Shiretoko National Park is one of Japan’s wildest and most beautiful natural areas, known for its rugged mountains, rich wildlife, and dramatic coastline

In Japan, daily life often blends tradition with modern convenience. You might walk past a vending machine right after visiting a centuries-old shrine. One tradition that has stayed strong over the years is the use of omamori—Japan’s beloved good luck charms.

Every autumn, people in Japan gather to honor the moon. This tradition is called tsukimi (moon viewing). The festival mixes natural beauty, poetry, folklore, and tasty seasonal foods into one glowing celebration. It began long ago as a harvest ritual.

There is something timeless about the Japanese onsen. For centuries, these natural hot springs have been more than places to bathe. They are sanctuaries of renewal, reflection, and connection with nature. Surrounded by mountains, forests, or coastal views, onsens invite visitors to pause, breathe, and experience the restorative warmth of mineral-rich waters. While traveling to…

One of the best-known Japanese folktales is “The Monkey and the Moon,” in which animals mistake the moon’s reflection for the real thing. The story is a quiet lesson about illusion and reality.

The moon is vital in Japanese culture; it symbolizes change, mystery, and peace. Poetry, folklore, and festivals draw from the nation’s long history with the lunar cycle. Artists across the centuries have used it as inspiration. Some simply tried to capture its beauty or explain its deeper meaning. Japanese moon art in particular captures this.