting lost.

The final stop was to go mikan picking. Mikans are basically like tangerines, small citrus fruit that range from sweet to tart tasting. While picking the mikan you could eat as much as you want. And we ate a lot. Then paid for whatever we wanted to take home. We were pretty tired after that and went home with our bellies stuffed.

See you guys next time!

Angelo

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How To Keep Your Passwords Safe | Secure WiFi Internet Use

A large percentage of the world population is already connected to the World Wide Web. Why not? The internet has provided us with so many conveniences such as staying in touch with loved ones, shopping, earning money, working from home and even doing bank transactions. It cannot be denied that many of us are dependent on the internet. In fact, our need for it is too high that the majority of businesses and offices all over the world even offer free WiFi internet for its patrons and employees. Then again, we have to remember that internet use entails responsibility and caution. Though most of us find this modern day invention helpful, we can’t disregard the fact that there are also people who use it for fraud, theft and other disparaging acts. To prevent getting victimized by such reproachful activities, we have to protect our online accounts by first, safeguarding our passwords. Here are some tips for your info:

1. Create a strong password. Make sure it is at least 8 - 16 characters long and comprised of numbers and letters. For added security, you might want to add symbols in it.

2. Keep your password to yourself. Don’t share it to anyone, not even your closest friend, your daughter or spouse.

3. Some of us have so many online accounts and it’s really hard to remember them all. If you want to take note of your passwords, just don’t put them somewhere that’s accessible to everyone.

4. Change your password every now and then. Some change theirs weekly but if you find that difficult, maybe monthly will do? It really depends on you. Just remember that you should not use the same password/s over the years.

5. Don’t create a password that’s associated with or similar to your personal information such as your name, birthday or address. Choose a word or a phrase that only you know the meaning of.

6. Make use of security questions. Many websites have this feature so that users have a secure way of verifying their accounts or resetting their passwords in case they forget their log in credentials.

7. Don’t use free WiFi hotspots when checking your bank accounts online. Public networks aren’t that safe and in fact pose online threats.

Follow these simple tips to keep your online accounts safe. And for a guaranteed secure connection, why not rent one of our WiFi routers? This way, you can connect to the internet anytime, anywhere without using free public hotspots. We offer so many affordable plans that you can choose from so visit our website and get yours now!

Eileen

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Miyajima: A Memorable Destination This December

December is a great month to visit Japan not only for families and couples but also for those lone travelers who are looking forward to an unforgettable stay. Popular tourist destinations in this beautiful country include Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Sapporo and Fukuoka among many others. But if you want to end the year with a really special vacation, why not visit Miyajima?  Miyajima, formerly Itsukushima Island, is situated west of the Inland Sea of Japan and is an hour away outside Hiroshima. It’s proudly one of the three best views of the country, with the other two being Matsushima and Amanohashidate. And if you’re thinking that the place is teeming with noisy cars, plagued by large crowds and tainted by restless streets, you’re wrong. The island is by far among the most romantic and most peaceful of vacation spots in the land of the rising sun.

There are so many ways to enjoy your Miyajima vacation. First of all, I suggest you stay overnight in one of its many inns, referred to as ryokan by the locals. Ryokans range from small, family-owned inns to large, hotel-like establishments where you can fully experience Japan’s way of life. And by that I am pertaining to their rich culture apparent in such display of hospitality and generosity; their culinary prowess evident in mouth-watering servings of sushi; and of course their natural talent in concocting relaxing drinks such as sake. In terms of attractions, you may want to start with the Itsukushima Shrine, a shrine built above water that’s supported by pillars and connected by boardwalks. It is widely popular for its torii gate that appears to float during high tide.

Another go-to place is Daisho-in Temple, situated at the foot of Mount Misen. The said temple is a significant historical landmark because it’s where Buddhism was first practiced in Miyajima. Once you’ve enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere of the temple, you may want to take any of the three hiking trails that lead to the top of Mount Misen, the highest peak in the island. On a clear day, you'll get a magnificent view of the Seto Inland Sea from the mountain top. There’s also an aquarium at the far end of the town in case you're into viewing local fresh and salt water creatures. And if you are interested in learning more about the island’s past, just drop by the The Miyajima Museum of History and Folklore.

These are just some of the attractions that will make your December Miyajima Island vacation worth remembering. And to immortalize your stay, share your vacation photos via your Facebook and Instagram accounts! Rent our wifi routers for guaranteed stable and speedy internet connection! 

Eileen

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Fiesta de Espana 2013

Yoyogi Park in Tokyo is always holding various festivals throughout the year. This weekend (November 23,24) they will have a festival celebrating Spain. There will be numerous booths selling food and drink, so expect a variety of tapas and sangria.

