tradition– tag –

For those seeking a deeper connection to traditional Japanese culture, Miyakodori offers a rare opportunity to witness and participate in the refined world of geisha. Located in the heart of Tokyo’s historic Asakusa district, a neighborh...

Golden Week is one of Japan’s most anticipated holiday seasons, a string of national holidays that usually spans from late April to early May. It’s a time when many Japanese take extended vacations, travel across the country, visit famil...

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) of Japan has created an extensive database to showcase the rich and diverse food cultures across the country. The website, Our Regional Cuisines - Beloved tastes and flavors we w...

Cherry blossoms, or sakura, are among Japan's most iconic natural treasures, drawing visitors from around the world to witness their fleeting beauty. Among the countless sakura trees across the country, three stand out for their historic...

In Japan, the New Year is a time of joy, renewal, and heartfelt wishes for the months ahead. The phrase “あけましておめでとうございます” (Akemashite omedetou gozaimasu) is used to greet friends, family, and colleagues, meaning "Happy New...

Nestled in the northwestern part of Kagawa Prefecture, Zentsuji City offers an enchanting escape with its warm climate, rich history, and serene landscapes. Known as the birthplace of the legendary Buddhist monk Kukai (also called Kobo D...

Christmas is a season of giving, and what better way to present your gifts than with a touch of Japanese tradition? Furoshiki, the versatile and eco-friendly Japanese wrapping cloth, not only adds elegance to your gift but also promotes ...

One of the most unique and enriching aspects of traveling to Japan is experiencing centuries-old traditions that have been passed down through generations. Among these, Hatsumode, the first shrine or temple visit of the New Year, is a pr...

When it comes to celebrating Christmas, Japan adds its own unique flair to the holiday season. One of the most delightful and distinctly Japanese traditions is the Christmas Boot—a boot-shaped container filled with treats and small gifts...

The Rich History of Fermented Foods in JapanJapan has a long tradition of incorporating fermented foods into its cuisine, dating back over a thousand years. The country’s humid climate and abundant natural resources provided the ideal co...

Even in the world, the meanings of numbers change from country to country, and the impressions of numbers in a country often are deeply influenced by the culture of that country. This is also true in Japan.

What would you do if bugs were in your house? To the Japanese, spiders are considered very good things and should never be killed. Here is why spiders should not be killed, and when they should not be killed.

Japan has traditional music that has been valued throughout generations of Japanese people. This comes with traditional instruments used in making this folk music of Japan. Here are six traditional Japanese instruments that have made an impact on music as a whole.

Pickles are an indispensable food in Kyoto. Since there is no sea in the vicinity of Kyoto, preservation techniques for food have been developed since ancient times. Here are the three major pickles in Kyoto!

Every New Year in Japan, thousands of people line up to buy "lucky bags" called "fukubukuro". A lucky bag is a bag filled with everything from clothing to food that the store sells, and the items are secret.

There tends to be some confusion between what martial arts are from Japan and which come from China. Yet, there is a fundamental difference between these styles of martial arts, influenced by their respective origin countries.

Every year in Japan, those who turn twenty get to experience a day decided by them! Seijin Shiki, sometimes called adult’s day, is a holiday in Japan where the coming of age into adulthood is celebrated.

There is an unlucky year called "yaku doshi" in Japan. Yaku doshi is a year to be more modest than usual. The word "yaku" has the meaning of misfortune or calamity, and the idea is to spend the year more carefully than usual in order to avoid it.

In the U.S., the U.K., and Europe, the most common way of heating is central heating. However, in Japan, there is basically no such central heating system, and people usually spend the winter by using heating appliances.

Different cultures and histories have their own unique laws, some of which you may wonder if they are true. When you live or travel abroad, you may inadvertently be in violation of the law. So here are some of the weird laws that are unique to Japan!