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 ]
Do You Know Nags? – Uncovering Nagoya’s Hidden Gems – Part 6
Feb 28, 2024 By Bert Wishart
Whether you’re new in the city or are a Showa Gaijin, Nagoya is a city that always surprises. New restaurants, shops, and drinking establishments spring up all the time, and you can be wandering down an oft-trodden street and come across an ancient temple that you’ve never seen before. We...[ Click to read more ]
Art Classes in Hiroshima
By Justin Hanus
Have the beautiful Hiroshima landscapes inspired you to want to take up art, or perhaps you want to try your hand at some traditional Japanese crafts? You can find an assortment of opportunities throughout the prefecture. These range from individual taster sessions to short courses, so you won’t have to...[ Click to read more ]
Films Set in Hiroshima
By Justin Hanus
Locations play at integral role in movies and can serve as a great way of introducing cinema-goers to different parts of the world. Sometimes a city or landscape provides a backdrop for a wider story while occasionally the setting may be an integral part of the story itself. It comes...[ Click to read more ]
Dance Classes in Kumamoto
By Justin Hanus
Whether you want to shake your body to the beat or learn something a bit more structured, you can find a wealth of dance classes to suit all needs in Kumamoto. Here is just a small selection of what’s happening in the prefecture. Ballroom Dancing Having once been quite an...[ Click to read more ]
It’s back! teamLab Borderless
By Michael Stigall
When most people think of art and Japan in the same vein, images on the order of Hokusai’s Great Wave of Kanagawa spring to mind. You could tour the traditional art scene in Nippon seemingly forever, enjoying a multitude of museums throughout the metropolis. However, there was a legendary museum...[ Click to read more ]
Best Bars with Live Music in Kobe
By Justin Hanus
Despite being only a small city, Kobe has an active nightlife. In particular, it has a number of bars with live music — some with performances every night of the week. Although Kobe is best known for jazz, you’ll also find venues with many other styles of live music. 1....[ Click to read more ]
Hanami in Tokyo 2024
By Michael Stigall
Rejoice for the end of winter is nearly here, and one of the best times to be in Japan is almost upon us. I am speaking, of course, of cherry blossom viewing or hanami. Just picture it! The weather will soon be warmer, the days longer, and it'll be time...[ Click to read more ]
All About Daiso: Hiroshima’s Famous 100-Yen Store
By Justin Hanus
Just like the U.S. has dollar stores, Japan has 100-yen stores. One of the most famous is Daiso, based in Hiroshima. It’s popular for stocking a variety of original products, the vast majority of which cost 100 yen (since 2004, the store has also been selling some items priced at...[ Click to read more ]
Where to Find Halal Food in Kumamoto
By Justin Hanus
One of the top destinations in Japan for Muslims is Kumamoto, due to the large number of Muslims who are already living in the city. In addition to a mosque and a prayer room for Muslims at the Kumamoto City International Center, there are plenty of options for halal food....[ Click to read more ]
