Tokyo’s Beer Gardens
Jul 25, 2018 By Bert Wishart
It could be argued that one of the greatest things on Earth is sitting outside on a warm summer’s day with an ice cold beer. Being from the south west of England I am used to having a pub on every corner, and almost all of them will have a...[ Click to read more ]
Staying Cool in the (Japanese) Heat
By Jason Gatewood
Our latest weather woes have made international headlines recently, with an unprecedented heatwave that has set records across Japan. Many of us come from countries where this is quite normal (my last summer trip back home had highs around 40ºC/101ºF), a large number may not have ever experienced this...[ Click to read more ]
Celebrate Mountain Day by Hiking Around Aichi
By Bert Wishart
One great thing about living in Japan is the fact that there are so many holidays. Between New Year’s Day on January 1st and the Emperor’s Birthday on December 23, there are a further 15 national holidays observed. One recent (2016) addition to the calendar is Mountain Day, or ‘Yama no...[ Click to read more ]
Gujo Hachiman Bon Dancing Festival in Gifu
Jul 11, 2018 By First Admin
For four magical nights each August, at Gujo Hachiman in Gifu, dancers revelers line the streets until dawn breaks over the surrounding mountains in celebration of Obon. Across most of Japan, the festival of Obon is celebrated from the 13th-15th of August (there are some regional variances). This festival is not only...[ Click to read more ]
Getting Away in Japan: Fukui
Jun 27, 2018 By Bert Wishart
Despite being located within Japan's 'Snow Country' and facing out into the Sea of Japan, Fukui Prefecture doesn't quite attract the hordes of tourists that other more famous parts of Japan gets. However, that means that when you visit there are less people to with whom you must share the...[ Click to read more ]
What Conveniences are on Offer at Your Local Convenience Store?
By Jason Gatewood
The ubiquitous conbini that you look to whenever you need to buy a beer, dish soap, hot meal, or even an emergency necktie (because you may or may not have spilled ramen on the one you had on before) is definitely the answer to many a prayer in most Japanese...[ Click to read more ]
8 Popular Attractions Near Mount Fuji in Yamanashi Prefecture
Jun 26, 2018 By Justin Hanus
A visit to Japan won’t be complete without a trip to the one of the most famous natural beauties in the world, Mt. Fuji. It’s majestic cone has its magical allure from all angles that is why crowds are drawn to the different attractions surrounding it so that they can...[ Click to read more ]
Popular Beaches in The Kansai Region
By Justin Hanus
A lot of people love going to the beach because as they say, they need a dose of vitamin sea. Unfortunately, not a lot of countries have the best beaches and sea views that people can enjoy either by swimming or just lounging around in the sand or in comfy...[ Click to read more ]
Sort it out: A Primer on Recycling in Tokyo
By Jason Gatewood
Ask almost any expat who has lived here for at least a year or so, “what are some difficult things about living in Japan you’ve had to come to terms with”, and without fail “learning how to deal with the garbage” is going to be somewhere near the top of...[ Click to read more ]
Splish, Splash, Sploosh!: Your Guide to Tokyo’s Waterparks
By Jason Gatewood
When the air outside is thick with humidity, cicadas begin their endless chirping, the stores start stocking endless varieties of flavored bottled water and teas, and all the kids start sporting “playground tans”, Tokyo Summertime has finally come. We are the enviable environment to enjoy a trip to the beach,...[ Click to read more ]
