Traditional Japanese New Years’ Foods – Osechi Ryori
Dec 26, 2024 By Ray Proper
Osechi-ryōri are traditional Japanese foods eaten at the start of the new year. The osechi tradition has been alive in Japan since the Heian Era (starting in 794). The foods...[ Click to read more ]
Hatsumode in Nagoya – Shrines to Visit for New Years
Dec 26, 2024 By First Admin
Oshogatsu, or New Year, is the most important holiday in Japan. Businesses shut down from January 1 to January 3, and families gather to spend time together. During the New...[ Click to read more ]
Family Winter Sports Guide to Tokyo
Dec 25, 2024 By Michael Stigall
Besides skiing and snowboarding, there are a variety of family friendly options to get outside and active this winter. From ice skating to “snow rafting” and even a snow tractor adventure...[ Click to read more ]
Skiing in Kanto: Day and Weekend Trips!
Dec 25, 2024 By Michael Stigall
Watch the news and you’ll see that skiing here in Japan is going through a boom period. Some slopes in places such as the Japan Alps and Hokkaido are absolutely...[ Click to read more ]
Hatsumode in Tokyo: Where to Go to Ring in 2025
Dec 25, 2024 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 Shinnenkai parties to bring in...[ Click to read more ]
Frozen Fun in Hiroshima
Dec 24, 2024 By Justin Hanus
For many, wintertime in Hiroshima means oysters and nihonshu. These are great seasonal indulgences but there are many other experiences worth having during the colder months. While the rest of...[ Click to read more ]
Winter Illuminations in 2024
Nov 29, 2024 By Michael Stigall
Christmas Day in Japan is just another working day for the most part. The most interesting facet of the Christmas and holiday season in Japan is that all traces of...[ Click to read more ]
Tokyo’s Best Flea Markets
Nov 29, 2024 By Michael Stigall
With the holidays coming up, you may be thinking of what to get for your special someone. Or if you're heading to your home country, you may be wondering about...[ Click to read more ]
Christmas in Hiroshima
Nov 29, 2024 By Justin Hanus
With Christmas approaching, it’s time for expats in Hiroshima to get into the festive spirit. Although it’s not an official public holiday in Japan, locals do acknowledge Christmas, holding festive...[ Click to read more ]
Christmas in Kansai
Nov 29, 2024 By Justin Hanus
Not being a predominantly Christian country, Japan doesn’t celebrate Christmas with quite the same fervour as people in the US, Canada or Europe. For example, Christmas is not a public...[ Click to read more ]
