Author: Thuy Fang

A person drumming during an eisa performance.

Okinawa Museums: Dive into Eisa and More

Okinawa Island, located in the southwest of Japan, has crystal-clear beaches and unique local specialties. Let’s look at some inspiring museums that can help you explore and enjoy all these amazing things, starting with the Eisa Museum!

An assortment of summer Japanese vegetables: tomato, eggplant, cucumber, okra.

Japanese Vegetables: Awesome Picks for Hot Days!

People often crave cool foods and drinks to beat the heat in summer. Vegetables are always one of the top ingredients and essential in summer cuisine. This season offers a wide variety of delicious and healthy vegetables. Let’s explore some of the most popular Japanese vegetables in summer dishes!

Gilyak Amagasaki, a street performer from Hokkaido. He has long black hair and is wearing all red.

Hokkaido Street Performers and Their Legends

Street performers often use their artistic talents, such as singing, dancing, or doing circus tricks, to attract an audience and earn tips to make a living. However, many street performers in Japan are true artists, publicly recognized and respected.

A lighthouse near the Yaeyama Islands, an Okinawan territory.

Okinawan Islands: Why You Should Visit Yaeyama!

While the rest of the country is famous for its high-speed trains and vibrant cities, the Yaeyama Islands move at the rhythm of waves and birdsong. This area will amaze you with its breathtaking natural beauty, blending majestic simplicity with the ancient cultural heritage. Keep reading to learn more about this Okinawan treasure!

Baked bamboo shoots.

Bamboo Shoots: A Hidden Star in Japanese Meals

In spring, young bamboo shoots, also called takenoko, push through the soil, ready to be picked. Let’s look at how bamboo shoots fit into Japanese cooking and why they’re such a beloved ingredient!

Hakata Ward in Fukuoka City at night. There are tall skyscrapers.

Hakata: Fukuoka’s Amazing Gateway to History!

Hakata Ward sits along the eastern edge of Fukuoka City, facing the sea. Hakata’s coastal location has long been a key gateway for trade and cultural exchange in Japan’s history. It remains a central hub of the Kyushu region’s politics, economy, and tradition.

Kitakyushu at night.

Kitakyushu to Kagoshima: An Amazing Kyushu City Tour!

Visiting these cities can help you understand more deeply how the past and present come together in everyday life. So let’s explore five of the most beloved cities on this fantastic island, starting from Kitakyushu!