Tag: Travel guide

  • I know Japanese. Why can’t I read signs in Hokkaido?

    I know Japanese. Why can’t I read signs in Hokkaido?

    Place names in Japanese are difficult to read, because they combine kanji characters you wouldn’t see together in other situations. Once I finally started getting used to the combinations on Japan’s main island, I was dumb-struck by the names up north in Hokkaido. The combinations were highly unusual, and often used characters I’ve never seen…

  • 5 Ways to Enjoy Autumn in Japan

    5 Ways to Enjoy Autumn in Japan

    Before moving to Japan, I never truly appreciated autumn. In the UK, it gets cold all too quickly, and there aren’t many places to really take in the autumn colours. But in Japan, the weather cools down slowly, giving you a break from the overbearing heat of summer, and rewarding you with beautiful reds and…

  • First Timer’s Guide to Eating at an Izakaya

    First Timer’s Guide to Eating at an Izakaya

    If you’re visiting Japan, an Izakaya is an absolute must. When I visited with my family it’s not something we did, because we favoured the more polished experiences. But I think we would have enjoyed it, because it really shows the local culture and cuisine. Now that I live in Japan, going to an izakaya…

  • 5 Iconic Torii Gates in Japan

    5 Iconic Torii Gates in Japan

    Torii gates are the red archways you see all around Japan, signifying the doorway into the spiritual. They are usually found at entrances to Shinto shrines, and some of them tower above us, making for a truly impressive sight. Whenever you come across a torii, it is customary to walk on the left or right…

  • 5 Iconic Great Buddha Statues in Japan

    5 Iconic Great Buddha Statues in Japan

    In Japan, Great Buddha statues are called daibutsu. There are quite a lot of these large Buddha statues around Japan, but these are some of the most iconic ones that deserve to be on Japan bucket lists. See the full article here:https://blog.gaijinpot.com/5-iconic-great-buddha-statues-in-japan/

  • VTubers Delivering Your Food in Tokyo

    VTubers Delivering Your Food in Tokyo

    Based on a recent press release regarding Yakiniku no Watami, a yakiniku restaurant, I looked at what’s happening with the VTubers who will be serving customers for a limited time in Tokyo. Read the article here: https://livejapan.com/en/in-tokyo/in-pref-tokyo/in-ikebukuro/article-a0005164/

  • 10 Most Popular Streets in Naha

    10 Most Popular Streets in Naha

    From the famous Kokusai Dori street for shopping to the traditional Kinjo Stone Road for ceramics, there are some really interesting streets around the Naha region of Okinawa. See my street recommendations on Hotels.com: https://uk.hotels.com/go/japan/most-popular-streets-naha

  • Chef Kazuhisa Nakao On His Miyazaki Dining Innovation

    Chef Kazuhisa Nakao On His Miyazaki Dining Innovation

    I interviewed chef Kazuhisa Nakao, former chef to the Japanese Ambassador of Hong Kong. He told me about his time in Hong Kong and Bali, and the challenges he faces running three restaurants under one roof. All images in this article were taken by me. Read the article here:https://www.tokyoweekender.com/2022/05/miyazaki-dining-innovation-chef-kazuhisa-nakao/

  • Ibaraki by Bike: Sightseeing Around Tsukuba

    Ibaraki by Bike: Sightseeing Around Tsukuba

    With its wide cycle lanes and ample sightseeing spots, Tsukuba is a great place to cycle around in Japan’s Ibaraki prefecture. Here are a few spots that are easily accessible by bike from Tsukuba Station, as well as some further options if you choose to visit by car. Read the article here:https://japantoday.com/category/special-promotion/ibaraki-by-bike-sightseeing-around-tsukuba-and-the-ring-ring-road

  • A cycling adventure on Ibaraki’s Ring Ring Road

    A cycling adventure on Ibaraki’s Ring Ring Road

    I’ve cycled many times around the Ring Ring Road in Ibaraki, and it’s always a fun adventure. Some parts have more to see, and other parts are more about gaining speed and enjoying the cycle. Here are a few recommended spots on the Lake Kasumigaura course for anyone who is a beginner to the cycle…