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Articles by Peter Sidell
Rex Inn Kawasaki - Kanagawa
Having an early flight from Haneda airport one time, I decided that rather than struggle on the rush hour trains with my baggage, I'd treat myself to a hotel near the airport and a shorter, easier journey. Of the many choices available, I plumped for Rex Inn, close to the station and inexpensive to boot.
A Visit to Matto - Ishikawa
On a visit to Kanazawa one time, I made a point of making the short journey out to the suburb of Matto, expressly to visit the Nakagawa Kazumasa Art Museum. That was all I knew about the place, but while I was there I found some other things to do, which made in all for a very pleasant half day trip out of the city. The museum itself is a delight, with a couple of rooms showcasing the vibrant, colourful artworks of this long-lived artist.
Ogura-tei - Fukushima
By Peter Sidell - 2 min read The name Fukushima may be overshadowed by the disaster of 2011, but it's definitely a pleasant place to visit, and shouldn't be avoided. I stayed in Fukushima city for a couple of nights one summer, and for me, the pick of its few central sights was Ogura-tei, definitely worth seeking out. In the Edo era (1603-1868), this part of the city was home to a riverside trading post, with warehouses and granaries lining the banks of the Abukuma river.
Roast Battle Tokyo Begins! 2022 - June Events in Tokyo
To be held at the new Tokyo Comedy Bar in Shibuya, Roast Battle is the ultimate comedy insult tournament. Eight of Tokyo's best comedians will go head-to-head on stage in an elimination contest, and at the end of the night, a champion will be crowned! This show is not for the faint of heart! No holds are barred, nothing is sacred, and the humour is as brutal as it's hilarious.
Kataoka Tsurutaro Art Garden - Fukushima
By Peter Sidell - 2 min read I first heard of Kataoka Tsurutaro on a visit to Kusatsu Onsen in Gunma, when I visited and thoroughly enjoyed the museum of his art that was next to my hotel there. So on a visit to Fukushima one time, I was delighted to find that he had a museum here too, and I made a point of making the short journey to visit it. Born Shigeo Okino in Tokyo, he's something of a renaissance man.
Shin-Ise Kinenkan, Kanazawa - Ishikawa
By Peter Sidell - 2 min read One of Japan's most visited cities, Kanazawa has not one but two historical districts. The Higashi Chaya district is where you'll find he traditional teahouses where geisha used to entertain wealthy patrons; Nagamachi is the place where merchants and retainers to the ruling warlords settled, and one merchant's house has been preserved here as the Shin-Ise Kinenkan.
Yumi Nagashima at Tokyo Comedy Bar! 2022 - June Events in Tokyo
Tokyo Comedy Bar is hosting its first International Headline shows on the first weekend in June, welcoming to the stage worldwide star Yumi Nagashima! Born in Tokyo but based now in Toronto, Yumi is an internationally loved writer, actress and comedian. She's appeared on a diverse range of shows and festivals, among them Just For Laughs in Montreal, Comedy Central Asia, and the Jakarta International Comedy Festival.
Tokyo Comedy Bar - Tokyo
There's been English-language comedy in Tokyo for a long time, but for much of that, the shows were held mostly at various bars and cafes around the city. That all changed in 2022 with the opening of Tokyo Comedy Bar, a dedicated, purpose-built venue, which holds comedy shows every night of the week. The performance area is compact and cosy, laid out differently at every show, depending on the size of the audience.
Hourin-ji Temple in Kyoto - Kyoto
Whenever I visit Kyoto, I like to walk between destinations where practical, rather than using the bus or subway, as I'll almost always find something interesting along the way. So it was when I walked from my hotel near Nijo Castle up to Kitano Tenmangu; my map told me there were a handful of temples along the way, and this one proved to be an absolute delight. First you come to the temple compound, compact and cosy, and with an interesting population of oddities.
Tokyo Comedy Bar: Grand Opening! 2022 - May Events in Tokyo
Venue: Tokyo Comedy Bar When: Friday - May 6th 2022 There's been English-language comedy in Tokyo for a long time, mostly performed at shows held in a variety of cafes and bars around the city. However, on 6th May 2022, the Grand Opening will be held for Tokyo Comedy Bar, a dedicated, purpose-built venue, just a minute from Shibuya crossing. Designed specifically for comedy, the cosy performance area has a low ceiling to create an ideal atmosphere for the audience.
