Popular Winter Meals in Kansai
Jan 15, 2021 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 cuisine, and each region has its...[ Click to read more ]
Spring Days Out in Kobe
By Justin Hanus
As the spring season approaches, we are naturally gripped by the urge to get out and make the most of the warming climate. The nights start to draw out, and the trees and plants around us begin to blossom. What could be better than planning a visit to one of...[ Click to read more ]
Winter Walks in Kobe
Dec 25, 2020 By Justin Hanus
What better way to shake off any winter lethargy or periods of over-eating than heading out for a refreshing walk for a few hours? With an abundance of glorious natural scenery and eye-catching tourist attractions, Kobe is a great city for a winter stroll. The winters are reasonably mild, and...[ Click to read more ]
Hatsumode in Kobe – Shrines to Visit for New Years
Dec 19, 2020 By Justin Hanus
Japan only started celebrating the New Year on January 1st in 1873, when it adopted the West's Gregorian calendar. Traditionally, the Japanese New Year was set to the Chinese calendar. As this is a lunisolar calendar, New Year falls on a different date each year. Now, though, New Year in...[ Click to read more ]
Buying Holiday Decorations, Wrapping Paper & Lights in Kobe
Nov 20, 2020 By Justin Hanus
With Christmas fast approaching, thoughts turn to presents and brightening up the home with a few decorations. If you haven't already got your shopping for the season planned out, here are a few tips on where to buy some of the essential materials. Costco This is a good bet if...[ Click to read more ]
Holiday Dining Options in Kobe 2020
By Justin Hanus
Kobe has seen Christmas steadily become more of a celebratory occasion in recent years with its growing expat population. Many restaurants have capitalized on the fact that residents might appreciate the chance of a slap-up festive feast to remind them of home. Social activities have been scaled down somewhat this...[ Click to read more ]
Winter Illumination in Kansai 2020
Nov 19, 2020 By Justin Hanus
Don’t let the cold stop you from heading outside as there are beautiful displays of holiday lights throughout the Kansai region. Get out of the house and away from your kerosene heater to see as many of the winter illuminations as possible this December. They’ll leave you feeling full of...[ Click to read more ]
Koyo, or Fall Colors in Kobe
Oct 20, 2020 By Admin
Visitors flock to Japan in the spring to see the cherry blossoms, but there’s an event that’s just as impressive in the fall: the changing colors of the leaves. Called koyo in Japanese, it’s an opportunity to head outdoors and live in the moment. Fall colors are a great reminder of...[ Click to read more ]
Thanksgiving in Kansai
Oct 18, 2020 By Justin Hanus
Thanksgiving is one of the most important annual celebrations in the USA. In recent years, partly due to the growing number of American expats in the country, it has been growing in Japan. While Americans traditionally celebrate on the third Thursday of November, Japan has its own yearly Labor Thanksgiving...[ Click to read more ]
Visiting the Oldest Mosque in Japan: Kobe Mosque
Sep 24, 2020 By Justin Hanus
At only 85 years old, Kobe Masjid (masjid means mosque) is the oldest mosque in the country. Kobe was the obvious choice for a mosque, as the port city was a central trading hub in the early 20th century and had a large population of foreign residents originating from all...[ Click to read more ]
