Japanese gardens in spring are always surrounded by so many beautiful flowers that it can sometimes be easy to mistake any pink flowers you happen to spot as the famous cherry blossom (sakura). But this is not always the case, there are certain features that differentiate the cherry, plum, and peach blossoms among all the…
An IC (Integrated Circuit) card is a handy card that anyone staying in a city in Japan should have. They are easy to get and can be used in a variety of ways. Someone who is traveling around the city for a day will probably use their IC card at least once. So what is…
Ueno is a lively district on the east side of Tokyo, packed full of shops, restaurants, and arcades. With a mix of shopping and nature, temples and shrines, it’s a fusion of the historical and the modern. Endless markets and shopping streets greet you on your way to the enthralling Ueno Park, which is perfect…
Spring in Japan is well-known for the full bloom of sakura (桜; cherry blossoms). If you are going to visit Tokyo for the cherry blossoms this spring, then you can’t miss some of these popular spring festivals. Festivals, or matsuri (祭り), in Japan are common events. Almost every shrine celebrates their own festival. In Tokyo,…
Hanami season in Japan is a very special time. The cherry blossoms start to bloom bringing the arrival of beautiful spring, and everyone wants to get together and have a good time. But, the blossoms don’t last forever, so it’s essential to plan well if you want to have the ultimate hanami party! What is…
Kakunodate is a quiet town in Akita Prefecture which used to be a stronghold for samurais and is famous for its refined and elegant atmosphere. It is not only popular for samurai traditions but also for its abundant weeping cherry trees (shidarezakura). Let’s take a closer look at the castle town’s historical aspects in terms…
April heralds a new beginning in Japan as the new academic and financial year kicks off. In the old lunar calendar (kyuureki), this month is called Uzuki (卯月), which has a number of interpretations as to how the name came about or what it means. The most widely accepted explanation is that April is the…
The sakura season is already upon us! In certain regions of Japan, the iconic flower has already begun to bloom, drawing visitors from all over the world. Likewise, our sakura-related articles here on Japan Info have received plenty of visitors as well! For those of you who want to know everything there is to know…
For many people, Tokyo is considered a metropolis in Japan with skyscrapers and full of people leading busy lives. However, there is another aspect of Tokyo that involves peaceful open spaces in greenery and nature. Does that sound like you? Then check out Koganei Park which is one of the largest parks in Tokyo. Where…
Many people who wish to visit Japan want to see the iconic cherry blossom. Sometimes life doesn’t all go to plan and maybe you can’t travel in the main cherry blossom season. Don’t despair, there are still a few spots you can visit for some early blooms and to experience hanami! The Season and Hanami…