Ryukoku Museum in Kyoto - Kyoto
This place I found pretty much by chance. On the long walk to my hotel from Kyoto station after I'd arrived for a visit, I see this museum with its striking wooden facade, and pick up a leaflet to look at later. One check-in later, a read of the leaflet suggests it's an interesting place, so I head straight back for a visit. The museum is associated with nearby Ryukoku University, and aims to introduce and explain to visitors the history and spread of Buddhism through its exhibitions.
The sights of Kyoto are pretty spread out, so wherever you stay, you won't be close to everything. With this in mind, looking for a hotel I just wanted to be near some sights and near some transportation links, as well as it being inexpensive and modern, ideally with a sauna. Demanding, me? Yes, but this hotel fitted the bill very neatly indeed.
APA Villa Hotel Tanimachi 4-Chome - Osaka
Planning a trip to Osaka one time, I was looking for somewhere to stay that would meet my criteria, as a traveler who likes good comfort but low prices. Fortunately, there's plenty of competition to keep prices down, so I settled on one of the city's numerous hotels in the APA chain. The hotel is typical of the chain, a mix of the restrained modern and the blingy.
Mibudera Temple in Kyoto - Kyoto
Something I'll always enjoy about Kyoto is the unexpected discoveries, the random little shops and temples and shrines that I'll happen upon while I'm walking around. Looking at a map on the street by Omiya station I saw this temple was nearby, so off I went to duly investigate, and found it a fascinating little place.
Urban Hotel Premium Kyoto Nijo - Kyoto
The sights of Kyoto are pretty spread out, so wherever you stay you'll be near some of them and far from others. For the second half of a trip one time, I looked at my options and chose to be near (a) what I wanted to see, and (b) the subway, and this hotel met both of those needs. Like others in the chain, Urban Hotel Nijo is modern and stylish, with a restaurant occupying most of the ground floor, the entrance tucked in at the side.
Kanazawa Teramachi - Kanazawa, Ishikawa
One of Japan's most historic cities, Kanazawa is home to an absolute wealth of fascinating cultural sights. As well as its beautiful traditional garden, imposing castle and host of museums, there are a handful of districts of preserved buildings, allowing visitors to stroll around the city as it would have been long in the past. East of the station there's the Higashi Chaya district, where you can visit or stay in former geisha homes; then south of the castle is Teramachi, where the temples are.
Inashimo-Jinja Shrine in Matsuzaki - Shizuoka
On a visit to Nishi-Izu one time, I was strolling around Matsuzaki, checking out the town's handful of temples and shrines on my way to its main sights. Shrines are something I don't usually find so interesting, but occasionally there'll be one that is, and that's what I found at Inashimo-jinja. Walk in through the distinctive bright red gate and you enter the garden, where you'll find the first oddities.
Kanazawa Nakamura Memorial Museum - Kanazawa, Ishikawa
On a visit to Kanazawa one time, I availed myself of the Cultural Facilities Pass, which allows holders free or reduced entry to a wide range of museums around the city. This allowed me to take a look at some smaller museums which I wouldn't have otherwise visited, and one of the most pleasant surprises was the Nakamura Memorial Museum. Some history. The museum was founded by businessman Nakamura Eishun in 1965, to display the works of art he'd collected during his career.
Izu Chohachi Art Museum - Shizuoka
On the west coast of the Izu Peninsula, Matsuzaki is a picturesque little seaside town, a very pleasant place to stroll around slowly for half a day or so. It's nice and peaceful, there's some distinctive design, you can soak your weary feet in a foot bath, and take in the handful of sights, one of which is this museum. Some biography: Irie Chohachi was born in Matsuzaki in 1815, and studied there at Jokanji temple until he was twelve.
Ryushi Memorial Museum, Omori - Ota City, Tokyo
Something I really enjoy is visiting the delightful small provincial museums dedicated to particular artists, which I find all over Japan. Nestled in the suburbs between Tokyo and Kawasaki, this is one such museum, established during his own life by celebrated Japanese painter Ryushi Kawabata. Some biography: born in 1885 in Wakayama, Ryushi moved to Tokyo at a young age, and studied literature and art while working as a newspaper illustrator.
