Bringing or Importing Medicines into Japan
Dec 06, 2022 By Ray Proper
When traveling to another country, laws can radically differ from your home country. This is especially true in Japan concerning prescription and OTC medicines. Medicines one may find no problem back home can be non-existent here, and other medications can be why you were arrested. We have compiled some links and...[ Click to read more ]
Wine Tasting in Kumamoto
Nov 29, 2022 By Justin Hanus
There are several wineries across Kyushu, including a couple in Kumamoto. Visiting one is a great way to learn more about the wine from the region. Even more importantly, you’ll be able to sample various products before you decide which to buy. The Wineries The best-known winery in Kumamoto is...[ Click to read more ]
Winter Fun in Tokyo at Yomiuri Land
By Michael Stigall
With the famous Disney Resort a relatively short ride from Tokyo Station, it is easy to forget that Tokyo actually has several other wonderful theme parks and attractions worth visiting. Today we will focus on Yomiuri Land, just 30 minutes from central Tokyo. While not as big as Disney, Yomiuri...[ Click to read more ]
Traditional Japanese New Years’ Foods – Osechi Ryori
Nov 24, 2022 By Ray Proper
Osechi-ryōri are traditional Japanese foods eaten at the start of the new year. The osechi tradition has been alive in Japan since the Heian Era (starting in 794). The foods are easily recognizable by the special bento boxes called jūbako, often stacked for larger families or parties. Like many places...[ Click to read more ]
Japanese New Years’ Traditions
By Jason Gatewood
New Year is the main holiday of the year in Japan, and the country shuts down for several days as people take time off to spend time with their families and relax. As with Christmas celebrations in the West, numerous customs and traditions are observed at New Year. Here are...[ Click to read more ]
Touring Tokyo on Sharebike
Oct 31, 2022 By Michael Stigall
Bike sharing has been a thing in Tokyo for more than a decade now, but it still feels like a relatively new thing only known and used by the savviest of Tokyo residents. Starting in Yokohama, bike sharing is now all over the Kanto area, and they are quite a...[ Click to read more ]
The History of Japan’s Majestic Fall Colors
Oct 25, 2022 By Bert Wishart
Japan's most popular season for tourists is undoubtedly spring. When the cherry blossoms bloom, people from inside Japan and worldwide gather in popular, beautiful spots to bask in the traditional scenes of pinks, reds, and whites that form many of our preconceptions of Japan's natural state. However, what is less...[ Click to read more ]
Yoro No Taki – Yoro Falls in Gifu
Oct 24, 2022 By Ray Proper
Yoro no Taki (Yoro Falls) is a great spot to get outside near Nagoya. Any time of the year is fine, but visiting the area in spring and fall is highly recommended, as both the spring blossoms and fall colors do an excellent job decorating the mountains surrounding the waterfall....[ Click to read more ]
Koyo, or Fall Colors in Tokyo
Oct 16, 2022 By Jason Gatewood
One great thing about Japan is that all four seasons' splendor can be appreciated wherever you live. And this heightened awareness of seasonal beauty is complemented nicely by Japan's plentiful mountains, forests, beaches, and even a desert (!), meaning that a change of scenery is a simple train or bus...[ Click to read more ]
Thanksgiving in Tokyo
Oct 12, 2022 By Jason Gatewood
Let's face it: Thanksgiving is purely a North American holiday, meaning we shouldn't expect much fanfare here in Tokyo on the fourth Thursday of November. In most parts of Japan, you may only have one choice if you want to indulge in a holiday feast -- do it yourself... minus...[ Click to read more ]