Welcoming Spring with Setsubun

The celebration of Setsubun is a huge event in Japan that denotes the beginning of spring. In this article, we will cover the history of Setsubun, its purpose, when it is celebrated, and traditions. M...

Culture temples / shrines food and drink festivals / events

Okonomiyaki: How to Make and Where to Eat This Osaka Meal Pancake in Tokyo

Okonomiyaki is a pizza-like pancake, famous in Osaka and Hiroshima. Find out what it is, how to make it and where you can get the best okonomiyaki, not in their birthplaces, but in Tokyo! Once you try...

Culture food and drink Kanto

All About Fireworks Festivals in Japan

In Japan, summer means the onset of festivals also called natsu matsuri in Japanese. And the grand finale is often a fireworks show at the end. There are even festivals and competitions solely centere...

Culture festivals / events

The 47 Ronin, Their Graves and Where to Find Them

The 47 Ronin story is known as one of the greatest tales of vengeance in history. It depicts the loyalty of samurai to their master, and has been the inspiration for many works of art since. Many peop...

Culture History and Religion temples / shrines

Appreciating the Sumida Hokusai Museum

One popular historical art style in Japan was Ukiyo-e which is Japanese woodblock prints. This article will focus on the fairly new Sumida Hokusai Museum which honors Hokusai, one of the most famous U...

Culture Kanto art / design architecture

The Various Types of Japanese Alcohol

Sake, shochu, whiskey, beer, and fruity liquors. Japan has an assortment of various alcoholic beverages to be enjoyed at nomikai, traditional events, festivals, social gatherings, or just to crack a c...

Culture food and drink tradition / crafts

Takana: A Regional Specialty in a Jar

Takana or Japanese mustard green is a regional vegetable in Japan. Takana from different regions carry their own distinct flavours. They are most commonly pickled in Japan. Takana can be found in mark...

Culture food and drink

Health First and Foremost: Japan’s School Lunch Program

Japan’s school lunch programs where students are involved in preparation, serving classmates, and cleaning up together have been a hot topic in social media for several years. In this article, w...

Culture food and drink

Konbini, Japanese Convenience Stores

Konbinis, or convenience stores, in Japan offer a multitude of services; food, post, bill payment, ticket purchase, printing, etc. Not just for convenience, Konbinis may well be a necessity in the liv...

Culture food and drink

Uji Matcha: Treating yourself to the best

Matcha (抹茶), an essential component of Japanese traditional tea ceremonies, is deeply rooted in Japanese culture. Uji Matcha, a high-grade Matcha, is the most known of its kind, named Uji after the ar...

Culture Kansai tradition / crafts food and drink