Where to Go in Hiroshima for Unique Amulets and Votive Tablets
Jan 31, 2024 By Justin Hanus
A modern way to attract visitors to a particular shrine or temple is to offer amulets and votive plaques. Each is a representation of the place, meaning it can be a great reminder about where you visited. Some of the amulets and votive plaques available from the shrines and temples...[ Click to read more ]
Day Trips – History, Heritage, and Natural Beauty in Toyokawa
By Bert Wishart
About 75 minutes east of Nagoya, in the Mikawa Bay region, lies Toyokawa, a small city with a lot of spirituality and individuality. Though it is generally overlooked by the tourism industry as little more than a once-industrial town, it is in fact an area known locally for its rich...[ Click to read more ]
Himakajima – Aichi’s Octopus Island
Jan 29, 2024 By Bert Wishart
Have you ever wondered what the planet would look like if it was taken over by octopuses? No? Ah, well that kind of messes up my introduction to this article. But let's imagine you had said yes, because I would now say 'Well, imagine no more, just head over to...[ Click to read more ]
Samurai Tourism in Kumamoto
Dec 27, 2023 By Justin Hanus
Kumamoto was historically an important samurai town, signs of which still exist today. In fact, there’s now an industry around samurai tourism in Kumamoto. This includes several half- and full-day tours, offered by professionals. Samurai Experience Tour An exclusive option is the Samurai Experience Tour. Provided by a national government-licensed...[ Click to read more ]
New Year Celebrations in Kansai
By Justin Hanus
New Year (Shogatsu) is a time for big celebration in Japan. Seen as a period of cleansing and renewal as well as an opportunity to welcome in the New Year, festivities tend to last from January 1-3, with many people taking this period off work. There are various ways to...[ Click to read more ]
Hatsumode in Nagoya – Shrines to Visit for New Years
By First Admin
Oshogatsu, or New Year, is the most important holiday in Japan. Businesses shut down from January 1 to January 3, and families gather to spend time together. During the New Year, most places around Japan look like ghost towns, as children fly kites, play card games or count their otoshidama...[ Click to read more ]
The Wild Dolphins of Amakusa
Nov 28, 2023 By Justin Hanus
The Amakusa Islands in Kumamoto are known for their unique culture, interesting geological formations, beautiful green hills — and, most importantly, the wild dolphins that live just off the shore. Estimates put the number of Minami bottlenose dolphins (also called Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins) in the area at 200 to 300....[ Click to read more ]
Great Things to Do in Western Kumamoto
By Justin Hanus
Western Kumamoto is dominated by Mount Kinbo, a now-extinct volcano, but there is still plenty on offer. Whether you enjoy spending time in nature, are interested in ancient Japanese culture, or are looking ways to keep fit throughout the year, you’ll find numerous things to do and see in this...[ Click to read more ]
Biking Around Tokyo
Oct 27, 2023 By Michael Stigall
As sure as you'll find vending machines, convenience stores, and a small shrine in the average Japanese neighborhood, you'll find people traveling around on a bicycle. More everyday transport than pleasure, most Japanese use their bikes to run errands, ferry children to daycare, and get to and from their local...[ Click to read more ]
Public Transport in Kobe
By Justin Hanus
One of the three main cities in the Kansai region, Kobe has good transport links that can get you around the city, the outskirts and further afield. Between 2-3 hours from Tokyo by train, it also has its own airport and seaport. Most of the city center parts can be...[ Click to read more ]
