Skiing in Kansai: Day and Weekend Trips!
Dec 12, 2022 By Justin Hanus
Skiing might not be the first thing that springs to mind when you think of tourist attractions in Japan. However, many skiing enthusiasts visit each winter, keen to experience the powder-dry snow. Kansai has many skiing locations — and they tend to draw in fewer tourists than regions like Hokkaido...[ Click to read more ]
Great Winter Food in Kansai
Nov 29, 2022 By Justin Hanus
Japan can get pretty chilly during the winter months. Fortunately, the country excels when it comes to hearty winter meals. As are regional variations, seasonal ingredients and dishes are very important in Japanese cuisine. Many of the country’s staple dishes have several different regional twists. Here is a selection of...[ Click to read more ]
Buying Holiday Decorations, Wrapping Paper & Lights in Kobe
Nov 20, 2022 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 ]
The History of Japan’s Majestic Fall Colors
Oct 25, 2022 By Bert Wishart
Japan's most popular season for tourists is undoubtedly spring. When the cherry blossoms bloom, people from inside Japan and worldwide gather in popular, beautiful spots to bask in the traditional scenes of pinks, reds, and whites that form many of our preconceptions of Japan's natural state. However, what is less...[ Click to read more ]
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 ]
