Spring has finally arrived. Did you miss the opportunity to see the plum blossoms this year, just before spring’s arrival? Have you thought about where to have your plum trees viewing in Japan for next year? If you haven’t yet, then I suggest you head to Kansai region which is considered to be the cultural…

I’m sure you have probably seen or heard of Funasshi, the popular pear mascot from Funabashi in Chiba Prefecture. Or even Kumamon, the mascot representing Kumamoto Prefecture.   xn--v8jva9a1a8c33c.blog.so-net.ne.jp/ With 47 prefectures in Japan and each one having a mascot to represent it, there is surely a popularity contest between the mascots. If you have…

Do you know that castles in Japan were primarily built to protect important or strategic sites? These sites included river crossings, ports and crossroads. They were usually made of stones or woods. Over the years, many of these castles have just been destroyed. In the modern period, you’ll be able to see hundreds of castles…

In Japan, castles were fortresses made from woods and stones. It was built to guard some important sites such as river crossings and ports. There are some castles in Japan that still original or very little altered. Some of them are considered as national treasures. Below some castles in Japan that are well known for…

Known as “Mother Lake,” Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture is Japan’s largest fresh water lake, and the third oldest lake in the world (preceded by Lake Tanganyika at 2nd and Lake Baikal at 1st). 235km around, this ancient lake is a popular destination not only for cycling, but for water sports and fishing as well.…