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Nihon Navigator: Your Web Guide to Japan (Part 2)
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Planning a trip or simply curious about Japan? This comprehensive collection of websites serves as your essential guide to discovering everything from majestic castles and serene temples to breathtaking natural landscapes and vibrant cultural experie...
Full List here: benable.com/Perzpektiba/nihon-navigator-your-web-guide-to-japan
Planning a trip or simply curious about Japan? This comprehensive collection of websites serves as your essential guide to discovering everything from majestic castles and serene temples to breathtaking natural landscapes and vibrant cultural experie...
Full List here: benable.com/Perzpektiba/nihon-navigator-your-web-guide-to-japan
Sections
3
Art, Tradition & Culture
Zoos, Aquariums & Theme Parks
Local Mascots & Heroes
Art, Tradition & Culture
Delve into Japan's rich artistic heritage and enduring traditions. This section uncovers the vibrant world of Japanese culture, from captivating performing arts to diverse historical collections and lively celebrations. Explore the depth and beauty o...
What is it?
Kabuki is an art form rich in showmanship. It involves elaborately designed costumes, eye-catching make-up, outlandish wigs, and arguably most importantly, the exaggerated actions performed by the actors. The highly-stylized movements serve to convey...
Dynamic stage sets such as revolving platforms and trapdoors allow for the prompt changing of a scene or the appearance/disappearance of actors. Another specialty of the kabuki stage is a footbridge (hanamichi) that leads through the audience, allowi...
Plots are usually based on historical events, warm hearted dramas, moral conflicts, love stories, tales of tragedy of conspiracy, or other well-known stories. A unique feature of a kabuki performance is that what is on show is often only part of an e...
Kabuki is an art form rich in showmanship. It involves elaborately designed costumes, eye-catching make-up, outlandish wigs, and arguably most importantly, the exaggerated actions performed by the actors. The highly-stylized movements serve to convey...
Dynamic stage sets such as revolving platforms and trapdoors allow for the prompt changing of a scene or the appearance/disappearance of actors. Another specialty of the kabuki stage is a footbridge (hanamichi) that leads through the audience, allowi...
Plots are usually based on historical events, warm hearted dramas, moral conflicts, love stories, tales of tragedy of conspiracy, or other well-known stories. A unique feature of a kabuki performance is that what is on show is often only part of an e...
Traditional Theater - Kabuki
Noh (能, Nō) is a form of theater involving music, dance and drama, originating in the 14th century. It was developed together with kyogen, which are comical pieces performed during interludes of the main noh performance. The dual art of noh and kyoge...
Noh as we know it today was popularized and formalized by a man named Zeami during the Muromachi Period (1333-1573). It was Zeami's work that attracted the government's patronage of the art form. Zeami later fell out of favor with the government and ...
During the Tokugawa Period (1603-1867), the shogunate made noh its official ceremonial art and issued regulations for its governance. Noh thus became increasingly standardized, with an emphasis on tradition rather than innovation. A fifth troupe was ...
Noh as we know it today was popularized and formalized by a man named Zeami during the Muromachi Period (1333-1573). It was Zeami's work that attracted the government's patronage of the art form. Zeami later fell out of favor with the government and ...
During the Tokugawa Period (1603-1867), the shogunate made noh its official ceremonial art and issued regulations for its governance. Noh thus became increasingly standardized, with an emphasis on tradition rather than innovation. A fifth troupe was ...
Traditional Theater - Noh
What is it?
Bunraku puppets are about one-half life size and each is operated by three performers: a principal operator and two assistants. Strings are not used, but rather the puppeteers co-operate to maneuver the limbs, eyelids, eyeballs, eyebrows and mouths o...
The story is narrated by a single person, who also speaks the voice of all the puppets, and therefore must have a diverse repertoire of vocal expressions to represent both genders and all ages. The pace of the narration is dictated by accompanying mu...
Bunraku and kabuki often depict stories based on adaptations of scripts with similar themes. Classic tragic love stories, heroic legends and tales based on historical events are popular.
Bunraku puppets are about one-half life size and each is operated by three performers: a principal operator and two assistants. Strings are not used, but rather the puppeteers co-operate to maneuver the limbs, eyelids, eyeballs, eyebrows and mouths o...
The story is narrated by a single person, who also speaks the voice of all the puppets, and therefore must have a diverse repertoire of vocal expressions to represent both genders and all ages. The pace of the narration is dictated by accompanying mu...
Bunraku and kabuki often depict stories based on adaptations of scripts with similar themes. Classic tragic love stories, heroic legends and tales based on historical events are popular.
Traditional Theater - Bunraku
Ryokans are accommodation facilities which are imbued with the traditional culture of Japan. As a result, it is quite understandable that foreign guests are often perplexed by many things when staying at a ryokan. Nevertheless, it is also true that v...
Japan Ryokan
Japan is home to a large number and variety of excellent museums. Whether it is about religion, science, history, geography or arts and crafts, museums of different subjects and interests can be found across the country.
Best Museums in Japan
Contemporary art in Japan is thriving. Some art works are found in museums while others can be enjoyed at periodically held art festivals. In particular, the Seto Inland Sea region has gained the reputation of being a hotbed for contemporary art; sev...
Contemporary Art in Japan
Use this if it doesn't work: japan.travel/en/see-and-do/festivals-and-events
Festivals are deeply rooted in Japanese culture. Be sure to plan your visit so you can join a festival.
Japan’s four seasons are very distinct and are full of nature and seasonal fun no matter what time of year it is. Festivals are often focused around nature, whether it's a plea for it to settle down or to show gratitude for its natural gifts. Some ve...
