One of the first and most exciting signs of spring in Japan is when flowers start blooming. The cherry blossom or Sakura, is the best-known flower during the spring season. However, there is a flower that blooms before the Sakura tree, and it has played an important role in Japanese culture and tradition for many...Read More

If you love shrimp, then Nagoya is a fantastic place to visit! Aichi Prefecture has one of the highest per capita shrimp consumption in the country, probably because shrimp can be easily fished in Aichi’s Ise Bay. In fact, the official fish of the Aichi Prefecture is the tiger prawn! (Yes, prawns are not technically...Read More

The Buddha’s ashes, an old villa, and modern delicacies. All of these can be found in Kakuozan, a contemporary, artsy district of Nagoya city. The Kakuozan area extends half a kilometer from Kakuozan Station all the way to Nittaiji temple, which enshrines some ashes of the Buddha (yes, the actual Buddha!) given to Japan by...Read More

Have you ever heard of Ogura Toast? Well, read on for a brief history of this Nagoya breakfast staple, as well as our recommendations on where to get it! A standard daily Japanese breakfast usually includes rice, not bread. Rice is typically served alongside grilled fish, miso soup, an egg (either raw on top of...Read More

The New Year holiday period, known as «Oshōgatsu» in Japan, is one of the most important and widely celebrated occasions in Japanese culture. It is a major holiday in Japan, and many citizens return to their hometowns to celebrate it with their families. As a result, public transportation tends to be crowded and a lot...Read More

Did you know that the Japanese archipelago contains almost 7,000 total islands, only 430 of which are inhabited? Located a short distance from Nagoya is Sakushima, a crab-shaped island home to amazing seafood and a number of modern art installations that you are able to touch, sit on and crawl all over. Sakushima, also known...Read More

Nagoya, like much of Japan, truly embraces the Christmas season with stunning illuminations and festive winter events throughout December. One of the highlights of winter in Nagoya is the breathtaking illuminations that begin in mid-November and often last until January or even February. These light displays create a magical atmosphere that’s hard to miss. In...Read More

Many people buy their clothing from the multitude of discount and fast fashion clothing stores that have become the norm nowadays. But, after a visit to Chita, a city south of Nagoya, you will gain a new appreciation for the simplest of textiles – cotton. The craftsmen in the Chita area have specialized in producing...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

Japan has many spectacular winter illuminations each year, in fact, a lot of great ones can be found in Nagoya. Many have a Christmas theme with Christmas trees, Santa Claus, and raindeer, so they usually end by January.  But one of the greatest winter illuminations in Japan can be found not far from Nagoya and...Read More