Every summer, millions of people across Japan return to their hometowns, gather with family, visit ancestral graves, and dance beneath glowing lanterns. Trains fill up, highways become congested, and cities take on a quieter atmosphere as one of the country’s most meaningful holidays begins. Known as Obon, this centuries-old Buddhist tradition is a time to honor the spirits of deceased family members. While it isn’t an official national holiday, it...
Summer in Nagoya is hot and humid, but local food culture has plenty of ways to make the season more enjoyable. From refreshing cold noodles and shaved ice to grilled eel traditionally eaten for summer stamina, the city offers dishes closely connected to Japan’s hottest months. So, what do people eat in Nagoya during summer? Popular summer foods in Nagoya include cold kishimen and somen noodles, hitsumabushi and unagi, kakigori,...
Nagoya is often associated with castles, miso cuisine, and samurai history, but it is also one of Japan’s best destinations for sports, both modern and traditional. From cheering alongside thousands of fans at a professional sumo tournament to learning the precise movements of a samurai sword, there are countless ways to experience Japanese sports culture beyond simply watching from the sidelines. Whether you want to try a centuries-old martial art,...
Summer in Nagoya brings vibrant festivals, seasonal events, and plenty of sunshine. But when temperatures begin to soar, one of the best things you can do is venture beyond the city and discover the cooler, more relaxed destinations that surround Nagoya. Thanks to its central location, Nagoya is the perfect base for exploring mountain towns, historic villages, riverside communities, and coastal landscapes. Many of these destinations can be reached in...
Some festivals in Japan end with fireworks. Not the Toyohashi Gion Festival; this one starts with people holding them. And not the safe, distant kind launched from a riverbank, we’re talking about bamboo tubes packed with gunpowder, cradled under one arm while columns of fire explode into the night sky. It sounds slightly unhinged. It also happens to be one of the most spectacular festival traditions in Japan. Here’s exactly...