Festivals are deeply rooted in Japanese culture. Be sure to plan your visit so you can join a festival.
Japan’s four seasons are very distinct and are full of nature and seasonal fun no matter what time of year it is. Festivals are often focused around nature, whether it's a plea for it to settle down or to show gratitude for its natural gifts. Some ve...
Japanese Festivals & Events
Zoos, Aquariums & Theme Parks
Dive into a world of wonder and excitement with Japan's diverse collection of family-friendly attractions. This section guides you through captivating zoos, mesmerizing aquariums, and thrilling theme parks, offering unforgettable experiences for all ...
Japan has a few dozen popular theme parks and amusement parks, including some world-renowned brand names like Disneyland and Universal Studios. There are also a few parks unique to Japan, for example, Nikko Edomura, which is themed after a town of th...
During the extravagant years of the bubble economy, many parks were built across Japan, several of which were forced to close again when the economy took a downturn. Those that remain in operation are the bigger and better received ones, usually with...
During the extravagant years of the bubble economy, many parks were built across Japan, several of which were forced to close again when the economy took a downturn. Those that remain in operation are the bigger and better received ones, usually with...
Theme Parks in Japan
Your ultimate guide to Japan's zoos, aquariums, and botanical gardens. Easily search by region to find the perfect place to experience Japan's natural wonders.
Best Zoos, Aquariums & Botanical Gardens Spot List (2025 Edition)
Use this if it doesn't work: japan.travel/en/things-to-do/attraction/zoo-and-aquarium
Explore the wonders of Japan's animal kingdom! This website showcases a variety of zoos and aquariums across Japan. Plan your visit to discover fascinating wildlife and marine life.
Explore the wonders of Japan's animal kingdom! This website showcases a variety of zoos and aquariums across Japan. Plan your visit to discover fascinating wildlife and marine life.
Zoo & Aquarium in Japan
As an island country, Japan has a history and culture that are inseparably tied to the sea. Not surprisingly, aquariums (水族館, Suizokukan) are both numerous and popular attractions found across the country. Many of these are modern facilities, with ne...
Aquariums in Japan
Japan is home to more species than most other countries in the world thanks to the archipelago's large north-south extension from subarctic to subtropical latitudes and the abundance of marine life along her coast. Japan's islands are inhabited by la...
Wildlife and Zoos in Japan
Local Mascots & Heroes
Discover the charming and unique characters that bring Japan's regions to life. This section introduces you to the beloved yuru kyara (local mascots), regional Pokemons, and the spirited local heroes that embody the identity and spirit of towns and p...
What is Yuru Kyara? (From Wikipedia)
Yuru-kyara (Japanese: ゆるキャラ, Hepburn: yuru kyara) is a Japanese term for a category of mascot characters; usually created to promote a place or region, event, organisation or business. They are characterized by their kawaii (cute) and unsophisticated...
You can view detailed profiles and related links for registered characters. You can also sort them by name or region, so please take your time to explore the activities and details of each character.
Yuru-kyara (Japanese: ゆるキャラ, Hepburn: yuru kyara) is a Japanese term for a category of mascot characters; usually created to promote a place or region, event, organisation or business. They are characterized by their kawaii (cute) and unsophisticated...
You can view detailed profiles and related links for registered characters. You can also sort them by name or region, so please take your time to explore the activities and details of each character.
Yuru Kyara Mascots (Japanese Website)
Pokémon Local Acts aims to promote Japan’s various localities by highlighting their well-known and not so well-known charms. The fun activities and initiatives are designed to bring out the best in the partnering prefectures and municipalities, and i...
Pokémon Local Acts
What is Local Hero? (From Wikipedia)
A local hero (ローカルヒーロー, rōkaru hīrō, also written as gotōchi hīrō (ご当地ヒーロー)) is a Japanese superhero who is created to represent a particular region of Japan, such as a prefecture or city. They often perform in special martial arts stage shows. Creat...
Although local heroes are produced to act in a local area, some gain fame throughout Japan by performing at other local heroes' shows or being featured in mainstream media. Chōjin Neiger (超神ネイガー, Chōjin Neigā, translated as "Super-God Neiger" or "Nei...
Independent film releases also use the "local hero" motif to present their characters. Crusher Kazuyoshi (クラッシャーカズヨシ, Kurasshā Kazuyoshi) is portrayed as a local hero for Tokyo, and is portrayed by Kazuyoshi Sakai of Hyakujuu Sentai Gaoranger. Anison...
The anime Tentai Senshi Sunred is based on the local hero theme, featuring the title character as the protector of the city of Kawasaki in Kanagawa Prefecture.
A local hero (ローカルヒーロー, rōkaru hīrō, also written as gotōchi hīrō (ご当地ヒーロー)) is a Japanese superhero who is created to represent a particular region of Japan, such as a prefecture or city. They often perform in special martial arts stage shows. Creat...
Although local heroes are produced to act in a local area, some gain fame throughout Japan by performing at other local heroes' shows or being featured in mainstream media. Chōjin Neiger (超神ネイガー, Chōjin Neigā, translated as "Super-God Neiger" or "Nei...
Independent film releases also use the "local hero" motif to present their characters. Crusher Kazuyoshi (クラッシャーカズヨシ, Kurasshā Kazuyoshi) is portrayed as a local hero for Tokyo, and is portrayed by Kazuyoshi Sakai of Hyakujuu Sentai Gaoranger. Anison...
The anime Tentai Senshi Sunred is based on the local hero theme, featuring the title character as the protector of the city of Kawasaki in Kanagawa Prefecture.
Japan Local Heroes (Japanese Website)