Shikoku’s Ancient Pilgrimage
Sep 28, 2020 By Admin
Shikoku is a welcome getaway from the densely populated areas of Japan. Filled with lush greenery, towering trees, and majestic mountains, Shikoku is a paradise of nature. The first expressway to connect Shikoku to the main island of Honshu was built in 1988, making the island previously only reachable by...[ Click to read more ]
Getting Away in Japan: Toyama Prefecture
Sep 24, 2020 By Bert Wishart
While most regions of Japan seem to have their own perfect time of year to visit Toyama, the 'gateway to the Sea of Japan,' in northern Chubu, is spectacular all year round. With rugged mountains on one side and pristine beaches on the other, Toyama is dramatic scenery, picturesque villages,...[ Click to read more ]
Harvest Time in Kansai
By Justin Hanus
Harvest time in autumn/fall is important across the world. Each region has different rituals associated with this time of year (September – November). In Japan, the autumn harvest is celebrated with festivals and events in each region, many of which aren't that different from those you'd find in the US...[ Click to read more ]
Onomichi – Temples, Ramen and Cats Galore at Hiroshima’s Seaside Jewel
Aug 31, 2020 By Bert Wishart
Flanked to the north by steep hillsides and to the south by the rolling Seto Inland Sea, the city of Onomichi is quaint, picturesque and full of history. It makes for a beautiful day trip without even leaving Hiroshima Prefecture. Thanks to a charming refusal to regenerate and modernize, the...[ Click to read more ]
Let’s Tour: Shonan Beach Cities of Kanagawa
By Jason Gatewood
Located south and west of Yokohama, the Shonan region of Kanagawa Prefecture is known for beaches along Sagami Bay and a "laidback lifestyle" seen in other seaside places like Southern California, the Mediterranean Coast of Spain, and France. Before the 1880s, no one cared about the coastline and beaches other...[ Click to read more ]
Walk with the Animals, Talk with the Animals…
Jul 31, 2020 By Hugh Cann
Look I’m just going to say it. I’m not a fan of zoos and my first visit to Japan and see the zoo in the 1980s left me indignant and determined never to go again. HOWEVER. Japanese notions of animal care have evolved a lot and while it’s not Taronga...[ Click to read more ]
Let’s Tour: Western Tokyo’s “backcountry”
Jul 01, 2020 By Jason Gatewood
I’ll be the first to admit that 2020 has not been kind to we who like to explore, trek, and wander outdoors. We’ve all become more adept at video conferencing apps, picking out the most stylish face coverings, and knowing which restaurants in our area. But nothing can replace the...[ Click to read more ]
Hiroshima’s Onomichi and Tomonoura: Cruise the Inland Sea
Jun 29, 2020 By Hugh Cann
Most residents of Hiroshima have at least heard of Onomichi, if not had the opportunity to visit. Onomichi is a small shipbuilding town nestled on the edge of the Seto Inland Sea, aka Seto Naikai, to the East of Hiroshima. Among Japanese people of a certain vintage, it is probably...[ Click to read more ]
Beaches Around Tokyo
Jun 27, 2020 By Bert Wishart
As the summer heat rises it’s tempting to retire to your air-conditioned room with your necktie fan on full blast. However, with Japan being an island nation we are completely surrounded by the sea, and thus, beaches. So get out from that darkened room and head for the coast. Beaches...[ Click to read more ]
Mitaki Temple
Jun 26, 2020 By Matt Mangham
Mitaki Temple (or Mitaki-dera) isn’t as off the beaten path as it once was. All the online references to a “hidden gem” seem to have had their inevitable effect, and the last few times I’ve been there I’ve had plenty of company. Still, except for sunny weekends in cherry blossom...[ Click to read more ]
