Bicycling in Japan from 2024 on
Nov 29, 2024 By William Farrow
From 2024, the rules governing cylists and drivers via the Road Traffic Act have been amended. This round of revisions is particularly focused on cyclists compared to previous revisions. In 2022, bicycle accidents were nearly one-fourth of all total accidents in the country. Influenced by these trends, the Japanese government...[ Click to read more ]
Christmas in Kansai
By Justin Hanus
Not being a predominantly Christian country, Japan doesn’t celebrate Christmas with quite the same fervour as people in the US, Canada or Europe. For example, Christmas is not a public holiday in Japan. If you want time off work to spend with family or friends, you’ll have to book it...[ Click to read more ]
Popular All-You-Can-Eat Restaurants in Kobe
By Justin Hanus
Food is always part of travelling and venturing into new places. Even if you’re not a big foodie, sampling new cuisine is a way to learn more about where you are. Eating out at restaurants can be a big part of the itinerary when you travel or move abroad. A...[ Click to read more ]
New Year Celebrations in Kansai
By Justin Hanus
New Year (Shogatsu) is a time for big celebration in Japan. Seen as a period of cleansing and renewal as well as an opportunity to welcome in the New Year, festivities tend to last from January 1-3, with many people taking this period off work. There are various ways to...[ Click to read more ]
Best Bars in Kansai
Oct 25, 2024 By Justin Hanus
Fancy a tipple in Kansai? You can head to one of the region’s many bars. The more populated cities such as Osaka, Kobe and Kyoto have quite a buzzing nightlife where you can find a range of drinking establishments. From themed expat-friendly haunts such as traditional Irish or British pubs...[ Click to read more ]
The Kobe Dating Scene
By Justin Hanus
Are you a singleton in Kobe looking to find a suitable partner? Here’s what to expect plus a few tips on how to meet potential significant others and where to go to for a memorable first date. Japanese Dating Culture Dating in Kobe is influenced by the national dating culture...[ Click to read more ]
Popular Landmarks and Buildings in Kobe
Sep 27, 2024 By Justin Hanus
Kobe isn’t one of Japan’s most major cities – indeed, Osaka and Kyoto are more well-known in the Kansai region – but it is steeped in a fair amount of history and boasts a number of identifiable landmarks. Opened to foreign trade over 150 years ago, it’s a city with...[ Click to read more ]
Halloween in Kansai
Sep 26, 2024 By Justin Hanus
Halloween has grown in popularity in Japan in the 21st century ever since Tokyo Disneyland hosted a big Halloween party in 2000. Nowadays, you can find themed events both big and small up and down the country. Halloween in Japan is a tad different from what you might expect in...[ Click to read more ]
How to Experience Kansai Without a Yen in Your Pocket
By Justin Hanus
The Kansai region has many great attractions well-known across Japan. However, these often come at a price and you can soon rack up the yen if you want to make the most of things. Fortunately, there is also plenty of free and low-cost fun stuff that can be ideal if...[ Click to read more ]
Learning Japanese in Kansai
Aug 28, 2024 By Justin Hanus
Learning the language can be the quickest way to integrate into the culture when you move to a new country. Japanese can be challenging as it involves learning a new writing system, however it can also be fun and there many places to learn, ranging from university courses to friendly...[ Click to read more ]
