Onomichi – Temples, Ramen and Cats Galore at Hiroshima’s Seaside Jewel
Aug 31, 2020 By Bert Wishart
Flanked to the north by steep hillsides and to the south by the rolling Seto Inland Sea, the city of Onomichi is quaint, picturesque and full of history. It makes for a beautiful day trip without even leaving Hiroshima Prefecture. Thanks to a charming refusal to regenerate and modernize, the...[ Click to read more ]
Getting to Know You: Nagoya’s Global Gate and Sasashima
Aug 24, 2020 By Bert Wishart
Nagoya has blown up in recent years. This expansion is no more evident than in the areas around Nagoya Station, where it seems like everywhere you look, a new skyscraper is springing up. There is, however, perhaps no area more improved or better renovated than Sasashima. Though its name conjures...[ Click to read more ]
Autumn Activities in Kobe
Aug 20, 2020 By Justin Hanus
There’s always something interesting going on in Kobe, and autumn is no exception! Autumn is one of the most popular times of the year for events because of the beautiful colors. Whatever your interests, you’re sure to find plenty to do this year. View the Autumn Leaves A not to...[ Click to read more ]
Water Sports in Kansai
By Justin Hanus
Are you looking for a chance to try your hand at some water-based activities in the Kansai region? You can find plenty of lakes, rivers, and beaches where qualified instructors offer the chance to try a range of sports ranging from the relaxing to the nerve-racking. Sumo Tubing on Lake...[ Click to read more ]
Walk with the Animals, Talk with the Animals…
Jul 31, 2020 By Hugh Cann
Look I’m just going to say it. I’m not a fan of zoos and my first visit to Japan and see the zoo in the 1980s left me indignant and determined never to go again. HOWEVER. Japanese notions of animal care have evolved a lot and while it’s not Taronga...[ Click to read more ]
Great Camping Venues in Kansai
Jul 30, 2020 By Justin Hanus
Camping is a great way to experience the outdoors in an authentic fashion. Camping is a popular pastime for those wanting to escape the crowded neon-lit urban areas of Japan. With an abundance of parks, beaches, mountains, and forests surrounding its cities, Kansai offers many natural delights to campers. You...[ Click to read more ]
Hiroshima’s Onomichi and Tomonoura: Cruise the Inland Sea
Jun 29, 2020 By Hugh Cann
Most residents of Hiroshima have at least heard of Onomichi, if not had the opportunity to visit. Onomichi is a small shipbuilding town nestled on the edge of the Seto Inland Sea, aka Seto Naikai, to the East of Hiroshima. Among Japanese people of a certain vintage, it is probably...[ Click to read more ]
Have You Made Your Summer Plans?
By Admin
Why not immerse yourself in Japan’s nature and culture with a getaway this summer? You’ll find elements of Edo period Japan with a simple stroll in any city - from Nijo Castle in Kyoto to Gokokuji Temple in Tokyo - but few destinations carry such a historical atmosphere as the...[ Click to read more ]
Mitaki Temple
Jun 26, 2020 By Matt Mangham
Mitaki Temple (or Mitaki-dera) isn’t as off the beaten path as it once was. All the online references to a “hidden gem” seem to have had their inevitable effect, and the last few times I’ve been there I’ve had plenty of company. Still, except for sunny weekends in cherry blossom...[ Click to read more ]
Staying entertained while #stayinghome in Tokyo
Apr 30, 2020 By Jason Gatewood
Every 2 or 3 months in this space, I write a piece introducing a community in Greater Tokyo and encourage readers to take a trip to check it out themselves. Perhaps the most challenging thing about the novel coronavirus pandemic is my missing these attractions. Since none of us can...[ Click to read more ]
