Leaving Japan? Better Get Some Souvenirs!
Mar 26, 2024 By Bert Wishart
It is said that nothing is certain in this life but death in taxes, but I would like to add one more to that: change. Since coming to Japan, your life has probably undergone quite a lot of changes, with new experiences coming thick and fast. But now it is...[ Click to read more ]
Top Owl Cafés in Osaka
By Justin Hanus
There are all sorts of animal cafés around Japan, most of which feature pets like cats, dogs, hedgehogs, and reptiles. However, nothing beats spending time with some majestic owls while you sip a beverage. Osaka has several owl cafés, all of which are great places to go if you want...[ Click to read more ]
Tenmusu – Nagoya’s Other Shrimp Soul Food
By Bert Wishart
When outsiders think about Nagoya's meibutsu [local specialties], a few things will spring to mind. Miso katsu will be one, and tebasaki will be another, but ebi furai will quite possibly be highest on the list. These immense deep-fried shrimp are as Nagoyan as Nana-chan, and you can get them...[ Click to read more ]
The Most Characteristic Souvenirs of Kumamoto
Mar 25, 2024 By Justin Hanus
Every region you visit in Japan will have something unique about it. Often, these qualities are reflected in the souvenirs. To remember your time in Kumamoto, there are a few souvenirs in particular to pick up. 1. Ikinari Dango A treat you’ll only find in Kumamoto is ikinari dango. These...[ Click to read more ]
Do You Know Nags? – Uncovering Nagoya’s Hidden Gems – Part 6
Feb 28, 2024 By Bert Wishart
Whether you’re new in the city or are a Showa Gaijin, Nagoya is a city that always surprises. New restaurants, shops, and drinking establishments spring up all the time, and you can be wandering down an oft-trodden street and come across an ancient temple that you’ve never seen before. We...[ Click to read more ]
Best Bars with Live Music in Kobe
By Justin Hanus
Despite being only a small city, Kobe has an active nightlife. In particular, it has a number of bars with live music — some with performances every night of the week. Although Kobe is best known for jazz, you’ll also find venues with many other styles of live music. 1....[ Click to read more ]
Where to Find Halal Food in Kumamoto
By Justin Hanus
One of the top destinations in Japan for Muslims is Kumamoto, due to the large number of Muslims who are already living in the city. In addition to a mosque and a prayer room for Muslims at the Kumamoto City International Center, there are plenty of options for halal food....[ Click to read more ]
Day Trips – History, Heritage, and Natural Beauty in Toyokawa
Jan 31, 2024 By Bert Wishart
About 75 minutes east of Nagoya, in the Mikawa Bay region, lies Toyokawa, a small city with a lot of spirituality and individuality. Though it is generally overlooked by the tourism industry as little more than a once-industrial town, it is in fact an area known locally for its rich...[ Click to read more ]
Best Places to Grab a Sandwich in Kumamoto
Jan 30, 2024 By Justin Hanus
Whether you’re on the go and need to grab a quick lunch or you just enjoy a good sandwich, you’ll be pleased to hear that you have many options in Kumamoto. The top places use local ingredients, including freshly-baked bread. Plus, many sandwich bars offer delivery, meaning it’s easy to...[ Click to read more ]
Food Only Available in Hiroshima
Jan 29, 2024 By Justin Hanus
Although some dishes are common throughout the country, different regions in Japan also have their own specialties that may be difficult — or even impossible — to find elsewhere. Hiroshima is no exception. 1. Hiroshima Okonomiyaki You may have had okonomiyaki in Osaka — but the version in Hiroshima is...[ Click to read more ]
