Temperatures rise, humidity levels skyrocket, and sunblocks and cooling towels are bought and unpacked as summer hits Japan. In the big cities, the clear skies of spring transform to murky gray, Mt. Fuji is nowhere to be seen, and levels of seasonal depression go on the rise. Bugs like cockroaches, mosquitoes, and jumping spiders spring…

Many festivals occur during different seasons in Japan. During the pleasant month of October, the Tokyo Yosakoi Festival is held in order to show people the ever-unique style of “Yosakoi” dance. A lot of people participate in this event and several performers can be witnessed dancing and chanting local folk songs. This 2017, the festival…

Japan has numerous beautiful gardens all throughout its different prefectures. One of these is a flower garden that is located in Sumida, Tokyo. It is called “Mukojima-Hyakkaen Gardens,” a popular sightseeing place where flowers bloom all year round. Every year, from mid-September to the beginning of October, the Hagi (Bush Clover) Festival is held here.…

Japan is famous for its many traditional and inspiring festivals which take place all over the country throughout the year. One festival in particular, the Okunchi Festival, is held every October at the Aoi Aso Shrine (青井阿蘇神社) in Kumamoto. Come and visit this amazing national treasure and Kyushu tradition this Autumn from 3 to 11…

During summer, there are many festivals taking place all over Japan. The majority of such festivals have a religious or spiritual touch where gods and/or ancestors are honored with the purpose of giving thanks, offering prayers, or appeasing spirits. Do you know that there is an unusual summer festival taking place in Noboribetsu City (登別市),…

Summer in Japan offers a lot for the senses as you take in the sights of blossoming flower fields, sample delicious in-season cuisine, and have fun at colorful and lively local festivals. If you are in Tokyo during this season, how about heading to the largest sunflower field within the prefecture for a day of…

In Kumamoto, there are three great fire festivals celebrated in the month of August. One of which is the festival that brings light to a dark night called the Yamaga Lantern Festival. Let’s find out more about it! Yamaga Lantern Festival The Yamaga Lantern Festival, also known as the Yamaga Toro Festival (山鹿灯篭まつり), is held…

If you’re thinking of moving to Japan, no doubt the capital city of Tokyo is a possibility on your list. Tokyo, meaning “east capital” in Japanese, was formerly known as Edo and became the official capital city of Japan in 1868. If you decide to move to Japan to teach, get married, or explore on…

Kyoto is home to many of Japan’s traditional events and summer festivals, some of which take place near the Ritz-Carlton, a luxury urban resort in the area. In order to let tourists make the most of their summer getaway plans, the hotel started offering its “Enjoy the Summer” accommodation plan. This will enable guests to…

Dotonbori is one of the popular destinations in Osaka for both local and foreign tourists. The long sidewalk of Dotonbori is where you can find different shops, entertainment facilities, and restaurants with their colorful and creative signboards which give an ordinary day a festive atmosphere when you are walking in the area. During the summer…