Fascinating Towns Near Kyoto: Otsu, Uji, & Fushimi
Jul 24, 2023 By Justin Hanus
As the former capital of Japan, Kyoto is a huge city with plenty of things to see, but sometimes you may want a change of scenery and perhaps a bit of peace! There's no need to go far — you can visit the smaller towns nearby. The three top choices...[ Click to read more ]
Boat Trips in Kansai
By Justin Hanus
With so many picturesque waterways spread across the region, Kansai is the perfect Japanese location for a boat trip. Whether you fancy a relaxing cruise or a white-knuckle downriver jaunt, there are no shortage of boating opportunities. Here is a choice selection of trips guaranteed to provide a winner of...[ Click to read more ]
Getting in Tents: Camping Around Hiroshima
Jul 22, 2023 By Bert Wishart
Finally, the heat and humidity of the summer have dissipated, and we can all get outside and enjoy the fresh air without losing half our body weight to sweat! This is the perfect time of year to dust off that tent and head out into nature – either with family,...[ Click to read more ]
Foodie Paradise Weekend Trip to Kochi
Jul 19, 2023 By Chiara Terzuolo
After the humidity and endless heat of Tokyo summers, I always am very ready for the autumn season to arrive. The cooler temperatures encourage one to plan hikes to see the trees turn their photogenic golds and reds and eat all the seasonal delights. Most folks think of fall in...[ Click to read more ]
Aso-Kuju: Kumamoto’s Breathtaking Park
Jul 01, 2023 By William Farrow
For residents of Kyushu, the outdoors and nature are always nearby. A far cry from the large cities of Honshu, people can expect a rich abundance of activities and places to visit. One of the first big must-see trips of the region is Aso-Kuju National Park, the emerald jewel of...[ Click to read more ]
Things to Do in the Fishing Town of Tomonoura
Jun 28, 2023 By Justin Hanus
Although it’s only a small fishing town, Tomonoura has plenty to offer visitors. An important port for centuries, it has recently become a popular filming location. Plus, if you watched the movie Ponyo, it may look familiar — the town was actually the inspiration for the animation. To make the...[ Click to read more ]
The Reborn Town of Hitoyoshi Kuma
By Justin Hanus
Since the 2020 Kyushu floods brought record-breaking heavy rains down on Kumamoto prefecture, the Council for Tourism Advancement in Hitoyoshi-Kuma has been working to bring tourism back to the area. One of these efforts has centered on Hitoyoshi Kuma. Dubbed a reborn town, it is returning from the disaster stronger...[ Click to read more ]
Seeing Seto, a Four-Day Tour Around the Seto Island Sea
Jun 27, 2023 By Bert Wishart
Recently, when enjoying a couple of leisurely afternoon pints in The Hub, my wife Mai and I chatted with an Aussie lad in Japan on his 'trip of a lifetime.' "So, where are you visiting?" my wife asked, more out of politeness than curiosity. "I spent a few days in...[ Click to read more ]
Step Back in Time at Gifu Seiryu-Satoyama Park
May 30, 2023 By Bert Wishart
While most people besotted with Japanese history tend to focus on the periods of samurai and geisha, there is more to Japan than dudes quoting haiku and swinging katana blades. One of the most interesting periods was not that long ago, the Showa era (1926 – 1989), and at Gifu...[ Click to read more ]
Great Places for a Date in Kumamoto
May 19, 2023 By Justin Hanus
Kumamoto has many romantic spots that are ideal for a date. Whether you’re looking for places to spend the weekend together or want somewhere you can go for a few hours after work, you have some great options. Suizenji Jojuen Garden A highlight of Kumamoto for tourists and a romantic...[ Click to read more ]
