Hyogo Prefecture

Chocolate in Japan

Valentine’s Day in Kobe

Jan 22, 2023 By Justin Hanus

Valentine’s Day is an essential holiday throughout Japan, but it’s extra significant in Kobe. Here, a chocolate shop advertised Valentine’s Day chocolates for the first time in Japan back in...[ Click to read more ]

Kobe’s Winter Wonderland: Mount Rokko

Jan 21, 2023 By Justin Hanus

Japan hosted the first-ever Winter Olympics in Asia at Sapporo in 1972, but the country already had a rich history of playing on snowy mountain slopes. Although you won't find...[ Click to read more ]

Umeda Skating Rink

Strap on Your Skates in Kansai This Winter

Jan 21, 2023 By Justin Hanus

Ice skating has a long history as skates made of animal bones dating back 5,000 years were found at the bottom of a lake in Switzerland. It's unknown when the...[ Click to read more ]

Seafood Market in Japan

Popular Seafood Markets and Ports in the Kansai Region

Dec 23, 2022 By Justin Hanus

Japan is well known for its seafood — in fact, seafood is a major part of its culture. To find the freshest dishes, your best option is to head to...[ Click to read more ]

Pay a Visit to Kobe’s Anpanman Children’s Museum and Mall

Dec 20, 2022 By Justin Hanus

Looking for some entertainment the whole family can enjoy? Well, your kids will likely enjoy it more, but who doesn’t love a day spent with the little ones entertaining themselves...[ 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...[ Click to read more ]

Skiing in Kansai: Day and Weekend Trips!

Dec 12, 2022 By Justin Hanus

Skiing might not be the first thing that springs to mind when you think of tourist attractions in Japan. However, many skiing enthusiasts visit each winter, keen to experience the...[ Click to read more ]

Great Winter Food in Kansai

Nov 29, 2022 By Justin Hanus

Japan can get pretty chilly during the winter months. Fortunately, the country excels when it comes to hearty winter meals. As are regional variations, seasonal ingredients and dishes are very...[ Click to read more ]

Buying Holiday Decorations, Wrapping Paper & Lights in Kobe

Nov 20, 2022 By Justin Hanus

With Christmas fast approaching, thoughts turn to presents and brightening up the home with a few decorations. If you haven't already got your shopping for the season planned out, here...[ Click to read more ]

Activities for Kids Under 5 in Kobe

Oct 24, 2022 By Justin Hanus

If you have kids under 5, you’ll know how tiring it can be to keep them occupied throughout the day. Children don’t start school in Japan until the age of...[ Click to read more ]