The Best Hostels in Kobe
May 19, 2023 By Justin Hanus
If you want to spend time in Kobe but are on a tight budget, staying at a hostel may be your best option. The good news is you have some great ones to choose from, whether you want a dorm or a private room. You can use the money you...[ Click to read more ]
Best Beaches in Kansai
By Justin Hanus
With temperatures on the thermometer rising, heading down to a nearby beach to cool off and relax becomes more enticing. If you live in the Kansai region of Japan, you are spoiled for choice when it comes to nice beach spots within a drive of an hour or two. From...[ Click to read more ]
Hyogo’s Ashiya City Garbage Bag Changes 2023
Apr 28, 2023 By William Farrow
Residents of Ashiya City in Hyogo Prefecture should be aware that the rules regarding garbage bags will change in October 2023, and a transition period has already begun as of April 2023. Ashiya City has asked that all garbage belonging to both the burnable and the non-burnable garbage groups be...[ Click to read more ]
Weddings in Kansai
Apr 21, 2023 By Justin Hanus
Wedding days are one of the most important days of our lives. If you settle with a partner in Kansai and decide to tie the knot or if you want to choose it as a location for your marriage vows, here’s an overview of what you should know about getting...[ Click to read more ]
The Highlights of AEON MALL Kobe Kita
Feb 24, 2023 By Justin Hanus
Kobe is a top destination for shopping due to the several large malls around the city. Although the best-known is Kobe Harborland umie, one of the biggest is AEON MALL Kobe Kita. Located in the north part of the city, it spans 60,000 square meters and features enough parking for...[ Click to read more ]
How to Start Your Own Business in Kansai
By Justin Hanus
Self-employment is a fantastic way of earning money while at the same time engaging in a pursuit you like and being your own boss. Japan welcomes entrepreneurs and those wanting to benefit the national economy by setting up their enterprises, and the Kansai region offers excellent money-making opportunities. In fact,...[ Click to read more ]
Top Hanami Sites Near Kobe
Feb 20, 2023 By Justin Hanus
Spring is just around the corner, which means Hanami time is here again for many Japanese residents. Hanami means "flower viewing" in Japanese (from the Japanese for flower - "hana"), and, up and down the country, people gather together to spend time with each other and appreciate the beauty of...[ Click to read more ]
Valentine’s Day in Kobe
Jan 22, 2023 By Justin Hanus
Valentine’s Day is an essential holiday throughout Japan, but it’s extra significant in Kobe. Here, a chocolate shop advertised Valentine’s Day chocolates for the first time in Japan back in 1932. The advertisement ran in an English-language newspaper and targeted foreign residents. It took another four or so decades for...[ Click to read more ]
Kobe’s Winter Wonderland: Mount Rokko
Jan 21, 2023 By Justin Hanus
Japan hosted the first-ever Winter Olympics in Asia at Sapporo in 1972, but the country already had a rich history of playing on snowy mountain slopes. Although you won't find the world-class ski runs of Nagano and Shiga in Kobe, you will find Mount Rokko: a range of 1,000-meter high...[ Click to read more ]
Strap on Your Skates in Kansai This Winter
By Justin Hanus
Ice skating has a long history as skates made of animal bones dating back 5,000 years were found at the bottom of a lake in Switzerland. It's unknown when the Japanese first strapped on their ice skates, but modern skating did not come organically to the country. According to Joseph...[ Click to read more ]
