Blog and Insights

  • What to Wear in Japan: January - March

    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...

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  • Wellness by the Water: Omihachiman Continued

    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,...

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  • Old Towns, New Art: Biwako Biennale

    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:...

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  • Island Scents: Incense Making in Japan

    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...

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  • Awaji Island's Fishing Culture

    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...

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  • The Story Begins in a Rice Field

    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...

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  • Day 3: Craftmanship and Culture in Komatsu, Ishikawa

    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...

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  • Day 2, Part 1: Hidden Gems of Ishikawa

    Day 2, Part 1: Hidden Gems of Ishikawa

    A day of cycling, shrines, pizza, and Japanese sake!Part 1 of Day Two of my Ishikawa trip began with a cycling adventure from Tsurugi station at the foot of Mt. Hakusan...

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  • Craftmanship and Hidden Gems of Ishikawa Prefecture

    Craftmanship and Hidden Gems of Ishikawa Prefecture

    Cover photo courtesy of Kanamori Alloy Co.,Ltd. From June 19 to 21st, I had the incredible opportunity to explore the lesser-known corners of Ishikawa. The tour group wandered through Kanazawa, Kaga,...

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  • Exploring Kitsune: Japan's Fox Culture

    Exploring Kitsune: Japan's Fox Culture

    Foxes, or "kitsune" in Japanese, hold significant cultural and spiritual importance in Japan. They are revered as intelligent, mystical beings associated with Shinto and Buddhist beliefs. Often depicted as shape-shifters,...

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  • Why Start Your Japan Trip from Fukuoka?

    Why Start Your Japan Trip from Fukuoka?

    Starting a journey through Japan from Fukuoka can be an excellent choice for several reasons: 1. Convenient Transportation HubSay goodbye to the hassle of changing trains or worrying about pricey...

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