Hatsumode in Tokyo – Shrines to Visit for New Years
Dec 24, 2021 By Bert Wishart
In Japan, celebrating New Year is all about 'firsts.' Perhaps the most important 'first' is the first trip to a shrine, a tradition called hatsumode. While this visit can happen...[ Click to read more ]
Holiday Dining Options in Tokyo 2021
Nov 28, 2021 By Jason Gatewood
Tokyo IS good food. In my opinion, the food in Tokyo is the best part of Tokyo! You can get pretty much anything in Tokyo at any time, and Christmas...[ Click to read more ]
Ice Skating around Kanto (Winter 2021)
Jan 29, 2021 By Jason Gatewood
Even with coronavirus still weaving its microbial hooks into every facet of society, The heartbeat of the typical Japanese winter around Greater Tokyo barely skips a beat. As long as...[ Click to read more ]
Winter Attractions in Tokyo
Jan 26, 2021 By Jason Gatewood
Wintertime around these parts usually means either taking in some winter sports like skiing and snowboarding or soaking in one of the numerous hot spring onsens around the countryside surrounding the...[ Click to read more ]
Winter Illumination in Tokyo 2020
Nov 26, 2020 By Jason Gatewood
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 ]
Snow Festivals in Japan
Dec 26, 2019 By Jason Gatewood
Because Japan is over 70% mountainous and located in the temperate latitudes of the western Pacific where the moist ocean air continually does battle with dry, cold Siberian and Mongolian...[ Click to read more ]
Christmas in Japan
Nov 10, 2019 By Ray Proper
While less than 1% of Japan's population identifies themselves as Christian, Japanese families still look forward to and enjoy Christmas festivities in their own distinctly Japanese way. Encouraged by businesses...[ Click to read more ]
Tondo Festivals in Hiroshima 2017
Dec 22, 2017 By Matt Mangham
Across Hiroshima Prefecture, early to mid-January involves one final, festive bit of housekeeping with regard to the year just passed. Part of ‘Koshagatsu,’ which marks the traditional lunar new year,...[ Click to read more ]
Japan’s Winter Food
Dec 14, 2016 By Bert Wishart
[caption id="attachment_31602" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Oden, a Japanese winter favorite[/caption] As a Brit, I am used to winters being cold, wet and miserable, with skies as grey as the faces shielded...[ Click to read more ]
Nakanoshima River Cruise in Osaka
Nov 28, 2016 By Justin Hanus
Located between the Dojima and Tosabori rivers, the island of Nakanoshima is a gorgeous sight to behold any time of year. This historical epicenter of Osaka’s commercial and administrative culture...[ Click to read more ]
