Step into a quiet shopping street at dusk. A flickering neon sign hums above a coffee shop window. The air smells faintly of tobacco, soy sauce, and rain on concrete. This is the Showa aesthetic, a visual and emotional time capsule that has quietly captured global […]
The temperatures in Japan are still up there, and if you’re planning a trip to Japan while it's still hot, or even if you're planning for your summer vacation next year, be warned that it can get surprisingly hot and humid. With temperatures typically climbing to […]
I was once in Yanaka, and I saw a lady fling a ladle of water from a bucket onto the sidewalk outside her shop early in the morning. She did it a few times, and the concrete darkened in uneven patches. Although the point of this […]
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 […]
Japan, a country often characterized by its deep-seated traditions and public reserve, is quietly, and loudly, undergoing a Rainbow Renaissance. On the streets of Shinjuku Nichome, and increasingly across mainstream media, LGBTQ+ life is visible and celebrated. We sat down with some of Japan’s most influential […]
Sport has long served as one of the most influential forms of soft power throughout human history. Beyond physical fitness and competition, competition has the ability to bring people together, foster shared understanding, and build lasting communities. In the case of Japan GAA, sport is used […]
In Japan, lunchtime is more than just a break between lessons; it is a vital part of the educational experience. This custom, known as kyushoku, is a widespread practice in elementary and junior high schools where students eat together in their classrooms. While high schoolers typically […]
When exploring Japan, it is nearly impossible to go more than a few blocks without hearing a brief yet catchy melody. Whether you’re browsing the aisles of a megastore or taking a stroll through the city streets, these unforgettable tunes are always playing, and they can […]
If you have ever visited Japan in winter, you may have come across one of the coziest inventions of all time: the kotatsu (炬燵, heated table). This traditional piece of furniture is more than just a way to stay warm. It represents comfort, family bonding, and […]
We’re excited to announce that Arigato Travel has officially joined IGLTA, the world’s leading network of LGBTQ+-welcoming tourism businesses, reaffirming our commitment to inclusive travel in Japan. We’ve shared the full press release here if you’d like to learn more! To celebrate this milestone, we sat […]
