Recent Posts
The Moors of Oze, a Japanese National Park
Oze is Japan’s largest highland marsh, and is famous as an area rich in rare and precious plants and animals.
By Lynda Deaver on September 13, 2014
Summer Sky: The Four Types of Japanese Fireworks
It’s getting close to the end of fireworks season but there’s a few more festivals left.
By Lynda Deaver on August 30, 2014
Yelo Shaved Ice: Tokyo’s Sweetest Nightspot
In this bar, you can eat the yellow snow.
By Lynda Deaver on August 24, 2014
Mosaic Lamps and Endless Food at Zakuro
Whether you go for the food, shopping or the entertainment, you are sure to leave Zakuro with a full stomach and a strong impression.
By Lynda Deaver on August 5, 2014
Sado: Island of Gold and the Crested Ibis
Sado is an island of sprawling rice fields, uncrowded beaches, and sightseeing spots that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. From the gold mines to the ibis conservation center, Sado offers experiences unlike any others in Japan.
By Lynda Deaver on July 27, 2014
Shimizuyu Onsen: Bathing with Strangers
Drinking diluted apple vinegar, stretching out my feet on the foot massage tiles, enjoying the cool night breeze on a reclining chair. The Shimizuyu Onsen is definitely a place I will return to.
By Lynda Deaver on July 14, 2014
The Unexpected Fees to Expect in Japan
Japan is the land of the rising fee! Everywhere you look you will be faced with open and hidden fees.
By Lynda Deaver on July 11, 2014
Experiencing Natsu no Shun, Japan’s Summer Foods
Summer in Japan is a great time to sample the many 夏の旬 (natsu no shun, summer seasonal) foods!
By Lynda Deaver on July 6, 2014
Trying Vinegar-topped Ice-cream at Osuya
Osuya, which means “the vinegar shop” in Japanese, sells various flavors of dessert vinegar and also has a small restaurant that serves vinegar-based drinks, food, and sweets.
By Lynda Deaver on July 4, 2014
Ichiran Ramen: Eating Without a Word
The policy of the Ichiran ramen chain is to minimize the interaction with shop staff and customers as much as possible. A strange set up but how’s the ramen?
By Lynda Deaver on June 24, 2014
Does Sake Have an Expiration Date?
GP contributor Lynn Allmon finds an old bottle of nihonshu which prompted the question, does sake go bad?
By Lynda Deaver on June 17, 2014
Ota Market: Japan’s Largest Vegetable and Flower Market
It may not be as well known as the Tsukiji fish market but the Ota Vegetable and Fruit Market is over 100,000 square meters and boasts a flower section in addition to fruit, vegetable, and fish sections.
By Lynda Deaver on May 31, 2014
Choosing a Japanese Typeface for Your Hanko
Choosing the correct Japanese typeface for your hanko is very important so you don’t get stuck with your official “signature” in Japan being in a Japanese equivalent of Comic Sans.