Family Days Out in Kumamoto
Aug 30, 2024 By Justin Hanus
Located in the north of Japan’s Kyushu region, Kumamoto prefecture has a rich culture and plenty of affordable attractions if you’re looking for a day out that all the family can enjoy. From fun outdoor activities to educational experiences, here are a few great destinations if you’re looking to keep...[ Click to read more ]
Getting Your Daily Bread – Bakeries in Nagoya
By William Farrow
Nagoya often stands out for it distinctive cuisine. The traditional favorites like miso katsu and hitsumabushi usually come to mind when thinking of foods here. However, Nagoya is more than things slathered in red miso and fried to varying degrees. Offering a delightful blend of local flavors and European-inspired confections,...[ Click to read more ]
Family Disaster Preparation, Survival, and Response in Japan
By Ray Proper
No one wants to be part of a disaster, but if you have to, Japan is one of the best places to do it. From building codes to government and civil procedures, the Japanese government has built pretty good infrastructure for use "in an emergency." While they do a good...[ Click to read more ]
Planning a Visit to Sera Kogen Farm in Hiroshima
Aug 28, 2024 By Justin Hanus
Hiroshima prefecture is home to some of the most stunning nature in the country. An ideal place to see the changing seasons is in the flowers at Sera Kogen Farm. The venue also holds events throughout the year, including the Sunflower Festival, Heavenly Blue Hill, the Radish Festival, and Sera...[ Click to read more ]
Your Guide to Bugs, Wanted and Unwanted
Jul 31, 2024 By William Farrow
Bugs are usually at the bottom of the invited guests list for any residence. Japan is home to a rather diverse amount of insects from cute butterflies to large, venomous centipedes normally found only in the recesses of our nightmares. Summertime brings increased insect activity all over the country, which...[ Click to read more ]
Surviving Summer Weekends with Kids
By William Farrow
With summer comes summer vacation. What was once a strong, fond memory of days with no school or responsibility and the only challenge being determining which order to play with what toys takes a stark change in tone and goals when you find yourself on the parental side. Remote workers...[ Click to read more ]
Summer Homework: Things to Mind and Enjoy
By William Farrow
As we head into August, residents of Japan will begin wrestling with a month that continues the beats of July: Extreme heat coupled with high humidity and typhoons from time to time. While the cicadas may calm down during the month of August, seasoned residents know that the heat most...[ Click to read more ]
Summer Beer Gardens in Tokyo 2024
Jul 29, 2024 By Michael Stigall
In summer, is there anything better than sipping on an ice cold beer as the city temperature rises? Well yes, actually there is: Digging into a freshly grilled piece of meat that perfectly accompanies your frosty glass. There are of course many beer gardens across the city right now, but...[ Click to read more ]
Bike & Scooter Rental in Kobe
By Justin Hanus
Cycling is a popular, affordable and eco-friendly way of traveling around Japanese cities. There are many cycle paths and routes as well as dedicated lanes on busy roads. Recent years have seen a boom in modern e-bikes and e-scooters that can now be seen alongside the more traditional city bikes,...[ Click to read more ]
Great Places for a Sunset in Hiroshima
By Justin Hanus
Hiroshima has an array of tall buildings and places of natural beauty from where you can take postcard-perfect snaps of both day and night views to send to family, friends or social media. Nothing quite creates a “wish I was there” moment like a glorious sunset. Whether you want to...[ Click to read more ]