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....[ Click to read more ]
Art Aquarium Retells an Old Japanese Tradition in a New Way
Jul 30, 2019 By Jason Gatewood
Anyone with a penchant for Japanese history and a love of Japanese artistry will recognize the Japanese Goldfish, “Kingyo,” as a cultural motif instantly. From anime and manga, high fashion,...[ Click to read more ]
Tokyo Tower is ‘Lit’ all Summer Long!
Jul 26, 2019 By Jason Gatewood
Tokyo Tower may have become Tokyo’s second tallest tower thanks to the new SkyTree in Sumida Ward stealing the title in 2010, but the Eiffel Tower lookalike is not to...[ Click to read more ]
Best Boat Trips in Kobe
Jul 17, 2019 By Justin Hanus
As a port city, Kobe offers both residents and visitors the chance to take to the waters and enjoy the sights on a boat trip. You can sail around the...[ Click to read more ]
Climbing Mount Fuji
Jul 14, 2019 By Ray Proper
Fuji season is upon us again! The official climbing season for Fujisan, as it is known locally, is in July and August. While it is possible to climb during other...[ Click to read more ]
Beautiful Hiking and Walking Trails in Japan
Jul 11, 2019 By Bert Wishart
When the weather heats up, many Japanese escape the humidity that envelopes the cities and head to the countryside. Being such a mountainous country, there are many great places to...[ Click to read more ]
Dealing with Humidity and Mold in Japan
Jul 10, 2019 By Ray Proper
Japan is a big place, but a large part of Japan sits with the "humid subtropical climate" zone, characterized by hot, humid summers and mild winters. These long hot and humid...[ Click to read more ]
Understanding Japan: The Tanabata “Star Festival”
Jul 08, 2019 By Bert Wishart
Tanabata, also known as the 'Star Festival', is a popular summer event celebrated all over Japan. As the festival's name suggests (literally 'Evening of the Seventh'), it is held on...[ Click to read more ]
Why is Bubble Tea Suddenly Popular in Japan?
Jun 28, 2019 By Jason Gatewood
The first time I tasted tapioca pearls in milk tea was as a teenager in the mid-1990’s while checking out a new trendy Asian fusion spot that was all the...[ Click to read more ]
See the Best of Kansai’s Fireworks Displays
Jun 17, 2019 By Justin Hanus
One of the most exciting aspects of Japanese summers is the multitude of dazzling fireworks displays to enjoy. Originally, fireworks (花火, ‘Hanabi’) were thought to help ward off evil spirits,...[ Click to read more ]
