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Hanami Festivals: How Japan Welcomes the Spring
Thinking of Japanese symbols, besides Mt. Fuji, we’ve all come to think of cherry blossoms, or Sakura, right?
What are Hina Dolls? A Guide to Japan’s Hinamatsuri
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).
A Guide to Japan’s Shinto Shrines & Temples
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.
Kyushu Japan’s Seven Stars Train: History & Costs
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.
Winter Sweets, Valentine’s, and the Coming of Spring in Japan
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.
Japanese Plum Wine: A Historically Delicious Beverage
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.
Japan’s Beautiful Onsen Towns: From Hokkaido to Kyushu
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!
Setsubun Festival: Warding Off Demons to Welcome Spring
The arrival of spring in Japan is celebrated in February, earlier than most countries, with a festival called Setsubun.
Ume: Japan’s Plum Blossoms Mark the Beginning of Hanami
Sakura, or cherry blossoms, are well known outside Japan. Lesser known is its yearly predecessor the ume, or plum blossom.
Yokohama Ramen: Misunderstood or Genius?
Perhaps one of the most polarizing styles of ramen to ever emerge from Japan, Yokohama ramen, known as Yokohama iekei (family-style) ramen, has one of two reputations.
Yokohama Chinatown: A Gem of Chinese Culture in Japan
In Yokohama, to the south of Tokyo, lies the largest Chinatown in Japan, established nearly 150 years ago; full of shops, restaurants, and businesses bustling with activity. Visiting Yokohama Chinatown as a tourist can be a very fun experience.
The Ultimate Guide to Historical Kamakura
Kamakura in Kanagawa was the capital and most populous city of Japan at one time. Explore this area for a taste of traditional Japan.
