Miyajima – A Holy Island That’s Wholly Worth a Visit
Oct 26, 2020 By Bert Wishart
Hiroshima Prefecture has much to offer it, from the hustle and bustle of the city, the somber and thought-provoking memorials, the striking scenery of the hills and gorges, and the sparkling waters of the Seto Inland Sea. But perhaps the most striking area of the region is Miyajima Island. Just...[ Click to read more ]
Shikoku’s Ancient Pilgrimage
Sep 28, 2020 By Admin
Shikoku is a welcome getaway from the densely populated areas of Japan. Filled with lush greenery, towering trees, and majestic mountains, Shikoku is a paradise of nature. The first expressway to connect Shikoku to the main island of Honshu was built in 1988, making the island previously only reachable by...[ Click to read more ]
Harvest Time in Kansai
Sep 24, 2020 By Justin Hanus
Harvest time in autumn/fall is important across the world. Each region has different rituals associated with this time of year (September – November). In Japan, the autumn harvest is celebrated with festivals and events in each region, many of which aren't that different from those you'd find in the US...[ Click to read more ]
Onomichi – Temples, Ramen and Cats Galore at Hiroshima’s Seaside Jewel
Aug 31, 2020 By Bert Wishart
Flanked to the north by steep hillsides and to the south by the rolling Seto Inland Sea, the city of Onomichi is quaint, picturesque and full of history. It makes for a beautiful day trip without even leaving Hiroshima Prefecture. Thanks to a charming refusal to regenerate and modernize, the...[ Click to read more ]
Hiroshima’s Onomichi and Tomonoura: Cruise the Inland Sea
Jun 29, 2020 By Hugh Cann
Most residents of Hiroshima have at least heard of Onomichi, if not had the opportunity to visit. Onomichi is a small shipbuilding town nestled on the edge of the Seto Inland Sea, aka Seto Naikai, to the East of Hiroshima. Among Japanese people of a certain vintage, it is probably...[ Click to read more ]
Mitaki Temple
Jun 26, 2020 By Matt Mangham
Mitaki Temple (or Mitaki-dera) isn’t as off the beaten path as it once was. All the online references to a “hidden gem” seem to have had their inevitable effect, and the last few times I’ve been there I’ve had plenty of company. Still, except for sunny weekends in cherry blossom...[ Click to read more ]
How to Learn Zazen
Jun 17, 2020 By Justin Hanus
People from around the world are becoming more interested in learning zazen — the Zen style of meditation — due to its benefits for mental and physical health. Practicing zazen regularly is ideal if you feel like you’re rushing through life, as it gives you the chance to slow down...[ Click to read more ]
Great Summer Walks in Kansai
May 22, 2020 By Justin Hanus
Kansai is famed not just for its bustling cities such as Kyoto and Osaka but also for its many mountains, parks, and trails that offer a great walking day out. Whether you're looking for a gentle scenic stroll or something a bit more challenging, there are many options across the...[ Click to read more ]
Hiking Around Tokyo
Apr 30, 2020 By Bert Wishart
Tokyo is a metropolis, but you do not have to go that far from downtown to find mountains. Of course the most famous is Mt. Fuji (which you can read more about here), but it's not the only mountain in the region. Here we will have a look at a...[ Click to read more ]
Takayama Spring Festival
Apr 01, 2020 By Bert Wishart
Located in Gifu Prefecture, and surrounded by some of Japan’s richest natural areas just below the famous Northern Alps, Takayama is somewhat isolated and distant. This isolation allowed the city to develop its own distinct culture that combines that of nearby Edo (modern day Tokyo) and Kyoto’s into a new...[ Click to read more ]
