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Journey to Japan through specially hand-curated Advent Calendars, featuring new exclusive snacks, kitchenware items, and more surprises to discover each day.

Kyoto is famous for preserving the past, but few attractions bring history to life quite like Uzumasa Kyoto Village. Opened on March 28, 2026, this large-scale redevelopment is the reimagined version of the long-running Toei Kyoto Studio Park. Rather than a completely new attraction, it represents a major transformation of a site that has been…

Spring evenings in Japan have a way of slowing everything down. When the sun sets, and lanterns start to glow, the country’s famous cherry blossoms begin to feel a little different—quieter, softer, and somehow more personal.

Rachel and Jun create a simple DIY herb garden shelf for their kitchen window, making it easy to grow and use fresh herbs at home.

Sakura poetry often explores themes of love, nature, and the passing of time. Understanding the history of sakura poetry reveals how deeply the cherry blossom is connected to Japanese culture.

Learn how to make a DIY sakura pendant light with simple materials and easy steps. This creative home decor project is fun, flexible, and beginner-friendly.

Sumi-e is a style of ink painting that uses black ink to create images with simple brush strokes. The name comes from the Japanese words for ink, sumi, and painting, e. Artists use brushes, ink, and paper to create landscapes, plants, animals, and calligraphy-like forms.

A perfect example of Japan’s love for color and art can be found at JR Ueno Station in Tokyo. For decades, a large mural has graced a wall in the train station, bringing light and joy to countless people. In a moment of profound positivity and progress, much-needed restorations to the mural are nearly complete!

Orihime and Hikoboshi are central figures in a Japanese legend connected to the Tanabata festival. Their story is linked to seasonal celebrations that happen each summer. The legend has been shared in Japan for centuries through storytelling, education, and public events.

Oshogatsu (Japanese New Year) is a special time when traditional customs welcome the beginning of a new year. This celebration mainly takes place from January 1 to January 3.

In the Shinto tradition, Toshigami is the deity who arrives at the end of every year and remains through the New Year to bring blessings, a bountiful harvest, and good fortune. People in Japan honor Toshigami at the turn of the year with rituals, decorations, and special foods.

Winter illuminations have become a tradition in Japan at the start of every Christmas season. Their sparkling brilliance chases away the cold of Japan in winter and encourages people to enjoy festive year-end activities. Let’s explore the origins and the amazing spots of winter illuminations in this beautiful country!