Things To Do
in Date
Date is a city located in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan. It is known for its beautiful natural surroundings, including scenic mountains and rivers. Date is also home to several historical sites such as the ruins of Kurokawa Castle and the Soma Nakamura Shrine.
The city offers a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere, making it a popular destination for those seeking to explore Japan's countryside.
- "Arigatou" - Thank you
- "Sumimasen" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
- "Konnichiwa" - Hello / Good afternoon
- "Eigo o hanasemasu ka?" - Do you speak English?
- "Oishii" - Delicious
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $50 - $300
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $50
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $100
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the stunning Shikotsu Lake, where you can enjoy a peaceful walk along the shore. Don't forget to bring your camera for breathtaking sunrise views.
Explore the Date Tsuruga Castle, a historical site offering insight into the region's past. The surrounding park is perfect for a relaxing picnic.
As the day winds down, enjoy dinner at a local izakaya, sampling traditional Japanese dishes. Relax and unwind while soaking in the local atmosphere.
Visit the beautiful Kuttchan Nature Center to learn about the local flora and fauna. Take a guided hike through the peaceful trails nearby.
Enjoy a scenic drive to the nearby Niseko area, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes. Stop for lunch at a cozy café with mountain views.
Head back to Date and visit a local onsen for a relaxing soak. The serene environment will help you unwind after a long day.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage and history, including ancient temples and shrines.
- Beautiful natural landscapes, including mountains, gardens, and cherry blossoms.
- Delicious and diverse cuisine, known worldwide for sushi, ramen, and more.
- Efficient public transportation system, making it easy to travel around the country.
- Safety and low crime rates, providing a secure environment for residents and visitors.
- High cost of living, particularly in major cities like Tokyo.
- Language barrier, as English is not widely spoken outside tourist areas.
- Natural disasters, such as earthquakes and typhoons, can pose risks.
- Cultural norms that may be challenging for foreigners to navigate.
- Limited space and small living quarters, especially in urban areas.
Best Activities in Date
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the beautiful Hokkaido Shrine and its surrounding gardens.
Enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, boating, and hot springs around Lake Toya.
Experience skiing and snowboarding in the winter, and hiking and mountain biking in the summer at Niseko Annupuri.
Places to Visit in Date
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers panoramic views of Date city and the surrounding area, perfect for photo opportunities.
Provides stunning vistas of the surrounding landscapes and is especially popular during autumn for its colorful foliage.
Known for its picturesque lakes and volcanic landscapes, providing ample opportunities for stunning photographs.
Food in Date
Date Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Nanbu Senbei is a traditional rice cracker that is a must-try in Date. It is often served with different flavors such as soy sauce, and can be found at local markets and souvenir shops.
Must-Try!
Date Gyu, or Date Beef, is a premium local beef known for its exceptional marbling and tenderness. It's recommended to try this at specialty restaurants and steakhouses in Date.
Kazuno Akitakomachi is a type of rice that is highly regarded for its quality and taste. It's a staple ingredient in many local dishes and is often used in traditional Japanese cuisine.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Date Ichiba is a bustling local market where visitors can sample fresh produce, snacks, and local delicacies. It's a great place to experience the vibrant food culture of Date and try various street foods.
Yataimura is a popular food stall area offering a wide range of street food such as yakitori, takoyaki, and tempura. It's a fantastic spot to indulge in authentic Japanese street food flavors.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Japan, it is important to maintain a respectful distance from others, especially when meeting someone for the first time. Bowing is often used as a greeting instead of handshakes or hugs.
It is customary to remove shoes before entering someone's home, traditional ryokan, or certain restaurants. Slippers may be provided for indoor use.
When eating in Japan, it is polite to say 'itadakimasu' before a meal and 'gochisousama deshita' after finishing. Also, avoid sticking chopsticks upright in rice, as it resembles a funeral ritual.
Safety
Tipping in Date
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not a common practice in Japan. In fact, it is often considered rude to leave a tip at restaurants or hotels.
In Japan, it is common to make payments using cash. Credit cards are widely accepted in major cities, but some smaller establishments may prefer cash payments. Mobile payment methods such as IC cards and smartphone apps are also popular.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit for cherry blossom viewing and pleasant weather
Expect hot and humid weather, with festivals and outdoor activities
Great for viewing fall foliage and comfortable temperatures
Cold weather with opportunities for winter sports and enjoying hot springs
Date at Night
Hiking in Date
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A beautiful hiking area near Mount Aso, offering stunning views and a serene atmosphere.
A scenic trail that leads through hot springs and lush greenery, perfect for a day hike.
One of Japan's largest active volcanoes with several hiking routes providing breathtaking vistas.
A long-distance hiking trail that connects Kumamoto with the picturesque mountains and forests.
A scenic gorge with walking paths alongside the river, ideal for hiking and enjoying natural beauty.
Aiports
How to reach Date by plane.
Located in Tokoname, Aichi, approximately 30 km from Date, this is a major international airport serving the Chūbu region of Japan.
Situated on an artificial island in Osaka Bay, this airport is about 70 km from Date and serves as a hub for international flights in the Kansai region.
Also known as Komaki Airport, it is located around 45 km from Date and primarily serves domestic flights but also has some international services.
Located in Itami, this airport is about 75 km from Date and primarily handles domestic flights with some limited international services.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly ethnic Japanese, comprising the majority of the population.
Significant Korean community, mainly descendants of workers brought during the colonial period.
Community of Chinese residents, including students and workers.
Japanese-Brazilian community, particularly from the 1990s economic migration.
Growing population of Filipinos, including workers and families.
Includes a variety of other ethnic groups and expatriates from different countries.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Baseball is one of the most popular sports in Japan, with a strong following at both professional and amateur levels. The Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) league draws large crowds, and high school baseball tournaments, particularly the Koshien, are highly celebrated.
Soccer has gained immense popularity in Japan, especially since the J.League's establishment in 1993. The national team has also seen success in international competitions, contributing to the sport's growth.
Sumo is a traditional Japanese sport that combines ritual and athleticism. It holds a special place in Japanese culture, with tournaments drawing large audiences and being broadcasted nationwide.
Basketball is widely played in Japan at both the amateur and professional levels. The B.League, established in 2016, has helped in boosting the popularity and visibility of the sport.
Volleyball enjoys great popularity in Japan, particularly women's volleyball. The national teams have achieved significant success in international competitions.
Tennis has a solid fan base in Japan, with several tournaments throughout the year, including the Japan Open. The performance of Japanese players on the international stage has increased interest in the sport.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Date.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While Japanese cuisine heavily features seafood and meat, many restaurants in Date offer vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes such as vegetable tempura, tofu-based meals, and sushi with vegetable fillings.
Visitors with gluten restrictions can enjoy options like sashimi, rice-based dishes, and gluten-free soy sauce at various restaurants in Date. It's advisable to communicate dietary needs clearly when ordering.