For many people, making tea is simply heating water and putting some tea into a cup. However, for Japanese people, this is definitely not sufficient! A higher purpose is required, and the straightforward act of preparing a cup of tea is becomes an intricate process involving ceremony, rules, and a whole process for what would...Read More
Toyokawa, a city located in the east of Aichi Prefecture, is home to one of Japan’s most marvelous shrines: Toyokawa Inari. A must-visit destination when visiting Japan. Toyokawa Inari is considered one of Japan’s Big Three Inari Temples and it is a place worshipped by millions of visitors every year. Toyokawa Inari, officially named Enpukuzan...Read More
Every year in autumn, the Nishikawa Ryu, one of the most influential traditional dance schools in Japan, puts on a colorful show called the Nagoya Odori (Nagoya Dance). At the Nagoya Odori, you can enjoy the impressive visual art and impeccable choreography of classic Japanese dances, as well as traditional Japanese tales in the form...Read More
For over 1300 years, local fishermen in Japan have used an unusual technique to catch river fish during the summer. Japanese cormorants, called “u” in Japanese, are trained for up to three years by their owners to help catch fish. Known as “ukai” in Japanese, cormorant fishing is a unique traditional method that is rare...Read More
Atsuta Shrine, also called, Atsuta-san or Atsuta-sama, is the second most important Shinto shrine in Japan, after the Ise Grand Shrine. The venerated sun goddess Amaterasu is enshrined here as well as being home to the sacred sword Kusanagi-no-tsurugi, which is one of the three Japanese imperial treasures. Legend has it that Amaterasu gave the...Read More
Ever wondered what a typical Japanese breakfast is like? If you have traveled to Japan before, you might have noticed that it could be very different from your usual breakfast. Some of the common Japanese breakfast items could be considered more suitable for lunch or dinner in other countries. Typically, a traditional Japanese breakfast consists...Read More
There are many kinds of people visiting Japan, some are attracted to the country’s unique culture or history, others to its cuisine. However, it is modern Japan and its pop culture that have been inspiring many foreigners to travel to Japan in recent years. Manga, Anime, games, and Cosplay are all part of Japan’s popular...Read More
Despite Kim Kardashian’s cultural appropriation scandal caused by her underwear line brand, Kimono is still an important aspect of Japanese Culture and part of the Japanese identity. But, who hasn’t dreamed of wearing a Kimono in Japan?There are many ways to experience traditional Japanese culture, and we are sure that many of those who have...Read More
There is a lot of misunderstanding as to what exactly a Geisha is, and although the image of Geisha may have been able to shed a lot of these misconceptions over time, many may still associate Geisha with the idea of “comfort women”, which they most certainly are not. We’d like to guide you through...Read More
The Japanese have a peculiar relationship to religion. Most people identify as both Shinto and Buddhist, or nothing at all. Still following rituals of either, depending on the occasion. Weddings are often Shinto, burials almost exclusively Buddhist. They also like to sprinkle in Christian holidays for good measure. Because of this very inclusive mindset, anyone...Read More
