Otherwise known as Girls’ Day, or ‘Hina Matsuri’ in Japanese, the colorful festival Dolls’ Festival has been celebrated on March 3rd every year since the Heian Period (794-1192).

Coming to Japan also means coming to the world of Shinto. There are about 80,000 shrines dedicated to 8 million Shinto gods throughout the country of cherry blossoms.

Valentine’s Day in Japan consists of two main treats: giri-choco for the colleagues, and honmei choco for the loved ones.

For those who value the journey as much as the destination, the luxury sleeper train ‘Seven Stars in Kyushu’ (or the nanatsuboshi no Kyushu) is the best of both.

January is a quiet time of reflection in Japan, and once February arrives the country jumps back into gear beginning with Setsubun. Read on to see what follows.

When talking about traditional Japanese alcohol, many people think of Japanese sake (rice wine). However, another popular drink that many people fall in love with is the popular Japanese plum wine.

Dessert soups, sake-infused buns, and hot fermented drinks are some of the unique Japanese treats in winter perfect for a cozy teatime.

Spending any amount of time in Japan will see contact with ume fruit. Whether it is pickled or used in alcohol, its products are very popular and used in a variety of dishes and as flavoring.

Japan’s luxury fruit commands unbelievable prices, and is closely tied to age-old gift giving culture.

Onsen (Japanese hot springs) towns are little resort areas whose main features are their hot springs and hospitality. Many tourists flock to these areas when they want to get a break from the city, look for a health retreat, or just want to soak in each area’s famous waters!

The arrival of spring in Japan is celebrated in February, earlier than most countries, with a festival called Setsubun.

Head to any kissaten (old-style coffee shop) in Japan, and chances are you’ll spot kohii zerii (coffee jelly) on the menu. A staple of Japanese coffee shops since the 1960s, Japanese coffee jelly has become so popular over the years that you can even spot it readymade in the chilled section in convenience stores.