Summer Days Out in Kumamoto
Apr 20, 2023 By Justin Hanus
Located in the center of the southern Kyushu island of Japan, Kumamoto is known for its gorgeous scenery. There is certainly no shortage of fantastic days out during the summer months here, from picturesque hikes to relaxing boat trips to festival fun. Much has been written about famed attractions such...[ Click to read more ]
Inuyama Festival Near Nagoya
Mar 21, 2023 By Bert Wishart
Not content with being the site of Japan's oldest (arguably most elegant) castle or being a staggeringly beautiful city, Inuyama hosts a particularly spellbinding festival every spring. The Inuyama festival is held annually on the first weekend of April and was begun under the orders of Owari clan retainer Hayatonosho...[ Click to read more ]
Top Hanami Sites Around Tokyo
Feb 27, 2023 By Michael Stigall
Rejoice for the end of winter is nearly here, and one of the best times to be in Japan is almost upon us. I am speaking, of course, of cherry blossom viewing or hanami. Just picture it! The weather will soon be warmer, the days longer, and it'll be time...[ Click to read more ]
Top Hanami Sites near Hiroshima
Feb 25, 2023 By Admin
Hanami is what the Japanese call "flower viewing," especially cherry blossoms (桜 sakura) with friends and family. In modern practice, hanami is enjoyed, especially by the younger generations of Japan, with copious amounts of food and drink. The practice is so widespread that finding and securing a good spot in...[ Click to read more ]
White Day in Japan – Chocolate, Love and Obligation
Feb 23, 2023 By
In Japan, the "Craziness of Valentine's Day" falls mainly on women. In fact, unlike most countries of which I am aware, in Japan, the tradition calls for women to give chocolate to the person they're dating, want to date, or is their father...sometimes brothers, and to add insult to injury,...[ Click to read more ]
Nagoya Ramen Festival 2023
Jan 22, 2023 By Ray Proper
Ramen is a classic Japanese food. If you ask a random person, foreign or Japanese, male or female, what their favorite food is, you are highly likely to get "ramen" as your answer. Ramen is a noodle soup of wheat noodles served in a meat-based broth. Standard flavors include: Shio...[ Click to read more ]
Hatsumode in Tokyo – Making Your First Shrine Visit of 2023
Dec 26, 2022 By Michael Stigall
New Years in Japan is laser-focused on firsts. You have your first sunrise of the year, which is very important, and other firsts like the Shinenkai parties to bring in the New Year. Easily the most important of these New Year’s rituals is hatsumode. Hatsumode is the first visit of...[ Click to read more ]
New Year Countdown Parties Near Nagoya 2022
Dec 13, 2022 By Bert Wishart
New Year is an important time in Japan, but things are celebrated differently here than back home. You are undoubtedly already clued up on Japan's New Year traditions, its New Year's foods, and the shrines to visit for Hatsumoude in Nagoya. But did you know that there are also New...[ Click to read more ]
Tokyo’s Christmas Markets
Nov 28, 2022 By Michael Stigall
A few years ago, I had the opportunity to visit Europe right before the holiday season was underway. One upside to this trip was experiencing the Christmas Markets that pop up in both major cities and small villages. These markets sell festive food and drink and all sorts of Christmas...[ Click to read more ]
Japanese New Years’ Traditions
Nov 24, 2022 By Jason Gatewood
New Year is the main holiday of the year in Japan, and the country shuts down for several days as people take time off to spend time with their families and relax. As with Christmas celebrations in the West, numerous customs and traditions are observed at New Year. Here are...[ Click to read more ]
