Yokogawa: Where Old and New Meet in Hiroshima

Aug 26, 2019 By Hugh Cann

Historically, Yokogawa is the old Shitamachi and before the second world war was Hiroshima's commercial business district. The post-war reconstruction shifted most commercial and retail activity to Naka -ku (ward) area of central Hiroshima. Today, some of the businesses in Yokogawa remain much as they were after the immediate reconstruction....[ Click to read more ]

Sample Japan’s Finest Beef Vendors at the 2019 Autumn Wagyu Show

Aug 23, 2019 By Jason Gatewood

Japan’s highest quality beef, wagyu, has a world-renown reputation for being some of the savoriest, delicious cuts of meat in the world. The reason for the robust flavor comes from the “marbling” of the meat, a term used to describe how the fat and fibrous parts of the meat intermingle...[ Click to read more ]

Top Cat Cafés in Kansai

Aug 20, 2019 By Justin Hanus

Big cities in Japan are known for their vibrant energy, but sometimes residents and tourists want a break from all this activity. In response, cat cafés have been popping up all over the country. These are much like regular coffee shops but there are cats wandering around freely for patrons...[ Click to read more ]

Get Hooked on Family Fishing in Aichi

By Bert Wishart

It should come as no surprise that, being an island nation crisscrossed with rivers and spotted with freshwater lakes, Japan is a fantastic country in which to go fishing. From large ocean fish to catching ayu with your bare hands, there is something that will interest fisherfolk of all sorts....[ Click to read more ]

Morioka Marathon: Here for the Long Run

By Jade Brischke

Summer in Morioka is officially over which means the weather is starting to cool down and runners everywhere are taking advantage of it. Long winters can make running difficult, not to mention, dangerous, here and late spring and autumn are the perfect time to get outside and explore the city....[ Click to read more ]

Art Aquarium Retells an Old Japanese Tradition in a New Way

Jul 30, 2019 By Jason Gatewood

Anyone with a penchant for Japanese history and a love of Japanese artistry will recognize the Japanese Goldfish, “Kingyo,” as a cultural motif instantly. From anime and manga, high fashion, and the occasional tattoo; kingyo cultural significance dates back to when they were kept as rare novelties of the rich...[ Click to read more ]

Tokyo Tower is ‘Lit’ all Summer Long!

Jul 26, 2019 By Jason Gatewood

Tokyo Tower may have become Tokyo’s second tallest tower thanks to the new SkyTree in Sumida Ward stealing the title in 2010, but the Eiffel Tower lookalike is not to be outdone anytime soon thanks to it’s more central location and a constant stream of events like these. Milky Way...[ Click to read more ]

Light up the Beach at the Enoshima Toro Lantern Festival

By Jason Gatewood

The area to the southwest of Tokyo proper located in Kanagawa Prefecture called Shonan, is known for being a longtime beach playground for anyone into the summer beach scene in Japan, and a local getaway spot for those of us living in Greater Tokyo whenever the stifling heat of summer...[ Click to read more ]

Best Places for a Summer Picnic in Kobe

Jul 18, 2019 By Justin Hanus

With summer in full swing, what better a way to spend a few afternoon or early evening hours than at a picnic? This can be a great way of organizing a romantic date or a fun occasion with family and friends that kids can enjoy too. Kobe has no shortage...[ Click to read more ]

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Sansa Odori : THE Summer Festival of Morioka

Jul 16, 2019 By Jade Brischke

Mention the name, ‘Sansa,’ and many people will inevitably think of the character Sansa Stark from, ‘Game of Thrones.’ The word, ‘Sansa,’ in Morioka, however, is all about dancing and the annual festival. The Morioka Sansa Odori Festival is held every summer in August from 1-4 and is one of the...[ Click to read more ]

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