Exploring Japan’s Lemon Island
The idyllic waters of the Seto Inland Sea are home to thousands of islands that boast Mediterranean-like views, natural beauty, world-class art, and delicious seafood. Some of these islands also…
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Fukuyama: The City of Roses
Fukuyama is Hiroshima’s second-largest city. I’ve often passed through on the Shinkansen, admiring its five-tiered yamajiro from the train window. The station-adjacent castle is the city’s most obvious draw. Its…
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The Town That Inspired ‘Ponyo’
Studio Ghibli’s hand-drawn films are some of Japan’s greatest treasures. Co-founder Miyazaki Hayao has directed more than half of the animation studio’s works, including the highly acclaimed My Neighbor Totoro…
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A Quick Guide to Arita Porcelain Town
In the forested mountains of western Saga is a small town called Arita, which is known for its porcelain. Every Golden Week, it hosts one of Japan’s largest ceramics fairs,…
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A Walking Tour of Saga City
Even though I lived in Kyushu for four years, I only ever spent time in Saga once. It was for the International Balloon Fiesta, which I decided to attend with…
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A Walking Tour of Kagawa’s Port City
Kagawa may be the smallest prefecture in Japan, but it has a lot to offer. It’s home to 26 of the 88 temples on the Shikoku Pilgrimage, the art islands…
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A Quick Guide to Okayama’s Art Island
Just a few kilometers off the coast of Okayama lies a small island called Inujima. It’s the only inhabited island in the prefecture, with a population of just 47. It’s…
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Himeji Castle: The White Heron
I’ve seen a fair amount of Japanese castles on my travels (there are over 200, so this is no hard task) and while they’re all interesting and unique in their…
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A Walking Tour of Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter
The city of Kurashiki, in Okayama Prefecture, was once a bustling trade town during the Edo period. The traditional buildings, concentrated along the willow-lined Kurashiki River, have been preserved in…
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Okayama Castle at Dusk
Covered in black clapboards, Okayama Castle is known as Ujo, or “crow castle.” Fittingly, it sits atop one of three hills overlooking the Asahi river. Perhaps even more fittingly, it…
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A Walking Tour of Mojiko Retro Town
On the northern edge of Kyushu lies Mojiko—an international trade port that opened in 1889. Today, the area is preserved as a historical district, offering visitors the chance to step…
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