Activities for Kids Under 5 in Kobe
Oct 24, 2022 By Justin Hanus
If you have kids under 5, you’ll know how tiring it can be to keep them occupied throughout the day. Children don’t start school in Japan until the age of six, and although there is nursery and daycare provision, not all kids attend full-time. Plus, of course, there are weekends...[ Click to read more ]
Thanksgiving in Kansai
By Justin Hanus
As we approach autumn, citizens of many countries are starting to plan for Thanksgiving, including in Japan. However, Japanese Thanksgiving is slightly different from what you may be used to. Japan celebrates Labor Thanksgiving Day (Kinro Kansha No Hi) to honor workers. This public holiday dates back around 2,000 years,...[ Click to read more ]
Koyo, or Fall Colors in Kobe
Oct 20, 2022 By Admin
Visitors flock to Japan in spring to see the cherry blossoms, but the leaves changing color in fall are just as impressive. Called koyo in Japanese, it is as much an opportunity to head outdoors and live in the moment as any cherry blossom, but with less drinking. Fall colors...[ Click to read more ]
The Japanese Pearl Industry and Kobe Pearl Museum
Sep 28, 2022 By Justin Hanus
Pearls have been used worldwide in jewelry and other accessories for centuries. People in ancient Japan would offer these so-called white gems to the gods. Despite this, farming pearls only began in 1888 in Ago Bay in Ise-Shima. It then took until 1906 before a method developed to produce round...[ Click to read more ]
Fun Activities for Older People in Kansai
By Justin Hanus
Japan has a rapidly aging society with a larger percentage of over-65s than anywhere else in the world. It’s no surprise, therefore, that there are plenty of activities across the country that cater to senior citizens. There are various things that older people can enjoy in Kansai, from active pursuits...[ Click to read more ]
Where to Live in Kobe: The Best Neighborhoods
Aug 31, 2022 By Justin Hanus
As the seventh-most populated city in the country, it should come as no surprise that Kobe is made up of many neighborhoods, each of which has its own characteristics. If moving to Kobe, it’s worth knowing something about each neighborhood to decide in advance where to search for your home....[ Click to read more ]
Yoga Classes in Kobe
By Justin Hanus
Yoga, a staple exercise and well-being activity in certain parts of the world for many years, has grown in popularity globally in recent years. With its expanding expat population, Kobe has many facilities where locals and newcomers can practice different forms of yoga and learn about its benefits to the...[ Click to read more ]
Skate and Scooter Parks in Kansai
By Justin Hanus
Skateboarding is one of Japan’s fastest-rising sporting activities, propelled by the country’s showing at the Tokyo Olympics, where it won medals, including gold for the likes of Yuto Horigome and Momiji Nishiya. Many new skate parks have opened across the country in the past few years, with a few new...[ Click to read more ]
Best Cinemas in Kobe
Jul 19, 2022 By Justin Hanus
Going to the cinema is a fun pastime in Japan. The Japanese cinema experience is similar to how it is in the US. Cinema-goers can buy snacks such as popcorn and other refreshments, and many cinemas show a range of current movie releases to choose from. You can also find...[ Click to read more ]
Why Everyone (Not Just Train Fans) Need to Visit Kawasaki World
Jun 28, 2022 By Justin Hanus
Although the Kawasaki brand is known for motorcycles, a highlight of Kawasaki World in Kobe has to be the trains. Train fan or not, you should check out this museum. What’s So Great About the Shinkansen Exhibition? To understand why the Shinkansen exhibition is fascinating, you need to know a...[ Click to read more ]
