Culture Holy Connections Elysse Hurtado Hitachi's Izumo Shrine boasts of some of the biggest Shinto shrine attributes in Japan and innovative new practices that could..
Food Zen Coffee and Cup Café Elysse Hurtado Nestled beside the roadside of the busy Yuki bypass is a small, unassuming building with a bright red sign reading 'Zen',..
Activities Oarai's Aquaworld Aquarium Elysse Hurtado One of the world's biggest shark collections, daily dolphin shows, and marine fun for all ages on Oarai's beautiful coast...
Activities Lake Senba, Mito Elysse Hurtado One of Mito’s landmark attractions is the beautiful Lake Senba, a part of the famous Kairakuen Park. Though it is a man-made l..
Culture Mito's Kobuntei Elysse Hurtado Finally reopened after several long months of reconstruction, Mito’s historically rich Kobuntei could be considered the jewel ..
Food Quiche Niche in Kasama Elysse Hurtado If you’re looking for a cool place to eat in Kasama, look no further than the mysteriously named Wasugazen Cafe nestled in the..
Culture Fukuda Kilns Elysse Hurtado Fukuda Kiln is one of Kasama’s many intrepid solo kilns, currently run by the 12th generation of the family and covering a spr..
Food An Urban Oasis in Mito Elysse Hurtado Hidden in the back of a building, with only a very simply sign advertising it, is one of Mito’s best-kept secrets. Rin is an e..