I’ve long had a keen interest in the ambitious project to resurrect the lost Honmaru Palace of Nagoya Castle: quite possibly one of the most magnificent examples of 17th-century Japanese architecture to have survived from the Edo Period. (Well, up until it was reduced to cinders by Allied bombing in 1945.) Over the course ofContinue reading “Field Report: The Honmaru Palace of Nagoya Castle, Japan (28 November 2018)”
Category Archives: Japan
Food Report: Tea and Kuri-kinton at Daikoku-ya Sabō (Magome-juku, Japan)
Let’s round off my series of Kiso Valley-related posts with a quick and breezy food report. Today’s subject: a tea break I enjoyed whilst visiting the beautiful town of Magome. Welcome to Daikoku-ya Sabō.
Field Report: Tsumago and Magome, Kiso Valley, Japan (27 November 2018)
On a fine autumn morning last November, I set off on another day trip from Nagoya – this time heading deep into the mountainous heart of the Chūbu region. My target: two beautifully preserved post towns that once served an Edo Period highway. There, in the refreshing peace of the Japanese countryside, I enjoyed anContinue reading “Field Report: Tsumago and Magome, Kiso Valley, Japan (27 November 2018)”
Rail-Bus Report: Travelling to and around the Kiso Valley from Nagoya, Japan
In this report, I’ll describe how I travelled to – and between – the wonderfully scenic Edo-period post towns of the Kiso Valley using public transportation, with Nagoya (the nearest major urban centre) as my base.
Field Report: Meoto Iwa and Hinjitsukan, Ise, Japan (26 November 2018)
During the second part of my visit to Ise, I ventured out of the city centre to see two local landmarks: one natural, one man-made, and each with its own special charm.
Food Report: A Peanuts-themed Omurice Lunch at Snoopy Cha-ya (Ise, Japan)
Lunch? Good. Snoopy? Better. A Snoopy-themed café that offers a hearty lunch and official merchandise? Hmm, I think we’ll need to skip the superlative level and fish for another adjective above “Best”. Welcome to Snoopy Cha-ya.
Field Report: Ise Jingū, Mie, Japan (26 November 2018)
Nagoya is one of my favourite places in Japan, with history and culture and delicious local cuisine in spades. That said, when I’m in the mood for something a little different, this city’s status as a regional transport hub really proves its worth, with a broad range of options for easy day trips in allContinue reading “Field Report: Ise Jingū, Mie, Japan (26 November 2018)”
Rail Report: Travelling by Train between Nagoya and Ise-Shima, Japan
In this report, we’ll explore two options for travelling by train between Nagoya and the Ise-Shima area: one operated by Kintetsu Railway, the other by Japan Railways.
Field Report: Kusatsu Onsen, Gunma, Japan (16 November 2018)
I love onsen towns, even though I’m not inclined to take the waters myself. With their narrow streets, relaxed atmosphere, old-fashioned architecture and rustic charm, even non-bathers will find them an excellent place to unwind, far removed from the hustle and bustle of Japan’s megacities. Today, we’ll stroll around a splendid little corner of GunmaContinue reading “Field Report: Kusatsu Onsen, Gunma, Japan (16 November 2018)”
Rail-Bus Report: From Tōkyō to Kusatsu Onsen and back with a Japan Rail Pass
There’s more than one way to travel between Tōkyō and the famous hot spring town of Kusatsu Onsen. Moreover, it’s possible to do the entire journey for free with a Japan Rail Pass. In this report, we’ll try two different routes that rail pass holders can use at no extra cost.
Within striking distance 