This article in Japan Today describes how the city of Toyama has leveraged its glass-blowing history into support for modern glass art. (Archived article published in Japan Today.)
Category: Chugoku
Japan Red: The russet glow of Okayama
This promotional article in Japan Today highlights some little-known parts of Okayama prefecture, as well as introducing a different perspective on some of Okayama's better-known features. (Archived article published in Japan Today.)
Experiencing Japanese ceramics firsthand
A couple of weeks after a trip to Tottori earlier this year, I was delighted to take delivery of a small package from Tottori, but a bit puzzled and surprised by how light it was. While I was in Tottori, I had the pleasure of visiting Hoshoji-yaki Kaikegama, a pottery studio/kiln in Yonago, where I … Continue reading Experiencing Japanese ceramics firsthand
The Stories of Survivors
By special guest blogger: Oliver Trapnell Nuclear issues are voiced strongly in Japan, and have had a direct impact on thousands of lives not only in Hiroshima, Nagasaki and Fukushima but also from cases such as the Daigo Fukuryū Maru (No. 5 Lucky Dragon fishing boat whose story inspired the Godzilla movies). Despite the sensitivity … Continue reading The Stories of Survivors
The Airports of Tottori: Tourist Destinations in their Own Right
Tottori is known for many things including being the least populous prefecture in Japan and being the home of some of Japan's most famous manga cartoonists. In spite of its small population, Tottori is host to two airports, one international and the other purely domestic. Both airports feature in their names and decor some of … Continue reading The Airports of Tottori: Tourist Destinations in their Own Right
Hagi’s Camellia Festival – a celebration of the Rose of Winter
It's called the "Rose of Winter", and with good reason. Tsubaki, Japanese camellia, blooms most prolifically from January to early April. One great place to enjoy these blooms is the Hagi Camellia Festival (February 17, 2018-March 21, 2018). Hagi is an old castle town on the Japan Sea coast of Yamaguchi Prefecture. It is particularly … Continue reading Hagi’s Camellia Festival – a celebration of the Rose of Winter
Iconic Iwakuni
Writer-philosopher Alain de Botton suggested in his book "The Art of Travel" that images of places can make us want to visit them. It is the sense of "I want to see that for myself". Iwakuni's Kintaikyo bridge is definitely such a place! Its five arched spans invoke a sense of mystery. When was it … Continue reading Iconic Iwakuni
Tsuwano: A delightful old castle town…and getting there IS half the fun
This article features a steam train journey through the mountains to Tsuwano and then details the various historical sites of the town. (Archived article - originally published by Japan Today)
Jigsaw Japan 