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
Winter is one of the best times to visit Hokkaido. From breathtaking snow-covered landscapes and magical illuminations to world-famous snow festivals, the region offers unforgettable experiences that can only be enjoyed during the colder months. In this article, we’ll explore … Read More
If you’re visiting Tokyo in winter and want to see snow without traveling too far, you’re in luck. Japan has several snowy destinations that are easy to reach from Tokyo, perfect for day trips or short overnight stays. Here are … Read More
Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido, is one of the snowiest major cities in the world.For many international visitors, snow is one of the biggest attractions — but it’s also important to be prepared. This guide explains when it snows in … Read More
Many travelers imagine Japan as a snowy winter wonderland—but what about Tokyo?The short answer is: Yes, it can snow in Tokyo, but it doesn’t happen very often. And when it does, even a small amount of snow can have a … Read More
Kobe Luminarie is one of Japan’s most meaningful winter illumination events.It is not only famous for its breathtaking beauty, but also for the powerful message behind it — remembrance, recovery, and hope. Held every winter in Kobe, this light festival … Read More
Yokohama transforms into a magical winter destination during the Christmas season. From classic European-style markets to brand-new festive experiences, the city offers unforgettable holiday vibes just 30 minutes from central Tokyo. Here are two Christmas markets you should not miss … Read More
Visiting a shrine or temple at the beginning of the year—called Hatsumode—is one of Japan’s most important New Year traditions. Many people visit between January 1–3 to pray for good luck, health, and prosperity for the coming year. In Tokyo, … Read More