Top Cat Cafés in Kansai
Aug 20, 2019 By Justin Hanus
Big cities in Japan are known for their vibrant energy, but sometimes residents and tourists want a break from all this activity. In response, cat cafés have been popping up all over the country. These are much like regular coffee shops but there are cats wandering around freely for patrons...[ Click to read more ]
Eerie Places to Visit in Kansai
By Justin Hanus
“The Ring”, “The Grudge”, “Dark Water”... Japan in recent times is known for some of the scariest movies. Fans of giving themselves goosebumps will be pleased to discover that there are many real-life creepy experiences to be had in places that would make good settings for horror films (in fact,...[ Click to read more ]
Where to Learn Martial Arts in Kobe
By Justin Hanus
Martial arts activities have long been a staple in Japanese life with both children and adults enrolling in self-defense classes and learning the various different disciplines. Martial arts can be fun to learn and are also a useful way of defending yourself and others in the event of a troublesome...[ Click to read more ]
A Driving Obsession – Where to Play Golf in Hiroshima
Jul 22, 2019 By Hugh Cann
The history of golf in Japan stretches back more than a century. The country’s first golf club was established in Kobe by a group of British expats way back in 1903, and the Japan Golf Association was set up one hundred years ago in 1924. Japan’s “golf boom” came in...[ Click to read more ]
Things You’ll Only Find in the Kansai Region
Jul 18, 2019 By Justin Hanus
Kansai is one of the most visited regions of Japan and has an allure for tourists because of its unique culture, architecture, history, and gastronomy, as well as the fact that it has been used for the setting of some of the most iconic movies of the last 50 years....[ Click to read more ]
Best Boat Trips in Kobe
Jul 17, 2019 By Justin Hanus
As a port city, Kobe offers both residents and visitors the chance to take to the waters and enjoy the sights on a boat trip. You can sail around the bay, take a ferry to another city or even set off on a holiday cruise. Here is a selection of...[ Click to read more ]
Why is Bubble Tea Suddenly Popular in Japan?
Jun 28, 2019 By Jason Gatewood
The first time I tasted tapioca pearls in milk tea was as a teenager in the mid-1990’s while checking out a new trendy Asian fusion spot that was all the rage with us young folk in my hometown in the States. Fast-forward a couple of years to my first foray...[ Click to read more ]
How to Deal with Traffic Stops in Japan
By Jason Gatewood
If you choose to drive in Japan, at some point you will have to interact with the police; whether it’s a simple safety checkpoint, a traffic infraction, or worst case an accident. Most scenarios are just like their counterparts in other countries, but there are some minor differences to laws...[ Click to read more ]
Fukuyama, the Gem of East Hiroshima Gem
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 ]
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 ]
