Japan 2014 – Page 2 – Within striking distance

Field Report: Matsuyama, Japan (12 February 2014) – Part 1/3

I’ve got plenty to look forward to in the historic capital of Ehime Prefecture – but of course, I’ll need to get there first. It’s a good thing I love long train rides.

Field Report: Ōsaka, Japan (11 February 2014)

Whether you’re looking for reminders of a bygone era or the pulsing lights and sounds of the modern age, Ōsaka’s bound to have something that will suit your itinerary.

Field Report: Wakayama, Japan (11 February 2014)

This morning, we’ve got our sights trained on a fine castle just an hour’s journey from Ōsaka.

Field Report: Ōsaka, Japan (10 February 2014)

From the wintry wonderland of Sapporo, I flew hundreds of miles south to the (somewhat) warmer climes of Ōsaka, where I enjoyed a visit to one of the country’s finest aquatic attractions.

Field Report: Otaru, Japan (09 February 2014)

Otaru may be a rather small city – and yes, I was here just a couple of days ago – but it’s got more than enough attractions to justify a second day-trip from Sapporo.

Food Report: Ezokko (Sapporo)

Rāmen is a food for all seasons, but it takes on a special appeal when the mercury drops below freezing point. With Sapporo’s cold winter air sucking all the heat out of my tropic-reared body, is it any wonder that I was game for another steaming-hot bowl just a day after my last one?

Field Report: Sapporo, Japan (09 February 2014)

Remember the little mahō shōjo we met at Ōdōri Park a few days ago? Remember how I mentioned that there’s just no avoiding her, especially considering that Sapporo is her home turf? Well, guess who I ran into one Sunday morning in Hokkaidō’s snowy capital.

Food Report: Baikōken (Asahikawa)

One can’t fail to be impressed by Japan’s knack for making culinary combinations that might seem daft at first – and I mean downright lunatic – yet end up working beautifully in the end. Like wasabi-flavoured Kit-Kats, for example. Or like miso-flavoured rāmen with a pat of butter and some corn thrown in.

Field Report: Asahikawa, Japan (08 February 2014)

Yesterday’s trip to Asahikawa was a great experience, but there’s a lot more to the city than just its famous zoo, especially at this time of year. Welcome to the third winter festival of our journey.

Field Report: Otaru, Japan (07 February 2014)

The use of the adjective “magical” tends to send me retching, but I’ll admit that the word entered my mind as I enjoyed a candlelit evening in a small city on Hokkaidō’s Sea of Japan coast.