Summer is finally here! And with the arrival of the hot weather, we are ready to have some fun! The Japanese summers are synonymous with incredible festivals. Summer inspires some of the most stunning Natsu Matsuri (summer festivals) with Obon dances and spectacular fireworks displays. Everyone dresses up in their most beautiful Yukata and looks forward to the popular festival foods. Time to indulge in Yakisoba, Takoyaki, Kakigori, Castella, Taiyaki,...

Hydrangea is a flower with a long history and tradition in Japan. Because of its beauty and special significance, Japanese people adore hydrangea flowers the same way that they do Sakura flowers during spring.  If the plum blossom is the sign of early spring, hydrangea (Ajisai in Japanese) is a sign that summer is approaching. The hydrangea blooming season starts from the beginning of June and lasts until the middle...

If you’re looking to experience Japan beyond the bustling cities, consider taking a side trip to Gero Onsen. Located just a 2-hour train ride from Nagoya, Gero Onsen is a charming onsen town nestled in the heart of the Japanese Alps. A Brief History of Gero Onsen Manhole cover with the white heron Gero Onsen has a rich history that dates back over a thousand years famous for its healing...

Let’s be honest here, cultural experiences and nature are nice, but shopping in Japan is one of the things many people really look forward to. You can buy so many things here you get nowhere else in the world! If you are one of these people this post is for you. Here we will introduce to you the best shopping opportunities in Nagoya. No matter what you are looking for,...

Eel is a Japanese delicacy. It is served in many different ways such as Unagi Sushi, Unagi Don (Unagi bowl), Unaju (Unagi rice) and every restaurant has its own special recipe, grilling technique, and secret sauce ingredients. There are countless Unagi eel dishes using grilled eel, steamed eel, cooked eel, or a combination. You get the idea. There really are many places across the country where eel in all its...