The Perfect Place for Coffee in Hiroshima
Aug 30, 2024 By Jade Brischke
Japan remains a nation with more of a tea culture than a coffee culture, but there is a growing fascination with the bean. This is going beyond the proliferation of Starbucks branches popping up across the country. Cities including Hiroshima have been developing an independent coffee shop scene, with many...[ Click to read more ]
Family Days Out in Kumamoto
By Justin Hanus
Located in the north of Japan’s Kyushu region, Kumamoto prefecture has a rich culture and plenty of affordable attractions if you’re looking for a day out that all the family can enjoy. From fun outdoor activities to educational experiences, here are a few great destinations if you’re looking to keep...[ Click to read more ]
Getting Your Daily Bread – Bakeries in Nagoya
By William Farrow
Nagoya often stands out for it distinctive cuisine. The traditional favorites like miso katsu and hitsumabushi usually come to mind when thinking of foods here. However, Nagoya is more than things slathered in red miso and fried to varying degrees. Offering a delightful blend of local flavors and European-inspired confections,...[ Click to read more ]
Family Disaster Preparation, Survival, and Response in Japan
By Ray Proper
No one wants to be part of a disaster, but if you have to, Japan is one of the best places to do it. From building codes to government and civil procedures, the Japanese government has built pretty good infrastructure for use "in an emergency." While they do a good...[ Click to read more ]
Beating the Heat at Tokyo’s Waterparks
Aug 28, 2024 By Michael Stigall
According to the latest weather reports, us Tokyo residents will be experiencing high temperatures until October. While we are basically at the zenith of heat in August, it is still going to be awhile before things get comfortable. So what’s something to do when the air outside is thick with...[ Click to read more ]
Learn All About Tokyo’s Most Famous Artist at the Sumida Hokusai Museum
By Michael Stigall
It sometimes can be a bit surprising to learn that at one point in time the busiest parts of Tokyo weren’t the bustling areas of Shinjuku and Shibuya but were actually located to the East. Indeed, in old Edo (the former name for Tokyo), the Eastern area of the city...[ Click to read more ]
Learning Japanese in Kansai
By Justin Hanus
Learning the language can be the quickest way to integrate into the culture when you move to a new country. Japanese can be challenging as it involves learning a new writing system, however it can also be fun and there many places to learn, ranging from university courses to friendly...[ Click to read more ]
What You’ll See at Mifune Dinosaur Museum
By Justin Hanus
If you’re a dinosaur fan, you need to pay Mifune Dinosaur Museum a visit. Located in the small town of Mifune in Kumamoto prefecture, the site was home to numerous dinosaurs during the Cretaceous Period. However, it wasn’t until the 1990s that researchers discovered the first fossils. Shortly after, in...[ Click to read more ]
Street Food in Kansai
By Justin Hanus
Street food is a handy and quick way to try out new dishes, an alternative to sitting down for a restaurant meal. It has grown in popularity in recent years and you can find stalls and kiosks serving tasty portions in many countries including Japan. The region of Kansai has...[ Click to read more ]
Planning a Visit to Sera Kogen Farm in Hiroshima
By Justin Hanus
Hiroshima prefecture is home to some of the most stunning nature in the country. An ideal place to see the changing seasons is in the flowers at Sera Kogen Farm. The venue also holds events throughout the year, including the Sunflower Festival, Heavenly Blue Hill, the Radish Festival, and Sera...[ Click to read more ]