Justin Velgus

@justin.velgus

Justin Velgus (ジャスティンベルガス) is a long-term resident and promoter in the Tohoku region. He has been a content producer for JapanTravel.com since 2012 and was the Miyagi Prefecture Regional Partner 2013-2015.

Justin’s over 300 published travel and culture articles come from a background of studying in Akita, teaching English in Miyagi through the JET Program, and working for the government in Fukushima. He lives in the gyutan capital of the world, Sendai.

Justin is an expert in local culture and history. He was the first foreign volunteer at Sendai City Museum and regularly advises the local volunteer guide group GOZAIN , which he is a veteran member, on guiding techniques and hidden locations in the city even locals don't know about. In his free time he enjoys delivering original walking tours, such as his Dark Sendai Tour (ghost tour) or Kokubuncho Mystery Tour (redlight district tour). Justin is also a Certified Sake Professional.

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Nightlife

Thai Massage Sabaidee and Tea

Sabaidee and Tea (サバイディ＆ティー) is a specialty Thai massage parlor in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture. With aroma oil and foot..

Miyagi 1 1

Culture

Sendai Daikannon

The Sendai Daikannon statue is currently the world's sixth largest statue, located in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture. It stands 100..

Miyagi

Activity

Fox Village in Zao

Zao Kitsune Mura is a "village" filled with a large number of free roaming foxes near Shiroishi in Miyagi Prefecture. Loads of..

Miyagi 11

The Massive Sendai Daikannon Statue

The Sendai Daikannon Statue is one of the top ten tallest statues in the world. Located next to the Best Western Hotel in Sendai,..

Miyagi 1

Culture

Nihongami Beauty Parlor Sawada

Kyoto-trained expert geisha and maiko hairdresser based in Sendai now offers the rare chance to live your Japanese fantasy. Add..

Miyagi 248 2

Accommodation

Sendai Royal Park Hotel

A European style inspired hotel with all the class, charm, and professionalism of any other luxury hotel. An increasing number of..

Miyagi 47 4

Culture

Yamadera Retro Hall Museum

Take a break from climbing those stairs for a free tea and history break.

Yamagata 1

Food

Fukushima Burger Summit, Koori Town

Do you prefer your burger filled with beef, fish, pork, lamb, deer, or ice cream? The Fukushima Burger Summit hosts the most innovative..

Fukushima

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Justin's Japan

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Food

Fukushima Burger Summit, Koori Town

Justin Velgus

Do you prefer your burger filled with beef, fish, pork, lamb, deer, or ice cream? The Fukushima Burger Summit hosts the most innovative..

Fukushima

Shopping

Sendai's Only Stamp and Coin Shop

Justin Velgus

Appropriately located in Sendai's historic department store Fujisaki, this small shop is the only one in the city that specializes..

Miyagi 2

Activity

Aomori's Hypnotizing Lake

Giovanni Perez

Do you believe in magic? How about being hypnotized? Come to Aomori to check out Lake Juniko's (Aoike) blue pond and become..

Aomori 3

Activity

Riding the Horse's Back

Brian Takahashi

Uma no Se is a narrow peninsula jutting out into the Matsushima Bay. It’s located between the cities of Shiogama and Matsushim..

Miyagi 1

Nightlife

Ernie's Bar in Sendai

Justin Velgus

Ernie's Bar in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture is a local legend. Owned by an expat right out of London, Ernie welcomes foreigners..

Miyagi 2

Culture

Conquering Yamadera in Winter

Brian Takahashi

Yamadera is a location of a mountain temple. Climb to the top and view the entire valley below. Get detailed direction to the location..

Yamagata 6

Culture

Winter Magic at Tsuruga-jo Castle

Giovanni Perez

One of the most powerful castles in Japan shows its beauty in winter. Tsuruga-jo Castle in Aizuwakamatsu, Fukushima prefecture is..

Fukushima 1

Food

Real Pizza at Kitchen Jagaimo

Brian Takahashi

Looking for the best pizza in Tohoku? This might be it. Kitchen Jagaimo features hand-made pizzas in a brick oven, charming atomsphere,..

Miyagi 5

Sponsored Culture

Celebrate Winter in Akita

Featured

Akita Prefecture offers visitors a host of festivals to liven up the cold winter months.

Akita 71 5

Activity

Sendai Ignites its Inbound Tourism

Justin Velgus Dec 18, 2016

The "Sendai Tourist Information Desk" opened December 10th, 2016 in order to share more information and promote activities in multiple..