Bayside Hotel Azur Takeshiba, Tokyo - Minato, Tokyo
Each year I try to take advantage of the fact that hotel prices plummet a few days after New Year, and treat myself to an inexpensive stay somewhere that would usually be out of my range. This time I found a crazy low rate at this stylish bayside hotel, and booked myself in for three nights of relaxation. I was checked in quickly and smoothly by a very capable English speaker, in a spacious lobby that features a piano and a cafe overlooking the bay.
Yutorelo Nishiizu Onsen Hotel, Toi - Shizuoka
I've made a habit of taking a couple of days to relax on the Izu Peninsula every winter, and am always looking for new places to stay. This time I managed to snag a good deal at this hot spring hotel, and definitely enjoyed my time here. It's of modern build, but in a traditional style: there's a tiny ornamental arched bridge at the entrance, and in the lobby there's a cooking hearth with footbath.
Uehara Museum of Art, Shimoda - Shizuoka
In the countryside towards the southern tip of the Izu Peninsula, this museum is somewhere I'd always wanted to go to, without wanting to make a special trip. Then one time I was in the area and armed with a bus pass, so I took the chance, and thoroughly enjoyed my visit. Before you even get into the museum buildings, you come to neighbouring Koyoji temple.
Matto Furusato-kan in Ishikawa - Ishikawa
On a visit to Kanazawa one time, I took a trip out to the suburb of Matto, to visit the delightful Nakagawa Kazumasa Art Museum. While I was there, I took a look around to see what else I could find; the other main attraction was this charming historical residence, the Furusato-kan. Before World War II this was the residence of Yoshida Mohei, a successful local businessman.
Dormy Inn Akihabara - Tokyo
I'm not going to pretend to be objective: I love Dormy Inn hotels, so when I saw a discounted night available for a staycation I was planning in Tokyo, I snapped it up and started looking forward to my stay. Right in the centre, with a decent sized room, and the usual sauna and outdoor bath, what's not to like? And I was not disappointed.
Kashobou Fukumatsu Hotel, Kinugawa - Tochigi
One autumn I decided to treat myself to a couple of nights in Kinugawa Onsen, and set about finding somewhere to stay, looking for a balance of comfort and facilities and affordability. Of the many options available, I settled on Kashobou Fukumatsu, and thoroughly enjoyed my stay there. Check in is slightly late, opening at 4:00pm, but when I got there it was smooth and friendly; the staff who checked me in spoke excellent English and was able to tell me about nearby restaurants.
Kosugi Hoan Museum of Art, Nikko - Tochigi
Most visitors to Nikko head straight for the main landmark sights, particularly Tosho-gu shrine and Rinno-ji temple, but there are plenty of other interesting places. One that I went to was the Kosugi Hoan Museum of Art, dedicated to the work of this locally born artist. Kosugi Hoan was born in Nikko in 1881; his father was priest at Futarasan-jinja.
Hakuchoro Promenade, Kanazawa - Kanazawa, Ishikawa
One reason I prefer to walk around a new city, rather than just shuttle between the sights, is that there's always a chance I'll find something as interesting as it's unexpected. This is what happened on my trip to Kanazawa: embarked on a day of sightseeing armed with my Cultural Facilities Pass, I spot a statue in a little park as I'm walking towards the castle, and of course I go to investigate.
Terashima Samurai House in Kanazawa - Kanazawa, Ishikawa
During the Tokugawa Shogunate from 1603 to 1868, Japan was divided into domains, each ruled by a hereditary feudal family. The largest of these was the Kaga Domain on the Sea of Japan coast, based at Kanazawa Castle and ruled over by the Maeda family. They necessarily employed a lot of administrators, one of whose homes has been preserved by the city and opened to the public, allowing us an authentic view of the life of the era.
Fukui Fine Arts Museum - Fukui
A lot of visitors use Fukui city as a base to visit the sights in the surrounding countryside, most notably Eihei-ji temple and the Dinosaur Museum. However, there are a handful of places in the city itself that are worth a visit, and one of them is the Fine Arts Museum. In a residential area to the north-west of the station, it's a large, imposing building, with a suitably grand lobby that boasts a high ceiling and a couple of handsome screen paintings high on the walls.
