The Chugoku region of Japan is located on the southwestern tip of Japan’s main island of Honshu and includes the prefecture of Hiroshima, Okayama, Shimane, Tottori, and Yamaguchi. Our Closer Look at Chugoku will be broken into two parts starting with Hiroshim, Okayama and Shimane.  Next week we’ll take a closer look at Tottori, and […]

When visiting or living in Japan a visit to an onsen, or hot springs resort, is an experience that shouldn’t be missed.  The water of a Japanese onsen is rich in a variety of minerals and is naturally heated by the earth with water temperatures exceeding 25 degrees Celsius. A visit to a Japanese onsen […]

Spring is fast on its way to Japan and with spring comes a fascination with her flowers.  The cherry blossom season is so anticipated that there are even calendars that will tell you when the cherry blossoms will start to bloom.
The best way to celebrate the flowers of spring in Japan is to head out […]

ShiShi, Guardian Lions, are often found guarding either side of a Shinto Shrine but they are commonly used a decorative elements for homes and businesses as  they are believed to protect against or ward of evil.  The Guardian Lions are just one way of determining the difference between a temple and a shrine – do […]

Kyoto and Nara are two spots in Japan that you won’t want to miss if you love history and culture.  Kyoto, located in the Kansai region was Japan’s capital city for over a thousand years until it was move to Tokyo in 1868.  Nara was the capital prior to Kyoto, in the 7th century, […]