JAPAN TRAVEL
High-grade Sendai beef at Shimbashi's Dai-ichi Hotel
Japanese Wagyu beef has gained considerable reputation around the world and any visit to Japan warrants a trip to an authentic teppanyaki restaurant to sample the melt-in-the-mouth experience that top-quality wagyu provides.
 
Shim...

More

JAPAN TRAVEL
For books that are more than just standard
Everyone loves a good read, and at Standard Bookstore Chayamachi they get this too. The bookstore, which is divided into three sections - books, cafe, and gifts - and features one of the best collections of books on special interest topics t...

More

JAPAN TRAVEL
Asakusa's traditional fair of good luck charms
Venue: Senso-ji Temple When: Dec 17th - Dec 19th 2017,  9:00am - 9:00pm
Tokyo's oldest temple, Senso-ji in Asakusa, holds an annual three-day fair called Hagoita-Ichi to sell good luck ornamental bats, called hagoita in Japanese.
 
Datin...

More

JAPAN TRAVEL
 
When: Dec 15th - Dec 18th 2017,  10:00am - 5:00pm
Traditional performing arts can be enjoyed at this annual festival held since the 12th century. Named after the Wakamiya shrine that resides in the larger Kasuga-Taisha shrine complex, this On-Matsuri was originally held to pray for...

More

JAPAN TRAVEL
Make your own way on two wheels
Part of the charm of visiting the ancient capital of Nara is to slow down to the pace of life here. When you let go of the stresses of urban life and breathe in the fresh air from the surrounding mountains and tea plantations, you can sense the peace a...

More

JAPAN TRAVEL
Japan's annual mascot competition
After stumbling across Japan's obsession with mascot characters, I could not resist researching more and came across the Mascot Grand Prix, one of the biggest mascot competitions in Japan. This competition has been an annual affair since 2010, whereb...

More

JAPAN TRAVEL
Where dreams and visions come true
Many foreign tourists are familiar with Enoshima Island. Close to Kamakura, it is famous for its tiny white fish called Whitebait used on salads, rice bowls, and even hamburgers.
It is also known as a holy island where many Japanese come to pray to ...

More

JAPAN TRAVEL
Exploring the Five Lakes area at Mt Fuji
Mt Fuji hiking is closed for the season. However, there are many things you can do near the base of the mountain. With a two-day bus pass starting at Kawaguchiko Station, head over to the Mt Kachi Ropeway. We arrived early in the morning and t...

More

JAPAN TRAVEL
A must-visit exhibition for architecture lovers
Venue: National Art Center When: Sep 27th - Dec 18th 2017,  10:00am - 6:00pm
Until December 18th, the National Art Center runs the exhibition "Tadao Ando: Endeavors", a tribute to the life and work of one of the greatest Japanese archit...

More

JAPAN TRAVEL
Relax and take in the scenery
There are no bullet trains from Kansai Airport to Shin Osaka. While I can hear your disappointment as I write this, there are other options that are just as comfortable.
If money is not an issue, the fastest and most relaxing way is to use Japan Rail (JR...

More