Articles

  • Tsurunoyu

    This cultural gem dates back to 1638! At 380 years old, Tsurunoyu Onsen is not just the oldest onsen in the village; it also has a local myth to boot. According to folklore, a hunter named Kans...

  • From Akita With Love

  • Venture Into The Mystique Of Magor...

    This elusive ryokan is a hidden gem within Nyuto Village’s beech forests. If a rustic village by a dramatic river is your idea of an Instagram-worthy shot, then snap away at Magoroku Onsen. Est...

  • Ganiba

    Named after the river crabs, this haven is a home away from home. It all began when a doctor discovered a miraculous hot spring by a stream in 1847. Hence, Ganiba Onsen (translated as “river cr...

  • The cool taste of Summer

    Oh, sweet! Summertime in Japan can get fairly hot and humid. So, many people will often turn to chilled seasonal foods to help cool themselves down and even whet their appetite. And there are certai...

  • Say It with Tomatoes

    Designer and producer Michiyo Koyama adds an unusual, colourful twist to standard bouquets—by using fresh vegetables and other edible plants instead. You may be familiar with floral garlands and fr...

  • Slurp Some Soupy Goodness

    Fancy duck or snapper-based ramen? Check out some of the latest ramen flavours around at these noodle hot spots. [caption id="attachment_4537" align="alignnone" width="770"] Left: Men-Men Tei / Cen...

  • Only the best and freshest

    “Although Corner House offers a French-based menu, I’m also inspired by the ingredients that are available and the places I’ve travelled to. When I first visited Tokyo’s Tsukiji Market years ago, I wa...

  • Celebrating Family with Dance

    Take a closer look at one of Japan’s most important customs, the Obon summer festival. Ah, summer in Japan! When the long school holidays come around and workers go on vacation, the season is r...

  • Shiga Souvenirs

  • History walkabout in Shiga

    Take a stroll through Shiga’s past, with its many interesting historical sites, some dating as far back as more than 1,900 years. >>Read more about Shiga shigts...

  • A Very Shiga Feast

    You’ll never go hungry in Shiga Prefecture, not with so much good food available! ...