Soothe Yourself With a Soak in a Super Sento in Nagoya This Winter
Dec 26, 2019 By Bert Wishart
One thing that many people love to do when they come to Japan is to enjoy onsen, the volcanic hot springs that pop up all over the country. It is an intrinsic part of the Japanese culture to partake in these communal baths, and no trip to the country is...[ Click to read more ]
Diamond Magic – Witness The Diamond Fuji Phenomenon
By Bert Wishart
Diamond Fuji is a twice annually occurring phenomenon during which the sunrise and sunset align perfectly with Mount Fuji’s summit, looking for all the world like a bright shining jewel placed atop the nation’s crown. There are many great places from which you can witness this startling sunset just a...[ Click to read more ]
Snow Festivals in Japan
By Jason Gatewood
Because Japan is over 70% mountainous and located in the temperate latitudes of the western Pacific where the moist ocean air continually does battle with dry, cold Siberian and Mongolian air coming in from China, the Japan Alps enjoys a healthy dusting of snow every winter. No part of Japan...[ Click to read more ]
The Top Onsen Resorts in and Around Kobe
Dec 12, 2019 By Justin Hanus
If you’re stressed out, had a tough week at work, or feel de-motivated, visiting an onsen is the perfect remedy for you. These hot spring baths will help you regain your energy and forget all your stress. In Japan, people have been visiting onsen for hundreds of years to cleanse...[ Click to read more ]
How to Get Lost Stuff Back in Japan
Nov 26, 2019 By Jason Gatewood
One day you're out running errands just after work. You step off the train at your home station and walk over to the bank to use the ATM to check your finances and get some cash out for that one shop that still hasn't gone cashless. After you pop into...[ Click to read more ]
Chichibu Night Festival Near Tokyo
By Jason Gatewood
Located about 2 hours northwest of Central Tokyo, Chichibu is a small mountain community that is popular for weekend getaways thanks to it being the home of Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park and a very picturesque and historic area. Celebrating some of that history is the Chichibu Yomatsuri night festival. This is...[ Click to read more ]
What is the ShichiGoSan Ceremony?
Nov 24, 2019 By Jason Gatewood
Traditionally held on November 15, the Shichigosan (七五三, literally 7-5-3) ceremony is a rite that originated around 750 AD in the Heian period to celebrate the passage into middle childhood for children in Japan. Back in those times, it was considered a blessing from the gods if a child made...[ Click to read more ]
Buying Christmas Trees in Kobe 2019
Nov 18, 2019 By Admin
You won't see a Christmas tree through the window of every home in Japan, but they are growing in popularity across the country. Several stores now sell trees and associated decorations, although the traditional pine trees are hard to come by. If you fancy getting into the festive spirit, even...[ Click to read more ]
Buying Christmas Trees in Tokyo 2019
Nov 12, 2019 By Admin
If you are in the market for a Christmas Tree to liven up your holiday season you with trim and presents, you are in luck. Stocks are very limited so, don't delay! The trees are a bit shorter than you might get used to but they have very nice shapes and I am...[ Click to read more ]
Get a Sugar Rush at the Aichi Sweets Marathon
Oct 29, 2019 By Bert Wishart
Are you too keen on candy to run a marathon? Do you need sugary enticement to get you to that finishing line? Then the Aichi Sweets Marathon in Moricoro Park is right up your, um, running track. While gobbling down sweets mid-run may seem like a major contradiction, the Sweets Marathon...[ Click to read more ]
