The island of Iki sits in the Tsushima Strait, about halfway between the southeastern tip of the Korean Peninsula and the northwestern shore of Kyushu island. Given its position, it has seen a lot of historical events. Iki was once commonly known as Onigashima (Ogre Island) thanks to a legend that a band of ogres … Continue reading Ondako: a curious symbol for an historical island
This year’s most noteworthy snowfall may have been the 1,720 centimeters the fall in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California and Nevada. And that is, indeed, a lot of snow! But the stricken area is relatively sparsely populated. Consider the situation of Sapporo on Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido. A city with a population of … Continue reading Significant snowfall city Sapporo finds ways to keep its streets clear
My latest article has strayed from travel to provide information about some amazing sustainability efforts in Hokkaido. (Archived article published in Asia Times)
This article in Japan Today introduces Upopoy Park and the National Ainu Museum, new facilities in Hokkaido to highlight the culture of Japan's indigenous people. (Archived article published in Japan Today.)
A little over an hour north of Sydney, on the edge of Caroline Bay, sits a pretty little Japanese garden that has, for the past 30 years, been a delight to locals and tourists alike both for its authenticity and its relaxing atmosphere. The garden commemorates the sister city relationship between Tokyo's Edogawa-ku and the … Continue reading Edogawa Commemorative Garden: Japanese beauty under southern skies
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.)
This article in Japan Today introduces the Gallery of Horyuji Treasures at the Tokyo National Museum, a little known gallery with lots to offer, including a new digital gallery. (Archived article published in Japan Today.)
This article in Japan Today explores an odd rivalry between two ancient Buddhist temples in the Kansai region. (Archived article in Japan Today.)
Every December my Japan Today article details a different seven lucky gods walk, allowing my readers in the vicinity to enjoy the walk and pick up some luck for the new year. This December it's a walk in Chiba, about an hour out of Tokyo. All the best for 2023, everyone! (Archived article from Japan … Continue reading The Sakura Seven: A walk to gain good fortune
This article in Japan Today introduces Kappabashi, a Tokyo neighborhood known for its shops selling all manner of kitchen tools for private use and for professional kitchens. Readers also get details on making one's own wax food models. (Archived article in Japan Today.)
This article for Japan Today introduces a fun excursion to Obuse, an historical trading town near Nagano city with strong connections to Hokusai Katsushika, one of Japan's greatest artists. (Archived article in Japan Today.)
Zojiji Temple in Tokyo's Shiba neighborhood was once considered a guardian of the southwest entry to Edo (the old name for Tokyo). Visitors approaching the city via the Tokaido Road would have passed nearby and would, inevitably, have seen the massive awe-inspiring structures of the expansive temple complex, which was a seminary and center of … Continue reading Zojoji’s Sanmon: A Rare Look at a Gateway of Antiquities
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