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News 1. Japan Lifts Ban on Growing Human Organs in Animals 2. South Africa to Launch Vaccine Trial After First Coronavirus Case 3. California Becomes First State to Ban Fur Sales Articles 1. The Benefits of Growing Human Organs in Animals 2. South Africa's Response to Coronavirus and Vaccine Trials 3. How California's Fur Ban Will Impact the Economy Videos 1. Growing Human Organs in Animals Explained 2. South Africa's Coronavirus Response and Vaccine Trials 3. California's Fur Ban: What You Need to Know

Not Just a Cafe: All You Need to Know About Kissaten | Arigato Travel

Many may be familiar with Japan’s abundance of cafes and spots to get a quick drink, take a break to study, or even catch up on some work. You may think of the lively, sociable atmosphere full of chatter. However, there are certain types of “cafes’ all over Japan, where the atmosphere is quiet, peaceful, and dimly lit. This is called a kissaten, which translates directly to a place with coffee and tea. Cafes nowadays can become quite noisy, so those who wish to eat, drink some coffee, and work, tend to flock to these kissaten for a peaceful and serene atmosphere. Now without further ado, let’s learn more about these calm coffee spots and their culture. What exactly is a kissaten? Kissatens are a distinct type of “cafe,” a spot where customers can enjoy coffee and tea, and a filling meal, especially in the morning. Traditionally, kissaten were locations that would take upon the appearance of a traditional Japanese tearoom that sold coffee. However, in the Showa era and with increased popularity today, kissaten now have a more retro/modern appearance on the interior, adding items such as tea and toast to their menus. The addition of breakfast items has made many use these as a regular spot for their mornings, but they are as equally enjoyed throughout any time of the day. The culture within a kissaten Do you want to know what made kissaten so popular way back in World War Two? It was the fact that you could listen to music on a record player while enjoying coffee - something very unheard of at the time as record players were nearly unattainable. This kind of atmosphere became something unique to kissaten culture, the combination of music and coffee, or tea, if that’s more your style! Because of their long history, these coffee spots are seen as a place to relax, while also soaking in the nostalgia from eras that have come before. To fully feel the culture of any shop you visit, take note of the interior, the music, and the silence while you enjoy your drink of choice. What sets them apart from a cafe? While cafes may have baristas, at kissaten these staff are often referred to as Masters. Additionally, unlike the former, you can feel a more personalized, comfortable experience at a kissaten rather than the rush you may experience at your local, crowded coffee spot. Masters at these coffee locations can make you their own special drink if you so request and are known to pay their customers more personalised attention than a cafe’s staff might. When looking at images of a kissaten you may notice that the interiors are quite dim, with warm lighting scattered gently across the room. This results in a more soothing and welcoming atmosphere, allowing for the perfect place to relax. These spots also specialize in bread and desserts more than their cafe counterparts, whilst also focusing solely on serving tea and coffee, compared to some cafes which also may sell alcohol. Kissaten Recommendations in Tokyo Kayaba Coffee - Yanaka Settled inside a cozy neighborhood bustling with shopping streets, Yanaka holds the perfect kissaten for those searching for a bit of nostalgia to go with their drink of choice. Taking on the exterior of an old home, Kayaba Coffee has been around for seventy years. You won’t be bothered by the sounds of noisy coffee machines or chatter, your only task is to sit back and relax. If you happen to visit Yanaka for their shops or just a simple stroll, make sure to stop by Kayaba to experience a twist on the typical cafe. Address: 6 Chome-1-29 Yanaka, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0001 Opening Hours: 7 days a week, 8 AM - 6 PM Price Range: ¥1,000–2,000 per person Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kayabacoffee/ Pegasus - Asakusa Right near Sensoji Temple, this kissaten destination is perfect if you’re already in the popular Asakusa area! If you’ve had a good start on the busy streets and your own tourism in the area and are looking for a peaceful break before you get back on your feet, this might be the place for you. There is a good selection of sodas, the iconic melon soda, but also thick pieces of toast, and a variety of pasta dishes. Address: 3 Chome-1-10 Nishiasakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0035 Opening Hours: 7 days a week, 11 AM - 6:30 PM Price Range: ¥1–1,000 per person Website: https://ckv3.onushi.com/coffee/ These two locations aren’t even the tip of Japan’s kissaten iceberg. There are so many more places out there for you to discover so where do you start? Check out our blogs on the best Kissatens to visit in Tokyo and Kyoto! Coffee, Please! While many may enjoy their regular cafe spot, it is always good to remember that trying new things is how we can obtain more experiences, and kissaten are a perfect example of that. These coffee spots turn the world of a typical cafe upside down, transforming the atmosphere to a subdued, calming one where you can enjoy new flavors by yourself or with a friend. With how long they have been in Japan, and also their importance in the coffee scene, a visit to at least one is a must for your next trip! Featured Photo Credit: melscoffeetravels If you'll be on a trip this summer, be sure to check out our Summer Food Tours!

