Life's a Beech: From Forest to Factory
In the forests of northern Japan, where the Shirakami Sanchi World Heritage site stretches across the border of Aomori and Akita, an unlikely story is unfolding. It starts with the...
FREEPLUS Staff |
Blog and Insights
Life's a Beech: From Forest to Factory
-
A Quick Look at Osaka EXPO
The other day few of us from the Freeplus team made a quick trip to the Expo. We only had the final three hours of the day, but it was...
FREEPLUS Staff |
-
What to Wear in Japan: April - June
Planning a trip to Japan during April, May, or June? Here’s how to pack smartly based on recent weather patterns. April: Spring in Full Swing Lows: 15°C (59°F) , Highs:...
FREEPLUS Staff |
-
We Started a Newsletter!
We started something new at Freeplus: a weekly newsletter designed to spark fresh ideas for Japan tours. If you’re wondering, Why am I seeing this? You're getting it because we may...
FREEPLUS Staff |
-
Family Travel in Japan: Beyond Disneyland and Universal Studios
We get it. Tokyo Disneyland has cutest merch, and Japan is home to the world’s only Disney Sea. Universal Studios Japan just unveiled its Donkey Kong expansion, and for many...
FREEPLUS Staff |
-
What to Wear in Japan: January - March
Winter coats one day, light jackets the next. Welcome to Japan’s season of everchanging weather, 三寒四温 (literally: three cold, four warm, read: sankan shion)! It refers to the season between January...
FREEPLUS Staff |
-
Wellness by the Water: Omihachiman Continued
When you're by Lake Biwa, it’s not just about the views. It’s about feeling connected to nature and the calmness of the area. From peaceful river cruises to mindful meals,...
FREEPLUS Staff |
-
Old Towns, New Art: Biwako Biennale
Cover photo: Egashira Makoto courtesy of Biwako Biennale Naoshima is famous for its art, but just a stone's throw from the big cities of Kyoto and Osaka lies another hidden art gem:...
FREEPLUS Staff |
-
Island Scents: Incense Making in Japan
On Awaji Island, visitors can see artisans dedicated to keeping the tradition of incense making alive. It is said that the practice dates back to 595 AD, when a fragrant...
FREEPLUS Staff |
-
Awaji Island's Fishing Culture
Cover photo courtesy of Awaji Island Tourism. Visiting Yura Port on Awaji Island, I had the opportunity to experience a place where the hustle and bustle of the fishing industry...
FREEPLUS Staff |
-
The Story Begins in a Rice Field
The theme of my trip to Shiga last week was sustainable tourism with a major emphasis on supporting local craftsmanship from wooden bucket makers, rice farmers, and sake breweries. Shiga...
FREEPLUS Staff |
-
Day 3: Craftmanship and Culture in Komatsu, Ishikawa
Cover photo courtesy of Takimoto Gozaten. This is the last installment of my journey to Ishikawa where I had the opportunity to learn about different craftsmanship like metalworking, and pottery and...
FREEPLUS Staff |
-
Day 2 Part 2: Unique Hotels, Kutani Pottery, and Glass Craftmanship in Ishikawa
Cover photo courtesy of Seihodo. Continuing my exploration of Ishikawa Prefecture on day two! In my previous post, I shared about countryside bike rides and sake tasting. If you missed the...
FREEPLUS Staff |
