The Best Hostels in Kobe
May 19, 2023 By Justin Hanus
If you want to spend time in Kobe but are on a tight budget, staying at a hostel may be your best option. The good news is you have some great ones to choose from, whether you want a dorm or a private room. You can use the money you...[ Click to read more ]
Hyogo’s Ashiya City Garbage Bag Changes 2023
Apr 28, 2023 By William Farrow
Residents of Ashiya City in Hyogo Prefecture should be aware that the rules regarding garbage bags will change in October 2023, and a transition period has already begun as of April 2023. Ashiya City has asked that all garbage belonging to both the burnable and the non-burnable garbage groups be...[ Click to read more ]
KidZania Tokyo – A Place for Kids to Explore the Future
By Michael Stigall
What did you want to be when you grew up? Did you spend hours playing doctors and nurses? Did you imitate your school teachers? Did you pretend to be a fireman, a policewoman, or a bus driver? At Kidzania, your children can do just that, but for real. Following the...[ Click to read more ]
Shukkeien Garden: Hiroshima’s Perfect Traditional Garden
Apr 21, 2023 By Justin Hanus
At the heart of Hiroshima is Shukkeien — a traditional garden whose name means “shrunken scenery.” Not only is the location ideal for when you want a break from busy city life, the features like miniature forests, mountains, and valleys, as well as the several teahouses where you can enjoy...[ Click to read more ]
Summer Days Out in Kansai
By Justin Hanus
You can find a wealth of things to do during the summer months across the Kansai region. It’s known for its cities such as Osaka, Kyoto and Kobe but beyond the built-up areas there are plenty of mountains, forests and even beaches. Whether you’re going solo, looking for a romantic...[ Click to read more ]
Summer Days Out in Hiroshima
Apr 20, 2023 By Justin Hanus
With the warm summer months nearly upon us, what better time to turn our attention to some of the glorious outdoor activities in Hiroshima? Whether you're after a relaxing time soaking up the sun's rays or fancy something that will get the blood flowing, the prefecture has many fun days...[ Click to read more ]
Minamata in Kumamoto: From Environmental Disaster to Eco-Town
By Justin Hanus
One of the worst environmental disasters in Japan occurred in Minamata (a town on Kyushu island in Kumamoto prefecture) when a chemical contaminant poisoned numerous residents; however, in the years since, Minamata has taken steps to reverse its legacy and has become certified as an eco-town. The Environmental Disaster The...[ Click to read more ]
Exploring the Amakusa Islands Near Kumamoto
By Justin Hanus
Around 60 kilometers from Kumamoto City is a group of unique islands called Amakusa. There are two main islands (Shimoshima and Ueshima) and hundreds of smaller ones. Isolated from the rest of Kyushu, a sizeable Christian population lives here, whose ancestors were converted by missionaries shortly before the religion was...[ Click to read more ]
English language bookshops in Nagoya
Mar 28, 2023 By Bert Wishart
With the advent of e-readers and smartphones, getting your hands on English language literature in Japan isn't the challenge it once was. However, whether the book you are looking for isn't available online, or you just like the feel and smell of turning pages, sometimes you must hold the book...[ Click to read more ]
How to Start Your Own Business in Kansai
Feb 24, 2023 By Justin Hanus
Self-employment is a fantastic way of earning money while at the same time engaging in a pursuit you like and being your own boss. Japan welcomes entrepreneurs and those wanting to benefit the national economy by setting up their enterprises, and the Kansai region offers excellent money-making opportunities. In fact,...[ Click to read more ]
