Fukuyama, the Gem of East Hiroshima Gem
Jun 28, 2019 By Hugh Cann
Only a 30-minute bullet train ride or a 90-minute drive from Hiroshima, Fukuyama City has many gems and a big plus is that it is apparently unaffected (so far) by the surge in tourism in Japan. Fukuyama seems like a brother overlooked because of the appeal of elder his brother....[ Click to read more ]
Cooling off with a Dip – Summer Swimming in Hiroshima
By Hugh Cann
Hiroshima is known for many things, but in summer it is known for humidity, and if not accustomed, the heat and humidity can be debilitating. I grew up in a seaside village in the northernmost reaches of Australia's Sydney metropolitan area. Sydney is also known for its humidity, and I...[ Click to read more ]
Classic Films Set in Kansai
Jun 20, 2019 By Justin Hanus
Movies can be a great way of introducing people to exciting and scenic locations around the world and many films throughout the years have been set in places across Japan. Kansai has a wealth of vibrant and beautiful spots that have attracted scriptwriters and directors across the genres – from...[ Click to read more ]
What to Do with One Day in Kobe
By Justin Hanus
Meat lovers often plan day trips to Kobe just to try its most famous food: Kobe beef. In fact, there is much more to see and do in the city than eat steak. If you only have one day, you’ll need to plan your time carefully to make sure you’re...[ Click to read more ]
Baeren: Morioka’s Beer
Jun 13, 2019 By Jade Brischke
Last month I wrote about my favourite places for craft beer. I half expected to receive death threats for failing to mention what is considered to be THE city’s craft beer: Baeren. The thing is, not mentioning it was deliberate. Some people are going to accuse me of being blasphemous,...[ Click to read more ]
How to Go-kart Through the Streets of Tokyo
May 29, 2019 By Jason Gatewood
If you’ve been in Tokyo’s tourist areas for just a few hours, you might have caught a glimpse of a fleet of go-karts with costume-clad drivers speeding through the streets. Even if you haven’t seen them up close, you may have heard of them or even caught them all over...[ Click to read more ]
Hiking Mt Mitaki in Hiroshima City
May 27, 2019 By Hugh Cann
The best hike within Hiroshima City is a great bush hike to the summit of Mt Mitaki on the outskirts of the city. Mt Mitaki is best known for Mitaki-dera (三瀧寺), an historic Japanese temple nestling on the mountainside, a very short but entirely well worthwhile journey from Hiroshima city...[ Click to read more ]
The Mazda Museum in Hiroshima – More Than You’d Expect
By Hugh Cann
Amongst the museums, galleries, and attractions you will find in Hiroshima, perhaps one of the more surprisingly interesting is the Mazda Museum. In fact, it may well be news to you indeed that the Mazda brand originated in Hiroshima and where the Mazda Motor Corporation, founded in Hiroshima in 1920,...[ Click to read more ]
How Shodo Lessons Will Teach You More Than Calligraphy
May 22, 2019 By Justin Hanus
On the surface, it may seem that shodo is simply a form of Japanese writing. Actually, it is much more than that. The most well-known form of fine art in the country, children begin learning shodo at elementary school. It is also one of the most popular extra-curricular activities. What...[ Click to read more ]
Toyota: The Driving Force Behind Aichi’s Prosperity
Apr 22, 2019 By Bert Wishart
Aichi Prefecture is well known for manufacturing, but there is one company that stands head and shoulders above the rest. The Toyota Motoring Corporation that sprang up from the Aichi city that now bears its name is (by some metrics) the largest automobile producer in the world, and without it,...[ Click to read more ]
