Staying Cool in the (Japanese) Heat
Jul 25, 2018 By Jason Gatewood
Our latest weather woes have made international headlines recently, with an unprecedented heatwave that has set records across Japan. Many of us come from countries where this is quite normal (my last summer trip back home had highs around 40ºC/101ºF), a large number may not have ever experienced this...[ Click to read more ]
Celebrate Mountain Day by Hiking Around Aichi
By Bert Wishart
One great thing about living in Japan is the fact that there are so many holidays. Between New Year’s Day on January 1st and the Emperor’s Birthday on December 23, there are a further 15 national holidays observed. One recent (2016) addition to the calendar is Mountain Day, or ‘Yama no...[ Click to read more ]
8 Popular Attractions Near Mount Fuji in Yamanashi Prefecture
Jun 26, 2018 By Justin Hanus
A visit to Japan won’t be complete without a trip to the one of the most famous natural beauties in the world, Mt. Fuji. It’s majestic cone has its magical allure from all angles that is why crowds are drawn to the different attractions surrounding it so that they can...[ Click to read more ]
Popular Beaches in The Kansai Region
By Justin Hanus
A lot of people love going to the beach because as they say, they need a dose of vitamin sea. Unfortunately, not a lot of countries have the best beaches and sea views that people can enjoy either by swimming or just lounging around in the sand or in comfy...[ Click to read more ]
Splish, Splash, Sploosh!: Your Guide to Tokyo’s Waterparks
By Jason Gatewood
When the air outside is thick with humidity, cicadas begin their endless chirping, the stores start stocking endless varieties of flavored bottled water and teas, and all the kids start sporting “playground tans”, Tokyo Summertime has finally come. We are the enviable environment to enjoy a trip to the beach,...[ Click to read more ]
Let’s Tour Tokyo: Kichijoji
By Jason Gatewood
It’s been awhile since I last introduced a part of Tokyo you may not be so familiar with, so this time we’ll head westward from Shinjuku to visit the Kichijoji (吉祥寺) district. This area is centered around the junction of the JR Chuo Line and Keio Inokashira Line at its...[ Click to read more ]
Get Your Grill On – Nagoya’s BBQ Spots
May 29, 2018 By Bert Wishart
The Japanese have something of a love/hate relationship with the summer months. As soon as the mercury climbs above 25 degrees, women break out the parasols, curtains are pulled tight to keep out sunlight, and everyone’s vocabulary is limited to a single word: atsui (hot!). But that is not to say...[ Click to read more ]
Getting Away in Japan: Kanagawa
By Bert Wishart
Though Kanagawa Prefecture is often dismissed as 'that bit next to Tokyo', you shouldn't let its relatively small stature when compared to its glamorous neighbor fool you; from bright city lights, beautiful nature and a long, celebrated history, there is a whole lot to see and do in Kanagawa. Yokohama...[ Click to read more ]
Rice Planting Events in Hiroshima
By Matt Mangham
I always recommend venturing out of the city if you can. Rural Hiroshima Prefecture is a knockout, and this is a wonderful time of year. The spring foliage still shows its fresh, pale green on the hills, and the worst of the summer heat is weeks away. Most of the...[ Click to read more ]
The Best Parks in Kobe
May 23, 2018 By Justin Hanus
Kobe is not short of green spaces offering residents and tourists the chance to get out and soak up the great outdoors. Whether you're a sports enthusiast looking for somewhere to play or just after a nice setting for an ambient stroll, the city has a good mix of everything...[ Click to read more ]
