Noboribetsu Onsen (登別温泉) is one of Japan’s most famous hot springs and perhaps the most popular one in Hokkaido. After a recent visit, it was easy to see why. One of… Read more
Hokkaido’s abundance of snow in winter makes it scenic and a joy for skiers, but it can also wreak havoc on travelers. Be aware of potential problems and be prepared… Read more
Happy Neigh Year 2026! Best wishes for the New Year of the Horse ! For the Year of the Horse in 2026, I show some of my horse photos taken… Read more
Tribute to Ellison Onizuka for the 40th anniversary of the Space Shuttle Challenger accident. by Philbert Ono In Japan, it’s unheard of to see any public schools, public parks, airports,… Read more
Fukuoka winter delicacies at a classy antenna restaurant in Tokyo. by Philbert Ono, updated: Dec. 15, 2025 I recently had the pleasure to dine at Kojimachi NADAMAN Fukuoka Bettei (麹町なだ万… Read more
Kingdom of Fruits. Ukiha (うきは市) is a rural city (pop. 26,000) in southeastern Fukuoka Prefecture next to the city of Yame in the south. Since Ukiha’s main industry is fruit farming,… Read more
Premium matcha tea and traditional crafts. The rural city of Yame (pop. 57,400 八女市) in southern Fukuoka Prefecture is Japan’s sixth largest tea region famous for growing high-end Yame-cha tea… Read more
Fukuoka Prefecture’s No. 1 tourist spot. Dazaifu (太宰府市) is a city in central Fukuoka Prefecture, a short distance by train from the city of Fukuoka. Dazaifu (and Fukuoka Prefecture) is… Read more
Gateway to Kyushu. Fukuoka Prefecture (pop. 5.08 million, 福岡県) is in Kyushu, Japan’s southern-most main island. The capital city is also named Fukuoka which is the main gateway to Fukuoka… Read more
Updated: Sept. 13, 2025 Osaka Expo 2025 is now in the dreaded summer heat. To prevent heat illness, heat exhaustion, heatstroke, or worse at the expo, here’s how to stay… Read more