Wisteria Festivals: Aichi’s Other ‘Hanami’
Mar 18, 2020 By Bert Wishart
There can be absolutely no doubt that in Japan, the month of April is very much the month the cherry blossom tree. However, as quickly as it has come, the season has gone. Time has taken its toll on the delicate sakura, and the wind and rain of spring have...[ Click to read more ]
Day Trips From Nagoya – Kamikochi, The Stunning Birthplace of Japan’s Casual Hiker
By Bert Wishart
Japan is a nation supremely blessed with its fair share of dramatic scenery. From the sandy beaches and deep blue oceans of Okinawa, by way of the high mountain peaks of the Honshu, and right up to the devastating natural parks of Hokkaido, there is beauty everywhere you turn. However,...[ Click to read more ]
Kintaikyo Bridge and Iwakuni Castle: Hiroshima Day Trips
Mar 04, 2020 By Hugh Cann
If you are looking for a famous sightseeing opportunity near Hiroshima with beautiful scenery, then look no further than Iwakuni in Yamaguchi Prefecture, an easy day trip away. It has something to suit everyone, historic wooden engineering, to a castle museum, to lucky white snakes and ice cream of every...[ Click to read more ]
Spring Love Harukaze Music Festival in Tokyo 2020
Feb 26, 2020 By Jason Gatewood
We got you covered when it comes to checking out all the pink-tree goodness when it comes to cherry blossom viewing parties in Tokyo. But if you want to level-up your hanami experience this year, you can’t go wrong with the free Spring Love Harukaze concert on the weekend of...[ Click to read more ]
A Call To Action – Nagoya NGOs at Which You Can Make a Difference
Feb 25, 2020 By Bert Wishart
From the environment to animal rights to families living below the poverty line, there are unfortunately a broad number of issues that plague our society. Fortunately, there are a number of groups and NGOs out there in Nagoya that are striving to counteract them, and you too can join them....[ Click to read more ]
Tokyo Animal Cafes
Jan 30, 2020 By Jason Gatewood
One of the cutest and most unique recent trends in Japan is the cat cafe, where one can enjoy a cup of coffee while playing with cats that roam the shop in search of kibble, doled out by customers for an additional fee. Because space is at a premium in...[ Click to read more ]
Let’s tour: Odaiba
Jan 29, 2020 By Jason Gatewood
You may not know the Odaiba district by name before coming to Japan. Still, you have undoubtedly seen its various landmarks turn up in almost every form of media that showcases modern Tokyo. From landmarks like the triangular inverted pyramid of Tokyo Big Sight to the sprawling convention center, ginormous Ferris...[ Click to read more ]
The Best Museums in Kobe
Jan 28, 2020 By Justin Hanus
Kobe may only be a small city, but it’s packed with fascinating museums. Many are well known, but there are some that few tourists discover. Kobe City Museum The building alone of the Kobe City Museum is worth seeing. Formerly the Kobe branch of the Yokohama Specie Bank, it was...[ Click to read more ]
Soothe Yourself With a Soak in a Super Sento in Nagoya This Winter
Dec 26, 2019 By Bert Wishart
One thing that many people love to do when they come to Japan is to enjoy onsen, the volcanic hot springs that pop up all over the country. It is an intrinsic part of the Japanese culture to partake in these communal baths, and no trip to the country is...[ Click to read more ]
Snow Festivals in Japan
By Jason Gatewood
Because Japan is over 70% mountainous and located in the temperate latitudes of the western Pacific where the moist ocean air continually does battle with dry, cold Siberian and Mongolian air coming in from China, the Japan Alps enjoys a healthy dusting of snow every winter. No part of Japan...[ Click to read more ]
