Travel
Bitchu Matsuyama Castle: The highest fortress in Japan
Nestled near the peak of Mount Gagyu, at an impressive elevation of 430 meters, lies the awe-inspiring ‘Mountain Castle in the Sky’ known as Bitchu Matsuyama Castle. This magnificent castle is in the Takahashi City of the Okayama Prefecture in Japan. It is the only mountain castle in Japan that still boasts an original… Read
Many charms await you at Japan's southernmost station
While this station may seem like any other remote JR train station, many charms await those who visit. Jump on the train and head for the southernmost JR station in the country. Located on the Ibusuki Makurazaki Line which runs through Kagoshima Prefecture, JR Nishi Oyama is a one-platform station with… Read
Shikaumi Shrine said to be founded by legendary Empress Jingu
Located on Shikanoshima Island, close to the mainland of Fukuoka City, powerful deities are enshrined here in Shikaumi Shrine. An important protector shrine for the former Chikuzen (now Fukuoka) region which faces the Genkai Sea, Shikaumi Shrine’s preservation of ancient folklore and festivals make it a must-visit. History Known as the… Read
Tenkaiho: A delight for nature lovers
Located a short drive from Sasebo City in Nagasaki Prefecture, Tenkaiho is a delight for nature lovers. For fantastic views where the sea and the sky meet amongst more than a hundred islands, head over to this picturesque observatory. The Observatory It’s worth the climb. Photo: PIXTA/ Anesthesia Upon reaching Tenkaiho, visitors will… Read
Courtyard by Marriott Hotel opens in Fukui
Marriott has expanded its portfolio of hotels in Japan with the opening of the seventh Courtyard by Marriott hotel in the country and the first Marriott International hotel in Fukui, a destination surrounded by cedar forests and coastal cliffs in central Japan. Located in the heart of the city approximately… Read
Naruko Onsen: Historical hot spring and much, much more
Nestled in the Eai River valley of northwestern Miyagi Prefecture sits Naruko Onsen, a venerable and prolific hot springs area that is easily accessible while being a bit off the beaten track. Besides luxuriant hot springs bathing opportunities, the area boasts dramatic landscapes, a long history of kokeshi doll production,… Read
Why do U.S. airlines charge so much for checked bags?
Five out of the six biggest U.S. airlines have raised their checked bag fees since January. Take American Airlines. In 2023, it cost $30 to check a standard bag in with the airline; today, it costs $40 at a U.S. airport – a whopping 33% increase. As a business school… Read
Stop for a relaxing break in coastal town of Manazuru during your trip to Kanagawa
Tokyo’s neighbor, Kanagawa Prefecture has so much to offer for nature, wildlife, traditional culture and the seacoast. Suppose you’re traveling to Kamakura and further down south along the coastal road towards Odawara and Atami. In that case, you may notice a tiny peninsula jutting out shaped like a crane with open wings. This is Manazuru, the second… Read
Exploring the bustling and diverse city of Kobe
It may be best known to the rest of the world for its delicious beef or perhaps even for the devastation of the 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake. But Hyogo Prefecture’s Kobe City has a long and fascinating history of contact with the world outside Japan. Over a 1,000 years ago… Read
Kyushu Natural Animal Park African Safari: Home to over 1,400 animals
Located in Oita Prefecture, Kyushu Natural Animal Park African Safari gives visitors a chance to return to nature and immerse themselves in the wildlife of the African continent. Children and adults alike will enjoy the unique experiences of seeing, touching and feeding animals not typically found in your favorite zoos. While… Read
