Author: Thuy Fang

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!

The Yakushima Forest in the daytime.

Yakushima and More Popular Tourist Sites in Kyushu!

Unlike many crowded tourist spots, Kyushu’s landscapes and towns often remain quiet and untouched, offering a more profound sense of place. Here, you can walk through ancient forests, visit historical shrines, and enjoy local festivals that reflect centuries of tradition. Let’s explore some of the most well-known places on this beautiful island, starting with Yakushima!

A sakura flower in the moonlight.

Moonlight Sakura: How to Enjoy Cherry Blossoms at Night!

Japan’s spring is a special time when cherry trees dress the landscape in soft shades of pink. Enjoy these delicate blossoms from the bright morning hours until the gentle moonlight graces the night, creating a serene and graceful scene.