Best Outdoor Swimming Locations in Kansai

May 29, 2024 By Justin Hanus

Whether it’s a day trip to the beach, a dip in a pretty lake or going for a wild swim in a river, making the most of the summer sun and immersing yourself in outdoor waters is one of the best ways to relax as well as enjoy the scenery...[ Click to read more ]

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The Hiroshima Dating Scene

By Justin Hanus

Hiroshima, like many cities in Japan, is a blend of traditional cultural norms and more modernized and westernized lifestyles. If you live in the city and are single, you can find plenty of opportunities to meet both local and foreign prospective partners. In addition, there is no shortage of things...[ Click to read more ]

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Tokyo’s Best American BBQ

By Michael Stigall

In the United States, BBQ is cooking meat for long periods at low temperatures with smoke from a wood fire.  BBQ adds a distinctive smoky taste to the meat, and depending on the style in question, BBQ sauce.   While BBQ traditions may not have originated in the United States, they...[ Click to read more ]

Let’s All Go to the Keiba-jo! Where to See Horse Racing Near Nagoya

Apr 30, 2024 By Bert Wishart

Though it has much changed over the centuries, keiba [horse racing] in Japan is not merely a sport; it's a cultural phenomenon deeply ingrained in the nation's fabric. With a history going back to the 8th centruy, when its role was of a more religious bent, horse racing remains today...[ Click to read more ]

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Top Golfing Spots in Kansai

By Justin Hanus

With almost 2,500 golf courses, Japan is a top destination for golfers. Some of the best clubs are in Kansai, which has courses everywhere from Hyogo to Mie. 1. Tsu Country Club At Tsu Country Club in Mie prefecture, you’ll find an 18-hole championship course spanning a long 7,023 yards....[ Click to read more ]

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Tokyo’s Go-Karts

By Michael Stigall

If you’ve been in Tokyo’s tourist areas for just a few hours, you might have caught a glimpse of a fleet of go-karts with costume-clad drivers speeding through the streets. Even if you haven’t seen them up close, you may have heard of them or even caught them all over...[ Click to read more ]

Boat Trips in Hiroshima

By Justin Hanus

With six rivers and a bay leading out to the Seto Inland Sea, Hiroshima prefecture offers ample opportunities for charming and relaxing boat trips where you can see the sights while drifting along on the water. With summer on the doorstep, it’s the perfect time to plan a cruise. You...[ Click to read more ]

Summer Days Out in Hiroshima

By Justin Hanus

Surrounded by sea, mountains and pretty waterways, Hiroshima is something of an ideal location to spend away the summer months. If you find yourself with a spare day or two in the prefecture and don’t want to travel too far out, there are plenty of great places to escape to....[ Click to read more ]

Best Schools in Kumamoto

Apr 26, 2024 By Justin Hanus

With a smaller expat population than some Japanese prefectures, Kumamoto doesn’t have the same depth of international schools that you might find in Tokyo or Osaka. However, you will find a diverse range of educational establishments providing teaching from preschool to college age. Here is a pick of top schools...[ Click to read more ]

Great Walks in Kansai

By Justin Hanus

With summer fast approaching, it’s the perfect time to plan a jaunt or two away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Japan is a country well-known for its bright and busy cities but it also contains some spectacular natural scenery. The Kansai region, home to the former capital...[ Click to read more ]

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