Miyagi 1

Activity

Grave Hunting in Kitayama, Sendai

Justin Velgus

The five temples of Kitayama, Sendai have large cemeteries to explore. Keep a lookout for ancient samurai resting places, Buddhist..

Miyagi 4

Culture

Struggles through Life and Death

Justin Velgus

Beloved writer, teacher, vegetarian, and social activist, Kenji Miyazawa lived a colorful life. His second grave recalls the beauty..

Iwate

Activity

Tohoku's Massive Unknown Cave

Justin Velgus

Abukuma-do Cave is one of the biggest tourist caves in Japan, yet it remains relatively unknown by non-Japanese. For a true adventure,..

Fukushima 4

Activity

Rairaikyo Gorge in Akiu

Justin Velgus

Rairaikyo Gorge is a magical 1km hiking trail along the Natori River in Akiu Onsen, near Sendai.

Miyagi

Shopping

Midette Fukushima Products in Tokyo

Justin Velgus

MIDETTE antenna shop in Tokyo offers the best of Fukushima products under one roof, with an amazing sake selection. Weekly events,..

Tokyo 5

Planning

Sendai Tourism Service in Tokyo

Justin Velgus

Sendai Tourism Information Center now offers free consultation via Skype from TOKYO TIC.

Tokyo 1

Culture

Matsushima Bon Festival

Roger Smith

The Umi no Bon Festival is Matsushima's version of the summer time custom to remember ancestors and unite the community. The..

Miyagi 1

Activity

One Day Exploring Sakata, Yamagata

Julie Sergent

Prepare your backpack, and get ready for more adventure! Marvel at the surprises you'll find in the city of Sakata, Yamagata..

Yamagata 4

Culture

Kamaishi Iron and Steel Museum

Malcome Larcens

The history of steel making all started in Kamaishi, Iwate. The museum and Hashino steel making blast furnace is a great way to..

Iwate 3

Activity

Sendai for Free

Justin Velgus

From drinking to zen meditation, here are the top 10 free activities in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture.

Miyagi 3

Activity

Yonezawa Meat Summer Festival

Justin Velgus

The Yonezawa Meat Festival in Yamagata is an annual gathering of over 1000 people that descend upon the Mogami River edge to feast..

Yamagata 4

Culture

Sendai Tanabata

Ritsuko Maro

Sendai Tanabata Festival held August 6th-8th always delights visitors. The largest Tanabata event in Japan continues to grow in..

Kōtōdaikōen shimin hiroba Aug 6th - Aug 8th 2 Free

Accommodation

Yamagata Ryokan Kajikaso

Justin Velgus

Onogawa Onsen Kajikaso is a ryokan located in Yonezawa, Yamagata Prefecture. The historic ryokan recently completed a renovation..

Yamagata 1

Shopping

Glass Forest, Gothic Lolita Shop ...

Justin Velgus

Glass Forest is small-sized gothic Lolita specialty shop located a ten minute walk from Sendai Station in Miyagi Prefecture.

Miyagi

Food

The Best Bread in Morioka

Justin Velgus

Fukuda Pan Bakery is the most popular bakery in Morioka, Iwate Prefecture. It large numbers of locals and tourists for its fluffy..

Iwate 1

Culture

Misawa Aviation and Science Museum

Justin Velgus

The Misawa Aviation and Science Museum is an interactive, family-friendly destination located next to the Misawa military base in..

Aomori

Food

Matsushima Fish Market

Roger Smith

Matsushima is famous for seafood but where can you find fresh seafood for affordable prices? Try the Matsushima Fish Market!

Miyagi 3

Activity

Rakuten Eagles Stadium Upgraded

Justin Velgus May 21, 2016

The 2016 baseball season in Japan sees the Rakuten Eagles baseball team continue to develop innovative fan experiences.

Planning

G7 May Meetings Affect Travel Plans

Justin Velgus May 16, 2016

G7 summit meetings continue through May 2016, and in Sept 2016, occassionally causing trouble for tourists with closed attractions..

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Activity

700km Michinoku Trail English Info

Justin Velgus May 12, 2016

Tohoku picks up advertisement in English of the 700km Michinoku Shiokaze Trail!

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Culture

Akiu Kaleidoscope Museum

Justin Velgus

The Sendai Kaleidoscope Museum (仙台万華鏡美術館) is a unique museum located in the hot spring resort town Akiu, in the outski..

