City-Cost

Onomichi, Hiroshima, February

The addition of the traditional knowledge and skills used in sake-brewing to UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage List highlighted an industry facing shrinking consumption in Japan, but eyeing growing interest abroad, and possibly beyond.

Longest shopping street in Japan stretches the meaning of "shotengai!"

From window displays at restaurants to souvenirs, the production of food replicas in Japan has evolved for over 100 years. Now, foreign visitors to Japan are showing an appetite for the art of creating food replicas with hands-on-lessons in the craft becoming popular.

The beach town of Kitaizumi, in Minamisoma, Fukushima Prefecture, is said to be one of the best spots for surfing in Japan. Meet the local surfers who are sharing their waves as part of a surf tourism initiative aimed at revitalizing the region through marine leisure and the beach lifestyle.

The beach at Kitaizumi, in the city of Minamisoma, offers some of the most consistent surf to be found anywhere in Japan. Local surfers and community leaders are using the almost year-round supply of waves to drive a so-called surf tourism initiative to revitalize the city through marine leisure. 

Lunch time, Shimbashi, August

Remembering when it felt fun and fresh to stroll around Tokyo ... before rainy season arrived. Somewhere between Tsukiji and Shiodome in May.

Dake Onsen in Fukushima Prefecture.  We arrived at this hot spring town on the slopes of Mt Adatara one late afternoon in summer last year.  The town was readying for a seasonal Bon festival with the main street - the delightfully named Himalaya Boulevard - decorated with lanterns and a small stage.  Taking a stroll down Himalaya Boulevard in the evening under the glow of the lanterns was magical.

Mid-afternoon around Tsukiji Outer Market and Namiyoke Inari shrine, in Tokyo’s Chuo Ward, Wednesday.

Day time among the watering holes of Shimbashi, Tokyo.

Spring is one of our favorite times to visit the Boso and its many quiet and unassuming attractions, like Takataki Shrine.

Evenings around Kanda Station, Tokyo.

Image from June 2023.

The streets around Kanda station in Tokyo’s Chiyoda Ward were pretty quiet late Sunday afternoon in the thick of Golden Week part 2.