Before 2009 came to its sudden halt, I went along with a group of aikidoka and friends to hike Nijouzan (Mt. Nijo), which is situated in Nara prefecture overlooking Osaka to its northwest and Nara city to its northeast. Our sojourn started by assembling at 8:30 AM at the Kintetsu Abenobashi station, and from there [...]
Just before the end of the year, I took my brother to a famous Japanese hot spring for his first onsen experience. I chose for us to stay at the Kamigoten Ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) in Wakayama Prefecture, south of Osaka. What a treat it was! Getting to the Ryūjin spa town was half of [...]
Just after Christmas, my elder brother in America plans to visit me here in Osaka, marking his first-ever trip to Japan. Of course, it being a cold winter holiday, the first place I’m going to take him is to a nice warm onsen (温泉, hot spring). I truly enjoy onsen, and this time will be [...]
