Articles

Japanese Festival Guide: The Most Spectacular Matsuri You Must Experience

IntroductionPhoto: 高岡御車山祭 (Google Maps)With cries of “Wasshoi! Wasshoi!”, a mikoshi (portable shrine) parades through th...

Japanese Garden Guide: History, Styles & the Most Beautiful Gardens to Visit

IntroductionThe tranquil beauty woven by stone, water, and plants—have you ever experienced a sense of time slowing the ...

Japanese Train Etiquette: Essential Rules for Riding Trains in Japan

IntroductionWhen traveling in Japan, riding trains is unavoidable. In major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, trains ...

Japanese Chopstick Manners: Essential Etiquette & Taboos You Should Know

Introduction — Chopstick Manners You May Not Know as Well as You ThinkChopsticks (hashi) are indispensable at the Japane...

Tokyo Ramen Guide: The Best Ramen Shops & Styles in Japan’s Capital

IntroductionFrom the moment you set foot in Tokyo, the city assaults your senses without pause. Step out of a subway exi...

Japanese Bowing Guide: The Art of Ojigi & When to Bow in Japan

IntroductionOne of the first things that surprises foreign visitors to Japan is the beauty and naturalness of Japanese b...

Hiroshima Okonomiyaki Guide: The Layered Japanese Pancake You Must Try

IntroductionThe savory aroma of batter sizzling on a hot iron griddle, steam rising from a mountain of cabbage, and the ...

Osaka Takoyaki Guide: The Ultimate Street Food Experience in Japan

IntroductionWalking through the streets of Osaka, the sweet aroma of sauce drifts toward you from every direction. Round...

Oirase Stream: Aomori’s Pristine Mountain Stream & Nature Walking Paradise

IntroductionIn eastern Aomori Prefecture, a pristine stream carved over 14 kilometers flows from Lake Towada through a m...

Tottori Sand Dunes: Japan’s Largest Sand Dunes & Unique Desert Landscape

IntroductionPhoto: 鳥取砂丘 (Google Maps)Many people are surprised to learn that Japan has its own “desert.” However, the To...