In 1970 and the site of Senri Hills in Suita, Osaka had been transformed into Japan’s first world fair, Expo ’70 or known locally as Osaka Banpaku. From March to September of that year almost 65 million people would visit the Expo, making it the largest world fair ever at the time, only surpassed once,Continue reading “A step into the future with Autonomous Buses at Expo ’70 Commemorative Park (万博記念公園)”
Author Archives: beyond-japan
The Best Online Shopping Sites That Deliver to Japan
With the rapidly changing world we live in I thought it would be useful to list a few online shopping sites I frequently use to get supplies. From baby foods to cereals, shampoos and gadgets. These sites all offer English support and deliver to Japan. This list is aimed at expats that live in JapanContinue reading “The Best Online Shopping Sites That Deliver to Japan”
More Than Matcha – Discovering the Unique Japanese Tea Region of Kyoto
Tencha. Sencha. Houjicha. These are just a few of the amazing Japanese teas you can experience when you visit the Yamashiro region of Kyoto. The beautiful rolling hills of tea plantations combined with small towns, unique tea houses, temples, shrines and the world heritage Byodoin make it a destination unlike anywhere else in Japan. LocatedContinue reading “More Than Matcha – Discovering the Unique Japanese Tea Region of Kyoto”
Explore Tottori Sand Dunes & San’in Kaigan Geopark
The Tottori Sand Dunes & The Sand Museum are a must for anyone visiting the Chugoku region of Japan. Located in the San’in Kaigan Geopark on the Sea of Japan, this region has beautiful coastal drives, beaches and is home to the largest sand dunes in Japan. I drove to Tottori with my family in JuneContinue reading “Explore Tottori Sand Dunes & San’in Kaigan Geopark”
Is The Japan Rail Pass Worth It?
The big question I get asked a lot when friends and family visit me in Japan is this; “Is it worth buying a Japan Rail Pass?” The short answer is, it depends. A lot of my friends and family have come to visit me in Kobe and stayed only in the Kansai region for aContinue reading “Is The Japan Rail Pass Worth It?”
USJ: How to buy tickets to Universal Studios Japan / Access info
Universal Studios Japan (USJ) is one of the major attractions to visit in Japan. There are only 4 Universal Studios theme parks (2 in the States, 1 in Singapore and 1 in Osaka) around the world, so if you are in Japan it’s a great opportunity to visit this top sightseeing destination. USJ is dividedContinue reading “USJ: How to buy tickets to Universal Studios Japan / Access info”
All About Kansai International Airport and My Love-Hate Relationship With It.
Serving over 24 million visitors per year (2018), Kansai International Airport (KIX) is where your journey to discover west Japan begins. The airport is located on the artificial island in Osaka Bay and links to the major cities of Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, Nara and many other must-see destinations in Kansai. Access To/From Kansai International AirportContinue reading “All About Kansai International Airport and My Love-Hate Relationship With It.”