Koinobori (鯉のぼり) is a set of carp-shaped banners that float and flap in the air for the Children’s Day celebrations from April to May. There is something strangely fascinating about koinobori on a beautiful sunny day. Koinobori display various colors, designs, and sizes which stream freely and strongly in the wind, which always touches my…

Spring has already started in Japan. It is probably one of the well-loved seasons in the country for most areas are not only blanketed by pink flowers but there are also many traditional celebrations. These events are pretty exciting and lively with fun performances, sakura-flavored snacks, and enjoyable booths. If you happen to be in…

In order to promote the upcoming movie Bumblebee that centers around one of the Transformers’characters ,Bumblebee, another robot life-size statue showed up outside of Diver City Mall, in Odaiba along the famous 24 m Unicorn Gundam. The movie Bumblebee had its release date last year on 3rd of December in Berlin and December, 21st in…

Is almost spring in Japan and when you think of spring, cherry blossoms are automatically associated with this beautiful season where everything comes back to life and we see the world in beautiful colours after a long, gloomy winter. However, in Japan, the ume(plum) flower is actually the first sign of spring as they blossom…

Because normal festivals are overrated; because life is too short to be doing the same old stuff. Fortunately, Japan’s inventive and unique culture simply knows no bounds! Japanese people find reasons to celebrate the things that are usually taken for granted in Western societies with festivals, or more commonly known as “matsuri.” Since hanami season…

If you have been to Japan during the oshogatsu (お正月) i.e. Japanese New Year before, you probably have seen many people queuing outside department stores and shops to buy fukubukuros (福袋) i.e. fortune bags. If you have not witnessed this phenomenon personally, you might have seen footage of the frenzy caused by eager shoppers who…

Summer in Japan is mostly about festivals. In Tohoku alone, more than 10 summer festivals are celebrated! Sounds fascinating, doesn’t it? Here are some of the best summer festivals in Tohoku that you should not miss. Quick! Jot down the details! 1. Hachinohe Sansha Taisai A float procession, portable shrines, and a tiger dance –…

Summer is the season of festivals in Japan. This hot and humid season brings floating shrines, street food, shaved ice, and yukatas. Summer is also the time for spectacular fireworks displays, and festivals crop up all over the country showcasing big, beautiful performances. This season in Japan isn’t complete without enjoying a fireworks show while…

Looking for somewhere to go and something to do this Golden Week 2018? How does treating your palate and sweet tooth to delectable desserts during the long vacation sound? If that is something that interests you, check out the sweets buffet at these two hotels in Japan! 1. Hotel New Otani Makuhari SWEETS COLLECTION 2018…

The Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics is expected to attract many overseas visitors to the country. This means that there is a growing need for transportation such as taxis. In line with this, Hinomaru Kotsu Co. Ltd. has started an exciting initiative to hire foreign drivers to work in their taxi industry. It will also support…