Dance Classes in Kobe
Jan 22, 2019 By Justin Hanus
Whether you fancy a bit of a tango, some contemporary street dance or just want to keep in shape with a bit of structured movement, you can find an assortment of dance classes in and around Kobe to suit all ability levels. Here is a guide to some of what...[ Click to read more ]
What Are Stamp Rallies and How Can You Participate?
Jan 18, 2019 By Justin Hanus
A popular activity in Japan — for visitors and residents alike — is the collecting of ink prints made by rubber stamps. Each stamp is part of a different collection, called a stamp rally. At any given time, there are different stamp rallies taking place around the country. Some stamp...[ Click to read more ]
Mobile Suica Makes Getting Around Japan Easier
Dec 26, 2018 By Jason Gatewood
Back in the day, a journey on any of Japan’s rail lines meant you might need a degree in Japanese cartography and computer science to figure out how to use the ticketing machines found in every station at that time. The old routine went like this: Walk into the station...[ Click to read more ]
Fun Things to Do in Kansai 2019
Dec 22, 2018 By Justin Hanus
The New Year is upon us and attention turns for many on resolutions for the year ahead. For those of you who have pledged to get out and try new things in 2019, here is a selection of fun things on offer in Kansai that will create a few memories...[ Click to read more ]
Firefighting Display in Kobe’s Meriken Park 2019
Dec 21, 2018 By Justin Hanus
There is a lot that needs to be protected from burning in Japan. The forests are sacred and wood is a traditional building material that goes back centuries. Smoke was so common in Edo, as Tokyo was once known, that the capital was known as the "city of fires." It...[ Click to read more ]
What’s the Deal with Sampuru?
Dec 20, 2018 By Justin Hanus
If you’ve spent any time in Japan, you will have seen the tantalizing array of food in the restaurant windows. This is sampuru, which means a sample, and it’s replica food. Sampuru has existed for almost a century, over which time it has evolved to become an art form. The...[ Click to read more ]
Onsen In and Around Hiroshima
Nov 27, 2018 By Matt Mangham
Hot springs, or ‘onsen,’ are a great idea any time of year, but there’s something about being outside and up to your chin in hot water that just really appeals in the depths of winter. Fortunately, you don’t need to book a room at one of the famous Kyushu hot...[ Click to read more ]
Local Music in Kansai
Nov 19, 2018 By Justin Hanus
If you relocate to the Kansai region and are interested in live music, you'll be pleased to hear that there is a vibrant music scene spanning many genres. Japan has a good reputation internationally for producing artists from pop to avant garde, and Kansai is a hub where you can...[ Click to read more ]
Hiroshima Grand Inoko Festival
Oct 29, 2018 By Matt Mangham
Inoko Festivals are a familiar feature of autumn across western Japan. Hiroshima has been running its own Grand Inoko festival since 1990, although there was a 17-year hiatus prior to 2013. This means the 2023 festival marks the 10th anniversary and so should be extra special. What Are Inoko Festivals?...[ Click to read more ]
How to Play Pachinko
Oct 15, 2018 By Justin Hanus
As gambling for money is illegal in Japan, you’ll find none of the slot machines that are common in casinos in the West. To fill the gap, Japan has its own unique game: pachinko. The game resembles pinball (except vertical), and machines to play are found across the country in...[ Click to read more ]
