Daisho-In Temple: the alternative to Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima
Sep 13, 2017 By Jade Brischke
It may not be as famous as Itsukushima Shrine, but Daisho-In Temple on Miyajima is just as beautiful and to let you in on a secret, it’s actually my favourite. When I go to Miyajima, I bypass Itsukushima (and the crowds!) and head straight for Daisho-In. Unlike shrines, which are...[ Click to read more ]
Import Stores in Hiroshima: The Solution to Your Cravings
By Jade Brischke
[caption id="attachment_33409" align="aligncenter" width="640"] If only the selection was this good!![/caption] There are three kinds of people who come to Japan: the first who continues to eat their Western diet that they’re used to, the second who decides to abandon all Western foods and go totally Japanese and the third...[ Click to read more ]
Hatchiman Matsuri, One of Japan’s Most Beautiful Festivals in Enchanting Takayama
Sep 12, 2017 By Bert Wishart
Located in Gifu Prefecture, and surrounded by some of Japan’s richest natural areas just below the famous Northern Alps, Takayama is some what isolated and distant. This isolation allowed the city to develop its own distinct culture that combines that of nearby Edo (modern day Tokyo) and Kyoto’s into a new...[ Click to read more ]
Tricks and Treats for All Ages at USJ for Halloween
Sep 07, 2017 By Justin Hanus
Although Universal Studios Japan is an exciting outing any time of year, during the Halloween season, USJ’s additional tricks and treats make for a particularly entertaining way to spend some free time. Whether you’ve got a whole family tagging along or you’re looking for a fun social option with friends,...[ Click to read more ]
Tokyo’s Jazz Scene
Aug 30, 2017 By Bert Wishart
When you think of music in Japan it is hard to get past the impression of super-cutesy J-Pop idols, adorably non-threatening ever-expanding boy bands, and the bright preposterous-ness of the gravity-defying-haired Visual Kei bands. However, scratch past that (admittedly thick and ubiquitous) surface and you will find in Tokyo a varied...[ Click to read more ]
The Yatai Festival at Osaka Castle
Aug 28, 2017 By
Picture in your mind the usual selection of Japanese yatai and festival foods, like karaage, tama sen, JUMBO hot dogs, "kakigori" shaved ice. Now throw all that out, because this is not that. The Yatai Festival at Osaka Castle is a very large outdoor festival that offers a wide variety of gourmet...[ Click to read more ]
Nagoya Meet and Greet
Aug 26, 2017 By
Are you ready to have another wonderful lunch out with the Nagoya Meet and Greet? If you would like to experience new places and foods, not to mention know where these hidden gems of Nagoya are, please join one of The Nagoya Meet and Greet's wonderful monthly lunches. Each month they dine out...[ Click to read more ]
Tokyo’s Alternative, and More Interesting, Beer Gardens
Aug 24, 2017 By Bert Wishart
[caption id="attachment_33163" align="aligncenter" width="650"] Summer Nights at Yoyogi Village Beer Terrace[/caption] It could be argued (by me at least) that one of the greatest things on Earth is sitting outside on a warm day with an ice cold beer. Thankfully the city of Tokyo is blessed with a plethora of beer...[ Click to read more ]
Nara, the Original Capital City of Culture
By Bert Wishart
Some 1,300 years ago the Empress Genmei established the seat of power in the mountainous area of Heijō-kyō, and in doing so created the country's first ever permanent capital. With the nation being ruled from the city (present-day Nara) this time has come to be known as the Nara period. Today Nara is a...[ Click to read more ]
Lagunasia, Aichi’s Premier Amusement Park
By Bert Wishart
Laguna Gamagori is an exciting, fun marine resort complex in the Bay of Mikawa, and is a place at which one can enjoy the sea, go shopping, ride rollercoasters, play in the pool, and have a whole lot of fun. Lagunasia Pool Perhaps the greatest draw for the some three...[ Click to read more ]
