history

In Japan, there’s a cherished tradition taking place every November when temples and shrines fill with brightly dressed children, proud parents, and an air of festivity. This celebration is Shichi-Go-San — a longstanding Japanese tradition that honors children who have reached the special ages of 3, […]

The team here at Arigato Travel has recently had the pleasure of meeting the owner of SushiUniversity, Tetsuya Hanada san, who wrote his own book, Beyond the Sushi Chef: The Ultimate Bible for Mastering Nigiri Sushi, to guide others on nigiri sushi and more! Holding such […]

Attention dear travelers, I have some very important news before you set sail to Japan and it involves something vital that you require on your trip: currency. Yes, as of July 3rd, 2024, the Bank of Japan has stated that new banknotes for 1,000 yen, 5,000 […]

Ozu Washi is a shop that sells traditional Japanese paper in Tokyo. This is not just any store, besides selling all kinds of different high-quality products based around traditional paper, they also have workshops, a museum, Shoran exhibition and an art gallery. They have been around […]

You can hear the wind chimes and the chatter of the locals in the shops. You walk around to stumble upon tatami (Traditional Japanese flooring) merchants. Or the quirky life advice fortune tellers. The charm of Shotengai (Shopping Arcade) lies in the worn-down retro store signs […]

When it comes to alcoholic beverages in Japan, sake is undoubtedly the oldest and most popular example. When we hear the word ‘sake’ we generally think of rice wine which is known as nihonshu in Japanese, as the word ‘sake’ simply refers to alcohol in general. […]

Are you sick and tired of over-crowded tourist attractions and city buses in Kyoto? Would you like to have a relaxing day but still visit a museum? Do you prefer different experiences to those in major tourist cities? If your answer hits yes to one or […]

Many would-be-visitors to Japan dream of a deep connection with the history and culture, especially with that of the Edo era, better known as the Samurai time in this ancient country.  Most foreign travelers spend time seeking this connection on what is often called the “golden […]

If you have any interest in Japanese cuisine, especially seafood, you will probably come across two names. Tsukiji or Toyosu. The city’s new seafood wholesaler is now located in Toyosu. Still, the current Tsukiji outer market is well-recognized by many. It remains one of Tokyo’s most attractive places to visit…