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 […]
It's that time of year again! Always an exciting time in the world of Japanese hospitality and craftsmanship—the announcement of the OMOTENASHI Selection 2025! This year, recipients from all over Japan were selected to showcase their artisanally crafted products with a focus on the spirit of […]
As someone who grew up in Hong Kong, I thought I was well prepared for the intense summer heat Japan is famous for. The sticky humidity and high temperatures of my hometown had me feeling ready for anything. However, after moving to Kyoto, I quickly realized […]
Kyoto, Japan’s cultural capital, is well-known for its temples, traditional tea ceremonies, and the historical heritage that draws visitors from around the world. But what some may not realize is that Kyoto is also a hidden gem for food lovers, particularly those seeking to experience the […]
Ueno (上野), built on a hilly area commonly known as “Ueno no Yama” (Ueno Mountain), has developed as a cultural and artistic center since opening as Japan's first park in May 1876. Today, many important cultural facilities such as museums, art galleries, zoos, and art universities, […]
If you want to step away from the modern, glitzy side of Tokyo and wish to explore an area that seems out of place with the rest of the city, spend some time in Nippori, a delightful blend of old-world charm and contemporary vibe. Located in […]
Japan has infamously been experiencing overtourism as of late, but even with policies like higher prices for foreign tourists, it seems that visitor numbers won’t go down anytime soon. And why would they? With a weak yen and the consistently high numbers of people just plain […]
One of the most anticipated sights in Japan is the annual arrival of the cherry blossoms – or sakura – each spring. Sakura are Japan’s unofficial national flower and hold a special place in Japanese culture. These delicate blossoms come in tons of different colors including […]
Sumo is a sports competition between two rikishi (wrestlers). It takes place at the dohyo, which is a circular platform formed by partially buried rice straw bales 4.55 meters in diameter and is covered in sand. In order to win the match, the rikishi has to […]
On December 3rd, the second round of the 2024 OMOTENASHI selection award winners were announced, showcasing the winner's contribution towards fine craftsmanship and execution of many amazing Japanese products and services. The OMOTENASHI selection is a yearly list of the highest quality products and services produced […]
