Top Owl Cafés in Osaka

Mar 26, 2024 By Justin Hanus

There are all sorts of animal cafés around Japan, most of which feature pets like cats, dogs, hedgehogs, and reptiles. However, nothing beats spending time with some majestic owls while you sip a beverage. Osaka has several owl cafés, all of which are great places to go if you want...[ Click to read more ]

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What to Expect from the Reopened Kansai International Airport

Mar 25, 2024 By Justin Hanus

After closing for renovations in 2021, the international terminal of Kansai International Airport reopened in December 2022. This was its first major renovation since it opened in 1994. A variety of new restaurants and shopping areas await travelers visiting Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, and other cities in Kansai. Greater Capacity The...[ Click to read more ]

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Easter in Kansai

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 ]

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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 ]

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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 ]

Sample Kansai Utility Bills and Usage Notices

Dec 04, 2023 By Admin

In Japan, residents are signed up for water, electricity, gas and Internet as utility payments - with the exclusion of some properties that have no gas, and are all electric (or "all-denka"), or have Internet costs included as part of the rent. Electricity, gas and Internet are billed monthly, while...[ Click to read more ]

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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 ]

Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios, Osaka

Sep 28, 2023 By Justin Hanus

Halloween Horror Nights is one of the biggest annual events at Universal Studios Japan in Osaka. From the popular street zombies to frightening mazes, it features numerous attractions just for the season. Some are available all day, but many of the horror-themed events start at 6:00 p.m. Know what to...[ Click to read more ]

Family Disaster Preparation, Survival, and Response in Japan

Sep 21, 2023 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 ]

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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 ]

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