This article, published in the November 2024 edition of Number 1 Shimbun, examines how private citizens are working together, and with government, to halt Maebashi's decline. (Archived article from Number 1 Shimbun)
Category: Destinations
Yame: An Historic Hidden Treasure Town
My latest Japan Today article explores an historic trading center in Kyushu that has preserved many of its Edo Period craft traditions, and gives visitors a chance to check them out! (Archived article, first published in Japan Today)
Moon-viewing from Hamarikyu Garden
To take full advantage of the October 2024 supermoon, Tokyo's Hamarikyu Garden is remaining open until 9:00 pm, with special lighting and small events, from October 15 through 19, 2024. Centuries ago Hamarikyu Garden, on the banks of the Sumida River near Shiodome, was the residence of a feudal lord. It then became a favorite … Continue reading Moon-viewing from Hamarikyu Garden
Yoshida Tea Farm: Exploring Tea Production Up Close
This article, originally published in Japan Today, provides readers with the information they need to make a visit to an Ibaraki tea farm, touring the farm and its facilities and learning how to brew and taste the perfect cup of tea. This outing is a great day trip from Tokyo! (Archived article from Japan Today)
Saimyoji: Resilience and tranquility deep in the mountains of Tochigi
This Japan Today article takes readers off the beaten path to an ancient temple deep in the mountains near the Tochigi pottery village of Mashiko. (Archived article published in Japan Today.)
Miyajidake Shrine: A historic hillside full of surprises
This Japan Today article describes an ancient shrine associated with Empress Jingu. Features include a golden roof and a worship hall inside an ancient kofun burial mound. (Archived article published in Japan Today.)
Ancient ‘shugendo’ site nestled on the flanks of Mt Hiko in Fukuoka Prefecture
This Japan Today article describes an off-the-beaten-path site of ancient ascetic Buddhist worship nestled in the mountains of Fukuoka. (Archived article published in Japan Today.)
Jogashima: a seaside day trip from Tokyo
This Japan Today article describes an easy day trip from Tokyo to enjoy fresh fish and beautiful rocky seaside walks. (Archived article published in Japan Today.)
Nanzoin and Kyushu’s Great Reclining Buddha
This Japan Today article introduces Nanzoin, site of one of the few reclining Buddha statues in Japan, and one of the largest bronze statues in the world. (Archived article published in Japan Today)
Tsumugi Silk: Poor Man’s Fabric Turned Luxury Folkcraft
This article in All About Japan explains Japan's handicraft of homespun silk and how what was once the only silk fabric permitted to commoners has become a highly desirable luxury folk craft. (Archived article originally published in All About Japan)
Naruko Onsen: Historical Hot Spring and Much, Much More
This Japan Today article examines the delights of the onsen area in northwestern Miyagi Prefecture known as Naruko Onsen. There is a lot to do here, yet for many it is an "off the beaten path" destination. (Archived article published in Japan Today.)
Traveling through a museum on board a train
The people of Miyagi Prefecture are justifiably proud of Date Masamune (1567-1636), a feudal lord in this region, known at the time as the Sendai Domain, who sponsored various pubic works and policies that promoted prosperity for the domain and its people. A surprising amount of the infrastructure he created all those centuries ago is … Continue reading Traveling through a museum on board a train
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