Securing your Home in Nagoya Against Burglary
Jul 28, 2014 By Ray Proper
Although a very safe country to live in generally, not even Japan is completely free of crime. It is easy to let one’s guard down living in a safe and comfortable city like Nagoya, but continued awareness and vigilance will ensure the safety of your home and family. The goal...[ Click to read more ]
Ise Grand Shrine, Mie – One of the Most Sacred Spots in Japan
Jul 22, 2014 By Bert Wishart
Japanese folklore has it that Yata no kagami, or the "eight hand mirror," was brought to earth by Ninigi-no-Mikoto; legendary ancestor of the Japanese imperial line. The mirror is one of the Three Imperial Regalia or Three Sacred Treasures of Japan, and possession is passed from emperor to emperor to confirm the divine...[ Click to read more ]
Gattan Go!! Rail Mountain Biking in Hida Gifu
Jul 16, 2014 By Ray Proper
Looking for an interesting family day trip and adventure? You may enjoy enjoy Gattan Go!!, an innovative hybrid of bicycle and railroad comprised of two bikes linked to each other and set on an out-of-service railroad line in the mountains of Gifu Prefecture. You have a variety of options of...[ Click to read more ]
English Speaking Hairdressers in Tokyo
Jul 14, 2014 By
In a large city such as Tokyo, not excelling in Japanese isn’t too much of a problem. Tokyoites are accustomed to foreigners being around, and understand that we may be less than fluent. In daily lives gestures and body language are often readily acceptable as communicative currency. However, for some...[ Click to read more ]
Sekigahara – Japan’s Defining Samurai Battle
Jun 30, 2014 By Bert Wishart
As you may or may not know, the Chubu area witnessed the scene of perhaps the most important and defining battle in Japan’s history. The Battle of Sekigahara, maybe best considered to western minds as Japan’s Gettysburg, took place in 1600 in the town of Sekigahara, Gifu. It was pitched...[ Click to read more ]
What to do if You Lose Your Residence Card
Jun 27, 2014 By Bert Wishart
When living in a foreign country, there are many exciting and wonderful things to see and do. However, not knowing the local language can sometimes, initially at least, make ordinary and commonplace tasks appear somewhat daunting. One of these such things is dealing with official documentation and bureaucracy, particularly when doing...[ Click to read more ]
Fishy Business – Yanagibashi Chuo Ichiba Fish Market in Nagoya
Jun 24, 2014 By Bert Wishart
Ask a Japanese of which part of their culture they are most proud and nine times out of then they will tell you that it is their food, and by food they are most likely talking fish. Japan consumes six per cent of the world’s fish harvest and imports more...[ Click to read more ]
Sending a Letter in Japan and Japanese Addresses
Jun 23, 2014 By Ray Proper
Though it rarely comes up with the prevalence of email now-a-days, you sometimes need to mail a letter. This is what you need to know if you want to do it in Japan. A standard letter costs 82 yen to mail. You can buy stamps at the post office or convenience...[ Click to read more ]
Sushi Dokoro Shiki in Tokyo’s Ginza District
Jun 16, 2014 By Ray Proper
Sushi Dokoro Shiki - すし処 志喜 in Tokyo's Ginza District is a surprisingly good and affordable treasure. They specialize in "course menu" sushi set at JPY 10,500 , or you can order off the menu; which is quite reasonable for being located in Ginza. The set menu selections are extremely fresh and well chosen, and...[ Click to read more ]
Golfing in and around Tokyo
Jun 12, 2014 By Bert Wishart
Being packed, seemingly shoulder-to-shoulder, with people you could be forgiven for thinking that Tokyo is not the best place to, to paraphrase Mark Twain, spoil a good walk. However, there are plenty of excellent golfing areas around the capital. Of course there are many roof-top driving ranges, hammering balls into...[ Click to read more ]
