What Is a Kamakura? Kamakura is a traditional snow structure made by hollowing out a large mound of snow, creating a small room inside.In snowy regions of Japan, kamakura have long been used as winter shelters and as sacred spaces … Read More
Hiroshima is not only famous for its history—it is also one of western Japan’s most beautiful places to enjoy sakura (cherry blossoms) in spring. From peaceful riverside parks to mountain viewpoints with sea views, Hiroshima offers unforgettable cherry blossom experiences. … Read More
A Unique Japanese Festival to Welcome Good Luck When traveling in Japan during winter, you may hear people shouting “Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!” and see soybeans being thrown around.This lively tradition is called Setsubun, a seasonal event deeply … Read More
If you love skiing or snowboarding, you’ve probably heard the word “Japow.”Japow is short for “Japan + Powder Snow”, and it refers to the incredibly light, dry, and deep snow found in Japan during winter. For snow lovers around the … Read More
Coming of Age Day (Seijin no Hi) is an important national holiday in Japan, celebrated every year on the second Monday of January. It is a day dedicated to young people who have reached adulthood and marks a meaningful milestone … Read More
Snowy days in Kyoto may make you hesitate to go outside — but staying in would be a mistake.Kyoto’s winter snow scenery is rare, fleeting, and unforgettable. Many of these breathtaking views can only be seen when snow has fallen, … Read More
Japanese New Year (Shōgatsu) is the most important holiday in Japan.From January 1st to the first few days of the year, the atmosphere of the country changes completely. If you are visiting Japan during this time, here are 7 things … Read More
A Guide to Kadomatsu, Japan’s New Year Symbol When visiting Japan during the New Year season, you may notice tall bamboo decorations placed at the entrances of buildings.Many travelers wonder: What are these decorations? Why bamboo? And when can you … Read More
What Is a Fukubukuro? A Fun Japanese New Year Shopping Tradition for Travelers If you visit Japan around New Year, you may hear people talking about “Fukubukuro – Lucky bag.”A Fukubukuro (福袋) literally means “lucky bag” and is a popular … Read More
In Japan, each year is associated with an animal from the Japanese zodiac, known as Eto.The year 2026 is the Year of the Horse (Uma-doshi), a symbol full of energy, speed, and freedom.If you are visiting Japan around New Year, … Read More