Hatchiman Matsuri, One of Japan’s Most Beautiful Festivals in Enchanting Takayama
Sep 12, 2017 By Bert Wishart
Located in Gifu Prefecture, and surrounded by some of Japan’s richest natural areas just below the famous Northern Alps, Takayama is some what isolated and distant. This isolation allowed the city to develop its own distinct culture that combines that of nearby Edo (modern day Tokyo) and Kyoto’s into a new...[ Click to read more ]
Tricks and Treats for All Ages at USJ for Halloween
Sep 07, 2017 By Justin Hanus
Although Universal Studios Japan is an exciting outing any time of year, during the Halloween season, USJ’s additional tricks and treats make for a particularly entertaining way to spend some free time. Whether you’ve got a whole family tagging along or you’re looking for a fun social option with friends,...[ Click to read more ]
The Yatai Festival at Osaka Castle
Aug 28, 2017 By
Picture in your mind the usual selection of Japanese yatai and festival foods, like karaage, tama sen, JUMBO hot dogs, "kakigori" shaved ice. Now throw all that out, because this is not that. The Yatai Festival at Osaka Castle is a very large outdoor festival that offers a wide variety of gourmet...[ Click to read more ]
Nara, the Original Capital City of Culture
Aug 24, 2017 By Bert Wishart
Some 1,300 years ago the Empress Genmei established the seat of power in the mountainous area of Heijō-kyō, and in doing so created the country's first ever permanent capital. With the nation being ruled from the city (present-day Nara) this time has come to be known as the Nara period. Today Nara is a...[ Click to read more ]
Digging into the Rituals of Clam Digging
By Justin Hanus
They begin showing up on the beaches in late spring and continue to gather all summer long, armed with small rakes (kumades), plastic buckets, and mesh bags. It is Shiohigari time - literally “hunting in the tides.” The Japanese tradition of digging in the sand for shellfish, mostly clams, is...[ Click to read more ]
Meet Kobe’s Sister City – Seattle, Washington
Jul 24, 2017 By Justin Hanus
The idea of international "sister cities" began in 1947 as a way to promote friendship and cross-cultural understanding after World War II. There was also an economic component to the concept to encourage trade and tourism. In the 1980s the Japanese government created the Council of Local Authorities for International...[ Click to read more ]
No One Does Beer Gardens Like Japan
By Justin Hanus
It's summer. It's hot. And for many that means only one thing - beer gardens. The summertime treat, however, does not have its origins in cold brews quenching parched summer thirsts. Five hundred years ago in Bavaria the brewing of beer was legal only between the feast of St. Michael...[ Click to read more ]
Gozan no Okuribi – Kyoto’s Obon Fire-Fest
Jul 11, 2017 By Bert Wishart
The festival of Obon, a buddhist celebration of ancestors, is celebrated across Japan from the 13th-15th of August (excepting some regional variants). During Obon, the spirits of ancestors return to this world to visit family altars, though they are not limited to that location! At the culmination of this festival,...[ Click to read more ]
Kobe Love Port or the Minato Matsuri 2017
Jun 27, 2017 By
The Kobe Love Port (Minato Matsuri) is an annual festival held on Dainitotte (the 2nd Pier) east of Meriken Park close to the Port Terminal station on the Portliner. The festival celebrates Marine Day, express gratitude for the blessings of the ocean, and hope for prosperity in the coming year. This festival has a distinct nautical...[ Click to read more ]
Nagoya Octoberfest In July!
Jun 20, 2017 By Ray Proper
Yes, October Fest in July; why not? Drop by and sample German food, and BEER; lots and lots of German beer. I am all about imbibing of some bratwurst, sauerkraut, pretzels, and if I am really lucky I might be able to find some strudel… yummy yummy yummy! Admission to...[ Click to read more ]
