Shorter Days + Cooler Weather = Momijigari
Oct 25, 2016 By Justin Hanus
There is only a relatively small band of latitudes across planet earth where the chlorophyll in the leaves of deciduous trees breaks down when the daylight shortens in the fall and the natural colors of red and orange and yellow remain. Japan is one of the fortunate places in that...[ Click to read more ]
Pay a Visit to Rokkosan Farm
Jun 22, 2016 By Justin Hanus
If you love experiencing the natural beauty of Japan, Kobe certainly has all the bases covered. And in addition to the natural scenery within and surrounding this port city, Kobe also offers some unique opportunities to get up close and personal with the animals and wildlife. One such place is...[ Click to read more ]
Enjoy Akashi’s Okura Beach
May 26, 2016 By Justin Hanus
Though there really isn’t a bad time to visit the Seto Inland Sea’s coastline alongside Akashi, the summer season is particularly incredible. With more people venturing outside and gathering to enjoy the mild temperatures and sunshine, Okura Beach provides the perfect setting to experience the best that summer has to...[ Click to read more ]
Kobe Matsuri: A Japanese Celebration with Western Influences
Apr 22, 2016 By Justin Hanus
Although the Kobe Matsuri is a relatively young street festival - it began in 1971 - the roots of the celebration twist much further back in time to an unexpected source. Back in the 1930s, when Japan was not immune from the ills of the worldwide economic depression, city officials...[ Click to read more ]
Enjoy Akashi’s Local Seafood Delights
Mar 22, 2016 By Justin Hanus
Stretching across the coastline of the Seto Inland Sea, Akashi, located in southern Hyogo Prefecture is a small port city packed full of gorgeous seaside views, a mild climate, and all of the fresh seafood you could want. There’s really nothing quite like enjoying the catch of the day while...[ Click to read more ]
Kobe Beef: The Real Deal
Feb 22, 2016 By Justin Hanus
Russia has its caviar, Maine has its lobsters, and Kobe has its beef. There are no Kobe beef cows. They are a breed of Wagyu cattle that are raised in Hyogo Prefecture. Cattle have been raised in Japan for 2000 years but because of the mountainous terrain of the island...[ Click to read more ]
Lunar New Year in Kobe’s Chinatown
Jan 26, 2016 By Justin Hanus
As one of the three biggest Chinatowns in Japan, Kobe’s Nankinmachi Chinese New Year celebration is an experience you shouldn’t miss. The New Year Spring Festival, ‘Shunsetsu,’ has been held at Kobe Nankinmachi since 1987, and it is one of the port city’s liveliest events of the year. For around...[ Click to read more ]
The First Month of the Year, Kansai Style!
Dec 24, 2015 By Justin Hanus
With the holidays over and the winter cold setting in, it can be difficult to find reasons to leave your house in the first month of the new year. Fortunately for people living in the Kansai region, there are too many exciting traditional events and festivals in January to risk...[ Click to read more ]
The Great Hanshin/Awaji Earthquake: Kobe Remembers
Dec 21, 2015 By Justin Hanus
Japan is right at the top of the list of world countries facing the most danger from earthquakes. Geologists will explain about the subduction of the restless Philippine Sea plate that lies beneath the Okinawa plate and the Amurian plate that triggers high-intensity earthquakes. Many cities of Japan carry sad...[ Click to read more ]
The Entire History of the World Squeezes into Kobe City Museum
By Justin Hanus
In the interconnected world of the 21st century you never know where a cultural phenomenon will spring from. But one of the most unlikely origin stories belongs to “A History of the World in 100 Objects” which resulted from a collaboration between the 262-year old British Museum and BBC Radio...[ Click to read more ]
