All About Japan

Sugu Althomsons

Sugu Althomsons

All About Sugu Althomsons
I first came to Japan in 2004, and have lived in different areas of Japan before moving to Osaka. I'm a teacher, editor, and singer here, performing almost every other month. I'm also interested in writing and photography (especially product pictures and animals), as well as stop-motion animation, cooking and video games.
What I like about Japan
I enjoy studying Japanese and learning about the culture and history here. Since I like to make things, I like doing the various handicrafts here, including painting kokeshi dolls, glass blowing, and more.
Get the Best Seats on the Shinkansen

Get the Best Seats on the Shinkansen

Japanese bullet trains, or Shinkansen, offer three types of seats for your traveling ease. Check this out for a helpful description of each as you plan your next train trip around Japan!

6 Shipping Companies That'll Make Life Easier

6 Shipping Companies That'll Make Life Easier

When you first arrive in Japan with all your luggage, it may be tempting to travel around carrying around all your things with you wherever you go. But check out these alternatives to help you travel light and make the best of your trip here!

Top 5 Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots in Hyogo

Top 5 Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots in Hyogo

When viewing the cherry blossoms in the Kansai region, it would be easy to get lost in the beauty of Kyoto and Osaka and forget Hyogo Prefecture. But these sites are well worth traveling to as well. Check out our Top 5 picks!

Tenjin-san Flea Market

Tenjin-san Flea Market

If you're visiting Kyoto around the 25th of any month, be sure to stop by one of the largest shrine markets in the Kansai area and get yourself a souvenir! You'll be surprised at what's in store for you!

33 Survival Kanji for Japan First-Timers

33 Survival Kanji for Japan First-Timers

Coming to Japan, but don't know any kanji—or what kanji even means? Take a deep breath, relax and we'll get you started along the way!

10 Stellar Night Views in Kansai

10 Stellar Night Views in Kansai

Amid all the hustle and bustle of the Kansai region, don't forget about these incredibly scenic views, especially after the sun has set. If you're visiting the Kansai area—including Osaka, Kyoto and Kobe—you must check out these stellar night views!

Top 4 Things to Do around Mikawa-Anjo Station

Top 4 Things to Do around Mikawa-Anjo Station

Yearning to try the Shinkansen, but don't know where to go? One of the cheapest Shinkansen routes takes you to Mikawa-Anjo—but what can you do once you arrive? We've got four great itinerary ideas!

All About Manneken Waffles

All About Manneken Waffles

Love that fresh-baked-bread smell? In the Kansai area, you can savor the scent of freshly fried waffles at 18 train stations thanks to the famous Mannekin chain. Read on to learn all about these amazing waffles!

All About the Tenjin Matsuri

All About the Tenjin Matsuri

Japan is famous for its wide variety of festivals, and one of the Top 3 is the Tenjin festival in Osaka. Between dances and river parades, this summer event has it all. Check it out and plan your next visit!

All About the Hanshin Tigers

All About the Hanshin Tigers

Tokyo may have the Giants, but nothing beats a game with the Hanshin Tigers! With a rivalry as famous as the Yankees and Red Sox, the Tigers have been around almost as long as the Giants and their games and fans are a sight to behold.

Top 4 Aquariums in Kansai

Top 4 Aquariums in Kansai

Ever wanted to touch a dolphin? How about pet sharks, rays or other exotic fish? Or maybe you've wanted to see what an ultra-modern aquarium might look like. Here are four major aquariums in the Kansai area, all accessible and offering something unique.

Kobe Animal Kingdom

Kobe Animal Kingdom

If you've ever wanted to feed and touch exotic animals, here's your chance at the Kobe Animal Kingdom, where the animals can wander around, interacting with each other as well as you, in a very open environment. Check it out!

The Magical World of Universal Studios Japan

The Magical World of Universal Studios Japan

Coming to Osaka? Then make sure to also book a visit to Universal Studios Japan for a thrilling adventure straight from the silver screen!

Top 5 Osaka Izakaya

Top 5 Osaka Izakaya

Want a local watering hole in Osaka? As there are so many choices, each of them famous for something different, it can be difficult to narrow them down. We've done the hard work for you—here are our top picks!

The Oldest Business in the World

The Oldest Business in the World

Founded over 1,400 years ago, Kongo Gumi is a Japanese temple-building company that's responsible for a number of the most famous structures in the Kansai area.

5 Modern Tabletop Games to Play in Japan

5 Modern Tabletop Games to Play in Japan

Tabletop games have come a long way since classics like 'shogi' and 'go.' Come see our top picks for modern games available in Japan that are sure to entertain while the rain pours!

6 Traditional Japanese Tabletop Games

6 Traditional Japanese Tabletop Games

Stuck inside on a rainy day? Play these classic Japanese tabletop games while listening to the relaxing sound of the drops outside!

Top 3 Burgers in the Osaka Area

Top 3 Burgers in the Osaka Area

Have a hankering for a great burger, but don't know where to start? Check out our top picks found exclusively in the Osaka area!

Top 3 Things to Experience in Takamatsu

Top 3 Things to Experience in Takamatsu

From art islands to ancient gardens and intricate traditional lacquerware, there's plenty to enjoy in and around this Shikoku city.

All About the JET Programme

All About the JET Programme

Have you ever wanted to come to Japan? Would you like to be paid to live in Japan? Check out our guide to the famous JET Programme—and welcome!

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