Category: Japan

Drawing of Hakodate Orthodox Church in Motomachi

Soaking Up Hakodate History In The Photogenic Motomachi Area

February 15, 2021

The Motomachi area of Hakodate is the city’s historic neighbourhood, where Japanese and Western architectures are uniquely blended into a mish-mash of styles. Hakodate, located on the northernmost Japanese home island of Hokkaido, was one of the first ports in the country to open its doors to international trade in 1854. Traders, consuls, and government … More Soaking Up Hakodate History In The Photogenic Motomachi Area

Drawing of Tokyo manhole cover storm drain cherry blossom design art

The Real Meaning Of Tokyo’s Iconic Sakura Manhole Covers

February 10, 2021

Japan is known for producing some of the most incredible manhole covers in the world. Using artistic designs to celebrate a city’s culture, history, and industry, these street ornaments come to life with beautifully painted results. When it comes to Tokyo’s manhole covers, the most commonly spotted is the classic all-metal flower design. While not … More The Real Meaning Of Tokyo’s Iconic Sakura Manhole Covers

Drawing of fort Goryokaku in Hakodate aerial view in cherry blossom season

Goryokaku Star Fort – The Cherry Blossom Fortress Of Hakodate

February 8, 2021

Hakodate, in the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido, is home to one of most unique fortifications in the country. Fort Gorokaku is a bastion fort, a western-style fortress characterised by triangular bastions, and a spectacular star-shaped moat. Along with Tatsuoka Castle in Saku, it is one of only two in the country, and by far … More Goryokaku Star Fort – The Cherry Blossom Fortress Of Hakodate

Bento Box sketch Shinkansen kids meal japan

The Best Ekiben Lunch Boxes – The Perfect Meal for Every Shinkansen Journey

February 3, 2021

Taking the Shinkansen high speed rail around Japan is one of the fastest, smoothest and most relaxing ways to get around the country. And to make the journey even better, there is the ekiben, a prepackaged bento box for the trip. These beloved lunch boxes are found at all main railway stations, and are the … More The Best Ekiben Lunch Boxes – The Perfect Meal for Every Shinkansen Journey

Hakodate seafood market squid tank

Visiting Hakodate, Hokkaido’s Port City Of Squid, Forts And Mountain Views

February 1, 2021

Hakodate is a historic port city in the south of Hokkaido, known for its fresh seafood, European-style architecture, and one of the best panoramic night views in Japan. It is built on a narrow strip of land that reaches out to sea, culminating with the dramatic Mount Hakodate at the peninsula’s end. Its history revolves … More Visiting Hakodate, Hokkaido’s Port City Of Squid, Forts And Mountain Views

Drawing of Kusatsu Onsen Japan street cover Yumomi paddle

The Art Of Yumomi – Traditional Water Cooling At Kusatsu Onsen

January 28, 2021

The town of Kusatsu is one of Japan’s most famous onsen resorts, a popular destination for those looking to relax and bathe in geothermal hot springs. Located in Gunma prefecture outside of Nagano, the small onsen town of 7000 people attracts 3 million annual visitors who come for the relaxing hot springs. However, in the … More The Art Of Yumomi – Traditional Water Cooling At Kusatsu Onsen

Drawing of two women bathing in a mud hot spring in Beppu Japan

Beppu Onsen Hoyoland – Taking A Dip In Japan’s White Mud Bath

January 25, 2021

Scooping up the mud from the bottom of the onsen, it slips through your fingers like goopy cream. It drops back into the milky-white water and disappears back into the hot springs in a dispersing cloud of whiteness. While a traditional Japanese onsen (a hot spring designated for bathing) is typically done in clear hot … More Beppu Onsen Hoyoland – Taking A Dip In Japan’s White Mud Bath

かわいいたこ焼き屋台日本ケーキコピックマーカーの描画

Delicious Takoyaki – Japan’s Octopus Ball Snack That’s Too Good To Resist

January 15, 2021

One of Japan’s most delicious market foods are takoyaki, fried balls of batter with octopus bits inside; all covered by a sweet sauce, mayonnaise and bonito flakes. They’re cooked on a special pan with hundreds of round, scalloped holes. Served in platters of a dozen or so, and with a toothpick or skewer to eat … More Delicious Takoyaki – Japan’s Octopus Ball Snack That’s Too Good To Resist

Drawing of Japanese macaques bathing in Jigokudani Monkey Park hot springs onsen

See Japan’s Snow Monkeys Bathing At Jigokudani Monkey Park

January 11, 2021

It’s the very picture of serenity – Japanese snow monkeys soaking in a hot spring, eyes closed, groomed by their family members, steam rising, safe from snow drifting softly through the sky. It’s one of the most iconic images of winter in Japan, and one of the most fascinating and endearing (not to mention, adorable!) … More See Japan’s Snow Monkeys Bathing At Jigokudani Monkey Park