How to Reach Kumamoto from Tokyo or Kansai
May 31, 2024 By Justin Hanus
Most visitors to Japan are aware of the top tourist destinations, such as Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and other places in Kansai. However, there are interesting spots to see all over the country, including some that are less frequented by tourists. Visiting these places often gives you a more authentic Japanese...[ Click to read more ]
Buying a Property in Kansai
By Justin Hanus
If you’re planning the big move to Japan, you may have your heart set on buying your own place rather than renting a home. Kansai has some great properties to buy in places like Osaka, Kyoto and Kobe. However, the Japanese home-buying process might be a bit different from what...[ Click to read more ]
Best Outdoor Swimming Locations in Kansai
May 29, 2024 By Justin Hanus
Whether it’s a day trip to the beach, a dip in a pretty lake or going for a wild swim in a river, making the most of the summer sun and immersing yourself in outdoor waters is one of the best ways to relax as well as enjoy the scenery...[ Click to read more ]
Riding Kansai’s Hello Kitty HARUKA
By Justin Hanus
There is now an extra-fun way to reach Osaka and Kyoto from Kansai International Airport: the Hello Kitty HARUKA train. It’s not just for fans of Hello Kitty (although they will likely be most excited to ride this train) — it’s a fun experience for all passengers. What are the...[ Click to read more ]
New Spots to Visit Around Kansai
Apr 26, 2024 By Justin Hanus
The pandemic shut down everything in Japan for a while, but Kansai has now bounced back with a number of new attractions. This makes right now a great time to rediscover Osaka, Kobe, Kyoto, and Nara. 1. Super Nintendo World The latest addition to Universal Studios Japan is Super Nintendo...[ Click to read more ]
Easter in Kansai
Mar 25, 2024 By Justin Hanus
Are you an expat from a Christian country living in Japan? If so, you may have noticed a lack of general excitement each year around the Easter period. Although the Japanese have taken Christmas to heart in recent years, they’ve been slower to adopt Easter traditions. That said, you can...[ Click to read more ]
Best Hanami Spots in Kansai
Feb 29, 2024 By Justin Hanus
Hanami is an annual event unique to Japan. The word means “flower viewing” and it relates to the springtime blooming of the flowers on cherry blossom trees (sakura) across Japan. Every year around late March to early April, regions all across the country have their Hanami season that is the...[ Click to read more ]
New Year Celebrations in Kansai
Dec 27, 2023 By Justin Hanus
New Year (Shogatsu) is a time for big celebration in Japan. Seen as a period of cleansing and renewal as well as an opportunity to welcome in the New Year, festivities tend to last from January 1-3, with many people taking this period off work. There are various ways that...[ Click to read more ]
How to Get an ETC Card in Japan
Oct 19, 2023 By Justin Hanus
To pay the expressway tolls in Japan, it helps to have an Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) card. This allows you to make automatic cashless payments instead of needing to stop at tollbooths and pay in cash. There are even special lanes at the tolls for holders of ETC cards, which...[ Click to read more ]
Mountain Treks in Kansai
Aug 28, 2023 By Justin Hanus
Japan is well-known for its vibrant and colorful city life, but beyond its urban sprawl, there is some magnificent natural scenery that makes the place a hiker’s paradise. The Kansai region, home to cities such as Osaka and Kyoto, has an abundance of mountains across its districts. With autumn fast...[ Click to read more ]
