Things to do While Practicing Social-Distancing
Mar 25, 2020 By Jason Gatewood
Thanks to the recent COVID-19 pandemic affecting much of the globe, pretty much every public health office recommends people minimize their exposure to the virus as much as possible; mainly by not gathering in public and keeping social calls to groups of 10 or fewer people. That is incredibly hard...[ Click to read more ]
Day Trips From Nagoya – Kamikochi, The Stunning Birthplace of Japan’s Casual Hiker
Mar 18, 2020 By Bert Wishart
Japan is a nation supremely blessed with its fair share of dramatic scenery. From the sandy beaches and deep blue oceans of Okinawa, by way of the high mountain peaks of the Honshu, and right up to the devastating natural parks of Hokkaido, there is beauty everywhere you turn. However,...[ Click to read more ]
Day Trips From Nagoya – Iwamura, a Quaint Castle Town, Shrouded in History and Mist
By Bert Wishart
For many visitors to Japan, getting a taste of the country's proud and storied history sits high on the checklist. To this end, most head to Gion in Kyoto, or Takayama in Gifu, however, once there it is easy to be disappointed. Rather than the quaint, sleepy towns that people...[ Click to read more ]
Top Cities to Visit in the Kansai Region
Feb 25, 2020 By Justin Hanus
You’ve undoubtedly heard of Osaka and Kyoto, but there’s so much more to see in the Kansai region of Japan. Some cities are vibrant and noisy, others are peaceful and relaxed, but all have something unique to offer. Osaka One of the top tourist destinations in the country, Osaka is...[ Click to read more ]
The Way of Tea – Japanese Tea Ceremony in Nagoya
Jan 30, 2020 By Bert Wishart
Also referred to as the Way of Tea, the Japanese tea ceremony elevates the preparation and presentation of 'macha,' or powdered green tea, to a ceremonial activity of great cultural significance. In the tea ceremony or chanoyu, sadō, or chadō in Japanese, matcha is skillfully and elegantly prepared for guests...[ Click to read more ]
Escape From Tokyo: “Winter is Here” Edition
Jan 28, 2020 By Jason Gatewood
Sometimes you have to get away from all the hustle and bustle that comes with living in the city; double that sentiment if you’re an ex-pat living life in one of Japan’s megacities during the winter months. It’s cold, we’re done with the New Year holidays, and there aren’t many...[ Click to read more ]
Setsubun Festivals in Tokyo 2020
Jan 25, 2020 By Jason Gatewood
So you survived oshogatsu (Japanese New Year's) and are looking forward to the end of March and the blooming of the cherry trees, but the reality is there are at least 60 more days to go before a single pink blossom appears. While it will not bring the blossoms any...[ Click to read more ]
What to do in Tokyo over the New Year’s Holidays 2019
Dec 27, 2019 By Jason Gatewood
People say Tokyo is the most restless city in the world, but maybe they've never been here around the traditional New Year holiday period when most residents aren't punching the clock. Instead, they are spending time with their families, often well outside the Metropolis in their hometowns. Pretty much any...[ Click to read more ]
Diamond Magic – Witness The Diamond Fuji Phenomenon
Dec 26, 2019 By Bert Wishart
Diamond Fuji is a twice annually occurring phenomenon during which the sunrise and sunset align perfectly with Mount Fuji’s summit, looking for all the world like a bright shining jewel placed atop the nation’s crown. There are many great places from which you can witness this startling sunset just a...[ Click to read more ]
Snow Festivals in Japan
By Jason Gatewood
Because Japan is over 70% mountainous and located in the temperate latitudes of the western Pacific where the moist ocean air continually does battle with dry, cold Siberian and Mongolian air coming in from China, the Japan Alps enjoys a healthy dusting of snow every winter. No part of Japan...[ Click to read more ]
