Get on Your Bike – Cycling in Japan
May 31, 2022 By Bert Wishart
From May to September, the world's best cyclists will be putting themselves to the test, competing for the maglia rosa, the malliot jaune and malliot roja in Italy, France and Spain. Seeing the exploits of Mathieu van der Poel, Tadej Pogacar, and Primoz Roglic may put you in mind to...[ Click to read more ]
Saio Festival in Mie
May 30, 2022 By Bert Wishart
From Elsa to Cinderella to Snow White, princesses are held in extremely high regard in Japanese culture. But it isn't just your common-or-garden Disney princess that enraptures the attention of the Japanese public; the adoration of Princess Aiko, and the furor surrounding the marriage to a commoner of Princess Mako,...[ Click to read more ]
Let’s go to Shirakawa-go in Gifu!
By Bert Wishart
Japanese often talk about the majesty of their four seasons (conveniently forgetting the fifth, the rainy season). Still, if you live in a city like Nagoya, you could be forgiven for thinking that summer generally slides into winter and spring into summer with barely a by your leave. If you...[ Click to read more ]
Kiso Three Rivers Park in Ichinomiya City
By Ray Proper
Kiso Three Rivers Park in Ichinomiya was an old favorite of mine when I lived in Konan City. I am not sure if the whole complex counts as being part of the park, but there were spots to play sports, and all kinds of things to do there. The 138...[ Click to read more ]
The Highlights of Suma Temple in Kobe
May 25, 2022 By Justin Hanus
A highlight of Kobe (and, in fact, Kansai as a whole) is Suma Temple. Dating back to 886, it is the main temple of the Sumadera branch of the Shingon Buddhists. The great thing about Suma Temple is the grounds, which feature many interesting statues and other highlights. There are...[ Click to read more ]
Great Bike Rides in Kansai
May 24, 2022 By Justin Hanus
Although it may have a reputation for cars, motorbikes, and speedy trains, Japan is also a cycle-loving nation whose residents use a bicycle as their primary mode of transport. You can buy all kinds of bikes, either new or second-hand, and even rent them for short periods. Kansai is a...[ Click to read more ]
Great Summer Walks in Hiroshima
By Justin Hanus
With summer fast approaching, what better way to appreciate the season than to head out for a nice walk, soak up the scenery and fill your lungs with fresh air? Hiroshima prefecture has an abundance of fantastic walking routes beyond the city, where the Seto Inland Sea and the Chugoku...[ Click to read more ]
Great Summer Walks in Kumamoto
By Justin Hanus
On the mountainous island of Kyushu in Kumamoto Prefecture lies one of the best scenic areas of Japan. Kumamoto is blessed with beautiful forests, waterfalls, and smoking volcanoes. It's even known to many as the "Land of fire." Unsurprisingly, Kumamoto has a strong hiking culture. There are many venues suitable for...[ Click to read more ]
Visiting Rabbit Island in Hiroshima
By Justin Hanus
Just off the coast of Hiroshima is Okunoshima, more commonly called Rabbit Island. Although the island is small, it’s home to more than 1,000 rabbits. The place was relatively unknown to anyone other than locals until a few years ago, but now it’s one of the most popular places in...[ Click to read more ]
All Aboard! The Special Trains of Kyushu
Apr 28, 2022 By William Farrow
Japan is famous for its trains and their consistency. Foreign residents often remark that the trains are always neat and reliable. This punctuality is an immense pride point of the industry for sure. However, Kyushu residents can also travel in style. JR Kyushu has provided them with stylish, themed trains...[ Click to read more ]
