Welcome to the latest installment of Voyapon’s new series where we highlight a curated list of some under-the-radar events happening…
Paul McInnesOctober 30, 2024
For years, overseas visitors to Japan have seemingly worn a groove traveling between Tokyo and Kyoto / Osaka during their…
Todd FongMarch 14, 2024
Visit all seven Setouchi prefectures, from Spirited Away bath houses, picturesque arched bridges, and more, in this five day itinerary!
Anna ToccoliMarch 17, 2023
One of Japan’s most impressive night illumination festivals is held in the Kansai region: Kobe Luminarie (神戸ルミナリエ). Although the event…
Clémentine CintréJune 24, 2022
There’s hardly a traveler to Japan who hasn’t thought about, read, or traveled to Kyoto’s cultural capital or Hyogo’s Himeji…
Mika CunninghamMarch 29, 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 CunninghamJanuary 5, 2022
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
Ako a smaller city in Japan that is perfect for a short stay if you are looking for an off-the-beaten-track…
Thomas SiebertMarch 20, 2021
Not far from Kobe City in Hyogo prefecture, is the onsen resort of Arima Onsen (有馬温泉). With a history dating back…
Claudia MitsuboriNovember 28, 2020
When I was a kid, my mother thought it was best to keep my brother and I occupied with a…
Mika CunninghamMarch 19, 2020
“Watch out for those deer!” I whispered, as a herd suddenly skipped across the road in the dark. It was…
Mika CunninghamMarch 14, 2020
"Itadakimasu!” With my stomach already dangerously at capacity, I dove into my last order of soba (buckwheat) noodles in the…
Mika CunninghamMarch 13, 2020
I might not have been the image of grace stomping along in my inch-high geta sandals. But it completed my…
Mika CunninghamMarch 13, 2020
I have a confession to make: I hate haunted houses. As a kid, the looming fear that something would come…
Mika CunninghamMarch 13, 2020
It was a day of wind and rain — not exactly the ideal weather for a photoshoot in Hyogo Prefecture's…
Mika CunninghamMarch 13, 2020
In southern Hyogo Prefecture, between Kobe and Osaka, the old JR Fukuchiyama Line has emerged as a popular hiking trail for adventurous…
EimiJune 15, 2019
Sponsored by Sanda City In the small town of Sanda, which lies north of Kobe, as the city stretches into the mountains of…
Joachim DucosOctober 31, 2018
Kobe Shushinkan Brewery (神戸酒心館) is one of the favorite places that I like to show visiting friends and family. Situated…
VoyaponApril 9, 2017
Mikage, Kobe, is a quiet neighborhood that has been historically known for production of granite, or "Mikage-ishi" in Japanese. The…
VoyaponJuly 30, 2016
This sake museum, with many parts of the original brewery still preserved, is just one of many others in Nishinomiya-go.
RandMay 6, 2016
From seeing where "The Last Samurai" was shot to natural beauty, Engyoji Temple in Himeji has much to offer to…
Brian KoldApril 11, 2016
There are many onsen towns in Japan, and every prefecture has something unique to offer. They are all different in…
Luka JacksonApril 10, 2016
Hidden in Himeji is a mountain that holds beautiful temples and a wonderful hiking opportunity with a view well worth…
Luka JacksonApril 3, 2016
From rich history to architectural beauty Himeji Castle does its reputation as Japan's best preserved and perhaps most beautiful castle's…
Brian KoldMarch 21, 2016
Hiking in Hyogo a short way from Himeji is the spectacular nature of Takeda castle, Japan's Macchu Picchu.
Ethan CookmanMarch 19, 2016
Hidden in the basement of the Center Plaza mall in Sannomiya, Makino has become a no-brainer go-to when it comes…
VoyaponMarch 7, 2016
Anpanman is a beloved children’s character in Japan. Apart from the merchandise found throughout Japan, there is also a museum…
VoyaponMarch 6, 2016
