Getting Out and About – Great Trips from Nagoya
Dec 26, 2024 By William Farrow
Due to the planned rebuild in the aftermath of World War 2, Nagoya enjoys a relatively easy to navigate infrastructure for cars. On top of this, the Nagoya area houses one of the main arteries for the national highway system with access points in areas like Takaoka and Hongo. This...[ Click to read more ]
Popular Winter Meals in Kansai
By Justin Hanus
Japan is a country that prides itself on distinct seasonal dishes, with winter being the time when the hotpots traditionally come out, and people warm themselves up with tasty broths. But it’s not just about soup-based meals. There are many different popular types of Japanese cuisine, and each region has...[ Click to read more ]
Cool Japan – How to Stay Warm in the Japanese Winter
By Bert Wishart
While winters in Japan’s more mountainous and northern regions get pretty chilly, here in Nagoya, temperatures rarely drop below zero. However, for some reason, I constantly feel frozen to my marrow, and I bet I'm not the only one. This is partly because few homes and office buildings are sufficiently...[ Click to read more ]
Hatsumode in Nagoya – Shrines to Visit for New Years
By First Admin
Oshogatsu, or New Year, is the most important holiday in Japan. Businesses shut down from January 1 to January 3, and families gather to spend time together. During the New Year, most places around Japan look like ghost towns, as children fly kites, play card games or count their otoshidama...[ Click to read more ]
Road Trips in Kansai
By Justin Hanus
The Kansai region is a great part of Japan to discover by car. Beyond the big cities Kyoto, Osaka, and Kobe, many great destinations don’t take too long to reach. Plus, you’ll be able to take in some great scenery and cultural attractions along the way. Whether you’re looking for...[ Click to read more ]
Family Winter Sports Guide to Tokyo
Dec 25, 2024 By Michael Stigall
Besides skiing and snowboarding, there are a variety of family friendly options to get outside and active this winter. From ice skating to “snow rafting” and even a snow tractor adventure ride for those less interested in getting sweaty; there is no reason to miss out on the great outdoors just...[ Click to read more ]
Skiing in Kanto: Day and Weekend Trips!
By Michael Stigall
Watch the news and you’ll see that skiing here in Japan is going through a boom period. Some slopes in places such as the Japan Alps and Hokkaido are absolutely overrun with inbound travelers from abroad. Here in Tokyo, we are also pretty lucky in that we can trek to...[ Click to read more ]
Top Beauty Salons in Kumamoto and the Treatments to Choose From
By Justin Hanus
If you’re looking for some pampering or preparing for an important event, consider paying a visit to a local beauty salon. Beauty and self-care are big in Japan, meaning there are plenty of salons to choose from, even in a small city like Kumamoto. Each salon offers a different selection...[ Click to read more ]
Where to Drink Bubble Tea in Kansai
By Justin Hanus
Like in much of the rest of the world, bubble tea has become hugely popular in Japan. Although it first appeared in the country in the 90s, it took until the 2010s to become a lasting trend. Some in-person bubble tea shops went out of business during the pandemic but...[ Click to read more ]
Key Things You Need to Do After Moving to Kumamoto
By Justin Hanus
Although it’s only a small city, Kumamoto has a growing community of foreigners — made up of people both living in the city and visiting. If you’re moving to the city, you’ll be in great company. There are a few things you need to do right after you arrive to...[ Click to read more ]