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...[ Click to read more ]
Winter Illumination in Tokyo
Dec 26, 2022 By Michael Stigall
Christmas time in Tokyo can be a bit surreal. On the one hand, there are Christmas markets, gigantic sales, innumerable shopping centers, and more decorations than you would expect, but...[ Click to read more ]
Ice Skating in Kanto
Dec 26, 2022 By Michael Stigall
For most of us from colder climates, it is hard to imagine winter without ice skating. Luckily, many in the metropolis share that view, and there is a wide selection...[ Click to read more ]
Hatsumode in Kobe – Shrines to Visit for New Years
Dec 20, 2022 By Justin Hanus
Japan only started celebrating the New Year on January 1st, 1873, when the country adopted the Gregorian calendar of the West. Traditionally, the Japanese New Year was the same as...[ Click to read more ]
Great Winter Food in Kansai
Nov 29, 2022 By Justin Hanus
Japan can get pretty chilly during the winter months. Fortunately, the country excels when it comes to hearty winter meals. As are regional variations, seasonal ingredients and dishes are very...[ 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...[ Click to read more ]
Winter Illumination in Nagoya 2022
Nov 23, 2022 By Ray Proper
Christmas Day in Japan is just another working day, for the most part. The most exciting facet of the Christmas and holiday season in Japan is that all traces of...[ Click to read more ]
Holiday Dining Options in Nagoya 2022
Nov 21, 2022 By Ray Proper
Nagoya has excellent local cuisine, and numerous wonderful options are available at any time of year. However, during the holidays, you may need some hints on where to get your...[ Click to read more ]
Heroes on the Half Shell – Where to get in-season Oysters in Nagoya
Jan 24, 2022 By Bert Wishart
For those of us who are used to the climate control comforts of central heating, double glazing, and insulated buildings coming as standard, winter in Japan – where these are...[ Click to read more ]
Onsen – The How To’s, Do’s and Don’ts
Jan 12, 2022 By Bert Wishart
Seismic activity is so ingrained in Japanese life that folklore tells of Namazu, a giant catfish who lives beneath the country and is restrained by the god Kashima. However, when...[ Click to read more ]
