Category Archives: Japan

Field Report: Kanazawa Castle, Japan (01 July 2015)

From the late 16th century up to the end of the Edo Period, the Lords of Kaga Domain presided over one of Japan’s wealthiest fiefdoms from within the secure precincts of Kanazawa Castle (金沢城, Kanazawa-jō). Although most of its wooden buildings and watchtowers were either destroyed by fire (particularly during a massive conflagration in 1881)Continue reading “Field Report: Kanazawa Castle, Japan (01 July 2015)”

Field Report: Summer rain and ninja secrets in Kanazawa, Japan (01 July 2015)

The city of Kanazawa is richly endowed with historic sites that hearken back to its glory days as the capital of the former Kaga Domain, one of the wealthiest fiefdoms in Edo-period Japan. It is also richly endowed with something entirely different: rain. Lots and lots of rain.

Food Report: Three meals’ worth of Nagoya-meshi

After my recent weekend holiday in Nagoya, I’ve come away convinced that there are just two things needed to enjoy the best of what this fine city has to offer: a little cash and an empty stomach. Welcome to the wonderful world of Nagoya-meshi.

Field Snapshot: The Honmaru Palace of Nagoya Castle, Japan (06 June 2016)

Since last weekend’s brief visit to Nagoya won’t get blogged about for a good long while, I’d like to offer an abbreviated report covering the main target of that short excursion: the newly opened Taimenjo wing of Nagoya Castle’s opulent Honmaru Palace.

Field Report: Maruoka Castle and Kitanoshō Castle, Fukui, Japan (30 June 2015)

Diego visits two castles in the space of a single afternoon: one whose main tower still stands high above the ground, and one brought so low that not even its very foundations have survived intact.

Field Report: Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum, Katsuyama, Japan (30 June 2015)

Some places make one feel almost like a child again. Amusement parks, zoos, old-fashioned game arcades … and of course, one shouldn’t forget dinosaur museums.

Field Report: A cliffside walk at Tōjinbō, Fukui Prefecture, Japan (29 June 2015)

Diego heads off to visit one of Fukui Prefecture’s natural treasures: a special place with blue skies above, a wind-furrowed sea below, and long stretches of jagged grey rock in between.