Christmas in Kansai
Nov 29, 2024 By Justin Hanus
Not being a predominantly Christian country, Japan doesn’t celebrate Christmas with quite the same fervour as people in the US, Canada or Europe. For example, Christmas is not a public holiday in Japan. If you want time off work to spend with family or friends, you’ll have to book it...[ Click to read more ]
New Year Celebrations in Kansai
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 to...[ Click to read more ]
Best Bars in Kansai
Oct 25, 2024 By Justin Hanus
Fancy a tipple in Kansai? You can head to one of the region’s many bars. The more populated cities such as Osaka, Kobe and Kyoto have quite a buzzing nightlife where you can find a range of drinking establishments. From themed expat-friendly haunts such as traditional Irish or British pubs...[ Click to read more ]
Halloween in Kansai
Sep 26, 2024 By Justin Hanus
Halloween has grown in popularity in Japan in the 21st century ever since Tokyo Disneyland hosted a big Halloween party in 2000. Nowadays, you can find themed events both big and small up and down the country. Halloween in Japan is a tad different from what you might expect in...[ Click to read more ]
How to Experience Kansai Without a Yen in Your Pocket
By Justin Hanus
The Kansai region has many great attractions well-known across Japan. However, these often come at a price and you can soon rack up the yen if you want to make the most of things. Fortunately, there is also plenty of free and low-cost fun stuff that can be ideal if...[ Click to read more ]
Family Disaster Preparation, Survival, and Response in Japan
Aug 30, 2024 By Ray Proper
No one wants to be part of a disaster, but if you have to, Japan is one of the best places to do it. From building codes to government and civil procedures, the Japanese government has built pretty good infrastructure for use "in an emergency." While they do a good...[ Click to read more ]
Learning Japanese in Kansai
Aug 28, 2024 By Justin Hanus
Learning the language can be the quickest way to integrate into the culture when you move to a new country. Japanese can be challenging as it involves learning a new writing system, however it can also be fun and there many places to learn, ranging from university courses to friendly...[ Click to read more ]
Street Food in Kansai
By Justin Hanus
Street food is a handy and quick way to try out new dishes, an alternative to sitting down for a restaurant meal. It has grown in popularity in recent years and you can find stalls and kiosks serving tasty portions in many countries including Japan. The region of Kansai has...[ Click to read more ]
How to Reach Kobe from Kansai Airport
Jul 29, 2024 By Justin Hanus
Although Kobe has its own airport, it is just for domestic flights. If you’re flying in from abroad, your closest option is Kansai International Airport. Luckily, you have a variety of options to get to Kobe, with journey times ranging from less than one hour to just over two hours....[ Click to read more ]
Where to Go Horseback Riding in Kansai
By Justin Hanus
There are few better ways to enjoy some fresh air in Kansai than on a horse. Various clubs and riding centers offer trekking opportunities and classes to riders of all abilities, including complete beginners. Miki Horseland Park One of the most popular places to ride horses in Kansai is Miki...[ Click to read more ]
