Tokyo’s Five Teams of Summer: Baseball in Kanto

Mar 27, 2021 By Jason Gatewood

Japan is a modern-day mecca of sports, having hosted several tournaments in the past and being the hosts of the upcoming World Rugby Cup this fall and the 2020 Summer Games. Answering the question, "what sports do you follow" with soccer or rugby will get you into a long conversation...[ Click to read more ]

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Road Trips in Kansai

Mar 15, 2021 By Justin Hanus

The Kansai region is a great part of Japan to discover by car. Beyond the big cities Kyoto, Osaka, and Kobe, many great destinations don’t take too long to get to and take in great scenery and wondrous cultural attractions along the way. From one-day excursions to lengthy road trips...[ Click to read more ]

Explore the Fantastic Cycling Routes of Hiroshima

Jan 29, 2021 By Bert Wishart

Surrounded by water and a paucity of mountains, you wouldn't necessarily pick Hiroshima for a world-class cycling destination. However, bicycle enthusiasts worldwide come to the area to enjoy the many fantastic cycling routes. Yes, you may not be hitting the climbs of the Alps, they may not have the twists...[ Click to read more ]

Plum Blossom Viewing in Tokyo – The Top Umemi Spots!

By Bert Wishart

While the cherry blossom is the flower that tends to dominate the imagination of Japanese botanic appreciation, it is perhaps the plum (ume) blossom that should be the more celebrated. Reddish pink or white flowers, they are distinguishable from the sakura by their split ended petals and their strong sweet...[ Click to read more ]

Hiroshima’s Most Important and Spectacular Shrines and Temples

By Bert Wishart

While it is perhaps Kyoto that is Japan's best-known city for shrines and temples, it doesn't mean that you have to go quite that far to visit some breathtaking and historic places of worship. Hiroshima Prefecture has numerous beautiful shrines and temples, some of which are absolutely stunning, and all...[ Click to read more ]

Take a Soothing Soak at one of Hiroshima’s Super Hot Spring Spas

By Bert Wishart

As temperatures around the country plummet, the Japanese winter can seem harsh, particularly if you are not fortunate enough to live in an environment that is equipped with central heating. However, as unlikely as it seems, there is some cause for celebration, as the winter is the perfect time to...[ Click to read more ]

Let’s Tour: Togoshi-Ginza in Tokyo

Dec 24, 2020 By Jason Gatewood

Tokyo’s Ginza shopping district is known far and wide for its opulent array of shops and boutiques catering to those with more than a little bitcoins in their pockets. The most exquisite of luxury brands choose this part of town to put what is sometimes their most unique shop with...[ Click to read more ]

Planning a Visit to Shiga Prefecture in Kansai

Oct 26, 2020 By Justin Hanus

Just to the east of Kyoto in the Kansai region is Lake Biwa — the largest lake in Japan. Surrounding the lake on all sides is Shiga Prefecture. Although Shiga is lesser known than many other places in Kansai, it’s definitely worth visiting for the large number of cultural sites...[ Click to read more ]

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Miyajima – A Holy Island That’s Wholly Worth a Visit

By Bert Wishart

Hiroshima Prefecture has much to offer it, from the hustle and bustle of the city, the somber and thought-provoking memorials, the striking scenery of the hills and gorges, and the sparkling waters of the Seto Inland Sea. But perhaps the most striking area of the region is Miyajima Island. Just...[ Click to read more ]

Getting Away and Staying Local – Great Ryokan in Aichi

Sep 28, 2020 By Bert Wishart

2020 has been hard going for many reasons, but most majorly impacted by the coronavirus pandemic is our ability to travel. Whether due to behaving responsibly, fears of contraction, or an employer restricting travel, many of us have been staying home and staying safe. But that doesn't mean that we...[ Click to read more ]