Useful Info

Types of Japanese Festivals: Seasonal, Religious, and Historical Celebrations

Traditional matsuri (Japanese festivals) are vibrant celebrations with ancient roots, offering a glimpse into Japan’s rich cultural heritage. These living rituals bind people to the rhythms of nature, ancestral worship, historical memory, and regional pride—and for international travelers, encountering them can be a moving, eye-opening experience. For visitors interested in understanding Japan beyond its urban attractions and pop culture, exploring…

Inside the World of Kabuki: Costumes, Makeup, and Iconic Poses

The visual language of kabuki Kabuki is a traditional Japanese theater form celebrated for its striking visuals. Elaborate costumes, dramatic makeup, and powerful poses come together to form Kabuki’s distinctive theatrical language. This guide explores these core visual elements, illustrating how each contributes to the vivid storytelling that defines kabuki. Elaborate costumes: telling stories through fabric Kabuki costumes are not…

What Is Kabuki? A Beginner’s Guide to Japan’s Traditional Theater

Introduction: the visual spectacle of kabuki Kabuki is a traditional form of Japanese theater known for its elaborate costumes, bold makeup, dramatic poses, and inventive stage techniques. While its history and captivating stories draw audiences in, it’s the visual spectacle of kabuki that often makes the strongest first impression, especially for newcomers. This guide will introduce some of the key…

What Is an Onsen Egg? Japan’s Unique Hot Spring-Cooked Delight

Defining onsen eggs What exactly is an onsen egg? An onsen egg, or onsen tamago in Japanese, is a traditional Japanese dish historically made by gently cooking an egg in the naturally heated waters of an onsen (hot spring). The result is a delicately textured egg with a softly set white and a rich, creamy yolk. The traditional cooking method…

What to Eat in Sendai: A Guide to Local Food Specialties

Introduction: Sendai’s rich food culture Sendai, the capital of Miyagi Prefecture, is home to a food culture shaped by local ingredients, seasonal traditions, and postwar innovation. From hearty grilled meats to delicate edamame sweets, the city serves up a mix of comforting staples and local creations rooted in Sendai’s history and flavors. Top local specialties Gyūtan Gyūtan, or grilled beef…

What Makes Nara’s Deer Sacred? A Cultural Guide for First-Time Visitors

A unique sight: free-roaming deer in a Japanese city Nara, Japan, offers its visitors a one-of-a-kind experience: the chance to see hundreds of wild deer roaming freely along city streets, temple grounds, and public parks, especially in Nara Park. These creatures are not penned in or put on display; instead, they mingle naturally with residents and tourists alike. The quiet…

Understanding Yaku in Japan: The Meaning of Bad Luck Years and Their Cultural Significance

Ever felt like life has a built-in “plot twist” phase? In Japan, this isn’t just a feeling—it’s a cultural belief known as yaku. Spiritually significant stretches of time thought to bring misfortune, they’re wrapped in age-old rituals, protective customs, and deep meaning. This article explores the concept of yaku in Japanese culture—its origins, how it influences daily life, its relationship…

Tokyo to Nagoya by Shinkansen: Train Types, Seats, and Tips

Traveling from Tokyo to Nagoya by Shinkansen is a fast, scenic, and stress-free experience. With sleek bullet trains gliding across central Japan, this route is a favorite among travelers eager to explore Nagoya’s cultural heritage, culinary scene, or continue westward to Kyoto and Osaka. In this guide, you’ll learn the key differences between Shinkansen train types, how to choose your…

What’s the Fastest Train in Japan? A Look at Shinkansen Speeds and Routes

Japan’s high-speed rail network is legendary. With bullet trains slicing through landscapes at speeds up to 320 km/h, riding the Shinkansen isn’t just transportation—it’s a travel experience in itself. For visitors fascinated by cutting-edge technology and efficient design, understanding which trains are the fastest and how their speeds vary across different routes can add a whole new layer of excitement…

Easy Chopstick Tricks to Learn Before Your Trip to Japan

As you get ready for your trip to Japan, picking up some basic chopstick skills can greatly enhance your dining experience. In a country where chopsticks are the main dining utensil, a little practice beforehand not only shows respect for local customs but also allows you to enjoy Japanese cuisine the way it’s meant to be savored. Why learning chopsticks…

Why Rainy Season Travel in Japan Is the Perfect Off-Season Adventure

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…

When Is the Rainy Season in Japan? A Month-by-Month Regional Breakdown

Rain in Japan isn’t just weather, it’s a season. Known as tsuyu, the annual rainy season transforms the landscape and travel experience across much of the country. But not all regions are affected equally. For example, Sapporo, the capital city of Japan’s northernmost prefecture, Hokkaido, enjoys relatively mild summers and is largely spared from the prolonged period of rainfall seen…

What to Do in Japan During the Rainy Season: Indoor and Nature-Friendly Ideas

Japan’s rainy season, known as tsuyu in Japanese, typically lasts from May to July, depending on the region, bringing days of steady rain and overcast skies to much of the country. However, one notable exception is Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost prefecture. The capital city, Sapporo, offers a rich blend of food, shopping, and culture, while also enjoying a cooler, drier climate…

Traveling with Luggage on the Narita Express: A Smart Guide for Tourists

As Japan’s capital and a gateway to exploring the country, Tokyo welcomes millions of international visitors each year. For those arriving at Narita International Airport, the Narita Express (N’EX) is one of the most convenient ways to reach the city center. With generous storage space and a direct link to Tokyo’s major stations, the N’EX is especially popular among passengers…