Spring Awakening in Japan: Food, Fun & Festivals February 28, 2022 No Comments Plum blossoms plus seasonal foods and sweets mark the transition into spring step by step until the cherry blossoms kick off public life. Read More »
What is Hanami? A Brief History February 26, 2022 No Comments ‘Flower viewing’ was originally reserved for a different blossom and the upper class. Nowadays, it’s enjoyed by everyone. Read More »
Bamboo Shoots: Japan’s Favorite Spring Vegetable February 11, 2022 No Comments Called ‘takenoko’ in Japanese, bamboo shoots aren’t just for crafts or construction, but are one of many seasonal foods in Japan. Read More »
Five Traditional Japanese Sweets to Enjoy in Spring February 9, 2022 No Comments Spring’s bright colors feature prominently in Japanese sweets, with cherry blossom pink particularly popular during sakura season. Read More »
Winter Sweets, Valentine’s, and the Coming of Spring in Japan January 29, 2022 No Comments 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. Read More »
Setsubun Festival: Warding Off Demons to Welcome Spring January 24, 2022 No Comments The arrival of spring in Japan is celebrated in February, earlier than most countries, with a festival called Setsubun. Read More »
Ume: Japan’s Plum Blossoms Mark the Beginning of Hanami January 19, 2022 No Comments Sakura, or cherry blossoms, are well known outside Japan. Lesser known is its yearly predecessor the ume, or plum blossom. Read More »