It’s no secret that I love Oita. Of course, I might be a little biased, but as a resident here…
Mika SendaMarch 9, 2022
From the picturesque canals of Kinosaki Onsen to Amanohashidate's pine-covered sandbar, the Kitakinki (北近畿) region has everything necessary to make…
Mika SendaJanuary 5, 2022
Over the immutably calm waters of the Seto Inland Sea, we approached the port of Ogijima on the Meon Ferry,…
Todd FongDecember 23, 2021
Aomori (青森) is well known for its gorgeous natural scenery. Being located at the northernmost tip of Japan’s main island…
Thomas SiebertDecember 21, 2021
Having the world’s spotlight during the Olympics was the perfect opportunity for the Japan Cultural Expo to showcase the richness…
Toshiko SakuraiSeptember 27, 2021
The legendary island of Enoshima (江ノ島) is just a stone’s throw away (or one hour by train) from Tokyo, and…
CheriseAugust 31, 2021
Horimono (彫物) is a little-known term to the rest of the tattoo world but is one of the most used…
GaëlAugust 3, 2021
Ako City (赤穂市) is a small coastal town in Hyogo Prefecture along the beautiful Seto Inland Sea. Its location between…
Thomas SiebertMarch 20, 2021
The city of Kanazawa (金沢市), bordering the Sea of Japan, is a place where old and new harmoniously co-exist. During…
Mark WebsterMarch 13, 2021
What does Hello Kitty have to do with the US-Japan bilateral Treaty of Cooperation and Security and the May 68…
Toshiko SakuraiJanuary 23, 2021
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 exquisite traditional Japanese kimono is a beautiful article of clothing. However, one often forgets its other half: the long…
Todd FongNovember 30, 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
The fabled Momotaro Peach Boy may have killed a few ogres, but Okayama (岡山) is steeped in many timeless ingredients…
CheriseNovember 12, 2020
As I approached the tiny port of Inujima (犬島) from the mainland, the first thing I saw was the two…
CheriseNovember 12, 2020
If we had been told a few decades ago that one day there’d be a place that would allow us…
Lucia TsujiguchiNovember 2, 2020
In many cultures, the deceased have great relevance. And Japan is no exception: death is almost as important as life.…
Maria PeñascalOctober 13, 2020
Collecting anime figures, also known as statues or figurines, can come across as a daunting hobby. For quite some time,…
Joseph WentzSeptember 22, 2020
One of my favourite prefectures to explore for weekends away from Tokyo’s city lights is Shizuoka (静岡県). A quick Shinkansen…
LiaSeptember 9, 2020
Kimono patterns are not only decorative but also have special cultural meaning. The wearer will often choose based on the…
AmyAugust 26, 2020
Spiritual, contemplative places are abundant in Japan. With tiny sanctuaries just around the corner and gorgeous UNESCO world heritage sites…
Marion PontAugust 25, 2020
Umeda (梅田) is one of the most crowded areas in Osaka. It is a massive beehive of department stores, restaurants,…
Lucia TsujiguchiJuly 14, 2020
The modern Tokaido route (from Jrailpass.com) Travelling around Japan is always an adventure, with the efficiency and ease of the…
LiaMay 8, 2020
Already on our way to Tobe we discover the flagship craft of the city – Tobe ceramics! Japanese ceramics are…
YvonneApril 6, 2020
Kimono are a traditional Japanese form of clothing worn by both men and women. Kimono is a garment that is…
Todd FongMarch 30, 2020
When I was a kid, my mother thought it was best to keep my brother and I occupied with a…
Mika SendaMarch 19, 2020
Ohhhh, hand-made paper. I remember going through and feeling my mother's old collection of Japanese washi papers as a kid,…
Mika SendaMarch 19, 2020
