Art Museums around Hiroshima
Mar 26, 2019 By Matt Mangham
I wrote elsewhere this month about where to look for live music in Hiroshima. Now let’s talk a little about the visual arts. Again, if you count galleries and exhibitions in coffee shops and other venues, the possibilities immediately expand to fill more time than you probably have. For the...[ Click to read more ]
TeamLab’s Digitized Hiroshima Castle
Feb 23, 2019 By Matt Mangham
teamLab (and yes, that’s the way it’s capitalized) is an artist’s collective based in Tokyo that bills itself as taking an “ultra-technological” approach to its work. The group was founded in 2001 by Toshiyuki Inoko, a University of Tokyo engineering student. Today the group has grown to over 400 members,...[ Click to read more ]
Top Japanese Pastimes to Explore for Yourself
Feb 15, 2019 By Justin Hanus
A great thing about Japan is there’s always something going on or something to do. By learning about the most popular pastimes, you’ll be able to properly experience the culture. Whatever your interests, you’re sure to find at least a few authentic Japanese hobbies or activities you’ll enjoy. Manga and...[ Click to read more ]
Art of the Abandoned Station at Ueno Park
Jan 29, 2019 By Jason Gatewood
The Keisei Railway runs between Ueno Park and the far reaches of Chiba Prefecture including the city of Chiba and Narita Airport. Up until 1997, Keisei had a station right in the middle of the tunnel directly serving the Ueno Park Zoo and National Art Museum. The former Hakubutsukan-Dobutsuen station...[ Click to read more ]
Dance Classes in Kobe
Jan 22, 2019 By Justin Hanus
Whether you fancy a bit of a tango, some contemporary street dance or just want to keep in shape with a bit of structured movement, you can find an assortment of dance classes in and around Kobe to suit all ability levels. Here is a guide to some of what...[ Click to read more ]
Let’s Tour – Sendai: What to see & do
Nov 30, 2018 By Jason Gatewood
For a city its size (just over one million people, which is considered small by Japan standards), Sendai has a storied past, steeped in nature, and has a vibrant lifestyle for its citizens. This all adds up to a perfect place to check out if you’re looking for a change...[ Click to read more ]
Local Music in Kansai
Nov 19, 2018 By Justin Hanus
If you relocate to the Kansai region and are interested in live music, you'll be pleased to hear that there is a vibrant music scene spanning many genres. Japan has a good reputation internationally for producing artists from pop to avant garde, and Kansai is a hub where you can...[ Click to read more ]
Hiroshima Grand Inoko Festival
Oct 29, 2018 By Matt Mangham
Inoko Festivals are a familiar feature of autumn across western Japan. Hiroshima has been running its own Grand Inoko festival since 1990, although there was a 17-year hiatus prior to 2013. This means the 2023 festival marks the 10th anniversary and so should be extra special. What Are Inoko Festivals?...[ Click to read more ]
Discovering Japan at the Japanese Folk Festival and Cultural Fair
Sep 27, 2018 By Bert Wishart
One of the great pleasures of living in Japan is discovering the wide array of cultural differences that we encounter. From arts to food to ways of life, it is difficult to overstate how not only different, but also amazing, this country's cultural heritage is. Another delight is how proud...[ Click to read more ]
Takehara Shokei-no-michi Candle Festival near Hiroshima
Sep 26, 2018 By Matt Mangham
If you missed the Onomichi Lantern Festival on the 13th, or you were blown away by it and wanted more, the Takehara Shokei-no-michi Candle Festival may be just what you’re seeking. These autumn lantern and candle festivals are increasingly popular around western Japan since they’re such an excellent way to...[ Click to read more ]
