Plum Blossom Viewing in Tokyo – The Top Umemi Spots!
Jan 29, 2021 By Bert Wishart
While the cherry blossom is the flower that tends to dominate the imagination of Japanese botanic appreciation, it is perhaps the plum (ume) blossom that should be the more celebrated. Reddish pink or white flowers, they are distinguishable from the sakura by their split ended petals and their strong sweet...[ Click to read more ]
Keeping Mentally Fit and Clean with Mindful Time Tracking
By Jason Gatewood
If you are still here in 2021, congratulations— you survived. 2020 was a veritable dumpster fire of a year for most of us, and this year looks only marginally better so far. The previous year left most of us rough, raggedy, and wretched from political pandemonium to microbial mayhem and...[ Click to read more ]
Take a Soothing Soak at one of Hiroshima’s Super Hot Spring Spas
By Bert Wishart
As temperatures around the country plummet, the Japanese winter can seem harsh, particularly if you are not fortunate enough to live in an environment that is equipped with central heating. However, as unlikely as it seems, there is some cause for celebration, as the winter is the perfect time to...[ Click to read more ]
How to Ride a Motorcycle Legally in Japan
Jan 27, 2021 By Jason Gatewood
If you’re living in one of the many urban areas in Japan, chances are you may choose to live car-free since we enjoy access to one of the best public transport systems in the world. Even then, though, there are times where you may wish to come and go as...[ Click to read more ]
The Top 5 (+2) Parks Around Tokyo
Jan 20, 2021 By Jason Gatewood
The metropolis is a great place to live, but the space available to you isn't always great, and being constantly surrounded by buildings can feel a bit oppressive after a while. Now and again, you have to get out and recharge in a spot with some green, take a mental...[ Click to read more ]
Styles of Japanese Martial Arts and How They Differ
Jan 18, 2021 By Justin Hanus
Across the world, there are more than 180 styles of martial arts. Most of them originate from Asia, and many of them from Japan. Of the Japanese martial arts, four stand out as the most famous: karate, aikido, judo, and sumo. Although martial arts are one of Japan is best...[ Click to read more ]
Winter Walks in Kobe
Dec 25, 2020 By Justin Hanus
What better way to shake off any winter lethargy or periods of over-eating than heading out for a refreshing walk for a few hours? With an abundance of glorious natural scenery and eye-catching tourist attractions, Kobe is a great city for a winter stroll. The winters are reasonably mild, and...[ Click to read more ]
How Do Japanese Children Spend Their Time?
By Justin Hanus
Moving to Japan is not just a culture shock for adults — it can be quite a transition for children, too. The good news is that there are many activities for kids to enjoy in Japan, whatever their interests. Playing Baseball Baseball is one of the most popular sports in...[ Click to read more ]
Rock (Climbing) And Roll – Bouldering in Hiroshima
By Bert Wishart
Now and again, something pops up in the zeitgeist that comes right out of left field. Some of these things are fads that slip away as quickly as they came (remember twerking? No, probably not), but some things seem to not only hang around but absolutely explode. One of those...[ Click to read more ]
Alternative Fitness Options in Hiroshima
By Bert Wishart
So, over the holidays, you indulged until you were fit to burst. We’ve all been there, but now you’ve noticed that you’ve put on a few pounds and can shake your belly like a bowl full of jelly, and you are well aware that it is no longer the season...[ Click to read more ]
