Monchicchi in Shin-Koiwa, Tokyo
Moncchichi (モンチッチ) is Japan’s most lovable and huggable monkey, basically a stuffed animal doll that first appeared in Japan in 1974. It became wildly popular in the latter 1970s and…
Takao Baigo plum blossoms
Takao Baigo (高尾梅郷) is a rural area with several plum blossom groves near the famous Mt. Takao in Hachioji, Tokyo. The plum blossoms bloom in March, so if you were…
Gujo-Hachiman in autumn
Gujo-Hachiman (郡上八幡) in Gujo, Gifu Prefecture is a very nice, tourist-friendly provincial city with lots to see in a compact area. The city is north of Gifu city, but not…
Tokyo 2020 Chronology 2011–2021
Comprehensive chronology (timeline) of significant developments and events from 2011 to 2022 related to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympics held during a worldwide COVID-19 pandemic in summer 2021. It…
Olympic and Paralympic Games Volunteer FAQ
So you want to be a volunteer at the Olympics and/or Paralympics? Good for you! For Paris 2024, they will start accepting volunteer applications from February 2023 and plan to…
Jigokudani Wild Monkey Park, Nagano
Among wildlife photographers outside Japan, the two most sought-after wildlife subjects in Japan are the tancho red-crowned cranes (in Hokkaido) and the so-called “snow monkeys” in Nagano. Those of us…
Remote Rebun and Rishiri, Hokkaido
Way up near the northern tip of Hokkaido is a pair of small islands called Rebun and Rishiri. It’s one of the most remote places I’ve ever been to in…
Red Mt. Fuji, Shizuoka
Mt. Fuji is basically synonymous with Shizuoka Prefecture and vice versa, although it also belongs to Yamanashi Prefecture. Since the “front” side of Fuji is in Shizuoka (as seen from…