My Favorite Non-Japanese Restaurants

As a foreigner living in Japan, I sometimes get a craving for ethnic food. Sure, when I travel to new prefectures I have to try their local cuisines, but if I happen to stumble upon an interesting looking foreign restaurant, I try to poke my head in their too.

Food & Drink Kyoto Hiroshima Tokyo

Kelly Johnston

October 3, 2016

Make and eat traditional sweets in Kyoto

Yatsuhashi are one of the most popular traditional sweets sold in Kyoto. They come in two varieties: a crispy baked version, or a soft, sweet-bean-paste filled steamed version known as ‘nama’ (raw or unbaked) yatsuhashi. Next time you are in Kyoto try the Yatsuhashi making tour.

Culture Shopping Food & Drink Kyoto

Donna Sheffield

October 1, 2016

Nara's Yakushi-ji Temple: A Healing Temple

The temple is two things: one of the seven great temples of Nara and a UNESCO world heritage site.

Culture Attractions Nara

Kinari Tully

September 25, 2016

A Bit of Peace and Quiet: Where to go in Osaka for some quiet time

Osaka, a remarkable city might at times become very noisy, crowded and the hustle and bustle can sometimes feel stifling and even a little overwhelming. Enjoy even just a few short minutes of respite from the non-stop chaos of an ever-moving city at Osaka’s best quiet spots.

Attractions Osaka

Liam Carrigan

September 22, 2016

An Unplanned Weekend Trip to Ise Jingu and Nagoya

How did our one day trip unexpectedly turned into a two day trip? Let's find out below.

Attractions Chubu Kansai

Marina Lizio

September 17, 2016

Fushimi Inari Shrine: The 1,000 Gate Shrine

Quite possibly one of Japan’s most famous shrines, Fushimi Inari lies at the base of Inari Mountain, Kyoto. You may well know of it without even knowing the name; it’s famous for it’s “Senbon Torii”, or “thousand gate” walk, which takes you to the summit of the mountain with which it shares its name. Read on to discover more about this fascinating tabernacle, and discover the history behind the beauty.

Attractions Culture Kyoto

Louise Dupuy

September 10, 2016

How to Bowl in Osaka: My Experience at Round 1

Bowling in Japanese is boringu (ボウリング), which can be easily confused with “boring”（ボーリング). I had never bowled before, but many people like spending their evenings bowling, so it must not be that boring. I had to try it out!

Events Kansai

Teina-Tokyo

September 7, 2016

A Day in Osaka's Harbour District

What I love about this city especially is the way in which every district seems quite distinct and offers its own flavour, with its own sights to see, foods to taste and venues to visit.

Culture Shopping Attractions Osaka

Liam Carrigan

September 7, 2016

Art Aquarium Osaka: Witness the Full Beauty of Marine Life

Art Aquarium, promises to deliver a unique mix of tropical fish, colours, geometric shapes, lights and music to create a full sensory experience like no other.

Nature Attractions Osaka

Liam Carrigan

September 4, 2016

Kyoto Temples and Philosopher’s Walk

Usually when we hear about Kyoto, we think of a city mostly undisturbed, placid and preserved in the richest and most authentic setting of traditional Japan - and rightfully so! Many travelers usually go straight to Kinkakuji. We cannot blame them, however, on the other side of the town are a handful of other amazing temples. Nanzen-ji and Zenrin-ji are worth a mention. Take the Philosopher's Walk and get off the beaten track!

Shopping Attractions Culture Kyoto

Shantae Stewart

August 27, 2016

Osaka: A Temple Hopping We Will Go

Only have a day to spend in Osaka? It’s almost impossible to see this huge metropolis in a 24-hour span, however, you can at least see a large part of its history. Join me on a temple/ shrine hopping adventure.

Culture Attractions Osaka

Louise Dupuy

August 26, 2016

Baseball in Osaka: Root for The Hanshin Tigers at Koshien Stadium

There is no better venue to experience Japanese baseball than a Hanshin Tigers game at Koshien Stadium. Hanshin Tigers fans are known to be enthusiastic supporters and fiercely defensive of their team, which makes for a great atmosphere.

Attractions Shopping Events Hyogo Osaka

Ian Hamilton

August 23, 2016

Feeling the Force at Star Wars: Visions

You may remember a time, towards the end of last year, when it seemed the entire world had gone just a little bit crazy for Star Wars.

Culture Events Shopping Osaka

Liam Carrigan

August 22, 2016

Spa World, Osaka

Spa World is an onsen themed park in Osaka. Click below to read in detail. It really has much to offer and it is relaxation hot-spot. I bet you wouldn't disagree if you have been there before!

Attractions Shopping Osaka

Melicia Hewitt

August 19, 2016

The Hidden Temple Gardens of Nara

Many of these temples have magnificent gardens in their precincts that are sanctuaries of peace and tranquillity from all the crowds and noise of the big cities in Japan. In this article, I will highlight some of the less well-known temple gardens in Nara that offer you a chance to experience this peace and tranquillity for yourself.

Nature Attractions Nara

John Asano

August 13, 2016

Ningyo Joruri: The Greatest Puppet Show on Earth

You’ve never seen a puppet show like this before. Ningyo Joruri is a 500-year-old tradition that combines three traditional Japanese arts: storytelling, music and puppetry. It’s a spellbinding combination and ranks alongside Noh and Kabuki as one of Japan’s greatest performing arts.

Culture Kansai

Donna Sheffield

August 11, 2016

Trendy Cafes to Get Your Fix in Osaka

Osaka has seen a number of coffee shops pop up and locals are flocking to venues that deliver good quality coffee. The following cafes are a selection of unique venues that are perfect for meeting up with friends, taking Instagram photos, watching the world go by, or if you are just looking for your daily caffeine fix.

Food & Drink Osaka

Ian Hamilton

August 11, 2016