Let’s Tour: Kamakura
Oct 19, 2021 By Jason Gatewood
Despite being one of the most densely populated parts of the world, containing the capital city and Japan's most significant urban area, Greater Tokyo is historically newer than many places in the country. It wasn't until the 1600s during the Edo Period that the area, then called Edo, became important;...[ Click to read more ]
Koyo, or Fall Colors in Hiroshima
Oct 15, 2021 By Bert Wishart
The Japanese are proud of the four distinct seasons that Japan offers and is very conscious of changing the seasons around them. They often celebrate little, or not so little, milestones between each to mark the occasion. Long sleeve or short sleeve shirts, for example, are there one day but...[ Click to read more ]
“Take a hike!” in Hiroshima
Sep 29, 2021 By Michael Stigall
If you arrive in or depart Hiroshima Station from the East on one of the local trains or Shinkansen, you can see a large silver pagoda on the top of the mountain overlooking the station. Since there are so many other things to do in Hiroshima, many people never bother...[ Click to read more ]
Hiking to Koyasan in Wakayama Prefecture
Sep 28, 2021 By Justin Hanus
Wakayama prefecture is home to Koyasan — one of the most popular places for pilgrimages for more than a thousand years. There are actually a few trails to Koyasan, but the original is the Koyasan Choishi Michi trail. The name comes from the fact that it has choishi along the...[ Click to read more ]
Fall for Nagoya; What to do in Autumn near Nagoya
By Bert Wishart
Can you feel that? That feeling that a weight has lifted from your shoulders? That's right, the oppressive Japanese summer has gone, and autumn is finally with us. The fall is widely said to be Japan's favorite season, as not only is it that brief respite between the crushing heat...[ Click to read more ]
Day Trips: Wakayama and the Kumano Kodo Trail (Easy)
Aug 31, 2021 By Bert Wishart
How many UNESCO Heritage sites do you think that you could fit in a day? One? Two? Three at the most? Well, if you visit Kumano Kodo in the southern Kansai region, then pretty much around every corner, you will see yet another sign pointing you in a UNESCO direction....[ Click to read more ]
Tour de Nagoya – See Nagoya in a Day
Aug 23, 2021 By Bert Wishart
Summer is a time for cycling, with the Tour de France the world's most famous race. Of course, there is no equivalent in our fair city of Nagoya, so I thought I would come up with one. But this is not a superhuman challenge of endurance like 'le Tour,' but...[ Click to read more ]
Farms & Zoos in Kobe
Aug 18, 2021 By Justin Hanus
Spending time with animals is a great way to switch off and unwind for a few hours. Whether you want to get up close and pet or admire from a distance, a trip to a local zoo or farm can make for the ideal family day out. Here is a...[ Click to read more ]
The Shimanami Kaido trail – Bicycling in Hiroshima
Aug 08, 2021 By Bert Wishart
With the weather finally beginning to cool down, it is time to look back at outdoor activities. Before the long winter sets back in, it’s best to take advantage of the natural beauty that the Seto Inland Sea offers, and the popular way to do this is cycling. Over the...[ Click to read more ]
Cycle Routes Near Nagoya
Jul 29, 2021 By Bert Wishart
With the Giro d'Italia and the Tour de France already done and Vuelta e Espana soon to come, you may be feeling inspired to get on your road bike and put some kilometers in your legs. However, living in the middle of the city, you may feel like there is...[ Click to read more ]