In 1994 I planned a three week journey from Tokyo to Kagoshima with a friend who was a Japan neophyte. I included in the itinerary several of Japan’s castles. When my friend saw the itinerary, he scoffed saying, “I’ve seen plenty of castles in Europe; I don’t need to see more castles.” Nevertheless, I left … Continue reading Kumamoto Castle: rising from the rubble
Kujukushima Bay in Nagasaki Prefecture is both a popular recreation/sightseeing spot and a thriving fishing port especially known for its pearl farming and oyster production. Although "Kujukushima" literally means "99 islands", there are actually 208 islands in the bay not to mention a number of rocky outcrops that don't meet the technical definition of island. … Continue reading Kujukushima – how many pretty little islands?
This article introduces two Tohoku destinations with fascinating samurai history and beautiful cherry blossoms. (Archived article – Originally published by Japan Today.)
Humans have been using imaginary lines on a map to navigate the world for over two millennia. The concept is simultaneously practical and romantic. The same can be said of shining a light from a high place to warn sailors of unseen dangers, the magic of a lighthouse. In Japan, 40° North latitude seems to … Continue reading Lighthouses and Lines on a Map
This article introduces the dramatically-located Udo Shrine, on the south coast of Miyazaki, together with the story of the shrine's origins and another related Japanese folktale. (Archived article – Originally published by Japan Today.)
The city of Shimabara sits on the Ariake Sea in the shadow of Mount Unzen, the volcano responsible for creation of the Shimabara Peninsula (albeit several tens of thousands of years ago). The city has a long and diverse history, making it well worth taking a bit of time to explore. Yet many travelers quickly … Continue reading Shimabara’s Town of Swimming Carp
Early April sees the start of the Japanese academic year and for me as an academic, this seems the perfect time to seek out a Tenjin shrine and pay my respects. Tenjin is the deification of Sugawara no Michizane, a 9th century poet/scholar who, in his later life, served the emperor as a diplomat and … Continue reading Flowers, the fount of knowledge at Kameido Tenjin Shrine
This article tells how Ken Mukai went from teaching high school science in his native California to brewing craft beer in the mountains of Kochi Prefecture. His taproom is a great place to visit when in Kochi. (Archived article – Originally published by Tokyo Weekender.)
To enjoy fine food accented by good drink is the height of epicureanism. Kion, a small restaurant opening today in Ginza is dedicated to such pleasure. The name “Kion“ means “seasonal garden“ and the restaurant has taken as its mission serving set menu meals made with seasonal ingredients, each course set off by a carefully … Continue reading Kion: Exquisite sake/cuisine pairings in Ginza
This article introduces some fundamentals of traditional Okinawan folk music and a great Naha "live house" where it can be enjoyed. (Archived article – Originally published by Japan Today.)
In these Covid times, hanami parties, picnics under blossoming cherry trees are discouraged. The next best way to enjoy the blossoms is by staying on your feet, a stroll under the blossoms. There are plenty of Tokyo neighborhoods where one can enjoy Japan's famous sakura. Let me introduce Ota-ku's Sakura Promenade, less well known than … Continue reading Chasing Cherry Blossoms Along Uchigawa
There has been exchange between Japan and Asia for more than 2,000 years. In the early part of what Westerners know as the first millennium, the objects and ideas introduced to Japan from China and Korea, in particular, enabled Japan to develop its own distinctive culture. The Asuka Period (538-710 CE) of Japanese history is … Continue reading Dazaifu, ancient Japan’s Western capital
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