‘Konnichiwa!” called the students enthusiastically, receiving my breathless replies with encouraging good humour. I was pedalling past each other on…
Lily Crossley-BaxterJanuary 19, 2021
Improving your Japanese level or delving into different areas of Japanese culture from your own country can be easier than…
Maria PeñascalJanuary 13, 2021
If you're in Tokyo on New Year's Eve, Oji is where you need to be. Oji is the magical neighborhood…
Toshiko SakuraiJanuary 4, 2021
If 2020 has left you feeling like you've had an eight-month hangover, do your head, heart, and soul a favor…
Todd FongDecember 25, 2020
Since the beginning of November, Japan is immersed in a totally Christmasy atmosphere: full of lights, Christmas products in stores,…
Maria PeñascalDecember 23, 2020
Japan started to celebrate Christmas after World War II due to Western influence. As it comes from the Christian tradition,…
Maria PeñascalDecember 18, 2020
I’ve lived in Japan so long now and travelled so much around the country that I thought I might have…
Mark Brazil Ph.DDecember 18, 2020
I have always loved winter and snow even more. Coming from the south of France, where it barely snows once…
Joachim DucosDecember 18, 2020
For many travelers, one of the most unique and appealing experiences in Japan is sleeping on a futon 布団. This…
Toshiko SakuraiDecember 4, 2020
“It takes two entire years to pass a taiko apprenticeship. That means no drinking, no smoking, no social media. Do…
Lucy DaymanDecember 3, 2020
There’s something surreal about driving through the countryside of southern Niigata Prefecture and suddenly seeing a giant window — complete with…
Patrick St. MichelDecember 3, 2020
The mist was the defining factor of my experience on Rishiri Island (利尻島, Rishiri-tō). It became a welcome companion to my explorations,…
Lily Crossley-BaxterDecember 3, 2020
“Canceled?” I asked, looking out to the blue skies across our coast-side hotel breakfast. It seemed unlikely, but our boat…
Lily Crossley-BaxterDecember 3, 2020
Learning the art of curling from a 79-year-old Japanese man had never really been on my bucket list, but it…
Lily Crossley-BaxterDecember 3, 2020
The exquisite traditional Japanese kimono is a beautiful article of clothing. However, one often forgets its other half: the long…
Todd FongNovember 30, 2020
The experience of a trip starts with your transportation. If you want to travel to Tokyo, the starting point is…
Maria PeñascalNovember 29, 2020
Not far from Kobe City in Hyogo prefecture, is the onsen resort of Arima Onsen (有馬温泉). With a history dating…
Claudia MitsuboriNovember 28, 2020
According to Japanese mythology, Japan was created by the hand of the gods Izanagi and Izanami. Moreover, his children were…
Maria PeñascalNovember 27, 2020
Us horse lovers all have something in common. Even on vacation in a foreign country, we feel we can't survive…
Yvonne TanakaNovember 25, 2020
I’m sure you are missing Japan. You would like to be closer to this wonderful culture and experience its essence.…
Maria PeñascalNovember 19, 2020
Curry is one of the most popular foods in Japan. But not just any curry: it's Japanese curry. This mild…
Joachim DucosNovember 17, 2020
We are the latest victims of Mr. Choppy, a voracious monster obsessed with swallowing the latest and craziest aesthetic trends.…
Toshiko SakuraiNovember 14, 2020
As I approached the tiny port of Inujima (犬島) from the mainland, the first thing I saw was the two…
Cherise FongNovember 12, 2020
The fabled Momotaro Peach Boy may have killed a few ogres, but Okayama (岡山) is steeped in many timeless ingredients…
Cherise FongNovember 12, 2020
MinaHomi Design Workshop is a project born from the dreams of a young artist who rekindled her deepest roots when…
Lucia TsujiguchiNovember 11, 2020
Even as Japan and other parts of the world slowly begin to plan to reopen to tourism, there will continue…
Todd FongNovember 9, 2020
For those of us who grew up outside of Japan, the Goto Islands are a place shrouded in an air…
Todd FongNovember 9, 2020