There will also be performances there at the main stage featuring dancing and music from various regions of Spain. If you are interested in crafts from the country there will be vendors selling those too.

Yoyogi Park is located conveniently next to Harajuku. And you can visit Shibuya, Omotesando and Meiji Jingu Temple which are within walking distance of the park. The event will go one whether rain or shine.

Angelo

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Evangelion Sword Exhibition

If you are a fan of anime you have probably heard of Evangelion. It is considered a classic by some and recognized by most Japanese people. The series is still producing movies and marketing itself through various products like coffee, clothes, and now there is a sword exhibition featuring history of sword smithing in Japan. The exhibition has been traveling throughout Japan and will be on display in Tokyo starting from November 23 in the Ueno Royal Museum. There will swords made by Japanese sword smiths along with Evangelion related weapons like the Lance of Longinus and katanas based on the characters like Asuka Langely. Expect to find other goodies that can be only found at this exhibition.  The exhibition will be on display from November 23 to December 23.

See you there.

Angelo

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Google to use your name and picture in Ads

Starting from today Google will begin using ads with your picture and name in conjunction with advertisers. Similar to how Facebook promoted ads with friends who had 'liked' those companies. The information and pictures will be accessed through your Google + accounts.

If you want to opt out of this and not let Google use your image for their means. Here is the link to opt out. 

https://plus.google.com/settings/endorsements?hl=en

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Frequently Asked Questions

Hello everyone! I would like to answer some questions about the service we provide. So lets get to it!

Q. What service does Wifi-Hire provide?

A. We provide wifi routers for people coming/living in Japan.

Q. What exactly is a wifi router?

A. A wifi router is a small portable device that provides internet connection to any wifi enabled device, ie tables, smart phones, and laptops.

Q. How does your service work?

A. The devices are already all preset and ready to use once you receive it. All you need to do is to connect the network associated with it.

Q. What kinds of rental plans are there? How about the coverage area?

A. We rent the device to you through various rental plans ranging from 5 days to 45 days. It is also possible to go day by day.

We have various models that will provide customers coverage throughout Japan, whether it is urban or rural areas.

Q. How does one order one?

A. Apply through our website.

http://www.wifi-hire.com

If you have any other questions feel to ask us.

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A look at predicted GDPs for 2025 (via NextBigFuture)

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Tokyo Skytree

Hello everyone! I took this picture of Tokyo Skytree from the reflection of the adjacent building. I was showing a friend of mine around Tokyo and we found this observation deck and noticed this interesting perspective of the tower.

The tower opened in the May of 2012 with the main purpose of broadcastings radio and television signals. Tokyo Tower was used for that purpose prior but as skyscrapers in the city grew, transmitting radio and television signals diminished. Skytree is located conveniently close to Asakusa and Ueno park. So it is a great place to go sightseeing without traveling too much.

This was not the first time for me to visit Skytree so I decided to explore a bit. The base of the tower has many levels of shopping, food, and exhibitions. Hidden on one of the many floors was a robotics exhibition by professors and students from the Chiba Institute of Technology. They had an interactive projector screen that would allow people to control robots on the screen with body motions. 

I really like technology related things and it was great to find this kind of exhibition hidden within part of the Skytree tower. I hope to find more things like this and I will be sure to share it with everyone.

Have you ever had an experience like this? Is there some place in Japan or your country where you discovered a little known place and you must let the masses know about.  Please let us know.

Angelo

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Kansai Airport Pick Up

From our sister site, Wifi-Hire.com, we will be offering wifi routers open to pick ups at Kansai Airport. Previously we only served Narita, Haneda, New Chitose and Chubu Centrair airports. We are happy to expand our services to a new region and hope to bring the best service to our customers.

If you have any questions regarding our routers, please feel free to message here or on our various social networking accounts.

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Okayama

Okayama Castle (Korakuen Garden)

My first impressions of Japan was never what you saw in movies, not the hustle and bustle of Tokyo or tradition and culture rich region of Kyoto. It all started for me in this little known prefecture, Okayama.

It is for the most part countryside throughout with Okayama-shi as its capital and my home. Known for it delicious fruit like white peaches, muscat grapes, melon and mikan. It is also known by the famous Japanese fairytale about Momotaro. It is a place where life is slower and the people are kind. The perfect place to experience life in Japan the way most people outside of do not know about.

What brought me to Okayama was a chance to visit a country I have always admired from afar. So I decided one day with my friend to study abroad in Japan. I have always been interested in the culture and as I learned more about the people, tradition and history, slowly feel in love with it all.

Through my university I landed a scholarship and was accepted for an exchange program with Okayama University. It was going to be my first trip to Japan but the start of many others. That is where my journey begins. 

If you have any questions or comments please feel to ask. I will respond pretty quickly usually. I look forward to them.

Angelo