Feeling the Quake in Kansai

For those of you worrying about family or friends living in the Kansai region, Osaka, Kyoto, Shiga, Hyogo (Kobe) and Nara, while many people felt the initial quake down this far south, the Kansai region was not really effected. People in this area should be alright....

2009 Kobe Luminarie

This year, the Kobe Luminarie will be held from December 3rd to 14th, 2009. The area will be open from 6pm to 9:30pm from Monday thru Thursday each week, on Fridays from 6pm to 10pm, Saturdays from 5:30pm to 10pm and on Sunday from 5:30pm to 9:30pm. If you wish to...

Swine Flu Hits Kobe and Osaka

The World Health Organization has confirmed that in the past few days the swine flu has gone from a handful of people to 52 cases with the majority being high school students who most likely contracted the virus from others while watching and participating in...

Momiji Viewing Areas in Kansai

In April, Japanese cherry blossoms bring in spring, while the Japanese momiji, known as the Japanese maple, announces autumn has come. If you are traveling in Japan, make sure you come in autumn at least once in your lifetime to see the Japanese maples in their...

Heavy Rain and Strong Lightning Storms in Japan

Heavy rain and lightning have been hitting Tokyo, Osaka, Kobe and Kyoto areas causing flash flooding, power outages and many other problems lately. Heavy thunderstorms in Tokyo caused flooding in rural Shinjuku and surrounding areas. People were stranded in their cars...