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The amazing world of capsule hotel

2009-11-10T16:04:25Z

Last month, my American friends visited Japan, and I took them around Tokyo. They have been to Japan a few times, so they are used to Japanese culture. Therefore, they wanted to see something that ordinary tourists do not. Like other Japanese people, they enjoy going to Karaoke, and eating Japanese food. For me, it was more like to take JAPANESE friends coming to visit Tokyo. Therefore, it was really hard to find the places which satisfied them well. Until the last moment, I did the great job to satisfy their demands. However, their last request was the most difficult one. At the end of their trip, they asked me to take a place. To be honest, I have never visited that place. I think, for most of Japanese, that place is not so pleasing. The place was a capsule hotel. This request was quite confusing for me. Most of international tourists, especially the Westerners, complain how small the Japanese hotels or apartments are. Actually, I have lived in foreign countries for seven years, so I do understand their feelings. However, my American friends wanted to visit the smallest hotel rooms in this world. I was not so excited on the way to the capsule hotel. However, once I got to the capsule hotel, I was stunned by its facilities. At first, they had a Jacuzzi. This is nothing special. Most of capsule hotels have Jacuzzis. However, the one I visited had a very nice Jacuzzi. For me, it was worth paying money just to take the Jacuzzi. Furthermore, the capsule hotel had some karaoke rooms. Those karaoke rooms were as nice as the ones you saw around the city. Even though you need to pay some for using the karaoke rooms, I thought it would be great to go to bed right after we sang songs. Unfortunately, we did not use the karaoke rooms. It was because all of us were horrible singers. We just did not want to disturb other people in the hotel. Finally, I need to talk about the bed. This is the main point of staying at a capsule hotel. My first impression was not that bad. The bed was quite neat. For me, it was odd to be surrounded by walls. I hope that everybody agrees with this point. Other than that, because I was quite tired, I fell asleep very quickly. So, this was my first stay at the capsule hotel. Even I am Japanese, the experience was quite interesting. Thus, I guess this experience would be more amusing for international tourists. I highly recommend international tourists to stay at capsule hotels.

Trick or treat!!

2009-10-31T05:00:00Z

Have you ever thought about Halloween in Japan? Halloween exists in Japan too, but it's not thought as a big event, such as thought by people in the U.S. However, we can see some stores decorated by charms imaged Jack-o'-Lantern, witches, and other things related to Halloween. And, night clubs hold a costume party. Children in English language school often experience the culture. How they experience Halloween is usually that to go to neighborhoods and say "Trick or treat!" However, some Japanese don't care Halloween. They might not know even the date. So, sometimes the neighborhood can't react for them. What children do is just making neighborhood surprised. Actually, my mother called me today, and she asked me if she should give snacks or not if children come. Why she asked the question is just because she was not sure if she could give something to children who she doesn't really know. It was my mother's case but I'm sure some of Japanese don't keep snacks for Halloween. I think this is interesting and a gap between Japanese and the U.S. cultures. Therefore, if you want to get snacks, you might be better to tell neighborhoods what you are going to do. Otherwise, you might not get any snacks.

Izu peninsula

2009-10-20T07:26:33Z

Do you know Izu ?

It located at Izu peninsula, and it is almost center of Japan. Izu is a well-known sightseeing area. Especially, it is famous for Atami onsen ("Onsen" means hot springs), Shimoda harbor, Izu-kogen, and seafood dishes, especially Japanese spiny lobster and splendid alfonsino.

Izu area is blessed with an abundance of seafood from Sagami-port. Shimoda port was the first Japanese port which opened the trade with foreign countries. It actually opened its gate for foreigners on Mar. 31, 1854. At the same time, Shimoda port is famous for the historical incident, PERRY's "black ships".

There are so many hot springs around Izu; Atami onsen, Izu onsen, Nanadaru onsen, Itou onsen and Shimoda onsen. They surprisingly help us to keep the beauty of our skin. This point must be quite attractive for female tourists. This is because that the constituent of hot spring are good for our skin.

Recently, I went to Atami onsen for scuba-diving. It was my first time to try scuba-diving. Under the sea, tropical fishes swim like they are dancing. That was stunningly beautiful. Unfortunately, my ear got sore! And breathing was so hard until getting used to them.
I really want you to go to Izu, and eat some good cuisine while getting wonderful experience!

EF Nights Produced by English First Team

2009-10-06T05:40:09Z

We hold a party, which was called "EF Nights", at our office last month.
What is EF Nights?
It is for people who want to know and experience various cultures and languages in the world. This time, the main theme was Thailand.

Atmosphere of the party

We played with Thailand trivia.

They are studying Thai in this picture. She is Sariya, who came from our branch office in Thailand.
There are many Thai meals. Everything was delicious!

We did "Thai Dance". Everyone enjoyed daincing.

We welcome many people to participate in EF Nights.
Join us next time!

Have you ever been to TDL!?

2009-09-09T11:12:44Z

As children love, adults love Disney. They always give us dreams and make us happy.
Have you ever been to Disney Land? I went to Tokyo Disney Land last week.
The newest amusement attraction 'Monsters Inc.' was the my purpose of going,
but the 'fast-pass' was already sold out when I entered TDL 10:00 am.
I could line to ride it, but I had to line for over 4 hours!
so I carried it down next time.
Anyway, even I couldn't experience the newest amusement attraction, I really enjoyed the time
in Tokyo Disney Land. Many thrilling amusement attractions, cute characters, attractive buildings,
the Tokyo Disney Land was the country of dreams.
Do you know ' hidden mickey'? Have you had heared about it? It is a illustration of Mickey.
There are many 'hidden mickey'in Tokyo Disney Land. However, you can't find it if you scout about for it.
There are on walls, roads, and even in the booklet. I have found it once, but I have heared that plenty of
its are in TDL, so please find it and tell me where.

Tokyo Disney Land is a famous spot for couples, but I recommend you to go there with
girlfriends if you are a girl. It is really fun to have 'girls talk' while waiting. Anyway, you will love there once you go there.

Gundam!!

2009-09-07T11:06:56Z

I went to Odaiba the other day. At the moment, the event is held there. Among them, I saw the big outstanding statue. At first, I didn't know what it was and just surprised to see it in terms of size! It was about 18 meters tall.I learned that it is called "Gundam".Gundam" is a long-running animated television series in Japan featuring the space robot Gundam.I was so moved to see the image. Even though I have never seen the anime I could imagine the story.There are also many cosplayers who are imitating characters. It is just fun to look at them. You should definitely go and see it!

The symbol of Harajuku is "Takeshita -dori"

2009-09-02T10:21:47Z

If you are looking forward to see what's new in Tokyo, take a walk down Takeshita-dori,"Teen Heaven".
It is one of the symbols of the Harajuku area, which is always packed with young people. There are more than enough wired stuff to go around here; far too many small places selling idol/pop star pictures, fashion boutiques, used clothes stores, crepe stands, fast food outlets and cafes.
I can assure you that you will enjoy Takeshita-dori even if you are not hip and young.
It is very Japanese. What I mean by this is Japanese people tend to be clustered, and you would be so surprised to see so many people in the narrow path! You even have to squeeze your way through the crowd. Also, it is definitely entertaining to watch people alone! Indeed, when I went there, I saw a couple of maids and a number of different hair colors on oddly dressed young girls. If you want to experience the hot teenage culture, or to know cutting edge Japanese fashion you cannot miss Takeshita-dori! You should visit there especially on weekends!

Visit First Staff Blog!!

2009-09-01T13:14:27Z

Hello and welcome to our official blog.

Wehope you enjoy your visit and come back regularly.