Aso-Kuju: Kumamoto’s Breathtaking Park
Jul 01, 2023 By William Farrow
For residents of Kyushu, the outdoors and nature are always nearby. A far cry from the large cities of Honshu, people can expect a rich abundance of activities and places to visit. One of the first big must-see trips of the region is Aso-Kuju National Park, the emerald jewel of...[ Click to read more ]
The Reborn Town of Hitoyoshi Kuma
Jun 28, 2023 By Justin Hanus
Since the 2020 Kyushu floods brought record-breaking heavy rains down on Kumamoto prefecture, the Council for Tourism Advancement in Hitoyoshi-Kuma has been working to bring tourism back to the area. One of these efforts has centered on Hitoyoshi Kuma. Dubbed a reborn town, it is returning from the disaster stronger...[ Click to read more ]
Skate Parks in Kansai
By Justin Hanus
Japan is experiencing something of a skateboarding wave since it showcased the sport during the recent Tokyo Olympics. Many purpose-built skateboarding facilities have sprung up over the last few years, from sponsored all-weather indoor parks to free outdoor parks. Here is a small selection of places to try out your...[ Click to read more ]
Seeing Seto, a Four-Day Tour Around the Seto Island Sea
Jun 27, 2023 By Bert Wishart
Recently, when enjoying a couple of leisurely afternoon pints in The Hub, my wife Mai and I chatted with an Aussie lad in Japan on his 'trip of a lifetime.' "So, where are you visiting?" my wife asked, more out of politeness than curiosity. "I spent a few days in...[ Click to read more ]
Boat Racing in Aichi
Jun 25, 2023 By Bert Wishart
For the uninitiated, criticism of American NASCAR racing tends to center around the fact that it resembles little more than cars driving round and around an oval track. 'Go straight, turn left,' critics may complain, lacks the necessary skills that, say, F1 requires. And I have to admit; I am...[ Click to read more ]
Whisky, the King of Japanese Liquors
May 30, 2023 By Bert Wishart
Whether it be a post-work drinking party with coworkers, a cold glass of red wine at home with friends, or a stress-reducing can of highball on the train home, Japan enjoys a tipple; of that, there can be no doubt. But what is Japan's king of booze? The traditionalist may...[ Click to read more ]
Pedal Your Way Around Tokyo
By Michael Stigall
When living in and around a sprawling metropolis like Tokyo, getting from A to B can mean spending half of your day on trains, underground, or busses. Since the advent of smartphones, most of this time is gazing at a screen, meaning that you often miss out on the marvels...[ Click to read more ]
Boat Trips in Kumamoto
May 19, 2023 By Justin Hanus
As a port city with several waterways, Kumamoto offers up a few boating opportunities. These include cruises along rivers and lakes and ferry trips that take you further afield. Here is a selection of what you can find in the prefecture. Kuma River The Kuma River is the longest in...[ Click to read more ]
Best Beaches in Kansai
By Justin Hanus
Japan is not one of the first countries that spring to mind when you think of beach culture, but in fact, the country has plenty of beautiful coastlines, with the Kansai region boasting many memorable beaches consisting of pale sand and lush turquoise water. Fancy a dip this summer? Here...[ Click to read more ]
Camping in Kansai
By Justin Hanus
With summer on our doorstep, our attention turns to the great outdoors. What better way to enjoy nature for a few days than heading off on a camping excursion? Kansai has some great locations where you can get away from the hustle and bustle of city life – including free...[ Click to read more ]