Smile Hotel Shiogama - Miyagi
Planning a visit to Sendai one summer, I decided I'd like a break from the downtown bustle, so that I could explore Matsushima and its scenic bay at my leisure, without having to worry about trains back to the city. None of the accommodation options in town really appealed, but in nearby Shiogama I found Smile Hotel, a business hotel of the kind that suits me down to the ground. It's a clean and modern place, with a simple aesthetic, lots of earthtones and soothing plain colours.
Hotel Almont in Sendai - Sendai, Miyagi
The biggest city in Tohoku, Sendai has so many hotels that it can be difficult to choose. One time, though, one of the websites I use saved me the hassle by offering a deal that was too good to turn down! (I don't guarantee this will happen every time.) The lobby is a nice welcome to the hotel, with a little lounge area furnished with colourful, comfortable couches and sleek glass tables.
Miyagi Museum of Art - Sendai, Miyagi
As much as I like Sendai, I'll allow that the compact center isn't home to that many landmark sights. But if anything, that makes it easier to plan! At the top of my short list there were the lavish mausoleum of Zuihoden, the Mediatheque art and community center, and the Miyagi Museum of Art. Before I even went into the building, I had plenty to enjoy.
Dormy Inn Sendai Hirose-Dori - Sendai, Miyagi
As the biggest city in Tohoku and a major business centre, Sendai has an abundance of hotels for visitors to choose from, with plenty of good deals to be had. Checking my options for a summer visit one time, I found a great one: four nights, very reasonably priced, at a cosy hotel with great service, in the very heart of the city. Disclosure: I'm a big fan of the Dormy Inn chain, and staying here has only made me more of one.
APA Hotel Fukui Katamachi - Fukui City, Fukui
Planning a trip to Fukui one time, I was trying to find a hotel that met all my needs for comfort, affordability, and proximity to the station. Good luck me! I couldn't find one that ticked every box, so I decided I could be a little further from the station for the sake of a good deal, and plumped for APA.
Fukui Griffis Museum - Fukui City, Fukui
In Japanese history, the 1860s marked a mighty turning point. In 1868, the Edo era ended, bringing a close to nearly 300 years of almost total isolation from the rest of the world. In the years that followed, rapid social change was accompanied by an influx of western culture, industrial methods, and people. One of these people was William Elliot Griffis, an American educator who'd become acquainted with Japan through tutoring a young samurai called Kusakabe Taro at his university in New Jersey.
Forza Hotel, Kanazawa - Ishikawa
As a popular tourist destination for both Japanese and foreign visitors, Kanazawa has a good number of hotels to choose from, which can yield some good deals for tourists, especially out of season. On a trip there in spring one time, my quest for somewhere well priced but nicer than a standard business hotel led me to Hotel Forza, where I did enjoy my stay. Behind the glass doors there's a good sized lobby, and next to this there's a lounge area with tables, chairs and couches.
Tomiya Izakaya in Fukui - Fukui
Looking for somewhere to get dinner one quiet night in Fukui, I headed towards the station, guessing that's where more places might be open. There still weren't many options, so I was glad when I found a restaurant that not only was open, but looked like it had the kind of homely, inexpensive fare I was looking for. A quick check of the display, and in I went. It's not that big a place, but still fun to be in, with an eclectic melange of decor typical of this kind of place.
Supremo - Ishikawa
Looking for lunch one day after a morning seeing the sights of Kanazawa, I was in the mood for something tasty, filling and inexpensive, as usual. I saw a sign that said curry, but then next to it saw another sign that said for JPY1000 I could get a big lunch of omu rice and side dishes. Sold to Supremo! It's a very fun, chill place, that looks like it's been furnished and decorated from yard sales, and I mean that in a good way.
Ryoun-ji in Hamamatsu - Shizuoka
On a trip to Hamamatsu one time, I asked at the tourist office about places to visit, and was told about Ryoun-ji, a Buddhist temple a bus ride in the suburbs. I'd never heard of it or read about it, but I really enjoyed visiting, and it definitely rewarded the effort of getting there. Entering through the main gate, the first thing you see is the contemplative garden, with rocks artfully arranged in the neatly raked gravel.
