jp.fotolia.com/ While it is the time of the year for preparing Christmas and New Year’s Eve parties in many countries, in Japan things are a little different. There is some version of Christmas social gatherings, while for New Year enjoy a few quiet days together with their families. There are many preparations, decorations and ritual,…

The extensive train and subway system in Japan is great, but also complicated. Cycling is a great way to commute to avoid the crowds. But of course, there are important rules that you should know before cycling in Japan. Basic Rules about Cycling in Japan jp.fotolia.com/ First of all, you should keep to the left…

Vending machines are a staple of modern life, and in Japan they are glowing from every lonely corner at night like some kind of urban lighthouses. They are certainly convenient, reliable, numerous, but in Japan they are also weird and fun and surprising. The majority of vending machines usually sell drinks or small snacks, but…

If you mention Japan, many people’s first thoughts may be the most famous cities such as Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. Although these are all great places to visit with their own unique charms, there are many other great cities in this country that are well worth a visit. Kobe is an underrated city, great for…

The Japanese word “Tengu” comes from the two words, “tian” and “gou,” which translates to “heaven” and “dog,” respectively, thus the name “heavenly dog.” Found in old Japanese folktales, Tengu are considered as a type of god in the Shinto religion but are mostly only thought of as supernatural creatures. Let’s find out more about…

Noodles are one of the staple foods in many cultures including Japan. A lot of Japanese dishes use noodles as the main ingredient, such as Ramen and Udon. Small shops, restaurants, and even food vendors during the festivals are filled with all kinds of noodles. So what are some of the most famous and tasty…

Nagoya is located in Aichi Prefecture, close to Gifu and easily accessible from Chubu Centrair International Airport. Although in many ways it is a great city with lots of sights and things to do, some might argue that unlike large cities such as Tokyo or Osaka, Nagoya is not very popular for shopping as the…

Best known for its blowfish dish, Yamaguchi is the westernmost prefecture in the Chugoku region on the main island of Honshu. It is also one of Japan’s prefectures that keep traditional Japanese culture alive and stay true to the history of the country. If you like Japanese history, Yamaguchi is the place for you. Here…

An online video showing the process of how Chef Yukimura Motokichi makes his omelette rice brought his restaurant to popularity. “Sexy” is the best word to describe his creation, and the video made me want to visit Kyoto where this restaurant is located. Let’s find out more about it! Omurice jp.fotolia.com/ Omelette rice, or omurice,…

As some people already know, there are many diverse street fashion styles that exist in Japan. For people outside of the country, they might find some of the fashion styles quite unusual, but they have many dedicated followers out there that think of it as a passion – a lifestyle even. One of the most…