Tokyo’s Best American BBQ
May 29, 2024 By Michael Stigall
In the United States, BBQ is cooking meat for long periods at low temperatures with smoke from a wood fire. BBQ adds a distinctive smoky taste to the meat, and depending on the style in question, BBQ sauce. While BBQ traditions may not have originated in the United States, they...[ Click to read more ]
Checking out Tamamiya-cho, Gifu’s Most Eclectic Night Spot
Apr 30, 2024 By Bert Wishart
While Nagoya's nightlife hotspots of Sakae and Meieki have a lot to say for themselves, it could be argued that what they make up in variety of establishments, as they tailor towards the after-work crowds, they can lack in personality. If you want to find somewhere in which you can...[ Click to read more ]
Tokyo Oktoberfest 2024
By Michael Stigall
We've said it before, and we'll say it again: Japan loves beer. So it's no surprise there's an Oktoberfest festival happening somewhere at any point in the year. For Golden Week, Octoberfest is coming nearly half a year early in late April and early May. For those of you who...[ Click to read more ]
Yoyogi Park – Where The World Comes to Tokyo
By Michael Stigall
Situated south of Shinjuku, north of Shibuya and just west of Harajuku, the expanse of lush greenery, rolling hills and clear ponds known as 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...[ Click to read more ]
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 ]
