Castles, Shoguns and Family Fun on a Day Trip to Okazaki
Sep 30, 2022 By Bert Wishart
While the goings on in Aichi Prefecture are regularly dominated by the capital, long before the construction of Nagoya Castle, Okazaki was one of the great seats of regional power. Today, just a brief 30-minute train journey from Nagoya, Okazaki is not only a region steeped in remarkable history, but...[ Click to read more ]
Yōkai, the Weird World of Japanese Spooks and Spectres
Sep 29, 2022 By Bert Wishart
Halloween is all about spooky stuff, right? There are various bone-chilling tales coming out of medieval Europe for its origins - the dead returning, devils punishing Irishmen, ghosts, spooks, and witches. But the west isn't the only place with these traditions. Japan too has plenty of things that go bump...[ Click to read more ]
The Top Things to See Near Every Rail Station in Umeda
Sep 28, 2022 By Justin Hanus
As one of the central districts in Osaka, Umeda has not just one rail station but six. Knowing what you’ll find near each one will not only help you navigate this part of the city, it will mean that, no matter how you enter Osaka, you’ll immediately have some ideas...[ Click to read more ]
The Japanese Pearl Industry and Kobe Pearl Museum
By Justin Hanus
Pearls have been used worldwide in jewelry and other accessories for centuries. People in ancient Japan would offer these so-called white gems to the gods. Despite this, farming pearls only began in 1888 in Ago Bay in Ise-Shima. It then took until 1906 before a method developed to produce round...[ Click to read more ]
Fun Activities for Older People in Kansai
By Justin Hanus
Japan has a rapidly aging society with a larger percentage of over-65s than anywhere else in the world. It’s no surprise, therefore, that there are plenty of activities across the country that cater to senior citizens. There are various things that older people can enjoy in Kansai, from active pursuits...[ Click to read more ]
Where to Learn Japanese in Hiroshima
By Justin Hanus
One of the first things you might want to do if you’ve relocated to Japan long-term is to start learning the language. Japanese can be a challenge for westerners as it uses a different writing system, however, Japanese natives are keen to teach their language to foreigners, and there are...[ Click to read more ]
Where to Learn Japanese in Kumamoto
By Justin Hanus
Are you an expat who’s moved to Kumamoto prefecture, and your Japanese doesn’t extend beyond “konnichiwa” and “sayonara”? Then you might be looking to brush up on your language skills to help you in your everyday life. Here are a few places where you can learn Japanese in Kumamoto, including...[ Click to read more ]
Expat Clubs in Kumamoto
By Justin Hanus
If you've moved to Kumamoto prefecture from overseas, you will likely be interested in making links with international and expat groups in the area. Kumamoto doesn't have an expat network as developed as some parts of Japan, but it's building up again following the departures of many foreign residents following...[ Click to read more ]
Who is Kumamon?
By Justin Hanus
All the prefectures in Japan have mascots, but Kumamon — the one from Kumamoto — is special. As well as being popular throughout Japan, he’s known worldwide. Something about this black bear has captured the hearts of people around the globe. The Origins of Kumamon Kumamon came into existence in...[ Click to read more ]
Where to Live in Kobe: The Best Neighborhoods
Aug 31, 2022 By Justin Hanus
As the seventh-most populated city in the country, it should come as no surprise that Kobe is made up of many neighborhoods, each of which has its own characteristics. If moving to Kobe, it’s worth knowing something about each neighborhood to decide in advance where to search for your home....[ Click to read more ]
