Yoro No Taki – Yoro Falls in Gifu
Oct 24, 2022 By Ray Proper
Yoro no Taki (Yoro Falls) is a great spot to get outside near Nagoya. Any time of the year is fine, but visiting the area in spring and fall is highly recommended, as both the spring blossoms and fall colors do an excellent job decorating the mountains surrounding the waterfall....[ Click to read more ]
The Tokyo Metro Museum
Sep 28, 2022 By Michael Stigall
One great thing about living in Tokyo is the trains and subways that crisscross the megalopolis. Most of us use the subway for commuting and getting around almost daily. That said, they can be something we all become familiar with and even ignore, but there is a rich history here....[ Click to read more ]
A Guide to Onsen and Super Sento in and around Tokyo
By Michael Stigall
The onsen is one thing that immediately comes to mind when one thinks of Japan, and it's no mystery why. In addition to appearing in most tourism-related media, they are excellent places to relax. With so much seismic activity, from small sento bathhouses to entire onsen towns, sento and onsen...[ Click to read more ]
Must-Visit, Lesser-Known Shrines and Temples of Nagoya
Aug 31, 2022 By Bert Wishart
There are few more pleasant experiences in Japan than turning a corner of a seemingly ordinary street and suddenly finding yourself face-to-face with a beautiful old shrine or temple. This is particularly true in Nagoya, where you are regularly reminded of the ancient history of this historic land within the...[ Click to read more ]
Autumn Festivals in Kumamoto Prefecture
Aug 30, 2022 By Justin Hanus
Japan is famous for its traditional festivals, most of which involve parades, dancing, and performances. Every prefecture has its festivals, and Kumamoto is no exception. If you are in Kumamoto between September and November, you’ll have the chance to attend a few. Kumamoto Castle Autumn Festival Kumamoto Castle is the...[ Click to read more ]
Riding the Rails: Train Passes for Foreign Residents
By Michael Stigall
We’ve discussed Japan’s rail passes before, including most recently reviewing the options available for Kanto residents, but what about if you’re living in or traveling to one of the other spectacular regions of Japan? Obviously, there is the Japan Rail Pass, but that is only good is you are a...[ Click to read more ]
Upgrade Your Suica to Mobile Suica
By Michael Stigall
There was a time when finding one’s way around Japan’s rail lines required extraordinary effort, determination, and a bit of luck. Literacy helped as well, but most newly arrived foreigners were out of luck in that regard. The most challenging part was getting the tickets, which required deciphering the maps,...[ Click to read more ]
What to See on a Bike Trip Along the Shimanami Kaido
Jul 25, 2022 By Justin Hanus
If you’re a bicyclist, you must take the Shimanami Kaido route!”. It runs from Onomichi in Hiroshima to Imabari in Ehime over a series of bridges across the Seto Inland Sea. Your journey will take you to many islands, all of which have something different to offer. Oranges, Mandarins, and...[ Click to read more ]
A Closer Look at the Newest JR Kyushu Trains
Jul 19, 2022 By Justin Hanus
The JR Kyushu trains used to be a group of eight sightseeing trains that took passengers on journeys across Kyushu in a way that allowed them to experience the island’s beautiful scenery fully. In recent years, the opportunities to ride a “Design & Story Train” has grown. By the end...[ Click to read more ]
Take a Trip on One of the JR Kyushu Resort Trains
Jun 28, 2022 By Justin Hanus
One of the best ways to explore Kyushu is to take a JR Kyushu train. However, with 11 varieties of sightseeing trains — each of which explores a different part of the island — it can be difficult to decide what train to choose. If you’re looking to relax, your...[ Click to read more ]
