Kyoto International Manga Museum
Apr 15, 2019 By Justin Hanus
There’s no better place in the country for fans of manga than the Kyoto International Manga Museum. Visitors have the chance to browse a massive collection of manga that spans three floors, visit exhibitions, and read manga on the museum lawn (weather permitting). The building was formerly an elementary school,...[ Click to read more ]
How to Spend Easter in Kobe
By Justin Hanus
Easter is not generally celebrated in Japan, but the growing community of western expats in the country means that provisions for the festival have increased in recent years. If you're keen to get into the festive spirit in Kobe, here are a few suggestions on where to go and what...[ Click to read more ]
Hanging Out at Forest Adventure Shinshiro in Aichi Prefecture
Mar 28, 2019 By Bert Wishart
Do you feel at one with nature? Do you prefer to be up in the trees than down on the ground? Or perhaps you have a little monkey who is climbing the walls this holiday? If you find yourself nodding along, or even just curious, get yourself along to Forest...[ Click to read more ]
Ten Nagoya Suggestions for the Ten Days of Golden Week (Part Two)
By Bert Wishart
You may have noticed, that people are starting to get excited about Golden Week. Of course, people always get excited around Golden Week, when public holidays combine to make an extended block of time off, but this year it's even better! With Emperor Akihito abdicating this year, another holiday has been...[ Click to read more ]
Ten Nagoya Suggestions for the Ten Days of Golden Week (Part One)
By Bert Wishart
You may have noticed, that people are starting to get excited about Golden Week. Of course, people always get excited around Golden Week, when some public holidays combine to make an extended block of time off, but this year it's even better. With Emperor Akihito abdicating this year, another holiday...[ Click to read more ]
Toyota MEGAWEB Showcase
Mar 27, 2019 By Jason Gatewood
Tokyo can be a tough place to find something cool for the whole family to get into without either needing to travel a way into the countryside or dropping copious amounts of yen on the adventure. However, here’s something that is both close to the center of the Metropolis and...[ Click to read more ]
Art Museums around Hiroshima
Mar 26, 2019 By Matt Mangham
I wrote elsewhere this month about where to look for live music in Hiroshima. Now let’s talk a little about the visual arts. Again, if you count galleries and exhibitions in coffee shops and other venues, the possibilities immediately expand to fill more time than you probably have. For the...[ Click to read more ]
International Festival of Extreme Sports
By Matt Mangham
For three days in April, downtown Hiroshima will take on a new vibe as crowds of breakdancers, freestyle BMX riders, parkour players and other extreme athletes converge on the site of the former municipal stadium just north of Peace Park for FISE Hiroshima. FISE, which stands for Festival International des...[ Click to read more ]
Planning Your Visit to a Sumo-Beya
Mar 22, 2019 By Justin Hanus
Attending a match at a sumo tournament is just one way to experience real-life sumo. Another is to visit a sumo stable (or sumo-beya) where professional wrestlers live and train. In fact, visiting a sumo-beya will give you a better understanding of the culture of wrestling. Plus, as tournaments are...[ Click to read more ]
Why Visit the Instant Ramen Museum in Osaka
By Justin Hanus
It may seem like a strange concept to have an entire museum dedicated to instant ramen, but the Cup Noodles Museum is a must-see destination in Osaka. Much of your time in Japan will be spent exploring the different cuisine. The Cup Noodles Museum allows you to explore the culture...[ Click to read more ]