Summer Days Out in Kumamoto
Apr 20, 2023 By Justin Hanus
Located in the center of the southern Kyushu island of Japan, Kumamoto is known for its gorgeous scenery. There is certainly no shortage of fantastic days out during the summer months here, from picturesque hikes to relaxing boat trips to festival fun. Much has been written about famed attractions such...[ Click to read more ]
Must-See Historical Sites in Hiroshima
Mar 27, 2023 By Justin Hanus
Hiroshima is a city full of history. Although the atomic bomb destroyed many places, several landmarks were rebuilt, new ones were constructed to commemorate the events, and some ancient sites still stand. During your time in the city, there are a few places, in particular, you must make sure you...[ Click to read more ]
Inuyama City: Historical Castle Town and Much More…
Mar 23, 2023 By Bert Wishart
Just half an hour from Nagoya is Inuyama, an ancient town once one of the most important domains of the ruling Oda clan. It is especially renowned for its stunning castle that overlooks the Kiso River, a popular spot for viewing cherry blossoms in spring and the turning of the...[ Click to read more ]
Inuyama Festival Near Nagoya
Mar 21, 2023 By Bert Wishart
Not content with being the site of Japan's oldest (arguably most elegant) castle or being a staggeringly beautiful city, Inuyama hosts a particularly spellbinding festival every spring. The Inuyama festival is held annually on the first weekend of April and was begun under the orders of Owari clan retainer Hayatonosho...[ Click to read more ]
Traveling by Bus on a Budget from Hiroshima
Feb 22, 2023 By Justin Hanus
In addition to sites within the city itself, there’s plenty to explore around Hiroshima. A convenient and cost-effective way to travel is by bus. International visitors can take advantage of discount bus tickets to ride at a fraction of the regular price. There are several places, in particular, you should...[ Click to read more ]
Great Shrines for Hatsumode in Kumamoto
Dec 27, 2022 By Justin Hanus
The turn of the year is holiday time in Japan when people are off work to celebrate the New Year with parties, family gatherings, culinary feasts, and hatsumode. Hatsumode is the year's first visit to a Shinto shrine or Buddhist temple. It is traditionally made between the 1st to 3rd...[ Click to read more ]
Hatsumode in Tokyo – Making Your First Shrine Visit of 2023
Dec 26, 2022 By Michael Stigall
New Years in Japan is laser-focused on firsts. You have your first sunrise of the year, which is very important, and other firsts like the Shinenkai parties to bring in the New Year. Easily the most important of these New Year’s rituals is hatsumode. Hatsumode is the first visit of...[ Click to read more ]
Hatsumode in Hiroshima – Shrines to Visit for New Years and the Tondo Festival
By Hugh Cann
There are two main traditions marking the beginning of the new year in Hiroshima. Hatsumōde is the first visit of the year to a shrine and takes place throughout Japan. Later in the month is the tondo festival, which is just in Hiroshima. Hatsumōde The first visit of the year...[ Click to read more ]
Hatsumode in Kobe – Shrines to Visit for New Years
Dec 20, 2022 By Justin Hanus
Japan only started celebrating the New Year on January 1st, 1873, when the country adopted the Gregorian calendar of the West. Traditionally, the Japanese New Year was the same as the Chinese calendar. As this is a lunisolar calendar, New Year falls on a different date each year. Now, though,...[ Click to read more ]
Top Activities in Shinsaibashi, Osaka
Nov 29, 2022 By Justin Hanus
One of the most famous neighborhoods in Osaka is Shinsaibashi. Although it’s primarily a shopping neighborhood, it’s also a great place to visit for nightlife, restaurants, and cultural attractions. In particular, there are six things to do in Shinsaibashi. Shop in the Arcade Shotengai You can’t visit Shinsaibashi without checking...[ Click to read more ]
