Conversations Across Japan: The Story Behind Nitto Jozo
During a recent visit to Hekinan in Aichi Prefecture, I interviewed Yoichi Ninagawa, president of Nitto Jozo. The company is best known for its shiro tamari, a wheat-based seasoning used in a similar way to soy sauce. We discussed the history behind the brewery, the challenges of introducing a new product to a traditional market, and how food producers can preserve their craft while adapting to changing tastes. Our conversation offered a glimpse into Mikawa’s food culture and the people working to keep it alive.
Yufuin and the Hells of Beppu: Are They Worth Visiting?
I visited two of Oita’s most famous destinations, Yufuin and the Seven Hells of Beppu, to see what they were actually like and if they lived up to the hype I saw online. Find out what surprised me, what I enjoyed, and if I would recommend them.
Discovering Mikawa: Food, Culture, and the People of Hekinan City
Beyond Nagoya and Toyota, Aichi Prefecture is a region rich in traditional foods, craftsmanship, and culture. I spend a day in Hekinan meeting the people behind some of these traditions and discovered how they are working to carry them into the future.
11 Questions About Japan: Travel, Culture, Food, and Life Here
After nearly seventeen years of studying, traveling to, and living in Japan, I have been asked plenty of questions about what it is really like to travel and live here. Here are eleven questions I am frequently asked about Japan from unique places and food to biggest tourist mistakes.
Traveling in Japan After a Natural Disaster
Natural disasters can change even the most carefully planned travel itinerary. After an earthquake in Kumamoto changed my Kyushu itinerary, I had to rethink where and how I would travel. Here is how I made the decision, what I considered, and what travelers should know about visiting Japan after a natural disaster.
How Technology is Changing Travel in Japan
As a resident of Japan, here is my take on how social media, algorithms, and AI have reshaped how people plan trips to Japan, and why slowing down to wander is still a good thing. I give a few tips on how to make the most of your travel to Japan and point out the pitfalls of allowing the algorithm or AI to plan your travel.
Beyond Nagoya: 10 Day Trips Worth Taking
Are you looking for the best day trips from Nagoya? After spending over ten years in Central Japan, I have explored countless destinations around Nagoya. You can experience local crafts, try regional specialities, visit historical sights, and enjoy both mountain and ocean views. Here are the places I regularly recommend.
What to Know Before Moving to Japan (From Someone Who Actually Lives Here)
If you're thinking about moving to Japan, there is much more to consider than cheap houses or a great vacation. From job opportunities to choosing where to live and adjusting to everyday life, this guide shares the practical factors I believe everyone should think about before relocating. Based on my own experience living in Japan, my goal is to help you make an informed decision about whether building a life here is the right choice for you.
Beyond Downtown Nagoya: 10 Places to Visit in Aichi Prefecture
Most travelers pass through Aichi Prefecture on their way to somewhere else. Those who take the time to explore will find historic castles, pottery, sake breweries, a unique food culture, and much more that many visitors never see. Here are ten places to visit in Aichi beyond downtown Nagoya that are worth adding to your Japan itinerary.
Fukusaki: Japan’s Yokai Town Full of Folklore
Fukusaki, Hyogo Prefecture, is one of Japan's most unusual hidden gems. Known for being the hometown of folklorist Kunio Yanagita, the town brings Japanese folklore to life with animatronic kappa, yokai benches, museums, and unique attractions scattered throughout the countryside. Here's everything you need to know before visiting Japan's famous yokai town.
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