2016 is already here, and yet it’s never too late to take a look at the Japanese way of spending the night between years, and the first day of the new year. And what better place to explore the oshougatsu (お正月) practices, than the old capital, Nara. If you’re looking to spend the New Year…

The koi fish is a popular type of fish in Japanese culture. It traditionally symbolizes wealth, longevity, good luck, bravery, success, perseverance and drive. In a Chinese legend, the koi is said to possess a powerful life force which propelled it to swim upstream through various hurdles to reach the peak of the mountain and…