June in Tokyo is a transitional and atmospheric month. The city enters tsuyu (梅雨, rainy season), when soft rain brings out lush greenery, shimmering streets, and some of the most beautiful seasonal flowers in Japan. While it is wetter, June is also one of the most […]
Summer in Kyoto… that intense, humid heat you only get in a city surrounded by mountains. It can feel pretty overwhelming, right? But thanks to that very heat, Kyoto created one of its most magical summer traditions: kawadoko. If you’ve been avoiding it thinking “It’s probably […]
Japan has a way of pulling you in with its iconic cities, Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka are the most famous ones, but there’s so much more waiting beyond the typical travel route. If you’re open to exploring somewhere different, you’ll discover a different side of the […]
What food do you want to eat the most when you go to Japan? For me, there are countless dishes like oden, sushi, udon, takoyaki, okonomiyaki, etc. Now, do you know what they all have in common? It's dashi (fish stock). While broths around the world […]
Ever wondered how sushi chefs get those cuts so clean and precise? It’s not just skill, it’s also the knife. Japanese knives are tools of precision, tradition, and craftsmanship. Have you ever wondered what types of knives are used in Japan? Whether they're made specially for […]
Today, we’re delighted to introduce you to Norma, a warm-hearted guide and Training & HR Director on our Tokyo team. Originally from Mexico, Norma came to Japan to pursue her passion for Ukiyo-e woodblock printing, an art form that captured her imagination and creativity. Beyond her […]
The Showa era was the time period when Japan was ruled by Emperor Showa, from the years 1926 to 1989. During this era, there was a large cultural, political, and economic shift following the end of World War II, leading to demilitarization and emphasis on peace […]
Saijo, Hiroshima Prefecture, is renowned as one of Japan's premier sake-producing regions. However, this wasn't always the case; historically, Saijo's soft and gentle water was deemed unsuitable for brewing. Sake (Nihonshu) is produced across Japan, from the frigid north of Hokkaido to the tropical south of […]
If you visit Japan in late spring or early summer, you might be lucky enough to witness one of the country’s most graceful and meaningful traditions, the Rice Planting Festivals, known in Japanese as “Otaue Matsuri” or “Taue-sai.” These festivals aren’t just about farming; they are […]
We love sharing the stories of the people who make Arigato Travel and Japan truly special, and today we’re introducing you to our incredible Finance & Payroll Manager, Erika! Hailing from Manila, Philippines, Erika holds a degree in Business Economics, but her passion extends far beyond […]
