Dia daoibh. I’m Caol Ó h-ÚigÃn and I hail from Dublin, Ireland. I’m on my second year of JET. I teach at two senior high schools in Kitakyushu-shi, Fukuoka. I teach at one low-level school and one medium-high-level school. Why did you apply for the JET Programme? Honestly, I applied to JET because I just…
 Every year thousands of foreign and local tourists alike flock to Sapporo, Hokkaido in early February for the famed Yuki Matsuri and boy are they in for a treat. Beginning in 1950 the festival has fast become one of Sapporo’s main attractions along with its world class ski slopes, the famed Ramen Alley, brilliant…
Although, I’ve never been the biggest fan of winter, Japan has slowly been winning me over with its variety of unique activities during this season. When going outside may be one of the last things you want to do, these 8 activities and places will be more than enough to get you out from…
Temple Trekking: As the culture capital of Japan, Kyoto is undoubtedly one of the best places for Hyogo JETs to visit and enjoy a unique blend of traditional culture and modern Japan. The city’s many temples, gardens, museums, parks, and other highlights provide entertainment year-round, but the autumn leaves, known as 紅葉 (kouyou),…
The dark, pungent, and crowded area immediately outside Tsuruhashi Train Station serves as forced introduction to Osaka’s Koreatown. As you exit Tsuruhashi Station, the narrow alleys are filled with people and smells greet visitors. The alleys can fit two people comfortably or three people uncomfortably, and as I made my way past little shops…
 Ten essential experiences to have in the prefecture we call home. Affectionately known as the bellybutton of Japan, Hyogo is a treasure trove of fun and adventure. Thanks to an expansive train network, several ferry ports, innumerable bus routes and its own airport, Hyogo is a very accessible prefecture – which is ideal because there…
For over 1,400 years, hot springs in the northern part of Hyogo have served the needs of bathers. Today, the town of Kinosaki is a charming traditional Japanese village. Walking along the river is breathtaking, especially at night when the streetlights are turned on. You can see (and join!) many people strolling in…
Harry Potter World at USJ A magical village of wizarding wonders has opened at Universal Studios Japan this summer! If you’ve been harboring childhood fantasies of Butterbeer, magic wands, or singing toads, read on to learn more about making the most of your magical journey! The Harry Potter World at USJ is significantly smaller…
If April’s article “The Do’s and Don’ts of Yakushima Hiking†by Paige Ngo intrigued you, read on for details about the most popular hikes on Yakushima and getting around the island without a car! First things first: don’t expect your typical walk in the woods! The many forces of nature combine to…