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The Best Cultural Guide (and more) on Japan?

A couple of weeks ago, my mother--in-law gave me the book "Ippo Ippo" which means "step by step" in Japanese.  Had never heard of it, but once I read the first pages, I couldn't put it down.  Part of the impetus for the name is that after the Great East Japan...

Niigata Is Nice!

Have you seen our latest video on Niigata?  Check it out by clicking here.  Niigata is on the northwestern side of Japan and sits on a large flat plain along the coast.  After departing our family home on Lake Nojiri, we travelled to the Niigata area where we stopped...

Nagoya Flooding

Those who follow us know that we love Nagoya, perhaps the most underrated large city in Japan.  But in the last 48 hours this amazing city has suffered a deluge in which up to four inches of rain fell in one hour!  That is mind boggling.  Given that Nagoya is a highly...
Building Castles In The Sand

Building Castles In The Sand

Most folks don't realize it, but Japan actually has sand dunes.  On the west coast of the Sea of Japan near the town of Tottori, you'll find the Tottori Sand Dunes covering more than 360 acres with the tallest rising nearly 150', and they are literally right at the...

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Izushi, A Little Known Castle Town

Izushi, A Little Known Castle Town

To get a sense of the real Japan, one needs to get off the beaten path which requires a little effort, but given the excellent rail network of Japan, this is not as hard as it sounds, provided you are okay renting a car.  Don’t be dissuaded about driving, especially...

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Making Traditional Japanese Sweets In Yokohama

Making Traditional Japanese Sweets In Yokohama

While in Japan, there are numerous experiences one can enjoy as a way to gain a deeper appreciation for the unique things you’ll see and do in Japan.  Japanese wagashi is a luxury item that is typically part of ceremonial tea services.  Wagashi is a soft sugary dough...

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See Tokyo From The Water

See Tokyo From The Water

Many folks don’t realize that Tokyo grew up on the water of Tokyo Bay.  Long before it became the world’s largest metropolis, it was a port city, and remains so today.  However, its lost its look and character as such because so many manmade islands have been created...

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Maritime History In Hiroshima

Maritime History In Hiroshima

Hiroshima is of course known as the first city to ever suffer the effects of an atomic weapon.  The iconic “Hiroshima Dome” is one of the most recognized images in the world.  One reason Hiroshima was a target was that it was a major naval and shipbuilding hub for...

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A Delectable Delight in Kyoto

A Delectable Delight in Kyoto

Kyoto is a world class city by any measure, and there is no shortage of scrumptious bakeries and patisseries from which to put  your sweet tooth into overdrive.  Unfortunately, Kyoto is also so popular these days that getting into one of these establishments can be a...

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