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Curry is a dish that originated outside of Japan, but has undergone a unique evolution within the country. Not only are there specialty curry (pronounced karē in Japanese) restaurants across the country, but it is also served in school lunches, making it fair to say that curry has become a staple of Japanese cuisine. Photo for illustrative purposes The five…
Imado Shrine (Imado Jinja in Japanese) enshrines Izanagi-no-Mikoto and Izanami-no-Mikoto, the deities of marriage. The shrine is said to provide blessings for finding a good relationship match and marital harmony. Imado Shrine is also famous for its maneki-neko (beckoning cat) motifs. These feline figures and statues are thought to summon good fortune. So, from the shrine’s sacred items (lucky charms,…
As cherry blossoms fade and summer’s heat has yet to arrive, most parts of Japan enter the rainy season, known as tsuyu. While many travelers avoid this time of year, those in search of a more affordable and less crowded experience often discover a uniquely atmospheric side of the country. From misty temple gardens to softly lit city streets, tsuyu…