Many Japanese may recall their childhood memories of mamemaki. While chanting “Evil out! Luck in!” beans are scattered around the…
Maria PeñascalJanuary 28, 2025
I don’t particularly like new stuff. It makes me sad, for example, to think of factories churning out an ever-growing…
Richard Koyama-DanielsOctober 22, 2024
I think it was the moment Orochi arrived. A phantasmagorical rendering of the eight-headed, eight-tailed serpent from Shinto myth, cavorting…
David McElhinneySeptember 24, 2024
Across many parts of the western world, the bitter gray tedium of winter is made just about bearable by the…
Richard Koyama-DanielsSeptember 13, 2024
I’ve known Michail Gkinis for not far off 20 years now. A maverick of design, he’s a graduate of the…
Paul McInnesAugust 29, 2024
The curvaceous and holey Henry Moores that dotted the landscape of my pre-Banksy UK youth, were to me, the face…
Richard Koyama-DanielsJuly 16, 2024
Over the years, one of the least wasteful ways I have found to waste my time, has been to head…
Richard Koyama-DanielsJuly 4, 2024
Many bands from all over the world dream of playing live in Japan. It's often seen as a utopia for…
Paul McInnesJune 24, 2024
Uncover the secrets behind Japan's vast array of vending machines, from convenience and safety to cultural customs.
Maria PeñascalJune 13, 2024
A brief history of Japanese cheesecake, including its various types, recommended locations to enjoy it in Japan, and instructions for…
Claudia MitsuboriJune 10, 2024
Discover hidden treasures at Japan's top flea and antique markets with our comprehensive shopper's guide in Tokyo and Kansai.
Stefania Da PontApril 4, 2024
Kyushu's most southern prefecture, Kagoshima (鹿児島), is a beautiful place packed with interesting bits of Kagoshima history, culture, and subtropical…
Cassandra LordMarch 22, 2023
Legend has it that a deity appeared in a dream to a pious Buddhist monk to show him a sacred…
Toshiko SakuraiApril 12, 2022
Passion for Japan often makes people want to learn the Japanese language beyond the basic expressions such as "arigato". Nowadays,…
Stefania Da PontNovember 29, 2021
When planning a trip to Japan, people often build their itinerary around tourist spots, museums, and other famous attractions. However,…
Anna ToccoliOctober 20, 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
If you’ve ever wondered what it might be like to harvest your own food and then cook it for supper,…
Cherise FongFebruary 8, 2021
The man approached the 200-year-old Buddhist Temple from the street, waving to us as he passed beneath the stone gate.…
Todd FongJanuary 28, 2021
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’s that time of the year again. The New Year is awaiting us, and with it, one of the most…
Yvonne TanakaNovember 4, 2020
As closed borders and shelter-in-place restrictions continue to be in effect around the world, travelers and travel-related service providers alike…
Todd FongJune 23, 2020
A traditional Japanese art, green tea tasting, meditation, awakening; so many terms used to define the Japanese tea ceremony or…
Cyrielle Ugnon-CoussiozMay 28, 2020
Izumi (Kagoshima prefecture) is a city with many surprises. After my experience staying in a traditional rural house and seeing…
Maria PeñascalMarch 7, 2020
sponsored by Northern Kumamoto Administrative Headquarters Situated in Kumamoto Prefecture on the old Buzen Kaido road linking northern and southern…
Clémentine CintréNovember 28, 2019
Sponsored by Tourism Oita Saiki, coastal city in Oita prefecture Located in the southeast part of Oita Prefecture on Kyushu…
Aimée MoribayashiJuly 16, 2019
Sponsored by Izumi City Though the relentless march of progress has taken its toll on historic areas of urban Japan,…
Marie HabasqueJanuary 16, 2019
Sponsored by Niigata city Before visiting the city of Niigata, the only time I came close to meeting a Geisha…
Marion PontAugust 4, 2018
