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 ]
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 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 ]
Japanese New Years’ Traditions
Nov 24, 2022 By Jason Gatewood
New Year is the main holiday of the year in Japan, and the country shuts down for several days as people take time off to spend time with their families and relax. As with Christmas celebrations in the West, numerous customs and traditions are observed at New Year. Here are...[ Click to read more ]
Taking a Day Trip from Hiroshima to Miyajima
Oct 24, 2022 By Justin Hanus
One of the most popular destinations to visit from Hiroshima is Miyajima. Officially called Itsukushima, the island has a collection of temples and shrines — including the iconic Itsukushima Shrine — and is home to wild deer. It’s an ideal place for a day trip while you’re in Hiroshima. Reaching...[ Click to read more ]
Getting Away in Japan: Nara
By Bert Wishart
A trip to the capital doesn't have to mean Tokyo's bright lights and bustle. Nara, in south-central Japan, was established as the nation's first permanent capital in 710 CE and, as such, remains an area of great historical interest. But Nara is not just a spot for history buffs as,...[ 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 ]
Get on Your Bike – Cycling in Japan
May 31, 2022 By Bert Wishart
From May to September, the world's best cyclists will be putting themselves to the test, competing for the maglia rosa, the malliot jaune and malliot roja in Italy, France and Spain. Seeing the exploits of Mathieu van der Poel, Tadej Pogacar, and Primoz Roglic may put you in mind to...[ Click to read more ]
