Back when I first arrived in Japan I could have done with a Japanese sake for beginners guide. Alas, back then it was trial and error… Even thinking about my first sake hangover makes me break out in a bad sweat. Years later I was drinking with the president of Fujitsu (showing off) and he […]
23
Nov
Nov
In Japan, an onsen, or hot spring, is considered part of normal life. People go with their families on the weekend or with colleagues after a grueling day at work. After skiing, snowboarding or camping is a personal favourite of mine. Yet, for an outsider, the local Japanese culture and traditions can seem daunting. So, […]
07
Nov
Nov
Japan is one of the most breathtaking countries in the world. This tourist destination has a distinctive culture and plenty of scenic locations. Most importantly though, the island country has hundreds of spectacular beaches. Whether you’re traveling to Japan, particularly for the beaches, or you just want a sunny beach day in the middle of […]
02
Nov
Nov
If you are wondering when the best time to visit Japan is, you are in the right place. Quick Answer For most first time visitors, the best time to visit Japan is spring from March to May or autumn from September to November. You get mild weather and the best seasonal scenery. Avoid Golden Week […]
31
Oct
Oct
Off The Beaten Path Japan can be attractive yet mysterious to tourists. If you’re like most people, when you think of Japan, the first things that come to mind are Tokyo and Kyoto. While these cities are definitely worth visiting, they are by no means the only interesting places in Japan! In this blog post, […]
28
Oct
Oct
Walk past any bright, pulsating building in Tokyo at 3pm on a Tuesday, and you’ll hear it. The deafening clatter of thousands of steel balls bouncing through vertical mazes. Step inside, and you’ll find cigarette smoke, bright neon lights, and crowds focused on machines that look like giant pinball tables. Pachinko is a uniquely Japanese […]
26
Oct
Oct
There are a lot of vending machines selling all sorts of things in Japan. You can find them on every street corner, train station, and even the country’s most remote parts. They come in many shapes and sizes and sell various goods and services. Some sell cold drinks like green tea and snacks, while others […]
21
Oct
Oct
Ever worried about accidentally offending someone during your Japan trip? Knowing a few basic customs helps you enjoy your trip more and show respect to your hosts. After living in Japan for over 2 decades, I have learned what helps tourists fit in naturally. This guide covers the most important Japan etiquette rules you need […]
20
Oct
Oct
Feature Tokyo Disneyland Tokyo DisneySea Opening Date April 15, 1983 September 4, 2001 Theme Classic Disney fairy tales and fantasy Nautical adventures and exploration Layout Modeled after Disneyland & Magic Kingdom with a spoke-and-wheel design Unique layout with seven themed ports around a central body of water Icon Cinderella Castle Mount Prometheus (within Mysterious Island) […]
12
Oct
Oct
I’ve lived in Nagoya since January 2000, and in that time I’ve eaten at places with no English menus and no TripAdvisor listings, raised a family in a neighbourhood most visitors never reach, and watched the city change in ways no press trip could show you. This is the real answer to the question most […]