Hiroshima’s Onomichi and Tomonoura: Cruise the Inland Sea
Jun 29, 2020 By Hugh Cann
Most residents of Hiroshima have at least heard of Onomichi, if not had the opportunity to visit. Onomichi is a small shipbuilding town nestled on the edge of the Seto Inland Sea, aka Seto Naikai, to the East of Hiroshima. Among Japanese people of a certain vintage, it is probably...[ Click to read more ]
Beaches Around Tokyo
Jun 27, 2020 By Bert Wishart
As the summer heat rises it’s tempting to retire to your air-conditioned room with your necktie fan on full blast. However, with Japan being an island nation we are completely surrounded by the sea, and thus, beaches. So get out from that darkened room and head for the coast. Beaches...[ Click to read more ]
Mitaki Temple
Jun 26, 2020 By Matt Mangham
Mitaki Temple (or Mitaki-dera) isn’t as off the beaten path as it once was. All the online references to a “hidden gem” seem to have had their inevitable effect, and the last few times I’ve been there I’ve had plenty of company. Still, except for sunny weekends in cherry blossom...[ Click to read more ]
Best Beaches in Kansai
Jun 17, 2020 By Justin Hanus
The Kansai region is perhaps better known for its urban life and attractions in cities such as Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe but the area also has a surprising number of beaches along its coastlines in both the north and south. These beaches attract many locals and tourists in the summer...[ Click to read more ]
Places to Fly a Kite in Kobe
By Justin Hanus
There are few more pleasant ways to spend a breezy summer afternoon than heading to a nice open space and flying a kite. Although not well known, Japan has its own unique kite flying traditions. Kites were brought to the country from China in the 14th century and enjoyed a...[ Click to read more ]
Ichiro, a Potted History of Aichi’s Baseball Legend
May 28, 2020 By Bert Wishart
Since being introduced to Japan in 1872, baseball has risen to become a national pastime bordering on obsession, in many eyes supplanting sumo as the nation's number one sport. In its near 150 years history, one man has risen as perhaps the greatest player to take to the diamond: Aichi's...[ Click to read more ]
Jet Around Nagoya with Bicycle Sharing
By Bert Wishart
While it may not be the biggest or even the most congested of cities, sometimes getting around Nagoya can be a bit of a pain in the backside. Yes, there are bus and subway systems, but it's no fun getting stuck in traffic, and if you need to make numerous...[ Click to read more ]
Great Summer Walks in Kansai
May 22, 2020 By Justin Hanus
Kansai is famed not just for its bustling cities such as Kyoto and Osaka but also for its many mountains, parks, and trails that offer a great walking day out. Whether you're looking for a gentle scenic stroll or something a bit more challenging, there are many options across the...[ Click to read more ]
Second Harvest Japan: Food for all People
May 19, 2020 By Admin
In Japan there are up to 8 million tons of food loss in Japan every year, while one in six lives below the poverty line. As the only registered food bank in Japan, since 2002 Second Harvest Japan has been turning 'mottanai' (waste) into 'arigatou' (thanks) by redistributing food waste...[ Click to read more ]
Staying entertained while #stayinghome in Tokyo
Apr 30, 2020 By Jason Gatewood
Every 2 or 3 months in this space, I write a piece introducing a community in Greater Tokyo and encourage readers to take a trip to check it out themselves. Perhaps the most challenging thing about the novel coronavirus pandemic is my missing these attractions. Since none of us can...[ Click to read more ]
