You are taking a Shinkansen 新幹線 or bullet train, as it's known overseas, in Japan and spending time inside the…
Maria PeñascalAugust 20, 2024
This is the second article of our new series, My Japan, where contributors from all over the country write about…
Maria PeñascalJuly 22, 2024
Japanese society, it could be said, really immerses itself in the changing seasons. From Shintoism and Buddhism, the main religions…
Maria PeñascalJune 28, 2024
Following the proverb "When in Rome, do as the Romans do" when I came to Japan for the first time,…
Maria PeñascalJune 21, 2024
Uncover the secrets behind Japan's vast array of vending machines, from convenience and safety to cultural customs.
Maria PeñascalJune 13, 2024
Explore another side of Tokyo by visiting Ogikubo and Nishi-Ogikubo, two of the city's most underrated and non-touristy neighborhoods.
Maria PeñascalMay 21, 2024
Spain – Madrid, France – Paris, United Kingdom – London… How about the capital of Japan? While many may know…
Maria PeñascalOctober 20, 2022
The first thing to do before undertaking a trip is to plan it: looking for which airline to fly with,…
Maria PeñascalJune 6, 2022
When you think of Japan, you might picture Mt Fuji, temples and shrines, sushi, and countless other cultural and gastronomical…
Maria PeñascalMay 30, 2022
“A Japanese is born as a Shinto, marries as a Christian, and dies as a Buddhist.” This looks impossible, but…
Maria PeñascalMay 24, 2022
Experiencing an authentic aspect of traditional Japan is a dream come true for any fan of Japanese culture. While traveling…
Maria PeñascalApril 5, 2022
With its stunning natural environment of mountains, trails, volcanoes, cliffs, and other geographic structures, Japan is full of wonder for…
Maria PeñascalFebruary 25, 2022
Imagine riding a bike to explore natural locations with varied vegetation and wildlife. Get to enjoy incredible routes between mountains,…
Maria PeñascalFebruary 25, 2022
I was waiting for my dinner, sitting on the tatami floor at a ryokan in Oita prefecture. I didn't know…
Maria PeñascalDecember 10, 2021
Death. That mystery yet to be solved. That unanswered phenomenon that all cultures try to understand. The path to the…
Maria PeñascalMay 26, 2021
When I came to Japan with my Working Holiday visa in March 2019, sakura blossoms were about to bloom. The…
Maria PeñascalApril 2, 2021
Spring is a wonderful time for nature lovers. Trees blossom with flowers, landscapes turn green, and we switch our heavy…
Maria PeñascalMarch 25, 2021
Improving your Japanese level or delving into different areas of Japanese culture from your own country can be easier than…
Maria PeñascalJanuary 13, 2021
Since the beginning of November, Japan is immersed in a totally Christmasy atmosphere: full of lights, Christmas products in stores,…
Maria PeñascalDecember 23, 2020
Japan started to celebrate Christmas after World War II due to Western influence. As it comes from the Christian tradition,…
Maria PeñascalDecember 18, 2020
The experience of a trip starts with your transportation. If you want to travel to Tokyo, the starting point is…
Maria PeñascalNovember 29, 2020
According to Japanese mythology, Japan was created by the hand of the gods Izanagi and Izanami. Moreover, his children were…
Maria PeñascalNovember 27, 2020
I’m sure you are missing Japan. You would like to be closer to this wonderful culture and experience its essence.…
Maria PeñascalNovember 19, 2020
Japanese cuisine includes a great variety of dishes, and, little by little, they are becoming known in Western countries. Many…
Maria PeñascalOctober 22, 2020
In many cultures, the deceased have great relevance. And Japan is no exception: death is almost as important as life.…
Maria PeñascalOctober 13, 2020
Seeing traditional celebrations is one of the many things that I enjoyed while living in Japan. A particular curiosity for…
Maria PeñascalOctober 2, 2020
Sometimes, coincidences give you incredible opportunities to visit a place you wouldn't have otherwise. My visit to Akabane (赤羽) was a matter…
Maria PeñascalSeptember 25, 2020
