This article, originally published in Number 1 Shimbun, takes readers to the sites of three WWII-era military bases on the Japanese island of Kyushu, and examines the activities on those bases, especially in the last months of the war. (Archived article from Number 1 Shimbun)
Category: Destinations
Digging into Jomon history in Kagoshima
This article takes readers on a visit to a reconstructed Jomon (14,000 BCE-300BCE) hamlet on the site of an archaeological dig in Kagoshima, on the island of Kyushu. The Jomon are the most ancient of Japan's prehistoric humans and finding sites related to them in the southern part of Japan is rare, making this a … Continue reading Digging into Jomon history in Kagoshima
Nihon Minka-en: Explore Japanese folk life of two centuries ago
This article takes visitors on a day trip to an outdoor architectural park in Kawasaki featuring centuries-old traditional wooden houses from eastern Japan, as well as opportunities to experience some traditional crafts common in that time period. (Archived article first published in Japan Today.)
Ureshino Onsen: Luxuriant waters fit for an empress
This Japan Today article takes readers on a visit to an ancient, and historically significant, hot spring in Kyushu. (Archived article originally published in Japan Today.)
Seeking out the legacy of the ¥10,000 man
This article in Japan Today takes a look at the man whose face is on Japan's newest JPY10,000 bill and introduces a number of places in Tokyo where his legacy can still be seen. (Archived article in Japan Today.)
Akasaka Palace: a place to entertain dignitaries in Western style
This article features a Western-style Japanese palace with plenty of Japanese symbolism blended into the design and decor. (Archived article first published in Japan Today)
Sennyoji Daihio-in: A mountainside temple full of wonder
This Japan Today article features a venerable mountainside temple with a history that pre-dates Buddhism in Japan and exudes a sense of mystery and serenity. (Archived article in Japan Today)
Festivals celebrating irises: An early summer pleasure
This Japan Today article introduces two festivals celebrating iris blooms in late May and early June. The festivals take place in close proximity, on either side of the Tone River. (Archived article in Japan Today)
Kashiigu Shrine: A gift from an empress
This Japan Today article introduces a shrine associated with an emperor who died suddenly and the empress who went on to fulfill his legacy. (Archived article)
Kumamoto’s Tatsuda Nature Park: A lost world filled with spirits
This article in Japan Today introduces an off-the-beaten-track green space in Kumamoto that has deep historical connections to a number of individuals from Japan's feudal era. (Archived article)
Move slowly to enjoy the magic of Miyajima
This article in Japan Today introduces the magical island of Miyajima (lit. "shrine island") in the Seto Inland Sea near Hiroshima and advocates making at least an overnight visit to fully experience all the island has to offer. (Archived article first published in Japan Today.)
Five Great Things to do in Hiroshima
This Japan Today article lists a number of different things to see and do in Hiroshima, a city known as the target of the world's first nuclear bombing, but a place with many other facets to explore. (Archived article, first published in Japan Today)