Live Comedy in Kansai
Oct 29, 2021 By Justin Hanus
Live comedy in countries such as the US and UK mostly conjures up images of listening to one person tell jokes and funny stories for an hour or so. But it often primarily involves groups or collectives of comedic theater performers putting on circus-like shows in many other places. Japan...[ Click to read more ]
A Year-Round Guide to Great Desserts in Kansai
By Justin Hanus
Got a sweet tooth? Then there is plenty for you to enjoy in Japan. The country is known for many things, including its unique and often brightly-colored desserts and sweets that you can enjoy all year round. The Kansai region has its specialties and twists on popular classics, especially in...[ Click to read more ]
Places to Visit on a Walking Tour of Gion in Kyoto
Aug 18, 2021 By Justin Hanus
Gion is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Kyoto. It is famous for being the entertainment district of the city and for the presence of real geishas that you can often see walking along the streets. There are many interesting sites to see in Gion, all of which you can...[ Click to read more ]
Your Guide to the Kansai All-Access Travel Passes
Jul 19, 2021 By Justin Hanus
You’ll be able to see more of Kansai while spending less if you purchase one of the all-access travel passes. These are a great alternative to a JR Pass as they tend to be more cost-effective than buying something that covers the entire country. Plus, you can choose a pass...[ Click to read more ]
Great Places to See a Sunset in Kansai
Jun 22, 2021 By Justin Hanus
Watching the sunset on the horizon is a fantastic way to cap off the day, make lasting memories, and take some great pictures to show off to friends. The Kansai region is full of varied locations offering breath-taking natural scenery and a chance to watch the sun disappear into the...[ Click to read more ]
Skate Parks in Kansai
Apr 19, 2021 By Justin Hanus
Skateboarding has grown in popularity across Japan in recent years increased by the fact that it is due to make its debut as a sport at the Tokyo Olympics this summer. Skate parks are not as common as in the US or in Europe, where they can be found in...[ Click to read more ]
Where to Camp in Kansai
Feb 18, 2021 By Justin Hanus
As the weather starts to warm up, what better way to make the most of the great outdoors than camping? This fun pastime is popular in Japan, and you will find a variety of great camping locations across the Kansai region. These include an abundance of nature resorts such as...[ Click to read more ]
Kyo-yuzen Workshops in Kyoto
By Justin Hanus
Kyo-yuzen dates back to the Edo period when Miyazaki Yuzen (a fan painter from Kyoto) developed the dyeing technique to paint designs onto kimonos. Today, you can learn the technique yourself at one of the several Kyo-yuzen workshops in the city, all of which are run by expert artisans. Whether...[ Click to read more ]
Festivals in Kyoto You Should Know About
Dec 25, 2020 By Justin Hanus
For more than a thousand years, Kyoto was the capital city of Japan. Today it is a major cultural center. The historic city holds numerous festivals, some of which date back hundreds of years. There are a few, in particular, you should know about. Ouka-sai Festival One of the best...[ Click to read more ]
Harvest Time in Kansai
Sep 24, 2020 By Justin Hanus
Harvest time in autumn/fall is important across the world. Each region has different rituals associated with this time of year (September – November). In Japan, the autumn harvest is celebrated with festivals and events in each region, many of which aren't that different from those you'd find in the US...[ Click to read more ]
