Riding Kansai’s Hello Kitty HARUKA
May 29, 2024 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 ]
Checking out Tamamiya-cho, Gifu’s Most Eclectic Night Spot
Apr 30, 2024 By Bert Wishart
While Nagoya's nightlife hotspots of Sakae and Meieki have a lot to say for themselves, it could be argued that what they make up in variety of establishments, as they tailor towards the after-work crowds, they can lack in personality. If you want to find somewhere in which you can...[ Click to read more ]
Let’s All Go to the Keiba-jo! Where to See Horse Racing Near Nagoya
By Bert Wishart
Though it has much changed over the centuries, keiba [horse racing] in Japan is not merely a sport; it's a cultural phenomenon deeply ingrained in the nation's fabric. With a history going back to the 8th centruy, when its role was of a more religious bent, horse racing remains today...[ Click to read more ]
Tokyo Oktoberfest 2024
By Michael Stigall
We've said it before, and we'll say it again: Japan loves beer. So it's no surprise there's an Oktoberfest festival happening somewhere at any point in the year. For Golden Week, Octoberfest is coming nearly half a year early in late April and early May. For those of you who...[ Click to read more ]
Films Set in Kumamoto
By Justin Hanus
Lights! Camera! Action! Kumamoto is not the most well-known of Japanese prefectures but it has some fantastic settings for movies such as Mount Aso and Kumamoto Castle. These and others have attracted film directors over the years, either to tell stories about the city and surrounding areas or simply to...[ Click to read more ]
Top Golfing Spots in Kansai
By Justin Hanus
With almost 2,500 golf courses, Japan is a top destination for golfers. Some of the best clubs are in Kansai, which has courses everywhere from Hyogo to Mie. 1. Tsu Country Club At Tsu Country Club in Mie prefecture, you’ll find an 18-hole championship course spanning a long 7,023 yards....[ Click to read more ]
Tokyo’s Go-Karts
By Michael Stigall
If you’ve been in Tokyo’s tourist areas for just a few hours, you might have caught a glimpse of a fleet of go-karts with costume-clad drivers speeding through the streets. Even if you haven’t seen them up close, you may have heard of them or even caught them all over...[ Click to read more ]
Boat Trips in Hiroshima
By Justin Hanus
With six rivers and a bay leading out to the Seto Inland Sea, Hiroshima prefecture offers ample opportunities for charming and relaxing boat trips where you can see the sights while drifting along on the water. With summer on the doorstep, it’s the perfect time to plan a cruise. You...[ Click to read more ]
Akechi Mitsuhide – The Chūbu Traitor Who Shaped Japan
By Bert Wishart
If you've been watching the epic Disney+ remake of Shōgun (and if you've not, you need to remedy that!) then you most likely have been impressed by the character Lady Mariko. A strong woman in a male-dominated world, she is by far the best (or at least well-rounded) character. Perhaps...[ Click to read more ]
Yoyogi Park – Where The World Comes to Tokyo
By Michael Stigall
Situated south of Shinjuku, north of Shibuya and just west of Harajuku, the expanse of lush greenery, rolling hills and clear ponds known as Yoyogi Park serves as an oasis of refreshing nature in the concrete jungle known as Shibuya Ward. It’s also the home of Meiji Jingu, the shrine...[ Click to read more ]
