Let’s Tour: Kamakura

Oct 19, 2021 By Jason Gatewood

Despite being one of the most densely populated parts of the world, containing the capital city and Japan's most significant urban area, Greater Tokyo is historically newer than many places in the country. It wasn't until the 1600s during the Edo Period that the area, then called Edo, became important;...[ Click to read more ]

Best Breakfast Spots in Tokyo

Oct 15, 2021 By Jason Gatewood

You might not know this, but Japanese cuisine was added to UNESCO's intangible heritage list in 2013, meaning the cooking is something unique in the world, not found anywhere else. I could eat my fill of sushi, takoyaki, udon, soba any and every day of the week, but one thing...[ Click to read more ]

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The Unko Museum is anything but crappy

Sep 29, 2021 By Jason Gatewood

We knew it was bound to happen eventually; Japan is home to the first restroom-themed restaurant, our toilet technology is talked about and adored far and wide, and we even invented this 💩 emoji. So, of course, Japan should be the first to have a museum dedicated to all things...[ Click to read more ]

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Fall for Nagoya; What to do in Autumn near Nagoya

Sep 28, 2021 By Bert Wishart

Can you feel that? That feeling that a weight has lifted from your shoulders? That's right, the oppressive Japanese summer has gone, and autumn is finally with us. The fall is widely said to be Japan's favorite season, as not only is it that brief respite between the crushing heat...[ Click to read more ]

Scouting in Nagoya

Aug 28, 2021 By Bert Wishart

When Lord Baden Powell published the first edition of 'Scouting for Boys, a guidebook of survival techniques he learned during the Second Boer War and adapted for Britain's youth, he sparked a worldwide phenomenon. Although the Scouting movement has become very different from what he may have imagined it to...[ Click to read more ]

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Tour de Nagoya – See Nagoya in a Day

Aug 23, 2021 By Bert Wishart

Summer is a time for cycling, with the Tour de France the world's most famous race. Of course, there is no equivalent in our fair city of Nagoya, so I thought I would come up with one. But this is not a superhuman challenge of endurance like 'le Tour,' but...[ Click to read more ]

Farms & Zoos in Kobe

Aug 18, 2021 By Justin Hanus

Spending time with animals is a great way to switch off and unwind for a few hours. Whether you want to get up close and pet or admire from a distance, a trip to a local zoo or farm can make for the ideal family day out. Here is a...[ Click to read more ]

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The Tokyo Fire Museum

By Jason Gatewood

Since becoming a resident here almost a decade ago, Tokyo’s massive number of people and buildings packed into the smallest area imaginable has always left me with more than a few questions. One of the most prominent questions has always been, “how does this place not turn into a tinderbox...[ Click to read more ]

Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology

Jul 27, 2021 By Bert Wishart

The Toyota Motor Organization is one of the keystones of Japan's world-renowned manufacturing industry, and since 1926, Toyota has been the byword for Japanese excellence and innovation. Much of this innovation took place right here in Aichi Prefecture, from the initial plant in the city that came to bear the...[ Click to read more ]

Where to See Fireflies in Kansai

May 26, 2021 By Justin Hanus

Whereas many years ago, fireflies were everywhere in Kansai throughout the summer months, you now need to head to specific places to see them. Luckily, you do have a range of options, including festivals in urban areas like the gardens of hotels, restaurants, and shrines. However, these events tend to...[ Click to read more ]