Learn All About Tokyo’s Most Famous Artist at the Sumida Hokusai Museum

Aug 28, 2024 By Michael Stigall

It sometimes can be a bit surprising  to learn that at one point in time the busiest parts of Tokyo weren’t the bustling areas of Shinjuku and Shibuya but were actually located to the East. Indeed, in old Edo (the former name for Tokyo), the Eastern area of the city...[ Click to read more ]

What You’ll See at Mifune Dinosaur Museum

By Justin Hanus

If you’re a dinosaur fan, you need to pay Mifune Dinosaur Museum a visit. Located in the small town of Mifune in Kumamoto prefecture, the site was home to numerous dinosaurs during the Cretaceous Period. However, it wasn’t until the 1990s that researchers discovered the first fossils. Shortly after, in...[ Click to read more ]

Japanese Cooking Classes in Tokyo in English

Jul 31, 2024 By Michael Stigall

Food shopping in Japan has a reputation for being a touch on the expensive side, and as you wander the aisles of your local supermarket looking at your basic groceries – cheese, fruit, freshly baked bread – it is hard to disagree. However, if you look at local produce you...[ Click to read more ]

Surviving Summer Weekends with Kids

By William Farrow

With summer comes summer vacation. What was once a strong, fond memory of days with no school or responsibility and the only challenge being determining which order to play with what toys takes a stark change in tone and goals when you find yourself on the parental side. Remote workers...[ Click to read more ]

Cooling off with a Dip – Summer Swimming in Hiroshima

Jul 28, 2024 By Hugh Cann

Let’s face it – there are few things more refreshing on a hot summer’s day than leaping into cool outdoor water. If you live in Hiroshima prefecture, you will find several lovely beaches filled with golden sand and looking out towards the Seto Inland Sea, plus purpose-built outdoor water facilities...[ Click to read more ]

Get the Wind in Your Summer Sails with Water Sports in Aichi

Jun 28, 2024 By Bert Wishart

When I first moved to Nagoya, I was pretty happy because it was right near the coast. I had visions of the sorts of beaches one sees in Thailand or Okinawa. Unfortunately, though the Ise and Mikawa bays are meccas for fishing, they are not exactly the most picturesque of...[ Click to read more ]

Summer Activities in Tokyo For Kids

Jun 26, 2024 By Michael Stigall

Tokyo is big. Really big. One significant upside to its massive size is that there is something for everyone to enjoy. Obviously, the metropolis is a Mecca to anime and manga fans. Similarly, lovers of technology have several sights and neighborhoods to enjoy. Let’s also not forget nightlife considering that...[ Click to read more ]

Best Summer Picnic Spots in Tokyo

By Michael Stigall

With the weather becoming a lot nicer, many people are ready to get out and enjoy the warm weather, and having a picnic is an excellent and cheap way to get out into the city and enjoy it. I know a few places from small squares to riverside glens that...[ Click to read more ]

A Guide to Flowers in Hiroshima: From Wisteria to Tulips

By Justin Hanus

The climate of Hiroshima is ideal for a wide variety of flowering plants. These add to the beauty of the already stunning landscapes and many contribute to the local economy. Before you go to Hiroshima, have an idea of what flowers you can expect to see. Wisteria After the cherry...[ Click to read more ]

Craft Workshops for an Interactive Experience in Kumamoto

By Justin Hanus

Seeing crafts in exhibitions gives you a good sense of the culture that created them and an idea of the craftsmanship involved. However, nothing compares to having the experience of making something yourself. Visitors to Kumamoto can participate in interactive experiences at various craft workshops around the prefecture. Kumamoto City...[ Click to read more ]