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 ]
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 ]
