Let’s Tour – Sendai: What to eat
Nov 30, 2018 By Jason Gatewood
No review of any part of Japan would be complete without talking about its contributions to the gastronomic scene, and Sendai has definitely done its part, and there are TONS of places to check out local delectables. Beef Tongue Ask any Japanese person anywhere what food Sendai is famous for,...[ Click to read more ]
Let’s Tour – Sendai: What to see & do
By Jason Gatewood
For a city its size (just over one million people, which is considered small by Japan standards), Sendai has a storied past, steeped in nature, and has a vibrant lifestyle for its citizens. This all adds up to a perfect place to check out if you’re looking for a change...[ Click to read more ]
Onsen In and Around Hiroshima
Nov 27, 2018 By Matt Mangham
Hot springs, or ‘onsen,’ are a great idea any time of year, but there’s something about being outside and up to your chin in hot water that just really appeals in the depths of winter. Fortunately, you don’t need to book a room at one of the famous Kyushu hot...[ Click to read more ]
Ise’s Oyster Eating Extravaganza in Mie
Nov 26, 2018 By Bert Wishart
In much of the world, oysters are considered something of a delicacy. They are an aphrodisiac, they are rare, and thanks to their high price they are often considered the preserve of the wealthy, up there with champagne, caviar, and yacht clubs. However, in Mie Prefecture this is not the case...[ Click to read more ]
Fall Festivals in Tokyo
Oct 30, 2018 By Jason Gatewood
Just because the leaves are golden (or gone), and the temperature has fallen, doesn't mean the festival numbers have gone down along with it. As always, you'll be able to eat tasty yatai street food, purchase cool trinkets, and enjoy being outside in the crowd… Just remember to bring your jacket!...[ Click to read more ]
Hiroshima’s Ebisuko Festival 2018
Oct 29, 2018 By Matt Mangham
Across Japan, Ebisu is one of Shinto’s most popular deities. Deaf and lame, and always laughing (hence the Japanese term ‘ebisugao’ for a smiling face) Ebisu is the god of fishermen and good fortune. The old tenth lunar month was called ‘kannazuki,’ or the month without gods because the entire...[ Click to read more ]
Firewalking at Miyajima 2018
By Matt Mangham
Japan has a slew of fire rituals, the most famous of which being Kyoto’s famous Daimonji Festival. These festivals, leveraging ancient notions of purification and renewal, continue to draw people even in the modern world. In Hiroshima, November offers two chances for visitors to experience ‘Hiwatari,’ or firewalking. The first...[ Click to read more ]
Get the Seishun 18 Kippu and See Japan on the Cheap!
Oct 26, 2018 By Bert Wishart
If there is one thing that Japan does well it is train travel. While the locals take it for granted that trains will be clean, safe and punctual, many of us know that this is not necessarily the norm in other nations. Another fantastic aspect of Japanese travel is the fact...[ Click to read more ]
Castles in and Around Nagoya
Oct 24, 2018 By Bert Wishart
[caption id="attachment_31317" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Inuyama Castle[/caption] When it comes to reputation for historical importance, Nagoya and Aichi are often unfairly maligned when compared to other Japanese cities such as Osaka, Kyoto and, of course, Tokyo. However, the region played an essential part in the creation of the nation, being the...[ Click to read more ]
Day Trips: Miyama, Kyoto’s Mountain Retreat
Oct 15, 2018 By Bert Wishart
Just 30 kilometers from the hustle and bustle of the tourist mecca that is Kyoto city sits Miyata, a beautiful little hamlet that could have come straight out of Edo era Japan. Remote, rural and nestled into the mountains, Miyata is famous for its traditional, thatched roof (kayabuki) farmhouses of which...[ Click to read more ]