Miyagi 1

Beauty & Spa

Using the Akiu Day Trip Hot Springs

Justin Velgus

The hot spring resort Akiu outside Sendai has a number of day trip plan options. Access and how to tips here.

Miyagi 3

Culture

Golden Pharaohs and Pyramids Exhibit

Justin Velgus Apr 28, 2016

From April 22 (Fri) to June 26 (Sun), Sendai City Museum is hosting the Golden Pharaohs and Pyramids Exhibit.

Activity

Surfing Near Sendai Port

Kana Shimoniida

Next to Sendai Port is a small beach frequented by local and visiting surfers. Crowds gather each weekend for the small but consistent..

Miyagi 1

Transportation

Tohoku Welcomes First Budget Airline

Justin Velgus Apr 14, 2016

TigerAir Taiwan becomes Tohoku's first low-cost carrier (LCC) starting this June.

Culture

Matsushima Temple Hall Reopened

Justin Velgus Apr 10, 2016

Repairs on the main hall of one of the oldest temples in the Tohoku region is completed in after nearly 7 years.

Culture

The Monk, the Wanderer, and the Dead

Justin Velgus

Toukou-ji Temple (東光寺) is a temple dating back to the 9th century, founded by famous priest Ennin (Jikaku Daishi). Visited ..

Miyagi

Culture

"Why Manhole Covers!?" Exhibit

Justin Velgus Mar 22, 2016

Manhole covers in Japan, more often than not they are elaborate, creative, humorous or insipiring in their design. An art gallery..

3

Food

"Come and Get It!" Chinese Food

Justin Velgus

Tabenioide Ryuuhou (たべにおいで龍宝) is a popular Chinese restaurant in Akiu, Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture. Its interesting sig..

Miyagi 2

Culture

Bunny Shrine in Sendai

Justin Velgus

A mix of Shinto, Buddhism, and rabbit, an almost forgotten 400 year old shrine delights adventerous travelers with cute bunny images...

Miyagi 7

Activity

Zao Snow Monsters 2015

Justin Velgus

Even with a warm 2015 winter, the Zao "Snow Monsters" returned to the delight or skiiers and tourists.

Yamagata 2

Activity

SJ50 in Singapore

Jerome Lee Feb 14, 2016

SJ50 in 2016 celebrates 50 years of great diplomatic relations between Japan and Singapore

1

Activity

The Golden Legend Art Exhibition

Justin Velgus Feb 8, 2016

The Golden Legend is an art exhibit featuring some of the world's oldest golden treasures. Held at the Miyagi Museum of Art..

4

Activity

Matsushima Oyster & Sake Festival...

Justin Velgus Feb 4, 2016

This weekend Matsushima, reknown as one of the 3 most scenic spots of Japan, will host its 38th annual oyster festival on Sunday,..

2

Activity

Lake of the Dragon God in Naruko

Justin Velgus

Katanuma Lake, sometimes known as "Lake of the Dragon God", is a crater lake in Naruko, Miyagi Prefecture formed 1100 years ago..

Miyagi 2

Accommodation

Unmatched Excellence at Hotel Sakan

Justin Velgus

Hotel Sakan is a luxury hot spring hotel with over a 1000 years of history. The hotel is famous for its exceptional baths, hot..

Miyagi 4

Culture

Across Kyushu Seminar in Singapore

Jerome Lee Jan 13, 2016

ACROSS KYUSHU seminar is conducted by VISIT JAPAN ambassador George Lim, and will be held on 23rd January 2016, at the MDIS Campus..

Nightlife

Japan's English Comedy Scene

Peter Sidell

Japan has a lively, steadily growing English-language comedy scene, with regular stand-up and improv shows in an increasing number..

6

Culture

Japan's Birthplace of Hydroelectr...

Justin Velgus

Sankyozawa is a small admission-free museum attached to the Sankyozawa Hydroelectric Powerplant. The one generator facility delivered..

Miyagi

Nightlife

Gold Pro-Wrestling Bar in Sendai

Justin Velgus

Gold is a pro-wrestling themed bar in the Kokubuncho entertainment district in Sendai. It is a hub for wrestling fans with a great..

Miyagi 2

Activity

Toilet!? Human Waste & Earth's Fu...

Justin Velgus

Japan does it again. Turning the most vile of subjects into something cute. Our Poop and the Future of the World (トイレ？行っ..

Miyagi, Sendai International.. Dec 11th - Jan 11th 3 ¥1,200

Activity

Akita Senshu Park

Justin Velgus

Take a break from the busy city just minutes from the station. It's Akita's Sensu Park.

Akita

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