Aichi Prefecture

Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament

Apr 16, 2015 By Ray Proper

Seeing a sumo match is an important check mark completing any extended visit to Japan.   Sumo is the Japanese sport in which a 'rikishi,' or sumo wrestler attempts to force...[ Click to read more ]

Ice Hockey in Nagoya

Apr 02, 2015 By Ray Proper

Did you know there are at least 5 ice hockey teams in and around Nagoya? From children’s to adult teams, there is no reason to go without just because you...[ Click to read more ]

Noritake Garden – Nagoya’s Ceramic Star

Feb 27, 2015 By Bert Wishart

Aichi is well known as a centre of Japanese industry, but what is less well known is that it is also the birthplace of one of the world’s leading ceramic dinnerware "china" brands, Noritake....[ Click to read more ]

Toyota Plant and Museum Tour

Feb 26, 2015 By Bert Wishart

As the third largest producer worldwide, there can be no doubting the importance of the automobile industry to Japan’s economy, and here in Aichi we are at the heart of...[ Click to read more ]

Girls Day and Hina Matsuri Events in Nagoya and Aichi

Feb 23, 2015 By Ray Proper

March starts out with a holiday for girls. The aptly named “Girls Day” coincides with the Hina Matsuri (Doll Festival), or Peach Blossom Festival, featuring a very traditional display of...[ Click to read more ]

English Speaking Nail Salon in Nagoya

Feb 23, 2015 By

You can get your nails done in Japan too, in fact the "nail art" they do here is pretty impressive.   In general, the services are similar, but not exactly...[ Click to read more ]

Naked ambition – Take part in Konomiya’s Hadaka Matsuri

Jan 27, 2015 By Bert Wishart

“You make your own luck in this world,” as the saying goes. Whoever coined the phrase could have been thinking of the Hadaka Matsuri in Konomiya, but making your luck...[ Click to read more ]

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Hatsuhinode in Nagoya 2015

Dec 24, 2014 By Ray Proper

Among the many customs associated with "oshogatsu," or New Years, are a good many firsts; from the first trip to the shrine to the lesser practiced first tea ceremony of...[ Click to read more ]

English Speaking Childcare / Babysitting Services in Nagoya

Dec 08, 2014 By

Babysitting was not a “thing” here, generally, until somewhat recently.  Traditionally in Japan the woman stays home while the man works, while families lived with their parents and extended families...[ Click to read more ]

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Hiwatari Shinji – A Buddhist Fire Walking Ritual

Nov 27, 2014 By Bert Wishart

Winter in Japan can get a touch on the chilly side, can’t it. So, what’s the best way of warming up? Sitting under a kotatsu? Attaching hot kairo heat pads...[ Click to read more ]