Packing the Right Clothes for Kobe in the Winter
Dec 27, 2023 By Justin Hanus
The weather varies greatly across Japan in the winter. Hokkaido is the coldest, with temperatures reaching as low as -11.4 ºC (11.5 ºF), whereas the Nanpo and Bonin Islands have a tropical climate year round. With mild winters, Kobe is somewhere in between. Using the average temperatures will help you...[ Click to read more ]
Top Places to Try Fugu in Hiroshima
By Justin Hanus
Fugu (blowfish) is an important aspect of Japanese cuisine. In addition to its delicious taste, it gained its fame due to the fact that many parts of the fish are lethally poisonous, including the organs, eyes, and skin. There are strict regulations around serving fugu, such as a law that...[ Click to read more ]
Samurai Tourism in Kumamoto
By Justin Hanus
Kumamoto was historically an important samurai town, signs of which still exist today. In fact, there’s now an industry around samurai tourism in Kumamoto. This includes several half- and full-day tours, offered by professionals. Samurai Experience Tour An exclusive option is the Samurai Experience Tour. Provided by a national government-licensed...[ Click to read more ]
Alternative Fitness Options in Nagoya
By Bert Wishart
So, over the holidays, you indulged until you were fit to burst. We've all been there. But now you've noticed that you've put on a few pounds and can shake your belly like a bowl full of jelly, and you are well aware that it is no longer the season...[ Click to read more ]
Winter Food in Japan
By Michael Stigall
As an American, there are certain foods that I look forward to when things start getting chilly. Most of those foods, like a roasted turkey or pumpkin pie, are simply not that easy to come by in Japan. So, what's a person to do when you want something warming and...[ Click to read more ]
Best International Schools in Kobe
By Justin Hanus
It may not be among the most famous cities in Japan but Kobe is one of the best locations for international schools outside of Tokyo. This is on account of its diverse expat community, meaning that those moving to the city with kids have plenty of choice when it comes...[ Click to read more ]
Sample Kansai Utility Bills and Usage Notices
Dec 04, 2023 By Admin
In Japan, residents are signed up for water, electricity, gas and Internet as utility payments - with the exclusion of some properties that have no gas, and are all electric (or "all-denka"), or have Internet costs included as part of the rent. Electricity, gas and Internet are billed monthly, while...[ Click to read more ]
Hiroshima Cinemas
Nov 30, 2023 By Matt Mangham
We’re fast approaching the peak cinema season as the weather chills, the nights draw in and this year’s big winter blockbusters hit our screens. Japan has a rich culture of film-making and its citizens love going to the movies as much as anyone else. The cinema experience in Japan is...[ Click to read more ]
Best Places for Breakfast in Kumamoto
By Justin Hanus
Breakfast in Japan may be quite different than what you’re used to, as it consists of things like grilled fish, steamed rice, and pickles. However, you can also find restaurants serving breakfasts that are more similar to what you find in the West. Whatever kind of breakfast you’re looking for,...[ Click to read more ]
Best Parks in Hiroshima
By Justin Hanus
Located in the southwest of Japan’s largest island – Honshu – and with a rich and varied history, Hiroshima prefecture is a draw for many tourists to the country and has also become the home to many expat settlers. Among its attractions are several parks that provide not just great...[ Click to read more ]
