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
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
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
Niigata Prefecture’s Joetsu City (上越市), renowned for its heavy snowfall, is a snowy wonderland. In the historically rich castle town of Takada, snow falls gently, covering the surroundings in a pristine white layer. Takada Park (高田公園) is a meticulously landscaped … Read More
Speaking of ice rime, Zao in Yamagata is famous. This time, we would like to introduce the ice rime called “Ice Monster“.See the monster-class ice rime that suddenly appears in the pure white world. About ice rime Ice rime is … Read More
Do you know the monkeys in “Jigokudani Yaen-Koen (地獄谷野猿公苑)” in Nagano? This monkey is famous for being the only one in the world to take a hot spring.They are called “Snow monkey“. What is Jigokudani Yaen-Koen? Jigokudani Yaen-Koen is located … Read More