Journal

  1. How to use a Japanese washlet in public restroomsA Japanese washlet can look intimidating the first time you see one in a public restroom. The seat may have a side panel covered in Japanese characters,…
  2. Why You Should Attend a Fireworks Competition in JapanJapanese fireworks competitions turn an evening display into a serious art form. Teams compete through carefully timed programmes, combining colour, sound,…
  3. Exploring the Kiso Valley: Nakasendo Trail, Magome, and TsumagoThe Kiso Valley offers a slower, more atmospheric side of Japan. Located between Nagoya and Matsumoto, this forested mountain region follows part of the…
  4. What To Know About Japanese Public Onsen Tattoo PoliciesFor many Australians, a tattoo is an ordinary form of personal expression. In Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and regional centres, visible tattoos are common in…
  5. Best places to try Japanese curry across JapanJapanese curry is one of the country’s most comforting everyday foods. It is thicker, sweeter, and usually milder than many South Asian curries, with a rich…
  6. A guide to Japanese paper workshops and souvenir shoppingWashi, the traditional paper of Japan, is valued for its strength, texture, and quiet beauty. Made by hand from plant fibers such as kōzo, mitsumata, and…
  7. How to Experience Traditional Kabuki in Tokyo or KyotoKabuki is one of Japan’s most distinctive performing arts: vivid costumes, stylized movement, dramatic music, and stories shaped by centuries of tradition. For…
  8. Japan’s most scenic cycling routes: Shimanami Kaido, Lake Biwa, and YatsugatakeJapan is a rewarding country to explore by bicycle. A short ride can move from a lively station town to quiet rice fields, forest roads, fishing villages, or a…
  9. Why Chichibu’s Night Festival Belongs on Your Japan ItineraryJust a short journey from central Tokyo, Chichibu offers a very different atmosphere from the capital’s busy shopping districts and illuminated skyscrapers.…
  10. A winter guide to Japanese convenience store odenWhen temperatures drop in Japan, convenience stores fill their heated counters with oden. This comforting dish consists of ingredients simmered in a light,…