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 ]
Best BBQ Spots in Kobe
Jul 19, 2021 By Justin Hanus
Summer is here, which means the chance to head outside and eat in the open air. The BBQ may not be quite as popular in Japan as it is in the West, but many still relish the chance to heat some meat and vegetables over the coals and have themselves...[ Click to read more ]
Great Places to See a Sunset in Kansai
Jun 22, 2021 By Justin Hanus
Watching the sunset on the horizon is a fantastic way to cap off the day, make lasting memories, and take some great pictures to show off to friends. The Kansai region is full of varied locations offering breath-taking natural scenery and a chance to watch the sun disappear into the...[ Click to read more ]
Best Beaches in Kobe
Jun 20, 2021 By Justin Hanus
Now summer has arrived, many of us will fancy a getaway for a day or two to the beach. Japan’s most famous beaches are in its western parts, but Kobe residents don’t have to travel if they want a bit of sun, sea, and sand – there are many great...[ Click to read more ]
Where to See Fireflies in Kansai
May 26, 2021 By Justin Hanus
Whereas many years ago, fireflies were everywhere in Kansai throughout the summer months, you now need to head to specific places to see them. Luckily, you do have a range of options, including festivals in urban areas like the gardens of hotels, restaurants, and shrines. However, these events tend to...[ Click to read more ]
Nagoya’s Magical Summer Fireflies
May 17, 2021 By Bert Wishart
With the rainy season and the humidity ramping up like an overly-confident Evil Knievel, June is perhaps one of the least favored months in Japan. However, with that said, this combination of conditions is precisely what is required for one of the more beautiful, natural sights: the glow of the...[ Click to read more ]
