• The Yokai Benches of Fukusaki

    Just 25 minutes north of Himeji City by train lies the town of Fukusaki. Surrounded by mountains with the Ichikawa flowing through it, it’s just far enough off the beaten…

    March 24, 2026

  • Inside Kobe’s Art Aquarium

    Atoa Aquarium (stylized as átoa) is one of Kobe’s newest attractions, having opened just a few years ago in 2021. Located in Kobe Port, just across the water from Kobe…

    May 18, 2025

  • A Stroll Through Kokoen

    Just southwest of Himeji Castle, lies a beautiful Japanese garden that offers gorgeous views of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Kokoen is 3.5 hectares (8.5 acres) in size and consists…

    May 11, 2025

  • 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…

    May 4, 2025

  • A Walk Around Kobe Harborland

    A friend once told me that Kobe Harborland reminds him of Cape Town. Now, I grew up in Jo’burg, so I have no attachment to the V&A Waterfront, but anyone…

    April 5, 2024

  • Nunobiki Herb Gardens

    Just ten minutes away from Kobe by ropeway, Nunobiki Herb Gardens offers a spectacular view of the city. Comprising of 12 spacious gardens, visitors can enjoy 75,000 herbs and 200…

    April 3, 2024