Ise Grand Shrine, Mie – One of the Most Sacred Spots in Japan
Jul 22, 2014 By Bert Wishart
Japanese folklore has it that Yata no kagami, or the "eight hand mirror," was brought to earth by Ninigi-no-Mikoto; legendary ancestor of the Japanese imperial line. The mirror is one of the Three Imperial Regalia or Three Sacred Treasures of Japan, and possession is passed from emperor to emperor to confirm the divine...[ Click to read more ]
Gattan Go!! Rail Mountain Biking in Hida Gifu
Jul 16, 2014 By Ray Proper
Looking for an interesting family day trip and adventure? You may enjoy enjoy Gattan Go!!, an innovative hybrid of bicycle and railroad comprised of two bikes linked to each other and set on an out-of-service railroad line in the mountains of Gifu Prefecture. You have a variety of options of...[ Click to read more ]
What to do if You Lose Your Residence Card
Jun 27, 2014 By Bert Wishart
When living in a foreign country, there are many exciting and wonderful things to see and do. However, not knowing the local language can sometimes, initially at least, make ordinary and commonplace tasks appear somewhat daunting. One of these such things is dealing with official documentation and bureaucracy, particularly when doing...[ Click to read more ]
Sending a Letter in Japan and Japanese Addresses
Jun 23, 2014 By Ray Proper
Though it rarely comes up with the prevalence of email now-a-days, you sometimes need to mail a letter. This is what you need to know if you want to do it in Japan. A standard letter costs 82 yen to mail. You can buy stamps at the post office or convenience...[ Click to read more ]
Hiking, Walking and Biking Nagano: Nagano City
Jun 19, 2014 By
Mystical Forests, Ninja Adventures, WWII Tunnels and Mountains Galore Many Japanese associate Nagano City with the iconic Zenkoji Temple, home to the oldest Buddha image in Japan. For non-Japanese, this temple is certainly worth a visit, to appreciate its soaring architecture, and grope around in its pitch-black underground tunnel where...[ Click to read more ]
Golfing in and around Tokyo
Jun 12, 2014 By Bert Wishart
Being packed, seemingly shoulder-to-shoulder, with people you could be forgiven for thinking that Tokyo is not the best place to, to paraphrase Mark Twain, spoil a good walk. However, there are plenty of excellent golfing areas around the capital. Of course there are many roof-top driving ranges, hammering balls into...[ Click to read more ]
10 Things You Shouldn’t do with Chopsticks in Japan
By Ray Proper
No idea where I learned how to use them, but somehow I have become quite adept at manipulating these little sticks. I was once asked to eat in front of an entire kindergarten classroom filled with children so they could watch how I did it. "See, if he can do...[ Click to read more ]
Oasis 21- A Spaceship in Sakae
May 25, 2014 By Ray Proper
Most people who visit Sakae have been to Oasis 21 (Sakae Station, head towards the bus terminal!), but you may know it by some other name. I personally referred to this structure as “that UFO looking thing in Sakae” for quite some time- I am not renowned for my ability...[ Click to read more ]
Importing Pets into Nagoya
Apr 08, 2014 By Ray Proper
When relocating to Japan you may find yourself unable to give up your family pet for the duration of your life in Japan, but don’t worry because you don’t have to! The process of importing a pet into Japan is time consuming, but it is not hard. One thing you...[ Click to read more ]
Playing Sports in Nagoya – Go Play Outside!
Mar 30, 2014 By Ray Proper
Playing sports regularly goes a long way towards maintaining your physical and mental well-being. Especially while living far from home in Japan, it is easy to fall into the trap of isolation and the bar scene makes for an easy solution, but do not overlook the option of playing sports!...[ Click to read more ]
