Discoveries from around the archipelago
I haven't done a Manhole Monday post in quite some time, so I took a cruise through my photo archives today to try to find a unique one. I stumbled across this colorful one from a trip to Niigata a few winters ago: I usually do a little write-up on the scene that graces each... Continue Reading →
Last week, washi (handmade Japanese paper) was recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage product. I'm a fan of this beautiful paper and purchase it for special occasions whenever I can but I had the chance to try my own hand at making washi earlier this year on a trip to Yame in Fukuoka Prefecture.... Continue Reading →
Happy Culture Day, everyone! Yes, welcome to the fourth of fall's many three day weekends. I'm taking advantage of this one as much as possible, with a visit to the Karatsu Kunchi (festival). So what's Culture Day all about? Well, interestingly enough, today actually celebrates the current Japanese constitution. "Now, hold on a sec ...",... Continue Reading →
I must confess, I am a guidebook junkie. Some people smoke, some people imbibe their daily Starbucks. Me? I line my shelves with the likes of Lonely Planet and her kin. If you want to get under a country's skin, however, you'll need to look beyond the general guidebook market (Frommers, Fodors, Rough Guides, etc) and... Continue Reading →
