What Cultural Activities Can You Try at Hiroshima’s Fukuju Kaikan?
Feb 22, 2023 By Justin Hanus
One of the main tourist sites of Hiroshima prefecture is Fukuyama Castle. Construction of the original building began in 1619, but the castle suffered extensive damage during World War II and was rebuilt in 1966. Near the castle is Fukuju Kaikan — a hall added as a cultural center during...[ Click to read more ]
Hot Coffee on a Winter Day: Hiroshima’s Best Cafés
Jan 28, 2023 By Justin Hanus
It's January. Suddenly, western Japan is a great deal colder than you imagined it would be. You want to go out but don't want to deal with the cold. What can you do? Whatever the weather, you can always enjoy a cup of hot coffee. Like the rest of Japan,...[ Click to read more ]
Valentine’s Day in Kobe
Jan 22, 2023 By Justin Hanus
Valentine’s Day is an essential holiday throughout Japan, but it’s extra significant in Kobe. Here, a chocolate shop advertised Valentine’s Day chocolates for the first time in Japan back in 1932. The advertisement ran in an English-language newspaper and targeted foreign residents. It took another four or so decades for...[ Click to read more ]
Valentine’s Day in Kumamoto
Jan 20, 2023 By Justin Hanus
Are you looking to spoil someone on Valentine’s Day this year? Although more of a Western tradition, Valentine’s Day is becoming bigger in Japan, especially with the growing expat community who usually mark the 14th of February down in their diary as a special day. Here’s what to expect in...[ Click to read more ]
Skiing in Hiroshima: Day and Weekend Trips!
Dec 25, 2022 By Matt Mangham
Hiroshima isn’t the first place that comes to mind when you think of skiing in Japan. We’re a long way from the Nagano Alps and even further from Hokkaido, but people do go skiing in the Prefecture or just over the border in Shimane. There are a number of options,...[ Click to read more ]
Pay a Visit to Kobe’s Anpanman Children’s Museum and Mall
Dec 20, 2022 By Justin Hanus
Looking for some entertainment the whole family can enjoy? Well, your kids will likely enjoy it more, but who doesn’t love a day spent with the little ones entertaining themselves with some of their favorite Japanese characters? If you’re near Kobe, making a trip to the Anpanman Kids Museum and...[ Click to read more ]
Top Activities in Shinsaibashi, Osaka
Nov 29, 2022 By Justin Hanus
One of the most famous neighborhoods in Osaka is Shinsaibashi. Although it’s primarily a shopping neighborhood, it’s also a great place to visit for nightlife, restaurants, and cultural attractions. In particular, there are six things to do in Shinsaibashi. Shop in the Arcade Shotengai You can’t visit Shinsaibashi without checking...[ Click to read more ]
Highlights of the Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima
By Justin Hanus
The Peace Memorial Park is not only the most visited site in Hiroshima but also one of the most important places in Japan. More than a million people visit the park yearly to commemorate those lost in the nuclear attack. The site for the park was chosen because it was...[ Click to read more ]
Christmas in Hiroshima
By Justin Hanus
With Christmas approaching, it’s time for expats in Hiroshima to get into the festive spirit. Although it’s not an official public holiday in Japan, locals do acknowledge Christmas, holding festive events and organizing activities for all to join. Christmas in Japan Japan has a unique way of acknowledging Christmas. This...[ Click to read more ]
Christmas in Kansai
By Justin Hanus
Not being a predominantly Christian country, Japan doesn’t celebrate Christmas with quite the same fervour as people in the US, Canada or Europe. For example, Christmas is not a public holiday in Japan. If you want time off work to spend with family or friends, you’ll have to book it...[ Click to read more ]
