Where Vibrant Cities Meet Japan’s Most Mountainous Island
I came to Kyushu by pure luck. I read an article titled ‘Beppu Hot Spring Capital’ and found myself in a city where with every turn there was another layer to discover. From over 2,000 hot springs, to retro downtown streets, nature absolutely everywhere, and endless places to eat, I found myself becoming a resident. Oops. So whenever my friends or family tell me they're going to Japan, I almost feel desperate to add Kyushu to their itinerary. There is so much to enjoy, whether it’s nature, food or the arts, and it is always a shame when people miss it. Maybe the issue is that people don’t know where […]
A Hands On Taste of Winter: Traditional Mochi Pounding in Japan
Mochi pounding, known in Japanese as mochitsuki, is more than just making a rice cake. It’s a seasonal ritual that brings families and communities together, especially during winter and the New Year period. In many Japanese households, mochi making marks a time of gratitude, renewal, and preparation for the year ahead. Mochi itself is made from mochigome, a special type of glutinous rice. The process begins by soaking and steaming the rice until it becomes soft and fragrant. Traditionally, this preparation is done early in the morning, setting the tone for a day of shared work and laughter. Long before machines existed, families relied on teamwork and rhythm to transform […]
Sushi, Stories and the Calm of Kyushu
Written by Shobhit Baijal, 24 January 2026 A 2026 intern at Glide Japan, Shobhit shares his reflections and experiences from the final day of his internship. The Karatsu Tour and Sushi Making by Glide Japan is an experience I will not forget that easily. The sushi making experience was conducted at the instructor’s house, where we were greeted by two cute little dogs. The environment felt very personal, homely and serene. Since the house was located in the countryside outside of Karatsu, I could really sense a rural Japanese vibe. Our instructor was very patient and polite when teaching us the steps of sushi making, unlike most restaurant chefs (so […]
A Relaxing Day in Minami Beppu: Hidden Local Charm
Written by Khin Shunlai, 11 January 2026 An intern at Glide Japan in 2026, Shun and the other interns revamped the usual Minami Beppu walking route, showing us a new way to explore Minami Beppu. Minami Beppu is a quiet area that offers a different side of the city, especially for first-time visitors. I was surprised by how many interesting places are gathered here, like cozy cafes, local restaurants, artist accommodation and unique gift shops - all within a short walking distance. Exploring the area is very easy with the Minami Beppu walking map. By scanning a QR code, you can check locations, reviews, and directions on your phone. Most […]
Ikebana at Space Beppu: A Calm and Meaningful Experience
Written by Akida Omar, 09 January 2026 An intern at Glide Japan in 2026, Akida was one of our very first participants in our ikebana workshop. I recently joined an ikebana (Japanese flower arrangement) workshop at Space Beppu, and it was more meaningful - and more fun - than I expected. The workshop was led by Minori-sensei, who has practiced ikebana for over ten years. She first explained the history of ikebana using a kamishibai (paper-theater), which made the learning easy and enjoyable. One message stayed with me: “Through ikebana we learn patience and a deeper connection with nature.” It helped me realize ikebana is not only about beauty, but […]
Farm & Feast: Hands-on Japanese Agriculture and Deluxe Dining Experience
An Agricultural Tour led by JEFF and Glide Japan Glide Japan and JEFF bring Japanese and Spanish fusion straight from Japan’s countryside to the table. Led by Michelin-experienced Chef Tani, owner and head chef of JEFF, this private agricultural tour offers a contemporary take on “eating your way through Japan”. Rather than focusing on traditional dishes rooted in the past, this experience invites guests to taste a personalised and innovative creation using Japanese ingredients, while gaining first-hand insight into rural life and agriculture in Japan. Chef Tani creates each dish based on the ingredients available, cooking with a philosophy of “simplicity at its best”. Having lived and worked across London, Italy, […]
Beach Bathing: SHONIN PARK Keeps Tradition in the Sand Bath
“Ohhh… I’m in a cocooned sauna.”That was the first thought that came to mind as I lay beneath the warm, black sand at SHONIN PARK’s Sand Bath. Reopened in July 2025 with new accommodation, shops, and its famous sand bath, SHONIN PARK welcomes both day visitors and overnight guests who want to experience this unique and deeply relaxing form of bathing. If you’re new to sand baths, let’s start with the basics. ‘Onsen’ means ‘hot spring’ in Japanese. These are natural baths heated by volcanic activity and rich in minerals known to relax muscles, nourish the skin, and restore energy. A ‘sand bath’ (sunayu) on the other hand, is a […]
Outside the Touristy Route: Yufuin in Oita, Kyushu
#1 Don’t Follow the Yellow Brick RoadYunotsubo Street can feel like the yellow brick road that you want to follow, but Yufuin offers far more beyond its main strip. Instead, rent a bike from the tourist centre above Yufuin Station for just 250 yen per hour. The ride itself is part of the experience. I visited during the deep summer greens, but each season brings new scenery, fiery red autumn, golden yellow winter to Cherry Blossom pinks. Fun fact: Visitors often toss in a five-yen coin (go-en) into the offering box located in front of the main hall of the shrine, a gesture symbolising “good connection.” #2 Seek a Different […]
Announcement: Glide Japan Opens its Nagasaki Office! An Exciting New Challenge for Regional Revitalisation in this Vibrant Coastal City
In August 2025, Glide Japan Inc. welcomed a new team member based in Nagasaki City, officially opening our Nagasaki office. Now entering its third year, Glide Japan is taking on a new challenge by developing activities and tours in Nagasaki, as well as preparing to open tourism-related facilities in the future. Nagasaki was once the only port in Japan open to the world, fostering unique cross-cultural exchanges that gave rise to its distinctive Wakaran culture - a quirky blend of Japanese, Chinese and Western influences. Beyond the well-known sightseeing spots and local specialities often associated with Nagasaki, there are still countless hidden charms waiting to be explored there. Our mission […]
Discovering Yoron Island: A Hidden Paradise in Southern Japan
Situated just north of Okinawa, Yoron Island (与論島) is a small, picturesque island spanning 20km, with a population of just 5,000. Reachable by ferry from Okinawa’s Motobu Port in about 2.5 hours, Yoron boasts both lush beaches and friendly locals, making it a perfect getaway from busy cities for those who want to enjoy real island life. Must-knows before you visit Yoron Island ① The Best Beaches: Crystal Clear Waters & ‘Star Sand’ Yoron has simply some of the most beautiful beaches you'll ever see. The coral reefs surrounding the island help keep the water clean and vibrant, making it incredibly clear - so clear, in fact, that sea turtles […]