The Edo (江戸) period was one of the most definitive periods of Japanese history in terms of art, culture and society. This was also the era in which Japan earned its name as the Samurai Country. Edo Mura (江戸村; Edo Village), also known as Edo Wonderland (日光江戸村), in Nikko (日光) gives visitors a chance to…
Hiroshima Prefecture is in western Honshu, Japan’s main island. It is home to the beautiful Miyajima Island, one of the Nihon-Sankei, or three most scenic spots of Japan. The prefecture’s capital, also called Hiroshima, is a vibrant and modern city, home to the Peace Memorial Park and the Genbaku Dome, the only surviving building in…
Otemae, the practice of matcha (tea) making, is an art shrouded in history. Associated closely with Japanese Tea Ceremony (Sado 茶道), it continues to intrigue both Japanese and foreigners alike. In a tea ceremony, matcha is the liquid “bridge” that binds guest and host. Combined with the equipment chosen, the Qi (chi energy 気) of…
Japanese tea is to Japan, what English tea is to England. Just as English tea conjures up stereotypical images of ladies in elegant hats and gentlemen in pressed linen suits enjoying refreshments after a morning safari in India, Japanese tea presents its consumers with a taste of traditional Japan in every sip. There are two…
Ah, Tokyo – the capital of Japan. Whether it’s about exotic foods or groundbreaking discoveries, the city has continued to make news around the world, especially now that Tokyo is set to host the most awaited 2020 Olympics. If it’s your first time coming to Japan and you want to experience its culture, here are…
Fukuoka is a prefecture in Kyushu, Japan’s southernmost main island, which is well loved for its pleasant weather and stunning natural beauty, as well as its ancient temples, beautiful beaches, and the ruins of Fukuoka Castle. This charming area is a place to enjoy the sunshine and the unique Hakata ramen, which is famous in…
Shibuya is one of Tokyo’s main districts, home to countless department stores, restaurants, clubs, love hotels, and karaoke parlors. If you visit Tokyo, spending time in Shibuya is a definite must-see place! Although partying and shopping are great choices, they aren’t the only things to do. Here are 100 things to do in Shibuya, one…
The beginning of June marks the start of the rainy season in Japan, and it usually lasts until the end of July. While most travelers tend to avoid making plans during this time of year, there are actually a lot of fun activities you can enjoy despite the gloomy weather. The gray skies and seemingly…
Matcha (抹茶), or powdered green tea, is a staple in the Japanese daily life and is the only form of tea used in sado (茶道) or tea ceremony. It is grown in shade for three weeks and often covered in blankets. This growing process produces tea leaves with higher caffeine content. Hand picked at harvest,…
Spring 2017 in Sapporo (札幌) is going to be full of excitement with lots of events. Sapporo is usually known for its winter festivals such as the Snow Festival (雪まつり), which is probably the largest event to take place in Hokkaido (北海道). However, there are other grand-scale events such as the Yosakoi Soran (よさこいソーラン) Festival…
