When you think of samurai, you might picture epic battles and legendary warlords. But where did these figures live, train, and build their legacies? Look no further than Shiga Prefecture, a land steeped in the history of Japan's warrior class. Its strategic location made it the […]
When you gaze at Lake Biwa (琵琶湖), Japan’s deepest and one of its oldest lakes, you might first see the restless surface of water, or the graceful silhouette of a torii gate reflected at dawn. But beneath that beauty lies a stirring legacy: centuries in which […]
If you’ve ever visited Japan in the autumn, you may have noticed people pausing to admire the full moon, often with a tray of round rice dumplings nearby. This is Tsukimi (月見), Japan’s traditional moon-viewing festival, a beautiful celebration of the harvest moon and the changing […]
From pottery to flower arrangements, the world of Japanese traditional crafts is beautifully diverse. With different kinds of media, practices, and styles that all encapsulate Japanese culture, many travelers find themselves participating in a workshop or two, bringing home their own little piece of Japan's traditional […]
With the beginning of the new year, the time has come again to begin the celebrations of Setsubun. If you aren’t familiar with this Japanese tradition, the event falls on the day before spring and is full of festivities. As it divides winter and spring, the […]
Visiting Japan in February? We highly recommend you plan your trip in time with Setsubun. This festive holiday packs together tons of Japanese traditions that are still alive today. Let’s discover together what Setsubun is, and what to expect and learn from this event. What […]
Japan's famous green tea, matcha, has captured the hearts and palates of tea enthusiasts around the world. More than just a beverage, this drink is a cultural symbol that embodies the essence of Japanese traditions. From its vibrant green color to its unique preparation methods, it […]
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 […]
What do you usually do on New Year's in your country? In Japan, we often go to ‘Hatsumode'. Hatsumode is a tradition where people go to a shrine or temple at the beginning of the year to pray for happiness in the coming year. What is […]
Japanese cuisine is renowned worldwide for its exquisite flavors, meticulous preparation, and beautiful presentation. While sushi and ramen often steal the spotlight, there's one culinary gem that deserves equal attention: teishoku. This great food platter is more than just a meal; it's a delightful culinary experience […]
