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 ]
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 ]
Exploring the Sacred Mountains of Kansai
Apr 28, 2023 By Justin Hanus
Mountains are sacred places in many cultures for reasons ranging from the inspirational views from the summits and their impressive heights (which are said to reach the heavens) to the fact they are often a source of water and, therefore, life. Japan has several sacred mountains, three of which are...[ Click to read more ]
Summer Days Out in Hiroshima
Apr 20, 2023 By Justin Hanus
With the warm summer months nearly upon us, what better time to turn our attention to some of the glorious outdoor activities in Hiroshima? Whether you're after a relaxing time soaking up the sun's rays or fancy something that will get the blood flowing, the prefecture has many fun days...[ Click to read more ]
The Top Places to Visit in Onomichi in Hiroshima
By Justin Hanus
The port town of Onomichi in Hiroshima prefecture may be small, but it's packed with things to do. Although it's ideal for walking around and discovering little gems, it's even better if you know where some of the top places to visit are before you go. Temple Walk The main...[ Click to read more ]
Exploring the Amakusa Islands Near Kumamoto
By Justin Hanus
Around 60 kilometers from Kumamoto City is a group of unique islands called Amakusa. There are two main islands (Shimoshima and Ueshima) and hundreds of smaller ones. Isolated from the rest of Kyushu, a sizeable Christian population lives here, whose ancestors were converted by missionaries shortly before the religion was...[ Click to read more ]
