The Kii Peninsula (紀伊半島) is a vast region that extends across the prefectures of Nara (奈良), Wakayama (和歌山) and Mie…
Clémentine CintréMarch 4, 2021
From pictorial villages of traditional thatched-roof houses to one of Japan’s beloved onsen hot spring towns, a visit to Gifu Prefecture…
Mika CunninghamFebruary 8, 2021
Just outside the crowds of Kyoto city is a world of serene nature, vibrant culture, and deep history that you…
Todd FongFebruary 3, 2021
Just outside the crowds of Kyoto city is a world of serene nature, vibrant culture, and deep history that you…
Don KennedyFebruary 3, 2021
The name Goto literally means 5 Islands, the number of islands the Goto Islands were traditionally said to contain. The…
Todd FongJanuary 28, 2021
There is a quality of tatami that is unmistakably Japanese. The scent of a freshly mowed field in Spring. The…
Todd FongJanuary 25, 2021
What does Hello Kitty have to do with the US-Japan bilateral Treaty of Cooperation and Security and the May 68…
Toshiko SakuraiJanuary 23, 2021
It is said that love is universal. That all human beings, wherever they are from, understand and express it with…
Lucia TsujiguchiJanuary 20, 2021
Kanji. The bane of students of Japanese, of certain carefree T-shirt designers and tattoo artists victims of customers lacking enough…
Toshiko SakuraiJanuary 14, 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
If you're in Tokyo on New Year's Eve, Oji is where you need to be. Oji is the magical neighborhood…
Toshiko SakuraiJanuary 4, 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
The experience of sleeping on a futon (布団) remains one of the most appealing activities for travelers coming to Japan.…
Toshiko SakuraiDecember 4, 2020
There’s something surreal about driving through the countryside of southern Niigata Prefecture and suddenly seeing a giant window — complete with…
Patrick St. MichelDecember 3, 2020
“It takes two entire years to pass a taiko apprenticeship. That means no drinking, no smoking, no social media. Do…
Lucy DaymanDecember 3, 2020
Us horse lovers all have something in common. Even on vacation in a foreign country, we feel we can't survive…
Yvonne TanakaNovember 25, 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
MinaHomi Design Workshop is a project born from the dreams of a young artist who rekindled her deepest roots when…
Lucia TsujiguchiNovember 11, 2020
It’s that time of the year again. The New Year is awaiting us, and with it, one of the most…
Yvonne TanakaNovember 4, 2020
A flag represents all that a nation stands for: ideals, culture, history, and the people themselves. All these elements are…
Luca DenserOctober 23, 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
Everyone has something that made them fall in love with Japan. For me, it was my love of kimono and sushi.…
Lia YewSeptember 21, 2020
The Japanese seasonal change isn't just noticeable in the change in temperature or the number of clothing layers you have…
Toshiko SakuraiSeptember 15, 2020
Japanese traditions contain numerous customs and rituals that may seem unusual to Westerners. However, these customs make sense when one…
Yvonne TanakaSeptember 12, 2020
Addressing someone in Japanese is a bit complicated, as honorific titles or suffixes will have to be used accordingly and…
VoyaponSeptember 5, 2020
Heatstroke, which is a medical emergency condition caused by failure of the body to regulate its temperature, is common in…
Nina CataldoSeptember 4, 2020
Know what to expect, things you may want to avoid, and tips on how to help overcome the culture shock…
Todd FongSeptember 2, 2020
