Best Bars for Expats in Kumamoto
Aug 28, 2024 By Justin Hanus
Kumamoto is one of the best spots for nightlife on Kyushu Island. In the downtown area, particularly Sakae Dori, expats can find plenty of haunts where they can enjoy a tipple, grab a spot of food and meet like-minded people. Whether you’re looking for a small cosy pub, a live...[ Click to read more ]
The Mobile Suica: The Best Way to Get Around Town
By Michael Stigall
We’ve talked about IC cards before. There’s Suica. There’s Pasmo. There’s ICOCA. There’s Manaca. So many cards! But the good news is that most of them can be used throughout Japan’s rail network. The bad news is that due to a materials shortage, some cards like the Suica haven’t been...[ Click to read more ]
Japanese Cooking Classes in Tokyo in English
Jul 31, 2024 By Michael Stigall
Food shopping in Japan has a reputation for being a touch on the expensive side, and as you wander the aisles of your local supermarket looking at your basic groceries – cheese, fruit, freshly baked bread – it is hard to disagree. However, if you look at local produce you...[ Click to read more ]
Your Summer Must-Eats
By William Farrow
Summers in Nagoya are hot. Hot and humid. Humid and miserable. Miserable an...you know what, let's stop there. While the summer heat often is at the forefront of everyone's mind, there are some excellent food choices out there for residents that are worth braving the heat and humidity. Furthermore, residents...[ Click to read more ]
Your Guide to Bugs, Wanted and Unwanted
By William Farrow
Bugs are usually at the bottom of the invited guests list for any residence. Japan is home to a rather diverse amount of insects from cute butterflies to large, venomous centipedes normally found only in the recesses of our nightmares. Summertime brings increased insect activity all over the country, which...[ Click to read more ]
Surviving Summer Weekends with Kids
By William Farrow
With summer comes summer vacation. What was once a strong, fond memory of days with no school or responsibility and the only challenge being determining which order to play with what toys takes a stark change in tone and goals when you find yourself on the parental side. Remote workers...[ Click to read more ]
Summer Homework: Things to Mind and Enjoy
By William Farrow
As we head into August, residents of Japan will begin wrestling with a month that continues the beats of July: Extreme heat coupled with high humidity and typhoons from time to time. While the cicadas may calm down during the month of August, seasoned residents know that the heat most...[ Click to read more ]
The Best Thai Restaurants in Tokyo
Jul 29, 2024 By Michael Stigall
Japan is rightly lauded for being a nation of amazing food. From sashimi to sushi, from nabe to bashimi, there is so much to taste here. However, wasabe and Taiwan Ramen aside, it doesn't really do much in the way of strong, spicy flavours. Which is why, for those of...[ Click to read more ]
How to Reach Kobe from Kansai Airport
By Justin Hanus
Although Kobe has its own airport, it is just for domestic flights. If you’re flying in from abroad, your closest option is Kansai International Airport. Luckily, you have a variety of options to get to Kobe, with journey times ranging from less than one hour to just over two hours....[ Click to read more ]
Summer Beer Gardens in Tokyo 2024
By Michael Stigall
In summer, is there anything better than sipping on an ice cold beer as the city temperature rises? Well yes, actually there is: Digging into a freshly grilled piece of meat that perfectly accompanies your frosty glass. There are of course many beer gardens across the city right now, but...[ Click to read more ]
