Discover Miyagi’s Hidden Winter Wonderland: Aone Onsen Snow Light Festival
Every year in early February, the Aone Onsen Snow Light Festival (青根温泉雪あかり) transforms Kawasaki Town’s Aone Onsen (Hot spring) in Miyagi Prefecture into a dazzling winter wonderland. This enchanting event is a unique opportunity for visitors from around the world … Read More
Koiwai Farm: A Must-Visit Scenic Spot in Iwate for Every Season
Nestled in the heart of Iwate Prefecture, Koiwai Farm (小岩井農場) is one of Japan’s largest private farms and a treasure trove of natural beauty. This sprawling farm offers visitors breathtaking views that change with the seasons, making it a destination … Read More
Discover Japan’s Local Coffee Chains: Tully’s, DOUTOR, and Komeda Coffee
When visiting Japan, many travelers might gravitate toward familiar names like Starbucks. However, Japan boasts a rich coffee culture with unique local chains that offer distinctive experiences. Let’s explore three popular Japanese coffee chains: Tully’s, DOUTOR, and Komeda Coffee. Tully’s … Read More
Winter in Shirakawa-go: A Snow-Covered Hidden Gem of Japan
Overview of Shirakawa-go Shirakawa-go is a picturesque village located in the mountainous region of northern Gifu Prefecture. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995, it is renowned for its traditional Gassho-zukuri farmhouses. These steeply pitched thatched roofs are … Read More
Japan’s Rainy Season Explained: When Is Tsuyu and How to Enjoy It
When planning a trip to Japan in early summer, you may hear about something called “Tsuyu” (梅雨)—the rainy season. While it might sound like a time to avoid, understanding tsuyu can actually help you make the most of your trip! … Read More
A Guide to Popular Japanese Craft Beers for International Beer Lovers
Introduction Japanese supermarkets and convenience stores sell large amounts of alcohol.There are really many liquors, such as beer, sparkling wine, chu-Hi, wine and capital.Japan offers a diverse range of high-quality craft beers. Here, we introduce some of the most popular … Read More
“Kagami Mochi: The Art and Tradition Behind Japan’s New Year Charm”
What is Kagami Mochi (鏡餅)? During the New Year season, you may have seen this unique decoration in Japanese stores and restaurants. Kagami Mochi (literally “mirror rice cake”) is a traditional Japanese New Year decoration deeply rooted in Shinto practices … Read More
Katsuo-ji Temple in Osaka: Embracing Victory with the Symbol of Katsu Daruma”
Katsuo-ji Temple (勝尾寺) in the city of Minoh, Osaka, is a historic temple widely known as the “Temple of Victory.” The temple is particularly famous for its numerous “Katsu Daruma (勝達磨)” (Victory Daruma dolls), which are an integral part of … Read More
Happy new year in Japan = Hatsumode to shrine or temple
New Year’s visit to a shrine, known as “Hatsumode (初詣)”, is a time-honored tradition deeply rooted in Japanese culture. Have you ever wondered about the meaning and origins behind this practice? Meaning of Hatsumode: Hatsumode refers to the tradition of … Read More
Japanese Road Signs: Be Mindful of the Unique Shape of the ‘止まれ’ Sign
When driving in Japan, there is one road sign that you must be aware of, which differs from those in many other countries: “止まれ (Tomare) ” sign. The phrase “止まれ” on a road sign in Japan translates to “Stop” in … Read More