Great Places to See a Sunset in Kansai

Jun 22, 2021 By Justin Hanus

Watching the sunset on the horizon is a fantastic way to cap off the day, make lasting memories, and take some great pictures to show off to friends. The Kansai region is full of varied locations offering breath-taking natural scenery and a chance to watch the sun disappear into the...[ Click to read more ]

Best Beaches in Kobe

Jun 20, 2021 By Justin Hanus

Now summer has arrived, many of us will fancy a getaway for a day or two to the beach. Japan’s most famous beaches are in its western parts, but Kobe residents don’t have to travel if they want a bit of sun, sea, and sand – there are many great...[ Click to read more ]

Starting Your Own Business in Kobe

Jun 15, 2021 By Justin Hanus

With the 3rd strongest economy in the world, Japan is an excellent place to start up a business. There are over 3,000 foreign-owned businesses in Japan, but you need to get it right if you want to become an overseas entrepreneur. Here's a short guide on what you need to...[ Click to read more ]

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Get into Martial Arts in Hiroshima

May 26, 2021 By Bert Wishart

Whether you are a total noobie or a highly qualified master, there is something eminently special about learning a martial art in the nation of its inception. As well as providing you with the skills necessary to improve in the sport, it also offers an invaluable insight into the background,...[ Click to read more ]

Going Cashless in Japan

By Bert Wishart

For those of us who arrived in Japan in the previous decade or before, the country's fastidious adherence to its reputation for a nation in which cash was king was something of a frustration. Having to wander around with huge piles of cash when shopping, or when the restaurant bill...[ Click to read more ]

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Driving the backroads of Nagoya

By Jason Gatewood

Even though Nagoya and the greater Chubu region of central Japan comprise the country’s third-biggest metropolitan area, it isn’t the most public transport-oriented compared with its Osaka and Tokyo counterparts. The reasoning is straightforward; before about 1920, there wasn’t much to the city except a few stations on the important...[ Click to read more ]

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Where to See Fireflies in Kansai

By Justin Hanus

Whereas many years ago, fireflies were everywhere in Kansai throughout the summer months, you now need to head to specific places to see them. Luckily, you do have a range of options, including festivals in urban areas like the gardens of hotels, restaurants, and shrines. However, these events tend to...[ Click to read more ]

What’s It Like to Be a Foreigner Living in Japan?

By Justin Hanus

Even if you’ve visited Japan as a tourist before, you may not be prepared for what it’s like to live in the country as a foreigner. Some experiences may be difficult — even stressful at times. Having said that, if you strive to learn the language as best you can...[ Click to read more ]

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Nagoya’s Magical Summer Fireflies

May 17, 2021 By Bert Wishart

With the rainy season and the humidity ramping up like an overly-confident Evil Knievel, June is perhaps one of the least favored months in Japan. However, with that said, this combination of conditions is precisely what is required for one of the more beautiful, natural sights: the glow of the...[ Click to read more ]

A Basic Guide to Japanese Apartments in Nagoya

May 12, 2021 By Ray Proper

To start with, apartments in Japan are measured in “Jo.” Jo uses the size of one tatami mat, the traditional rice straw flooring in Japanese homes, to express the size of rooms. The measurement is used for room size regardless of whether or not the room actually has tatami. 1...[ Click to read more ]

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