Yōkai, the Weird World of Japanese Spooks and Spectres
Sep 29, 2022 By Bert Wishart
Halloween is all about spooky stuff, right? There are various bone-chilling tales coming out of medieval Europe for its origins - the dead returning, devils punishing Irishmen, ghosts, spooks, and witches. But the west isn't the only place with these traditions. Japan too has plenty of things that go bump...[ Click to read more ]
Outdoor Trip Ideas for the Adventurous in Hiroshima
Sep 28, 2022 By Justin Hanus
Hiroshima is an ideal destination for anyone who loves adventurous sports and the great outdoors. There are a variety of activities to try, whether you’re looking for a way to spend a few hours or a full day. Shower Climbing Yuki-cho is a small village outside of Hiroshima, famous for...[ Click to read more ]
Fun Activities for Older People in Kansai
By Justin Hanus
Japan has a rapidly aging society with a larger percentage of over-65s than anywhere else in the world. It’s no surprise, therefore, that there are plenty of activities across the country that cater to senior citizens. There are various things that older people can enjoy in Kansai, from active pursuits...[ Click to read more ]
Where to Learn Japanese in Hiroshima
By Justin Hanus
One of the first things you might want to do if you’ve relocated to Japan long-term is to start learning the language. Japanese can be a challenge for westerners as it uses a different writing system, however, Japanese natives are keen to teach their language to foreigners, and there are...[ Click to read more ]
Where to Learn Japanese in Kumamoto
By Justin Hanus
Are you an expat who’s moved to Kumamoto prefecture, and your Japanese doesn’t extend beyond “konnichiwa” and “sayonara”? Then you might be looking to brush up on your language skills to help you in your everyday life. Here are a few places where you can learn Japanese in Kumamoto, including...[ Click to read more ]
Expat Clubs in Kumamoto
By Justin Hanus
If you've moved to Kumamoto prefecture from overseas, you will likely be interested in making links with international and expat groups in the area. Kumamoto doesn't have an expat network as developed as some parts of Japan, but it's building up again following the departures of many foreign residents following...[ Click to read more ]
A Guide to Onsen and Super Sento in and around Tokyo
By Michael Stigall
The onsen is one thing that immediately comes to mind when one thinks of Japan, and it's no mystery why. In addition to appearing in most tourism-related media, they are excellent places to relax. With so much seismic activity, from small sento bathhouses to entire onsen towns, sento and onsen...[ Click to read more ]
Seven Spooky Japanese Halloween Costume Ideas
Sep 27, 2022 By Bert Wishart
So, Halloween is coming and you are getting ready to dust off that old ghost, vampire or witch costume that you wear every year. But this year why not try something different, something that takes its inspiration from the local folklore? Below are some ideas for spooky Halloween costumes that come from...[ Click to read more ]
Where to Live in Kobe: The Best Neighborhoods
Aug 31, 2022 By Justin Hanus
As the seventh-most populated city in the country, it should come as no surprise that Kobe is made up of many neighborhoods, each of which has its own characteristics. If moving to Kobe, it’s worth knowing something about each neighborhood to decide in advance where to search for your home....[ Click to read more ]
Yoga Classes in Kobe
By Justin Hanus
Yoga, a staple exercise and well-being activity in certain parts of the world for many years, has grown in popularity globally in recent years. With its expanding expat population, Kobe has many facilities where locals and newcomers can practice different forms of yoga and learn about its benefits to the...[ Click to read more ]
