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 ]
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 ]
Sumatakyo Gorge, Crossing Bridges in Beauty
Jul 08, 2019 By Bert Wishart
Japan is full of beautiful, breathtaking destinations, but the age of social media is driving travel within the country even further. Who doesn't want a photo of themselves beneath the shrine gate of Miyajima as the sun rises? Or how about the snow with the onsen monkeys? Or within the...[ Click to read more ]
Top Museums to Visit in Kansai
Jun 20, 2019 By Justin Hanus
If you’re interested in culture, history or art, some of the best places to visit are museums. There are some fascinating and unique museums throughout Japan, and nowhere more so than in Kansai. During your time in the region, make sure to pay a visit to as many of the...[ Click to read more ]
Fireworks Festivals in Tokyo
Jun 17, 2019 By Jason Gatewood
Fireworks and summer festivals are arguably the best part of summertime in Japan, with days spent wearing yukata and jinbei traditional clothing while munching street food and nights spent outside watching literally hours of explosions and enjoying the atmosphere of the festival, and the crowds. Summer festivals are a rare...[ Click to read more ]
Yoyogi Park, home of Tokyo’s “World Festivals“
Apr 24, 2019 By Jason Gatewood
Situated south of Shinjuku, north of Shibuya and just west of Harajuku, the expanse of lush greenery, rolling hills and clear ponds, Yoyogi Park serves as an oasis of refreshing nature in the concrete jungle known as Shibuya Ward. It’s also the home of Meiji Jingu, the shrine dedicated to...[ Click to read more ]
Hiroshima’s Takehara and Tomonoura in a Day
By Matt Mangham
With a nice little string of holidays at the beginning of May, you may be thinking of braving the roads for a day trip. From Hiroshima, there are any number of directions you might set off in, but if you’re fond of historic districts and traditional Japanese scenery, one sure...[ Click to read more ]
Takamatsu Pond in Iwate: A Place for Every Season
Apr 22, 2019 By Jade Brischke
If you’re looking for an easily accessible place to chill-out that’s relatively close to downtown Morioka, why not head to Takamatsu Pond (高松の池)? Located about a 30-minute walk from the center of town (depending on which way you walk or how fast/slow you are!), you can also take a bus (E01...[ Click to read more ]
