Strolling Nara-machi
Nara has many temples and shrines along with Kyoto. Nara, where the first capital of Japan was established, offers an ancient ambience that cannot be found in Kyoto. For example, …
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Osaka Castle Part ３
In this article, I’d like to introduce the most popular historical sightseeing spot in Osaka, Osaka Castle! This is my third article continuing from Part 1 and Part 2, as …
“Asagao Ichi” Festival, at Iriya, Tokyo
The History of Asagao, Morning Glory, in Japan History shows that the plant “Asagao” (known as “morning glories” in English) was brought to Japan from China through the Envoy to …
The Authentic Sushi Restaurant Closest to the Sky
Most Japanese cities’ airports usually have several sushi restaurants. I love eating sushi at the airport because the restaurants there gather the finest ingredients, flown in from all over Japan, …
Let’s Travel Back in Time With Chin-den to Sakai.
A streetcar leaves a station with a “ching-ching” sound. Osaka users who love these streetcars call them “chin-den.” (This is a short form of “chin-chin tram :ちんちん電車.”) There are many …
How to Enjoy Buddhist Statues in Kyoto!
Buddhist statues, which were introduced to Japan in the 6th century from the Korean peninsula via India and China along with the arrival of Buddhism, have been objects of Japanese …
The traditional vegetable of Osaka City: Naniwa Yasai (なにわ伝統野菜 大阪市)
Introduction When you think of Osaka City, what do you picture? You might think of high-rises, Osaka Castle, Universal Studio Japan (USJ), the Kaiyukan Aquarium, and things like that. They …
Which is right, the right or the left?〜How to ride escalators in Japan
“Which side am I supposed to stand on—right or left?”Whenever I travel from Osaka to Tokyo or from Tokyo to Osaka, the different rules for escalator etiquette in each city …
Ski and Onsen, Weekend Trip to Kusatsu Onsen in March
Do you like to go skiing and to an onsen? In March, it’s getting warm in Tokyo. Spring comes, and people change their clothes from heavy outerwear to lighter jackets. …
Nakatsu (中津) is the Place to Be Now
Osaka has been pressing forward in light of EXPO 2025. The construction of various venues is progressing rapidly, and some train lines are under construction for easier access to many …