tradition

What is Hastuyume? Simply put, hatsuyume is the first dream of the new year, believed to occur after December 31st and on January 1st, which can be a message that one will have luck within the upcoming year. This tradition has been around since the early […]

There are many traditions around the world when the year ends. For Japan, one such tradition is eating toshikoshi soba, or “year-crossing noodles.” This simple dish holds a special place in the Japanese New Year celebration traditions as soba noodles bring good luck in longevity because […]

With the winter cold in the air and the city decorated for the season, December is a wonderful time to visit Osaka. Since Osaka doesn’t get snow as often, you don’t have to worry about your trip being too cold, but still expect chilly weather around […]

Please welcome Kayoko San, an ikebana specialist who offers classes in Nagoya and sometimes in Tokyo! She has spent the past 7 years teaching ikebana to people from various countries and has been practising this amazing skill for almost 20 years. Her pieces are a real […]

Imagine it’s 1300 years ago in the year 724 AD, the Nara era of Japan. You’ve heard whispers of Kinosaki, a small town nestled along the Sea of Japan. Word has it a Buddhist priest named Dochi Shonin prayed for one-thousand days in order to help […]

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 […]

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 […]

Perhaps you’re ready to start brewing Japanese tea at home but not sure where to begin.  Today’s post will share a few basic, but essential tea utensils that can help transform a mundane tea experience into a simple, but beautiful and deeply flavorful experience that can […]

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 […]

When one thinks of Japan, images of vibrant cities, technological advancements, and rich cultural heritage often come to mind. At the heart of this beautiful country lies a world of ancient traditions and spiritual practices. Japanese temples and shrines, deeply rooted in history and spirituality, stand […]