Winter

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 ]

Magome and Tsumago

Winter Food in Nagoya

Dec 27, 2022 By Bert Wishart

Unless you are a ski bunny or a masochist, there should be no doubt that winter is the worst of all months. Cold and wet, skies as ashen as the...[ Click to read more ]

Hatsumode in Tokyo – Making Your First Shrine Visit of 2023

Dec 26, 2022 By Michael Stigall

New Years in Japan is laser-focused on firsts. You have your first sunrise of the year, which is very important, and other firsts like the Shinenkai parties to bring in...[ Click to read more ]

Winter Illumination in Tokyo

Dec 26, 2022 By Michael Stigall

Christmas time in Tokyo can be a bit surreal. On the one hand, there are Christmas markets, gigantic sales, innumerable shopping centers, and more decorations than you would expect, but...[ Click to read more ]

Ice Skating in Kanto

Dec 26, 2022 By Michael Stigall

For most of us from colder climates, it is hard to imagine winter without ice skating. Luckily, many in the metropolis share that view, and there is a wide selection...[ 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 ]

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 ]

Japanese New Years’ Traditions

Nov 24, 2022 By Jason Gatewood

New Year is the main holiday of the year in Japan, and the country shuts down for several days as people take time off to spend time with their families...[ Click to read more ]

Holiday Dining Options in Nagoya 2022

Nov 21, 2022 By Ray Proper

Nagoya has excellent local cuisine, and numerous wonderful options are available at any time of year. However, during the holidays, you may need some hints on where to get your...[ Click to read more ]

Heroes on the Half Shell – Where to get in-season Oysters in Nagoya

Jan 24, 2022 By Bert Wishart

For those of us who are used to the climate control comforts of central heating, double glazing, and insulated buildings coming as standard, winter in Japan – where these are...[ Click to read more ]