Best Shopping Spots in Kumamoto
Jun 27, 2024 By Justin Hanus
Whether you’re looking for modern malls full of big brand outlets or a more traditional bustling high street, Kumamoto has plenty to keep shoppers busy across the prefecture. This includes purpose-built out-of-town shopping districts aimed at attracting consumers further afield. We choose some of the best spots to find great...[ Click to read more ]
Online Shopping Options In Japan
Jun 26, 2024 By Michael Stigall
You are not going to get complaints from me about living in Japan. I am generally happy here, but still, I prefer to use products and eat foods from my own country in many cases; decent peanut butter, for example. Maybe in your case, Vegemite? There are lots of products...[ Click to read more ]
Records Shops in Tokyo
Mar 26, 2024 By Michael Stigall
Did you know that April 21st is Record Store Day? Sure, the modern music industry is well and truly established in the digital world, but record stores still cling on for those preferring the sound of vinyl. Most people access their favorite artists now through Spotify, YouTube, Apple Music, and...[ Click to read more ]
The Most Characteristic Souvenirs of Kumamoto
Mar 25, 2024 By Justin Hanus
Every region you visit in Japan will have something unique about it. Often, these qualities are reflected in the souvenirs. To remember your time in Kumamoto, there are a few souvenirs in particular to pick up. 1. Ikinari Dango A treat you’ll only find in Kumamoto is ikinari dango. These...[ Click to read more ]
What Souvenirs to Bring Back from Hiroshima
By Justin Hanus
Many people know little about Hiroshima beyond its tragic history as the site of the atomic bomb in World War II. Change that for your friends and family by bringing back some souvenirs that reflect Hiroshima’s culture and cuisine. 1. Sanfrecce Hiroshima Merchandise Hiroshima is home to the soccer team...[ Click to read more ]
How to get your package redelivered in Japan
Feb 29, 2024 By Admin
The access and timeliness of delivery services are one of the most convenient parts of life in Japan. Although figuring out the process of rescheduling the delivery (when you can't schedule the delivery time) can be tricky. Furthermore, some parcels need to have the signature of the recipient to...[ Click to read more ]
All About Daiso: Hiroshima’s Famous 100-Yen Store
Feb 28, 2024 By Justin Hanus
Just like the U.S. has dollar stores, Japan has 100-yen stores. One of the most famous is Daiso, based in Hiroshima. It’s popular for stocking a variety of original products, the vast majority of which cost 100 yen (since 2004, the store has also been selling some items priced at...[ Click to read more ]
Tokyo’s Christmas Markets 2023
Nov 30, 2023 By Michael Stigall
Some years ago, I had the opportunity to visit Europe right before the holiday season was underway. One upside to this trip was experiencing the Christmas Markets that pop up in both major cities and small villages. These markets sell festive food and drink and all sorts of Christmas decorations....[ Click to read more ]
Winter Illuminations in Tokyo 2023
By Michael Stigall
Christmas Day in Japan is just another working day for the most part. The most interesting facet of the Christmas and holiday season in Japan is that all traces of it will be gone by morning on December 26th. Without fail, every bell, light, and garlands; every decoration will come...[ Click to read more ]
Omiyage – More Than Just a Souvenir, it’s a Way of Life!
Nov 28, 2023 By Bert Wishart
There are myriad aspects of Japanese culture that can baffle the outsider, but on the face of it, omiyage seems pretty straightforward. Omiyage is usually translated as ‘souvenir’, and we all know what that is right? Coming from French for ‘remember’, a souvenir is usually something that we bring back...[ Click to read more ]
