Most Japanese rail lines offer both local and express trains, but the names can be a little confusing if you don’t know the designations.
Read moreMonth: December 2016
A Visit to a Traditional Japanese Sweet Shop
While visiting Tokushima, Japan, for the 2016 Japan Writers’ Conference, I made several new friends–some of whom invited me to visit a traditional sweet shop during one of our breaks from conference sessions.
Read moreThe Peeing Boy in Tokushima Castle Park
Although its origin and history remain a mystery to me, it’s one of the most entertaining statues I’ve seen in my travels
Read moreBeware of Falling Rocks … in Japan
Do you notice entertaining warning signs?
Read moreThe Ghost of Tokushima Park
During last month’s visit to Tokushima City (the capital of Japan’s Tokushima Prefecture, on the island of Shikoku) I spent quite a bit of time in Tokushima Castle Park.
Read moreMomijigari – Leaf Hunting in Japan
In Japan, “momijigari” or hunting colorful autumn leaves, has been a popular autumn pastime for hundreds of years. In my post at Murder is Everywhere this week, I’m taking a closer look at momijigari, and offering some photos from my recent research trip to Japan. Fortunately, you don’t have to hunt very hard to find the post – just click this link.
Read moreWhere Did Samurai Get Drinking Water?
During Japan’s medieval era (and afterward, in many cases) samurai families (or their servants, in some cases) obtained their drinking water from wells, rivers, or mountain springs.
Read moreCrossing Japan by Train
The journey from Tokyo to Tokushima City is just under 650 kilometers (depending on route) and can take as little as a couple of hours, if you fly, but I preferred a more scenic trip so I traveled by train.
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