This article, published in the March 2024 edition of Number 1 Shimbun, examines various programs in Oita Prefecture designed to reverse the prefecture's demographic decline. (Archived article from Number 1 Shimbun)
Beppu: A Century as a Sightseeing Destination
This is Part II of an article about Beppu's centenary as a tourist destination. Part I examined the area's famous hot springs for bathing and health and this article looks at the sightseeing options. (Archived article published in Japan Today.)
Beppu celebrates a century as a modern hot springs resort town
This article in Japan Today is part 1 of 2 outlining the various aspects of Beppu, one of Japan's most prolific hot springs areas. (Archived article published in Japan Today)
Symbolic Soba for the New Year
My friend Etsuo recently suggested that we get together for dinner at Sunaba, one of his favorite soba restaurants. "We can have toshi-koshi soba," he exclaimed, excitedly. Ah, yes! Toshi-koshi soba, a serving of buckwheat noodles eaten at the end of the year. The noodles are symbolic in a couple of different ways. Soba noodles, … Continue reading Symbolic Soba for the New Year
Miyashita Park: green space in the sky
Ghibli may have created an animation of Castles in the Sky, but Tokyo's Shibuya Ward has created a real-life park in the sky. Miyashita Park was once a rather forlorn little playground park wedged between Meiji-dori and the Yamanote train line, just north of Mitake-dori (ie, a few hundred meters north of Shibuya station). The … Continue reading Miyashita Park: green space in the sky
The Nihonbashi Seven Lucky Gods Walk: An exploration steeped in history and tradition
Seven Lucky Gods walks are a popular new year's activity and this Japan Today article is published just in time for readers in Tokyo to use it in the coming new year period. (Note, there's a list of other walks at the end, too.) Since the article does not include a dynamic map, one is … Continue reading The Nihonbashi Seven Lucky Gods Walk: An exploration steeped in history and tradition
Sushi: Breakfast of Champions!
An early morning visit to the largest seafood market in the world is still high on the must-do lists of many visitors to Tokyo, even after the market moved to its new location in Toyosu a few years ago. A visit to the Toyosu Seafood Market is more “sanitized” than one to its predecessor, Tsukiji--at … Continue reading Sushi: Breakfast of Champions!
Kinomiya Shrine: Ancient and Insta-worthy
This article in Japan Today takes readers to Atami's Kinomiya Shrine, a picturesque location steeped in legend. (Archived article published in Japan Today).
Shokoji: A Hidden Treasure of Edo Period Architecture Hiding on a Hilltop in Plain Sight
This article in Japan Today introduces Shokoji, a hilltop temple near Toyama Bay. The temple is a fascinating example of Edo Period architecture (Archived article published in Japan Today).
Sea goddesses and ancient rituals thrive at Munakata Grand Shrine
This article in Japan Today describes Munakata Taisha, an ancient shrine with three locations to house three sea goddesses. The locations themselves contain fascinating history, which is celebrated in an annual festival taking place October 1-3 (Archived article published in Japan Today.)
The Centenary of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Imperial Hotel
One hundred years ago, on September 1, 1923, Tokyo was hit by a M7.9 earthquake that badly damaged the city. Because the quake struck just as mid-day meals were being prepared across the city, fires broke out across the city causing even further (some say even more serious) damage. Altogether, between 100,000 and 150,000 lives … Continue reading The Centenary of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Imperial Hotel
Mojiko: Forgotten gateway or fascinating backwater
This article in Japan Today introduces the port of Mojiko at the top of Kyushu, a maritime "crossroads" with all kinds of interesting history to explore. (Archived article published in Japan Today.)
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