Sumiyoshi Shrine: A Guardian for Seafarers in Kyushu
In early history, the shrine was considered one of the highest ranking in all the land. It’s position facing the Hakata Bay has seen it long revered as a guardian for sea voyagers.
August 5, 2017
Writer: Louise Dupuy
My biggest loves in life are travel and animals. A change in circumstance has landed me on the beautiful island of Okinawa, in Japan's southernmost region. Join me on a Japanese adventure filled with fun, food and furry friends, as well as other things!
Nago Pineapple Park: a Theme Park in Okinawa for the Pineapple Lover
Kawaii is a measure of cute, and Nago Pineapple Park has it in spades.
July 28, 2017
Summer Horror Houses of Japan
Japan's horror houses are designed to send chills up and down your spine. Not for the feint of heart.
June 30, 2017
Navigating the Osaka Subway System
Osaka is a wonderful city with lots to offer, but it’s also big, and using taxis to get everywhere will soon add up! Happily, there is a great subway network here, let me show you how to use it.
June 23, 2017
Vibe Bar Wild One (Warning: contains sexually explicit images and content; NSFW)
Japan is the land of the rising sun, but it’s also land of the strange, as you’re about to find out. Step through the entrance of Shibuya’s infamous vibrator bar with me.
May 10, 2017
Kanamara Matsuri: The Phallus Festival (WARNING! Contains Sexual Images and Content)
Kanamara Matsuri is one of Japan’s quirkier festivals. Translated to English, it means: “festival of the steel phallus”.
April 17, 2017
All Day Brunch: Eggs n' Things in Japan
With 16 locations in Japan, Eggs n’ Things has had an impressive expansion without losing its original ideals. Its goal was to use fresh ingredients, and treat all their customers like family.
April 14, 2017
Neko Maru: Okinawa Cat Cafe
Let’s visit a cat cafe. I adore cats, so this was a great find!
AnimalsCafésFood & DrinkOkinawa
January 20, 2017
Nanzo-in Temple: The Reclining Buddha Temple
It’s said that a chief priest of this temple won big after laying his lottery ticket next to a statue of Daikoku (one of Japan’s seven Gods of fortune).
December 9, 2016
Taco Rice: A Fusion Favourite from Okinawa!
Simply put, it’s ground taco meat, lettuce, and salsa nestled atop a bed of rice. However, different places offer different varieties, often adding cheese, avocado, guacamole, and even the classic Japanese favourite, the teriyaki chicken!
November 25, 2016
Bikkuri Donkey: the Restaurant with a Surprise
Have you been in Japan a while, and just fancy something a little more familiar? Or are you just not a fan of traditional Japanese cuisine? Either way, a trip to Bikkuri Donkey might be just the ticket.
October 22, 2016
Megastore Don Quijote
It’s actually a large chain of discount stores, with over 160 locations in Japan, and 3 in Hawaii. It carries pretty much anything you can imagine, including groceries, homeware, clothing, and cosmetics, as well as some off the wall products (more on these later).
September 24, 2016
Japanese Curry vs. Indian Curry: A Spicy Match!
Are you a curry fan? In the Land of The Rising Sun, you aren’t alone. Japan is a nation of curry lovers.
September 13, 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.
Area GuideLandmarkTraditionKyoto
September 10, 2016
Ema Boards: Meaning and Use
Have you ever visited a shrine or temple in Japan? If so, you may have noticed a common theme; little wooden plaques adorned with art and handwriting. But what are they? And what purpose do they serve? Say hello to the Ema board, or Japanese wishing plaque.
GoodsSouvenirsTraditionAll Japan
August 29, 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.
August 26, 2016
Cape Hedo: Northern Okinawan Beach of Hope
Cape Hedo is the Northernmost point of Okinawa, Japans Southernmost prefecture. It resides in the village of Kunigami Village, and overlooks both the South China sea to the West, and the Pacific ocean to the East. It’s a great vantage point for being where these two bodies of water collide in a harmony of azures and beryl.
August 4, 2016
Staying in a Buddhist Temple in Osaka
Air BnB is a wonderful thing. It’s added a completely different dimension to holiday accommodation. I’m a big fan. You can find all manner of weird and wonderful places, all over the world, and quite often for a lot less than a hotel. This in mind, a Buddhist temple probably still wouldn’t figure in your top 5 of places you can find on Air BnB (it sure wasn’t on mine), but here we are. Allow me to tell you the story of when I stayed at just such a place.
July 25, 2016