Kuretake Inn Hamamatsu Minamiguchi - Shizuoka
Hamamatsu is a big business city, so there are plenty of business hotels, which means lots of good deals available for visitors. The Shizuoka-based Kuretake Inn chain has a number of hotels in the city, and for this one trip I decided to treat myself to their Premium location by the south exit of the station.
Hoko-ji - Shizuoka
If you want to find somewhere as serene as it's spiritual, it's hard to beat a temple in the forest, and Hoko-ji is a prime example. There's no noise other than the birdsong and footsteps, and it's wonderfully soothing to stroll around slowly, breathing in the fresh air and admiring the buildings. I've rarely been to a more beautifully set temple, and the harmony with the surroundings is exquisite.
Hirano Museum of Art, Hamamatsu - Shizuoka
On a trip to Hamamatsu one time, a cold, rainy day had me wanting to do indoor things. This led me to go to the Hirano Museum, where I spent a very pleasant hour or so taking in the artworks. It was founded by local businessman Ken Hirano, whose family had amassed a collection of 800 pieces of art. These are largely Japanese paintings, dating back as far as the Kamakura period (1185-1333), but also includes some western and contemporary paintings.
Kanazawa's Noh Museum - Ishikawa
On a trip to Kanazawa one time, I availed myself of the excellent Cultural Facilities Pass, and used it to visit a handful of museums that I otherwise wouldn't have. One of them was the Noh Museum, which turned out to be very interesting and enjoyable, and I'd have happily paid the modest entrance fee. Noh is a highly stylized form of musical drama, which originated during the 14th century CE.
Kanazawa Cultural Facilities Pass - Ishikawa
Kanazawa is home to plenty of well-known, visit-worthy landmark sights; beautiful Kenroku-En garden, the badly-nicknamed 'Ninja Temple' Myoryu-ji, the castle park, the striking 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art. But as well as these there are a whole host of smaller cultural and historical sights. Many of these are run by Kanazawa City, which offers one-day or three-day passes to see them. At JPY520 for the one-day pass, or JPY830 for three days, it's an absolute bargain.
Hotel Housei in Yudanaka - Nagano
One time when a friend decided to visit Japan, I took her to see the snow monkeys in Jigokudani, in the countryside of Nagano prefecture. The main base for seeing them is the nearby town of Yudanaka, which has a fair few places to stay; the one I chose for us was Hotel Housei (ホテル豊生), a traditional onsen hotel close to the station. Everything about the hotel is relaxing. Throughout, the decor is charming and understated, with lots of wood and soft earthtones, very easy on the eye.
Oyaku-En Garden in Aizu Wakamatsu - Fukushima
Aizu Wakamatsu has a couple of very impressive historical sights: its castle, and Aizu Bukeyashiki, a fabulous restored samurai residence. Roughly half way between the two - so you can stop off if you're walking from one to the other - is Oyaku-En, a small but attractive traditional garden, a very pleasant place to stroll around slowly and relax in.
Kyushu Travel Guide: Video - Kagoshima
Kyushu, Japan’s third-largest and southernmost island, is a cultural collection of natural beauty, historic charm, spiritual connections, world-renowned sake breweries, and much more. The island’s seven prefectures, while unique in their destinations and offerings, are connected by an ever-present air of enchantment. Cultural (Photo: Benjamin Beech) One of the most sacred locations on the island is the small town of Takachiho, Miyazaki, which is considered to be the birthplace of Japan.
APA Hotel Mito Ekimae - Ibaraki
Planning a visit to Mito one spring, I had to choose from its abundance of hotels; the main decision was whether I wanted to be near the station, or near the town's main draw, the cherished traditional garden Kairaku-en. I settled on being near the station, and on the ever-reliable, ever-affordable APA chain.
Mito Okushi Kaizuka Fureai Park - Ibaraki
On a visit to Mito one spring I found myself with half a day to fill, and on a map of the area I saw a place rejoicing in the name Okushi Kaizuka Fureai Park. The helpful woman at the information office assured me it was interesting, then kindly walked me to the bus stop, so off I went. As the name suggests, it is a park, and a very pretty one too, if rather small.
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