There can be absolutely no doubt that in Japan, the month of April is very much the month the cherry blossom tree. However, as quickly as it has come, the...[ Click to read more ]
You always know when the hanami season is truly upon us. It's not the onset of spring. It's not the apparent decrease in people saying 'samui desu ne'. It's not...[ Click to read more ]
Hanami, or "flower viewing," especially cherry blossoms, with friends and family, is one of the best times to be in Japan. A tradition in Japan, modern hanami is enjoyed with...[ Click to read more ]
Watching sumo is one of the most authentic attractions in Japan. The annual grand tournaments are held only in odd months; January, May, and September in Tokyo, March in Osaka,...[ Click to read more ]
Japan is a nation that famously takes their working week very seriously. Hours are often long and hard and, as paid vacation is relatively limited when compared to many western...[ Click to read more ]
Golden week is the longest public holiday period in Japan, and many residents make a trip abroad, or to a tourist area like Kyoto over the break. Trains and airports...[ Click to read more ]
Easter is not generally celebrated in Japan, but the growing community of western expats in the country means that provisions for the festival have increased in recent years. If you're...[ Click to read more ]
For three days in April, downtown Hiroshima will take on a new vibe as crowds of breakdancers, freestyle BMX riders, parkour players and other extreme athletes converge on the site...[ Click to read more ]
When you think of Japanese sports, there is a good chance that a martial art comes to mind. However, if you ask a local what their favorite sport is, you might be...[ Click to read more ]
The famous Belgian Beer Weekend traditionally takes place the first weekend of September at the beautiful “Grand Place of Brussels." The Japan versions of this event? Not in September! Belgian...[ Click to read more ]