Japan’s summer festivals, or natsu matsuri, are vibrant celebrations filled with tradition, lively performances, and stunning fireworks displays. These summer festivals are typically held throughout the country from June to August. From illuminated decorations and dancing, to festival games and delicious street snacks, Japan’s summer festivals […]
Bon Odori (盆踊り) is a traditional Japanese dance festival held during the Obon season, a time when people honor the spirits of their ancestors. It is an event where people dance together around a Yagura (raised platform) to the rhythm of festival music, accompanied by taiko […]
It's summertime in Japan, and while most people worry about the soaring temperatures, there are a lot of amazing reasons why we need to enjoy summer to the fullest. Wondering what things to do while in Japan? We've rounded up ten unique and fun summer activities […]
What are Yukatas? The yukata is one of the most common wafuku (traditional Japanese clothing) that is still worn today. This traditional clothing piece is a casual, light-wear version of the kimono, typically made from breathable materials like cotton or linen. As you might know, kimonos […]
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 […]
Japan’s summers are known for getting quite hot and many look for ways to beat the heat. While there are popular methods, such as visiting a beach or taking a dip at the nearest pool, Japan has many more ways to escape the heat and have […]
Picture this: waking up and looking out at white snow-capped mountains in a luxurious villa with your own private chefs and butlers pampering you during your stay. If you think that’s something out of a movie, I can assure you that it’s not! At HakuVillas, found […]
When it comes to culinary feasts, Japan is well versed in the subject, whether it be for their desserts, taiyaki for example, or their world-renowned sushi. But what do those two have in common, you may ask? Well, both culinary dishes are inspired by seafood, the […]
While February saw a glimpse of the plum blossoms beginning to bloom in Osaka, late March is forecasted to see the start of Japan’s stunning cherry blossoms, painting the city and the parks pink. You may notice the weather is starting to be less chilly, but […]
March symbolizes the beginning of Spring and the end of a Japanese year. While Kyoto saw heavy snow in the past week, the start of March marks some of the most exciting yet chill activities to do in Kyoto. Let’s dive into the best things to […]