Enjoy Japan’s Summertime with Amusement and Water Parks | Arigato Travel

Japan’s summers are known for getting quite hot and many look for ways to beat the heat. While there are popular methods, such as visiting a beach or taking a dip at the nearest pool, Japan has many more ways to escape the heat and have fun during this hot and humid season. If you’re looking forward to a summer trip to Japan, this blog will prepare you with a list of available amusement and water parks that you can find throughout the country so that instead of remembering the intense steamy weather, you’ll remember all the fun you had at these parks! Theme Parks: Tokyo Joypolis If you’re looking for a way to stay cool but still have fun, Joypolis is number one on the list due to it being one of Japan’s biggest indoor amusement parks. Entertainment with air conditioning to escape Japan’s humidity? You won’t find that much elsewhere, making Tokyo’s Joypolis a park you should consider incorporating into your travel plans. This park contains more than 20 attractions and several roller coasters, making it perfect for those seeking a thrill this summer. Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/9ZPeG7xbMEAKqmnt9 Website: http://tokyo-joypolis.com/ Times: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM Ticket: 1,200 yen (adult) 900 yen (child) Legoland Japan Located in the beautiful city of Nagoya, Japan is home to the eighth Legoland in the world. With adventurous rides, fun Lego-shaped food, and workshops, there’s a little bit of everything for everyone. With four areas in the park, Adventure, Lego City, Knight’s Kingdom, and Pirate Shores, you can enjoy shows and rides for people of all ages. If you’re interested in learning more about Lego, there are certain activities to learn about the manufacturing process along with the respective machinery that goes towards making the very popular Lego as we know it. Make sure to try out the various Lego-shaped foods during your visit, too! Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/5E1CvqAbkauU2TLz7 Website: http://www.legoland.jp/ Times: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (6:00 PM on weekends) Ticket: 5000 - 7400 yen (adult) 3700 - 4800 yen (child) Fuji Q Highland Considered one of Japan’s most popular amusement parks, Fuji Q contains one of the world’s scariest haunted houses, not to mention boasting a beautiful view of Fuji in the background. There’s no doubt that Fuji Q Highland should be a spot you visit this summer. With various popular roller coasters that go straight up, straight down, and loop around several times, this is perfect for thrill seekers. Many would like to know that Fuji Q holds various Guinness World Record rides as well, so if you’re looking for a high-energy amusement park, Fuji Q is your best bet. The park has five roller coasters in total, and lines can get pretty long, so it may be best to head to the park early. Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/EbvjCNZ5pB2ppMGN6 Website: https://www.fujiq.jp/ja Times: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (6:00 PM on weekends) Ticket: 6000 - 7,800 yen (Check prices for specific age groups on the website) Universal Studios If you’re spending your summer in Osaka, you’ll discover many rides at the city’s Universal Studios that are perfect for a hot summer day with nothing else to do. From rides based on popular series such as Jurassic Park and Harry Potter to Nintendo games and even a few rides based on popular anime, USJ has a great variety to choose from. The park has ten different sections that’ll keep your day busy, whether you are taking photos with mascots walking around the park, enjoying the sectional delicacies, or checking out the many amazing rides. Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/GBdF2ZGqNbd8NyXr8 Website: https://www.usj.co.jp/web/ja/jp Times: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM Ticket: (Prices depend on the day/calendar, so make sure to check the month you plan to go, but they tend to aim for around 8,000 yen) Water Parks: Shibamasa World This park, located in Fukui, Japan, opens every summer, boasting some of the largest swimming pools in the country. From twisting water slides to huge pools simulating lapping waves, Shibamasa makes the perfect summer waterpark for families and friends. If you want to dry off before you make your way home, you can take advantage of this park, which is a hybrid water and amusement park, and take a few rides on their high-speed roller coasters. This 560,000 square meter park has enough for everyone to spend a few hours in the summer sun. Make sure to try out their funnel water slide, which is a very popular hit among visitors. Better yet, admission to this park is free! Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/rMvPUjcsKJDbYRiN7 Website: http://www.shibamasa.com/ Times: Open from March - November (10:00 AM - 5:00 PM) Ticket: Free Tokyo Summerland If you’re looking for a way to kick back during your summer vacation, Tokyo Summerland, home to the longest lazy river pool in Japan, is the place to go. From indoor pools where you can slip down short slides to huge outdoor pools where you can spin around on a huge inner tube with a group of friends, there is something fun and exciting at every location in this park. Tokyo Summerland even has a fun obstacle course and, as mentioned earlier, a relaxing lazy river where you can sit on an inner tube and float around. Whether you’re by yourself, with friends, or with family, this park is suited for people of all ages and groups. Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ouSxK3c4B5eJCCgr7 Website: https://www.summerland.co.jp/ Times: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Ticket: Starting from 2,600 yen for adults, 1,500 yen for children (check the website’s timetable for specific passes) Seibuen Yuenchi Slightly to the north of Saitama and Tokyo’s border lies a water/amusement park called Seibuen Yuenchi. With four different water slides, a huge wave pool for everyone to enjoy, and various spots for different age groups, anyone can find a way to spend their summer at Seibuen. A great thing about this park is how easy it is to get food if you happen to grow hungry during your time in the park. While taking a break from splashing around in the pools, you can enjoy popular Japanese foods such as takoyaki, yakisoba, somen, and other summer classics. Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/SoqJDgGxc5hCwipr7 Website: https://www.seibu-leisure.co.jp/amusementpark/index.html Times: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Ticket: 2,900 yen (adult), 1,900 yen (child) Nagashima Spa Land Located in an area called Kuwana, Nagashima Spa Land has it all, including an amusement park, a water park, shopping districts, an onsen resort, and more; you’ll find it very easy to spend all your time here. If you’re going to Nagashima for the waterpark, you’ll be happy to know that their “Jumbo Seawater Pool” is one of the largest swimming pools in the world. Additionally, just last year, the park introduced a new water slide, “Mega Abyss.” Like other parks, there are indoor pools, but what sets Nagashima apart from others is the fact that they have eleven different water slides, cutting down on the wait times to use them and also giving you several different ways to find some fun this summer. Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/puETa6tTqm4Gydu5A Website: https://www.nagashima-onsen.co.jp/pool/index.html Times: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM (7:00 PM during peak season) Ticket: 4,500 yen (adult) 3,000 yen (child) Get Out in the Sun and Have Some Summer Fun! Summer trips can be fun; you just have to know how to make them so! Japan has a wide collection of parks for both entertainment and to allow you to splash around in the water on the very hot days you will experience on your travels. Hopefully, this blog has given you a wide enough range for those searching for a spot to make great memories this summer. From places in the popular cities to spots a bit further away from the hustle and bustle, there are locations all over Japan to spend time in for amusement. With that being said, pick a park, whether more amusement-based or with more refreshing water rides, and spend your summer to the fullest! Featured Photo Credit: grapeejapan For more options of escaping the summer's sweltering heat, book one of summer tours and delve into Japanese cuisine!