Osaka Christmas Lights: Where to Go and What to See
Nothing quite says “Christmas in Japan” like a cutesy, over the top, almost garish light show, with an accompaniment of suitably romantic musical overtones.
December 24, 2016
FEATURED POSTS
Arashiyama Hanatouro Illumination: A Bright Forest in Winter
I remember it was a one-degree night when my friends and I went to Arashiyama. It was winter time and they held a light illumination. We were curious to see it, even the cold weather would not stop us...
December 12, 2017
NEWEST POSTS
Trekking Through The Sands of Japan: A Visit Tottori Prefecture’s Sand Dunes
When visiting Tottori Prefecture, a visit to the Tottori Sakyu (Tottori Sand Dunes), part of Sanin Kaigan National Park, is mandatory! These sand dunes stretch along 16 kilometers of the Sea of Japan’s coastline. They, the biggest sand dunes in Japan, were formed when sediment carried from the nearby Chugoku Mountains by the Sendaigawa River was washed out to the Sea of Japan. The dunes themselves were formed as the sand was redeposited on shore.
December 4, 2018
Ichijodani Asakura Clan Historic Ruins and Reconstructed Street
Just over 440 years ago Ichijodani was a bustling Muromachi Period castle town. Today the location attracts interest with both history buffs and sightseeing visitors alike wanting to take in the beauty of the surrounding countryside whilst learning the history of how this once-important and busy town fell to ruins.
December 3, 2018
In the Footsteps of Basho – Soka Matsubara Promenade
In the ordered days of the Edo Period, the northern parts of Japan were considered untamed lands of deep mountains and wild forests. One of the ways of entering this region was via the Nikko Kaido highway leading from Edo, now known as Tokyo, to Nikko. The early staging point for a journey on this famous road was Soka.
December 3, 2018
The Splendor of Enkoji, Overlooked Temple of Northern Kyoto
Enkoji Temple is not usually listed in popular tourist guides, which makes it all the more alluring. Yet, it can be found in some of the top autumn attraction rankings of Kyoto, and perfectly captures the refined balance of a garden park, viewing hall, art display, bamboo grove, and mountain hike.
November 28, 2018
Discovering Kyoto’s Hidden Autumn Treasures – And Avoiding the Crowds
You can avoid the long waits outside temple entrances and bus stops by avoiding the guidebook-recommended spots, such as Kiyomizu-dera, Nanzenji, Heian Shrine or Arashiyama. Indeed, these gorgeous sites reveal Kyoto’s most treasured maple views; yet, there are other 1,600 and more temples and shrines in Kyoto that likewise exude charming beauty in their simplicity, solace, and natural landscapes.
November 27, 2018
5 Fantastic Parks in Okinawa
Anyone who comes here with kids quickly realizes that Okinawa is pretty much one big playground. Parks, parks, everywhere! And they are HUGE! I'm talking ropeways, slides with vertical drops, trampolines, jungle gyms to climb up and through, ziplines, rock climbing, and the list goes on and on. And all completely free and open to the public!
November 27, 2018
15 Things to Do in Nagasaki
Nagasaki is a fascinating prefecture with a long and colourful history. It was the first part of Japan where foreign explorers were allowed to trade with and has thus been a testing ground for the future of the country.
Food & DrinkNatureSightseeingKyushu
November 20, 2018
Kumagaya – Humbly Splendid, Saitama’s Hub Comes to Life with Festivals
Kumagaya is an easy jumping off point from which visitors can head off to a multitude of places, including the nearby town of Nagatoro for a river cruise down the Arakawa River or some hiking in the ever-popular Chichibu mountains. Kumagaya itself hosts Saitama’s largest annual festival, the Uchiwa Matsuri.
November 9, 2018
5 Reasons Why the Oki Islands Should Be in Your Japan Bucket List
If you’re looking for something completely different — something remote, wild, and unspoiled — look to the cluster of islands on Honshu’s west coast, the Oki Islands, and let Japan surprise you. There are four main islands — the biggest, called Dōgo (Okinoshima), and three Dōzen islands (Nishinoshima, Chiburijima, and Ama).
November 9, 2018
A Beginner’s Guide to Skiing Hakuba
Have you decided to take your first ski trip in Japan this season but don’t know where to start? Then you’ve come to the right place. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about skiing Hakuba.
November 9, 2018
The Symbol of Rapid Industrialization – Gunkanjima Island in Nagasaki
Thanks to the registration of UNESCO World Heritage sites along with other historic sites in Kyusyu, the uninhabited island is drawing more attention and becoming one of the most popular destinations for tourists. Let me share the amazing experience with you.
November 6, 2018
