If you’re looking to experience Japan beyond the bustling cities, consider taking a side trip to Gero Onsen. Located just a 2-hour train ride from Nagoya, Gero Onsen is a charming onsen town nestled in the heart of the Japanese Alps. A Brief History of Gero Onsen Manhole cover with the white heron Gero Onsen has a rich history that dates back over a thousand years famous for its healing...
It’s going to get Meshi! Nagoya’s food culture is known as “Nagoya Meshi,” which literally translates to “Nagoya Food.” And one reason Nagoya is not boring is that it’s home to some of the best foods in Japan. We have to admit, there is great regional food in many parts of Japan, such as the delicious Shikoku Udon, unbelievably scrumptious Okonomiyaki from both Hiroshima and Osaka, and the tasty local...
Having an English-speaking guide in a country where you don’t speak the language can be invaluable. That’s where volunteer guide organizations come in. Volunteer guide organizations help residents connect with travelers to share their knowledge and love for their hometown. These guides are primarily amateurs, many of whom are retired, passionately offering their services for free while struggling to overcome the language barrier. Here is a list of places around...
At first glance, Ankake Spaghetti may look like the Italian pasta that Mama used to make, but it’s definitely not like what you’re used to. Give this to an Italian chef and he would probably be horrified that someone is actually calling this “pasta!” Though this style of pasta is definitely unconventional, that doesn’t make it any less delicious. In fact, Ankake Spaghetti is so popular in Nagoya, it’s actually...
Japanese kites are considered some of the most spectacular in the world, appreciated both for their aesthetic value, and as traditional toys. They have many different styles and types of kites, and each region of Japan has its own distinctive shape. Here we have some cicada kites. Thankfully they don’t make the same noise! In Aichi, and more specifically in Nagoya, there is a variety of kites called Nagoya Koryu...
