The Way of Tea – Japanese Tea Ceremony in Nagoya
Jan 30, 2020 By Bert Wishart
Also referred to as the Way of Tea, the Japanese tea ceremony elevates the preparation and presentation of 'macha,' or powdered green tea, to a ceremonial activity of great cultural significance. In the tea ceremony or chanoyu, sadō, or chadō in Japanese, matcha is skillfully and elegantly prepared for guests...[ Click to read more ]
Setsubun Festivals in Tokyo 2020
Jan 25, 2020 By Jason Gatewood
So you survived oshogatsu (Japanese New Year's) and are looking forward to the end of March and the blooming of the cherry trees, but the reality is there are at least 60 more days to go before a single pink blossom appears. While it will not bring the blossoms any...[ Click to read more ]
What to do in Tokyo over the New Year’s Holidays 2019
Dec 27, 2019 By Jason Gatewood
People say Tokyo is the most restless city in the world, but maybe they've never been here around the traditional New Year holiday period when most residents aren't punching the clock. Instead, they are spending time with their families, often well outside the Metropolis in their hometowns. Pretty much any...[ Click to read more ]
What is the ShichiGoSan Ceremony?
Nov 24, 2019 By Jason Gatewood
Traditionally held on November 15, the Shichigosan (七五三, literally 7-5-3) ceremony is a rite that originated around 750 AD in the Heian period to celebrate the passage into middle childhood for children in Japan. Back in those times, it was considered a blessing from the gods if a child made...[ Click to read more ]
How to See Kobe on a Budget
Oct 18, 2019 By Justin Hanus
Traveling around Japan can be expensive, but it’s still possible to visit any city in the country if you’re on a budget. Kobe is no exception. It’s easy to reach Kobe from Osaka or any other city in Kansai and there’s plenty to do once you get there for almost...[ Click to read more ]
The Red Capped Statues – The Patron Saint of Children.
Sep 27, 2019 By Hugh Cann
If you’ve visited Mitaki Temple on the city outskirts or perhaps Daishoin Temple on Miyajima (or many other places throughout Japan) you will surely have come across small stone statues of monks wearing red knitted caps and bibs across the chest. These are statues honoring the Jizo Bosatsu. Jizo is...[ Click to read more ]
Stepping Back in Time at the Arimatsu Float Festival
Aug 20, 2019 By Bert Wishart
Sometimes when you visit festivals, with everyone dressed in their finest kimono or yukata, the street stalls lining the streets, and the local historical curiosities paraded around the town, if you squint just enough, you feel like you are able to capture a small glimpse of how the old Japan...[ Click to read more ]
Light up the Beach at the Enoshima Toro Lantern Festival
Jul 26, 2019 By Jason Gatewood
The area to the southwest of Tokyo proper located in Kanagawa Prefecture called Shonan, is known for being a longtime beach playground for anyone into the summer beach scene in Japan, and a local getaway spot for those of us living in Greater Tokyo whenever the stifling heat of summer...[ Click to read more ]
Things You’ll Only Find in the Kansai Region
Jul 18, 2019 By Justin Hanus
Kansai is one of the most visited regions of Japan and has an allure for tourists because of its unique culture, architecture, history, and gastronomy, as well as the fact that it has been used for the setting of some of the most iconic movies of the last 50 years....[ Click to read more ]
Top Things to Do in Nara
Jul 16, 2019 By Justin Hanus
With numerous temples and shrines, Nara is an important city for Japanese history and culture. It is also a top location for outdoor activities, especially during the fall for the autumn leaves. Shrines and Temples Each one of the shrines and temples in Nara is fascinating in its own way....[ Click to read more ]
