Tag: Japan

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 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

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

Kawaii square watermelon Japanese expensive fruit cute

Why Do Japanese Farmers Grow Square Watermelons?

September 22, 2020

Japan is known for producing some interesting and expensive fruit. But none is as iconic as the square watermelon, a simple yet beautiful specially grown fruit. Perfect for decorating and gift-giving, the square watermelon is prized as a status symbol (though its taste is not so great). How Are Square Watermelons Produced? Square watermelons come … More Why Do Japanese Farmers Grow Square Watermelons?

Restaurant in Japan Catch your own fish Zauo wooden boat tables

Zauo – Japanese Restaurant Where You Go Fishing

September 8, 2020

Japan has earned a reputation for creative and unusual dining establishments. Cat cafes, themed restaurants, and stand-up sushi bars all cater to people looking for a new dining experience. But what about using a fishing line to catch your dinner, in the restaurant? In the heart of Osaka’s nightlife district Dotonbori is Zauo, a restaurant … More Zauo – Japanese Restaurant Where You Go Fishing

かわいいたい焼きデザート日本ケーキコピックマーカーの描画

Taiyaki – Japan’s Delicious Fish-Shaped Street Food!

August 4, 2020

Japan has lots of wonderful sweet treats that you can find in markets and shops. Glutinous mochi with red bean paste, leaf-shaped momiji manjū, humble dorayaki. But there’s one which is my particular favourite – the fish-shaped taiyaki. Taiyaki translates to ‘baked (yaki) sea bream (tai)’, hence the way it is traditionally served in the … More Taiyaki – Japan’s Delicious Fish-Shaped Street Food!

Urban sketching Japanese bridge in Nikko Shinkyo bridge

A Sketchbook Visit to Nikkō, Japan’s UNESCO Temple Town

June 16, 2020

Something strange happened when the clocks hit 5pm in Nikkō. The town suddenly fell quiet, the people disappeared, the shops shut their doors, and restaurants turned their ‘open’ signs around to ‘closed’. The sun went down in a haze of muted oranges and purples, a chilly evening began to creep in, and we were left … More A Sketchbook Visit to Nikkō, Japan’s UNESCO Temple Town

Kawaii fruit japanese worlds most expensive fruit

The Insanely Expensive Fruits of Japan

May 29, 2020

Japan produces some of the most attractive, unusual, and expensive fruits in the world. From square watermelons, white strawberries, to rich red mangoes, Japan’s quest to create the perfect versions of fruit has some produced some amazing results. In order to create the perfect fruits, special growing circumstances are needed. Square watermelons, for instance, are … More The Insanely Expensive Fruits of Japan

Drawing of Takamatsu manhole cover beautiful art design archer samurai

The Amazing Art of Japanese Manhole Covers

May 19, 2020

Japan has taken manhole cover art to a whole new level. In towns and cities all over the country, these discs of street metal have been transformed into beautiful masterpieces. What’s more, the designs of the manhole covers each tell the story of the location, often paying tribute to industries, foods, animals, icons and history. … More The Amazing Art of Japanese Manhole Covers