The Best Train Passes in Japan (For Residents)
Feb 28, 2022 By Michael Stigall
Many people know of the exceptional value of a Japan Rail Pass, which allows tourists to ride the train systems in Japan for a set period without paying individual ticket prices. Unfortunately, the Rail Pass is only available to non-residents of Japan, so if you're not a tourist, then you're...[ Click to read more ]
I Heard it Through the Grapevine: Sera Winery and Yume Park
Feb 24, 2022 By William Farrow
As the chills of winter give way and the warmth of spring begins to return to Japan, people find themselves willing to venture into the great outdoors again. Those with smaller children will also quickly search for places where the little ones can run around and burn off energy. What...[ Click to read more ]
Setsubun Festivals in Nagoya 2022
Jan 25, 2022 By Ray Proper
Setsubun, or "That Bean-Throwing Festival," celebrates the beginning of spring in Japan. Celebrated yearly on February 3 as part of the Spring Festival, its association with the Lunar New Year makes this festival a sort of New Year's Eve. A special ritual accompanies this association to cleanse away the evil...[ Click to read more ]
Onsen – The How To’s, Do’s and Don’ts
Jan 12, 2022 By Bert Wishart
Seismic activity is so ingrained in Japanese life that folklore tells of Namazu, a giant catfish who lives beneath the country and is restrained by the god Kashima. However, when Kashima lets down his guard, Namazu thrashes about, causing violent earthquakes. To live in Japan is to see this activity...[ Click to read more ]
The Best iPhone Apps for Living in Japan
Jan 05, 2022 By Ray Proper
Living in Japan can be difficult, but the internet has many resources to make things a bit easier. An iPhone or other smart phone can put those resources at your fingertips wherever you find yourself in Japan through a wide variety of standard or easily downloadable applications. Google maps, for...[ Click to read more ]
Hatsumode in Tokyo – Shrines to Visit for New Years
Dec 24, 2021 By Bert Wishart
In Japan, celebrating New Year is all about 'firsts.' Perhaps the most important 'first' is the first trip to a shrine, a tradition called hatsumode. While this visit can happen at any time, usually over the first three days of the year, the most dramatic time will be at midnight...[ Click to read more ]
Visit UNESCO Sites Galore and More in Historical Shingu
Nov 30, 2021 By Bert Wishart
Some people travel around the world to visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Some people will never visit one in their entire life. But with a single trip to Shingu in Wakayama Prefecture, you can be surrounded by them all day! About Shingu Situated near the southern tip of the Kii...[ Click to read more ]
Daisho-In Temple: The Alternative to Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima
Nov 29, 2021 By Michael Stigall
While it may not be as famous or frequently photographed as Itsukushima Shrine, Daisho-In Temple on Miyajima is just as beautiful and absolutely worthy of a visit. It’s so beautiful that when I go to Miyajima, I skip Itsukushima (and the crowds!) and head straight for Daisho-In. Unlike shrines, which...[ Click to read more ]
Let’s Tour: Kamakura
Oct 19, 2021 By Jason Gatewood
Despite being one of the most densely populated parts of the world, containing the capital city and Japan's most significant urban area, Greater Tokyo is historically newer than many places in the country. It wasn't until the 1600s during the Edo Period that the area, then called Edo, became important;...[ Click to read more ]
PASPY vs ICOCA: IC Cards in Hiroshima
Sep 29, 2021 By Michael Stigall
When people mention Japan, one of the first things they think of is the fast and efficient means of transportation available for both locals and visitors alike. In addition to Japan’s famous trains and subways, Hiroshima has a network of buses and streetcars that are clean, safe, and always on...[ Click to read more ]
