Know your Nio from your Komainu – Exploring Nagoya’s Temples and Shrines
Oct 27, 2023 By Bert Wishart
There are so many great things about living in Japan, but for me one of the best is the plethora of interesting religious iconography that can be found wherever you look. This is a nation in which you can’t swing a dead tanuki without striking some kind of religious monument,...[ Click to read more ]
Where to See the Fall Leaves in Hiroshima
Sep 28, 2023 By Justin Hanus
Even if you’ve seen autumn foliage in other countries, nothing compares to Japan. Hiroshima is an ideal place to experience the fall colors because the prefecture is packed with forests, temples, and gardens. The possibilities of where you can see the leaves are almost endless, but a few spots stand...[ Click to read more ]
Top Things to Do Around Mount Yoshino
Aug 30, 2023 By Justin Hanus
Part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site called "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage routes in the Kii Mountain Range," Mount Yoshino is an important cultural site as well as a spot of natural beauty. Visitors flock here during the cherry blossom season, but there are many things to see and do...[ Click to read more ]
Exploring the Kumano Kodo
By Justin Hanus
The pilgrimage routes of the Kumano Kodo in Kansai have existed for more than 1,000 years. They were established as a way for people to visit sacred sites around the Kii Peninsula, but today they are a popular destination for hikers. The most important spots along the trails are three...[ Click to read more ]
Ideas for a Trip to Mount Misen
By Justin Hanus
Although Miyajima is most famous for its floating torii gate, there’s enough to do to spend several days on the island. One top place to visit is the sacred Mount Misen, which is the highest mountain on the island and is located within the Itsukushima Shrine World Heritage area. You...[ Click to read more ]
Planning Your Trip to Shinshoji Temple
Aug 28, 2023 By Justin Hanus
Much more than just another temple, Shinshoji offers visitors the chance to experience Zen through various activities. Even if you don’t partake in any organized activities, you’ll gain a greater understanding of Zen from wandering around the grounds and the trails in the forest that surround the temple. About Shinshoji...[ Click to read more ]
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 ]
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 ]
