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 ]
Chichibu Night Festival Near Tokyo
Nov 26, 2019 By Jason Gatewood
Located about 2 hours northwest of Central Tokyo, Chichibu is a small mountain community that is popular for weekend getaways thanks to it being the home of Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park and a very picturesque and historic area. Celebrating some of that history is the Chichibu Yomatsuri night festival. This is...[ Click to read more ]
Toyohashi Zoo & Botanical Park – Non Hoi Park
Nov 25, 2019 By Bert Wishart
Toyohashi Zoo & Botanical Park is a fun-packed day out for all the family, with animals, rides, beautiful spots, and flowers from all over the world. Also known as 'Non Hoi Park' (it means something like 'hey, hey!' in the local Higashi-Mikawa dialect) it is a zoo, botanical garden, amusement...[ Click to read more ]
What is the ShichiGoSan Ceremony?
Nov 24, 2019 By Jason Gatewood
Traditionally held on November 15, the Shichigosan (七五三, literally 7-5-3) ceremony is a rite that originated around 750 AD in the Heian period to celebrate the passage into middle childhood for children in Japan. Back in those times, it was considered a blessing from the gods if a child made...[ Click to read more ]
Get a Sugar Rush at the Aichi Sweets Marathon
Oct 29, 2019 By Bert Wishart
Are you too keen on candy to run a marathon? Do you need sugary enticement to get you to that finishing line? Then the Aichi Sweets Marathon in Moricoro Park is right up your, um, running track. While gobbling down sweets mid-run may seem like a major contradiction, the Sweets Marathon...[ Click to read more ]
