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…

When in Kyoto, it is highly recommended to visit the various shrines and temples which boast unique charm and are usually located in scenic locations. However, besides visiting these sacred places of interest, you may not know that there are many temporary flea markets held in these places. They offer an interesting array of things…

Spring has finally arrived. Did you miss the opportunity to see the plum blossoms this year, just before spring’s arrival? Have you thought about where to have your plum trees viewing in Japan for next year? If you haven’t yet, then I suggest you head to Kansai region which is considered to be the cultural…

Early spring in Japan is the season of Plums, where plum flowers can be seen blossoming everywhere around the end of February. Many people flock to plum viewing areas to enjoy the best views, picnics and celebrations. Let’s have a look at this unique Baika-sai Matsuri festival dedicated to plums held in Kitano Tenmangu shrine…

Perhaps, most of us are not followers of Buddhism or Shintoism. However, visiting shrines and temples is a good idea in Japan and all visitors are welcome, including non-Buddhist or Shinto followers. Visiting shrines or temples to see their beauty and unique construction will make us really sense the strong feeling of being in Japan.…