For many visitors, Japan (日本) is a faraway, strange and very different country. It was just like that for me when I first visited. To help battle cultural differences and communication issues, it can be very helpful to know some
Pocket WiFi and SIM Cards – Internet in Japan
Mobile Internet access is something especially the younger generations are very familiar with and can almost not live without. When you’re in such a unique and new country like Japan (日本), being able to rely on things like Google Maps
Japanese Sweets – traditional and new
I think it’s no secret that Japan (日本) is famous for its vast food options. But it goes beyond that, the country also offers a wide variety of sweets to choose from. The traditional type is Wagashi (和菓子) and comes
Umeda Sky Building – modern Osaka
Umeda (梅田) Sky Building is one of the major symbols of modern Osaka (大阪). It lies in northern Osaka’s Umeda (Kita) district, with its boasting structure being visible from afar. The building consists of two towers that are connected by
Heijo Palace – Nara’s former imperial palace
People know Nara (奈良) as a city full of tradition and ancient culture, on a similar level of Kyoto (京都). From 710-794 in the Nara Period, Nara served as the first proper capital of Japan (日本). As a capital, it
Minoo Park – a highlight just outside of Osaka
Minoo Park (箕面公園) is a picturesque natural area just north of Osaka (大阪). Starting from Osaka’s city center, it is the first big natural attraction you can get to. It’s an especially popular visit in fall, from October to November,
Wakakusayama – Eastern Nara Park
Mount Wakakusayama (若草山) is a beautiful landmark in Eastern Nara Park, to the right of Todaiji Temple (東大寺). It’s also just above famous Kasuga Taisha shrine, so it’s in a perfectly convenient position to visit. Wakakusayama shares similarities with the
Nishinomaru Garden – Osaka Castle Grounds
Nishinomaru Garden (西の丸庭園) is the area around the western side of famous Osaka Castle (大阪城) which I already covered in this article. It is a very lovely garden that houses over 600 cherry trees, making it a splendid location to
Kasuga Taisha – Nara’s most important shrine
Kasuga Taisha (春日大社) is Nara’s (奈良) most important and appreciated Shinto shrine. As with many of Nara’s main attractions, it lies in Nara Park, towards the east. People established Kasuga Taisha at around the same time when Nara became Japan’s
Tennoji in Osaka – The 5 best things to do
Tennoji is another fun area to explore that evolves around the big Tennoji Station in southeastern Osaka (大阪). It is located right next to Shinsekai (新世界) which I have talked about in a recent article. Tennoji is a very typical