Tenmusu – Nagoya’s Other Shrimp Soul Food

Mar 26, 2024 By Bert Wishart

When outsiders think about Nagoya's meibutsu [local specialties], a few things will spring to mind. Miso katsu will be one, and tebasaki will be another, but ebi furai will quite possibly be highest on the list. These immense deep-fried shrimp are as Nagoyan as Nana-chan, and you can get them...[ Click to read more ]

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Disability Venues & Activities in Kumamoto

Mar 25, 2024 By Justin Hanus

Disability access in Japan has improved greatly in recent times, whether that be making buildings more disability-friendly or providing opportunities for those with disabilities to engage with activities. However, there is still some way to go and many improvements to make in all parts of Japan to ensure that people...[ Click to read more ]

What to Expect from the Reopened Kansai International Airport

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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The Most Characteristic Souvenirs of Kumamoto

By Justin Hanus

Every region you visit in Japan will have something unique about it. Often, these qualities are reflected in the souvenirs. To remember your time in Kumamoto, there are a few souvenirs in particular to pick up. 1. Ikinari Dango A treat you’ll only find in Kumamoto is ikinari dango. These...[ Click to read more ]

What Souvenirs to Bring Back from Hiroshima

By Justin Hanus

Many people know little about Hiroshima beyond its tragic history as the site of the atomic bomb in World War II. Change that for your friends and family by bringing back some souvenirs that reflect Hiroshima’s culture and cuisine. 1. Sanfrecce Hiroshima Merchandise Hiroshima is home to the soccer team...[ Click to read more ]

Day Trips from Tokyo

By Michael Stigall

Now that the weather is getting better, we can start focusing on my favorite Tokyo pastime: Getting out of town.  There are actually more options to accomplish this than you would think. Sure, when talking about trains in Japan, people either think of the Shinkansen high-speed rail lines linking Japan's...[ Click to read more ]

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Getting Arty – What’s on in Nagoya’s Galleries

By Bert Wishart

Art lovers in Nagoya have been a little disappointed in recent years. Firstly, the Nagoya/Boston Museum of Fine Arts closed down in 2018, and now the Nagoya City museum is undergoing a renovation that will not see it reopen until 2026. However, there are still some great exhibitions be be...[ 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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How to get your package redelivered in Japan

Feb 29, 2024 By Admin

The access and timeliness of delivery services are one of the most convenient parts of life in Japan.   Although figuring out the process of rescheduling the delivery (when you can't schedule the delivery time) can be tricky. Furthermore, some parcels need to have the signature of the recipient to...[ Click to read more ]

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Day Trips – Kanazawa

By Bert Wishart

Nestled along the western coast of Japan, Kanazawa in Ishikawa Prefecture is a great example of modern Japan settling side-by-side with its history. It is a city that retains much of its classic samurai-era charm through its labyrinthine and meticulously preserved historical districts. It is also a city of surprisingly...[ Click to read more ]