Tokyo Fireworks Festival in 2024

May 31, 2024 By Michael Stigall

Fireworks and summer festivals are arguably the best part of summertime in Japan, with days spent wearing yukata and jinbei traditional clothing while munching street food and nights spent outside watching literally hours of explosions and enjoying the atmosphere of the festival, and the crowds.  Summer festivals are a rare...[ Click to read more ]

Yoyogi Park – Where The World Comes to Tokyo

Apr 30, 2024 By Michael Stigall

Situated south of Shinjuku, north of Shibuya and just west of Harajuku, the expanse of lush greenery, rolling hills and clear ponds known as Yoyogi Park serves as an oasis of refreshing nature in the concrete jungle known as Shibuya Ward. It’s also the home of Meiji Jingu, the shrine...[ Click to read more ]

Chubu Walkathon and International Charity Festival 2024

By Admin

The Chubu Walkathon is an exciting event that raises money for charity and offers a great family-friendly day in the park for adults and children alike. The Walkathon is not just a walking course. This fun and memorable family event has excellent food, live music, stage shows, a children’s activity...[ Click to read more ]

Bonus Flower Viewing with the 2024 Sakura Tulip Festa

Mar 26, 2024 By Michael Stigall

So we’ve talked about plum blossom viewing and cherry blossom viewing, but what if I told you there is a third type of flower viewing you could do here in Kanto? Spring doesn’t only bring cherry blossoms, it also brings tulips. These tulips can be found in Sakura City, Chiba...[ Click to read more ]

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Easter in Kansai

Mar 25, 2024 By Justin Hanus

Are you an expat from a Christian country living in Japan? If so, you may have noticed a lack of general excitement each year around the Easter period. Although the Japanese have taken Christmas to heart in recent years, they’ve been slower to adopt Easter traditions. That said, you can...[ Click to read more ]

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Hanami in Tokyo 2024

Feb 28, 2024 By Michael Stigall

Rejoice for the end of winter is nearly here, and one of the best times to be in Japan is almost upon us. I am speaking, of course, of cherry blossom viewing or hanami. Just picture it! The weather will soon be warmer, the days longer, and it'll be time...[ Click to read more ]

Top Musical Artists from Kobe

Jan 29, 2024 By Justin Hanus

Although it’s only a small city, Kobe is the birthplace of numerous musical artists of a range of genres. Checking out their music is a great way to gain a feel for what Kobe is about. Masaaki Suzuki In addition to being a musician, Masaaki Suzuki is a conductor and...[ Click to read more ]

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Ice Skating Rinks in Kanto

Dec 27, 2023 By Michael Stigall

For most of us from colder climates, it is hard to imagine winter without ice skating. Luckily, many in the metropolis share that view, and there is a wide selection of ice rinks to choose from. We’ve looked high and low for the best places to hit the ice this...[ Click to read more ]

Hatsumode in Nagoya – Shrines to Visit for New Years

By First Admin

Oshogatsu, or New Year, is the most important holiday in Japan. Businesses shut down from January 1 to January 3, and families gather to spend time together. During the New Year, most places around Japan look like ghost towns, as children fly kites, play card games or count their otoshidama...[ Click to read more ]

Winter Illuminations in Tokyo 2023

Nov 30, 2023 By Michael Stigall

Christmas Day in Japan is just another working day for the most part.  The most interesting facet of the Christmas and holiday season in Japan is that all traces of it will be gone by morning on December 26th.  Without fail, every bell, light, and garlands; every decoration will come...[ Click to read more ]