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 ]
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 ]
The JR East Railway Museum: See Japan’s History Move on Wheels of Steel
By Jason Gatewood
A good many visitors to Japan have been known to utter out loud, “there sure are a lot of trains in Japan!” …And they wouldn’t be wrong! We happen to have the world’s highest per capita train ridership and are home to The world’s busiest station as well. It is not an overstatement...[ Click to read more ]
Nagoya’s Magical Summer Fireflies
May 17, 2021 By Bert Wishart
With the rainy season and the humidity ramping up like an overly-confident Evil Knievel, June is perhaps one of the least favored months in Japan. However, with that said, this combination of conditions is precisely what is required for one of the more beautiful, natural sights: the glow of the...[ Click to read more ]
Do You Know Nags? Nagoya’s Hidden Gems – Part 4
Apr 30, 2021 By Bert Wishart
Whether you're a total noobie or are a piece of the local furniture, Nagoya is a city that continuously surprises. New restaurants, shops, and bars pop up all the time, and you can be wandering down a familiar street and suddenly notice something that you’ve never come across before. We...[ Click to read more ]
Flower Power! Getting Outdoors And Staying Safe
By Bert Wishart
It's frustrating. Every time it feels like Aichi has turned a corona corner, there's another spike, followed by tighter restrictions, and yet more events fall by the wayside. Of course, we want to be responsible and halt the spread, but there is a mental strain that results from spending so...[ Click to read more ]
Animal Cafes in Hiroshima
Apr 26, 2021 By Bert Wishart
Though animal cafes first reared their furry little heads in Taiwan, since 2004, they have boomed throughout Japan, and there are spots throughout the nation at which you can sit and pet animals whilst enjoying a range of hot or cold drinks. It’s no surprise that the popularity of animal...[ Click to read more ]
