Shonan’s local cuisine is literally “a little fishy”
Aug 31, 2020 By Jason Gatewood
The Shonan area is synonymous with “laidback beach culture,” so it is safe to assume the local fare is geared towards enjoying time by the sea with friends and taking things a little slow. The local fare also represents the ocean; Sagami Bay is the reason Shonan exists, after all,...[ Click to read more ]
Onomichi – Temples, Ramen and Cats Galore at Hiroshima’s Seaside Jewel
By Mark Guthrie
Flanked to the north by steep hillsides and to the south by the rolling Seto Inland Sea, the city of Onomichi is quaint, picturesque and full of history. It makes for a beautiful day trip without even leaving Hiroshima Prefecture. Thanks to a charming refusal to regenerate and modernize, the...[ Click to read more ]
Let’s Tour: Shonan Beach Cities of Kanagawa
By Jason Gatewood
Located south and west of Yokohama, the Shonan region of Kanagawa Prefecture is known for beaches along Sagami Bay and a "laidback lifestyle" seen in other seaside places like Southern California, the Mediterranean Coast of Spain, and France. Before the 1880s, no one cared about the coastline and beaches other...[ Click to read more ]
Hiroshima’s Best Beer Bars
Aug 26, 2020 By Mark Guthrie
You know how it goes. Every day has felt like yet another Monday, and it felt as if Friday would never come. And now it's finally here, Friday afternoon. You watch the minutes tick away until, at last, it's clocking out time. In English, we say TGIF. In Japanese, it's...[ Click to read more ]
Benzaiten – Japanese Sweets to ‘Dai’ For in Nagoya
Aug 24, 2020 By Mark Guthrie
I'm a great fan of desserts that do precisely what their name suggests. You've got a Tiramisu, which is a literal 'pick me up' thanks to the coffee within. Then there's an Eton mess, a cream dish that looks dropped on the floor and haphazardly scooped back into a dish....[ Click to read more ]
Seoul Food – Hiroshima’s Korean Restaurants
By Mark Guthrie
There is no doubt that, living here in Japan, we are spoiled to have on our doorstep some of the world’s finest cuisine. However, it has to be said that Japanese fare is not the be-all and end-all that some may suggest, as from bibimbap to samgyeopsal, from chijimi to...[ Click to read more ]
Getting to Know You: Nagoya’s Global Gate and Sasashima
By Mark Guthrie
Nagoya has blown up in recent years. This expansion is no more evident than in the areas around Nagoya Station, where it seems like everywhere you look, a new skyscraper is springing up. There is, however, perhaps no area more improved or better renovated than Sasashima. Though its name conjures...[ Click to read more ]
Autumn Activities in Kobe
Aug 20, 2020 By Justin Hanus
There’s always something interesting going on in Kobe, and autumn is no exception! Autumn is one of the most popular times of the year for events because of the beautiful colors. Whatever your interests, you’re sure to find plenty to do this year. View the Autumn Leaves A not to...[ Click to read more ]
Water Sports in Kansai
By Justin Hanus
Are you looking for a chance to try your hand at some water-based activities in the Kansai region? You can find plenty of lakes, rivers, and beaches where qualified instructors offer the chance to try a range of sports ranging from the relaxing to the nerve-racking. Sumo Tubing on Lake...[ Click to read more ]
Staying Safe During Typhoons and Storms in Japan
By Ray Proper
Typhoon season in Japan runs from June to December, but most typhoon activity occurs between July and September. The southern parts of Japan, such as Okinawa or Kagoshima, are particularly affected by these storms. Still, residents of any part of Japan are likely to experience one or more during their time...[ Click to read more ]
