Books / Reviews Oct 24, 2020

Unclutter your mind with ‘Zen Wisdom for the Anxious’

Ryuunji temple’s head priest, Shinsuke Hosokawa, offers encouragement and friendly advice with 52 Zen sayings and simple English explanations.

Travel Apr 25, 2020

Where we want to go in Japan once this is all over

COVID-19 has put a pause on travel, but that doesn’t mean we can’t plan. The Japan Times’ Escape page regulars write about where they want to go in Japan once we see the back of COVID-19.

Books Feb 15, 2020

'Introduction to Zen Training': Sogen Omori's road map to enlightenment

An introduction to Zen practice, by one of Japan's leading practitioners.

Books / Reviews | RECENTLY PUBLISHED BOOKS ABOUT JAPAN Sep 28, 2019

'A Manga Lover's Tokyo Travel Guide': Picture the capital in a whole new way

Singaporean artist Evangeline Neo walks travelers through Tokyo's best traditional must-sees, anime hot-spots and even Mount Fuji in her comic-book guide to the metropolis.

Books / Reviews | ESSENTIAL READING FOR JAPANOPHILES May 18, 2019

'The Art of the Japanese Garden': Green-fingered insight into Japanese garden spaces

By delving into the history, development and intricate details of Japanese gardens, "The Art of the Japanese Garden" brings new appreciation and awareness to the art form.

Travel May 17, 2019

Sandankyo Gorge: Hiroshima's hidden ravine

An easy trip from Hiroshima city, head to Sandankyo Gorge for a day of exploring picturesque ravines and waterfalls before indulging in a local hot spring.

Travel Dec 28, 2018

New Year's Eve in Hiroshima: A silent night, a crowded morning

I can't quite believe we're doing this. It's dark and freezing outside, and we only went to bed three hours ago. Yet here we are, walking streets so quiet you can hear the mice snore. It's New Year's Eve, but there's not a carouser ...

Travel Oct 19, 2018

The Akinada Tobishima Kaido: An alternative route across the Seto Inland Sea

Although less well-known than the nearby Shimanami Kaido, the 96-kilometer-roundtrip Akinada Tobishima Kaido route is gaining in popularity. Starting at the Akinada Bridge, the Tobishima route spans a network of seven bridges seven islands that can be traversed on car, bike or foot down ...

Food & Drink Jan 6, 2018

Munch like a monarch as you walk with the gods on Miyajima

Beyond the island's iconic torii, oysters, okonomiyaki, eel and manjū await.

Books / Reviews | ESSENTIAL READING FOR JAPANOPHILES Dec 2, 2017

'A Brief History of Japan': Jonathan Clements guides readers from ancient lore to otaku obsessions

Ask any Japanese high school student which is their most difficult subject, and chances are they'll answer Japanese History — a consequence of the endless litany of dates, names and battles they need to memorize. Pity then, that they don't use this little book ...