Elda is an Australian traveller with a passion for Japan and rare books. She loves cycling, archery, good food, writing, and can`t get enough of Japanese comedy/travel TV programs like ItteQ. One day she hopes to start her own business in Japanese rare books but for now can`t seem to shake the travelling bug.
Fukuoka is the biggest city in Kyushu, and was one of the first port-towns in Japan that opened its gates to foreigners. Fukuoka is also known as Hakata (this is because the two close cities of Fukuoka and Hakata merged in 1889).
As we're coming up to summer in Japan, it's time to dust off your hiking boots and slap on some sunblock and a hat for some hiking on Japan's famous mountains. Oh, and don't forget your camera!
Mt. Fuji is one of the must-see sights of Japan, with beautiful scenery, cultural significance, and plenty of activities around the base for you and your travelling companions. So what better way to enjoy Japan`s most famous icon and tallest mountain than to climb it?
Yokai, literally meaning `bewitching monsters`, are traditional Japanese spirits or monsters which appear in old Japanese texts, some dating from long before the Edo period (1603-1868).
Furano, located smack-dead in the center of Hokkaido, is probably most famous for its winter ski resorts and its beautiful flower fields (see the Farm Tomita page) open in summer.
In Japan there are what are known as the `Three Great Chinatowns` - Yokohama Chinatown, Shinchi Chinatown, and Nankinmachi Chinatown.
Japan is known for its great range of veggies used in its traditional meals.
Here are some hints about shopping for food in Japan so you`re not unpleasantly surprised when you make that next meal for all your friends and family.
If you are on a long-distance trip around Japan, whether it be by bike, foot, car, campervan, or even stilts (hey, it`s happened), you will quickly find out that the sight of a Michi no Eki, or Roadside Station, on the horizon will often send a rush of relief into your veins.
While it is known for its vegetable-heavy diet, Japan is a surprisingly difficult place to live for vegetarians and vegans. See a few of our tips below for finding meat-free cuisine in Japan!
While if you visit Japan you're bound to come away glowing with happiness at the politeness and friendliness of people, it can be surprisingly hard for foreigners living in Japan to find a friend group. Here are a few hints on how to find 'your people' to hang with…
