Japan’s Top 10 Most Incredible Fireworks Displays

Fireworks, called hanabi (花火) in Japanese, have a long history in Japan and are a fundamental part of Japanese summers. Japanese fireworks displays are quite unique compared to other countries’.

Your Guide to Gion, Kyoto’s Famous Geisha District

If you’re fascinated by the atmosphere of old Japan, then Gion is the place for you. Gion (祇園) is Kyoto’s famous Geisha district, as well as the home of the large Gion Matsuri festival held every year in July. Here’s what to do when visiting Gion!

Your Guide to Namba, Osaka

osaka namba guide

Located in the South part of Osaka City, Namba is a popular area for shopping, restaurants, night life, with even a few well-preserved historic shrines and alleys. Here are the must-see spots in Namba!

10 Fun Things to Do in Japan in June 2019

よさこい hokkaido matsuri

In Japan, June is a bit of a transition month between spring and summer. Therefore, the events and activities are a mix: including the last flower festivals of the spring, as well as the first lively festivals of the summer! Here are 10 fun things to do in Japan in June 2019.

Onsen/Sentō Manners: Japanese Bathing Etiquette

onsen etiquette

Japanese onsen (温泉: hot springs) or sentō (銭湯: public baths), are are enjoyed by anyone of all ages. Onsen use hot water taken from a natural hot spring, while sentō use tap water heated by boilers. Both onsen and sentō are very enjoyable to Japanese and foreigners alike, but there is a set of unspoken instructions you should know before you … Read More

Japan’s Golden Week Holiday: 2019

Golden Week (ゴールデンウィーク) is one of the busiest holiday seasons in Japan. This year, the timing of the holidays as well as the introduction of a new national holiday has created an unusually long Golden Week that lasts 10 whole days! Here’s everything you need to know about Golden Week 2019.

Gacha-Gacha: Japan’s Capsule Toys

Japan’s capsule toys are popular with people of all ages! If you take a walk down a city street in Japan, it’s very likely you’ll come across the famous Gacha-Gacha machines. Here’s everything you should know about these pocket-sized toys!

Japanese to Know: Common “Matsuri” Words

Matsuri, or festivals, are held all over Japan. They’re lively, fun, entertaining, and a great way to experience Japanese culture. Are you thinking of checking out a Japanese festival when you visit Japan? Here are the words to know before you go!

What Happens During a Japanese Wedding Ceremony

What Happens During a Japanese Wedding Ceremony Have you ever been to a wedding in Japan? Do you imagine a traditional Japanese wedding ceremony to date back thousands of years? You may be surprised to learn that Shinto weddings, known in Japanese as shinzen kekkon (神前結婚), “Marriage before the gods”, did not actually begin in Japan until the early 20th century. … Read More