Where to Go on a Date in Kobe
Aug 22, 2018 By Justin Hanus
Whether looking to entertain on the first date or to have a memorable Valentine's evening with a long-term partner, Kobe has plenty of fun and romantic places to choose from if you're looking to go on a date. From going for a nice meal to heading somewhere to enjoy the...[ Click to read more ]
Popular Landmarks and Buildings in Kobe
Aug 20, 2018 By Justin Hanus
Almost 150 years ago, Kobe opened its ports to the west and has since blossomed into a city of fusion and flair. Chinese influences also remained despite the influx of other cultures from far and wide and has been steadfast in nurturing their colorful and vibrant traditions and way of...[ Click to read more ]
Summer Evening of Prayer and Peace in Hiroshima
Jul 30, 2018 By Matt Mangham
Let’s say you arrive in Hiroshima for the August 6th Peace Memorial Ceremony a day early. You don’t feel like sitting around the hotel room watching TV, but what feels right to do the night before attending the anniversary of the A-Bombing of this lovely little city. Anyway, it’s Sunday...[ Click to read more ]
Hiroshima International Animation Festival 2018
By Matt Mangham
Both of my daughters have attended and enjoyed this wonderful local film festival for their entire lives. If you’re living in Hiroshima, or are lucky enough to be passing through town between the August 23 and 27, you have to make time in your schedule to drop by, if only...[ Click to read more ]
August 6th, Anniversary of the Bombing of Hiroshima
By Matt Mangham
The entire world knows what happened in Hiroshima on the morning of August 6th, 1945. Today, the events that occurred on that date and in the following days are one of the main reasons that Hiroshima receives such a disproportionately high number (for a city its size) of visitors. You...[ Click to read more ]
Buying a Car & Driving in Kobe
By Justin Hanus
Having a car gives you a great way of traveling around Japan. Although the country has a very good public transport system, this mainly serves the major cities. If you want the flexibility to travel further afield and see some of the country's spectacular countryside, it's better to do it...[ Click to read more ]
Myths & Legends in Kansai
Jul 27, 2018 By Justin Hanus
Japan is a country rich with mythology and fascinating tales. The Kansai region, with its many popular tourist areas and shrines to gods and kings, is no different. From folklore heroes to dark creatures, there are many tales associated with Kansai or have their roots in the region. Some are...[ Click to read more ]
The Art of Making Soba
By Justin Hanus
Japan has much to offer in terms of cuisine, but some foods also play a special role in the country’s culture. One such example is soba, a buckwheat noodle and one of the four main types of noodles eaten in the country. Whereas it is possible today to make soba...[ Click to read more ]
Furnishing your New Japanese Home
By Jason Gatewood
Though the chances of finding your new home in Japan thoroughly barren of even light fixtures and nothing short of four walls, floor and ceiling are slim these days, most standard apartments and other rental spaces don’t come with standard appliances like stoves, refrigerators and HVAC units, things that even...[ Click to read more ]
Symbolism of Japanese Flowers
Jun 29, 2018 By Justin Hanus
Every season of the year, Japan comes into bloom with different flowers. Whereas you’re likely familiar with cherry blossoms, you may not know that there are also Japanese apricots, violets, chrysanthemums, and more. Beyond being beautiful, each one of these flowers has a special meaning in Japanese culture. This is...[ Click to read more ]
