Culture

If you’ve ever wondered when Japan collectively decides to log off, pack a bag, and disappear into the countryside (or flood the nearest theme park), the answer is this: Golden Week. It’s not a single holiday. It’s not even technically a full week. But somehow, it becomes one of the most important (and chaotic) times...Read More

The Nagoya Festival, which takes place annually in mid-October, is one of the most spectacular autumn festivals in Nagoya. The entire city is filled with a festive atmosphere, celebrating its past, present, and future.  If you love Japanese festivals and want to experience a vibrant energy and a mix of entertainment, culture, and history, this...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

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

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 like Christmas for good measure. Because of this very inclusive...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

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

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