BBQ Beer Gardens in Tokyo
Jul 15, 2015 By Bert Wishart
In summer, is there anything better than sipping on an ice cold beer as the city temperature rises? Well yes, actually there is. And that is digging into a freshly grilled piece of meat that perfectly accompanies your frosty glass. There are of course many beer gardens across the city right...[ Click to read more ]
Climbing the Walls – Bouldering in Tokyo
Jun 11, 2015 By Bert Wishart
I doubt that there is a single kid in the western world who, when watching the 1933 classic movie King Kong for the first time, didn't think 'I wish I could climb walls like that', and then spent an afternoon being told off by their mother for clambering all over...[ Click to read more ]
The Redback Spider
Jun 08, 2015 By
Executive Summary The redback spider is dangerous, but unlikely to kill a healthy adult, even if the anti-venom is not administered. They are an invasive species and dangerous, especially to children, the elderly and anyone with a weakened immune system. Small pets (cat size) are likely to die if bitten and...[ Click to read more ]
Celebrating the New Year in Yokohama’s Chinatown 2015
Jan 09, 2015 By Bert Wishart
Although Japan adopted the Gregorian calendar in 1873, a celebration of the Chinese year is still an important cultural event. This year (2015) the Chinese New Year falls on the 19th of February, and it will be celebrated with particular fervor in Yokohama’s famous Chinatown. Yokohama Chūkagai has a 150-year...[ Click to read more ]
Pottery Classes in Seto, Gifu at Studio Kasen
Jan 03, 2015 By First Admin
Hiorshige Kato is a fourteenth generation pottery master - his family were one of only four families to be protected by the Shogunate from the warring state in order to make tea ceremony goods for Nagoya Castle. Over the years Studio Kasen has gone through several transformations and in its...[ Click to read more ]
Legendary Nagano: Folk Tales and Legends from the Roof of Japan
Dec 24, 2014 By Ray Proper
The Story of Lazy Taro is one of 23 stories in Legendary Nagano: Folk Tales and Legends from the Roof of Japan, a collection translated by Peter Ninnes and Sachiko Miyairi. The book is available in Kindle and paperback from Amazon, and in other e-book formats from Smashwords.com. We have a short...[ Click to read more ]
Using Kerosene Heaters in Japan
Oct 20, 2014 By
Outside of Tokyo and other urban areas, central heating is not really a thing in Japan. High end properties will off such amenities, but generally heating your entire home uniformly is avoided, as heating spaces not being actively used is seen as wasteful here. Instead, rooms in the home are heated...[ Click to read more ]
How to Use Meitetsu Trains from Nagoya Station
Aug 28, 2014 By Bert Wishart
There are many great reasons to live in Nagoya. One reason is that, being in the centre of the country it is a magnificent hub of public transportation and from Nagoya you can get to absolutely anywhere in the country. The train systems are particularly convenient. Nagoya is served by three...[ Click to read more ]
10 Things Japanese People do in Autumn
Sep 05, 2013 By Ray Proper
Dig up the old camcorder for Sports day festivals at schools Bring along a book for reading at your favorite outdoor spot as the temperature cools to bearable Picking, roasting, and eating "kuri," or chestnuts. Recipe for "kuri gohan" Tsukimi (moon-viewing), Tsukimi dango (rice cake) to eat while "celebrating the beauty...[ Click to read more ]
Renting an Apartment in Japan
Sep 05, 2011 By Ray Proper
Many people come to Japan through a company. An English Teacher, for example, will usually get off the plane and be met by a representative of their new company, who will take them to their new apartment, which has been rented and furnished for the new employee’s use. Depending on...[ Click to read more ]
