Chomp on Some Chopper Sweets
Although you might lament taking a bite out of Tony Tony Chopper, these Japanese sweets are too delicious to simply be a decoration.
Beat the Heat With Häagen-Dazs Ice Cream
Both these limited-edition Japan releases contain new ingredients used for the first time ever in the history of the company.
Japan's 3 Great 'Bon Odori' Dance Festivals
Summer is the season of the festival in Japan, and these three celebrations will have you literally dancing in the streets.
Hang This Doll to Pray for Clear Skies
While many believe the tradition of making 'teru teru bozu' dolls can be traced back to a bald-headed monk, history suggests it may have begun with a small girl.
Seasonal Beauty in South-Central Tokyo
In addition to its historical art objects, the Hatakeyama Memorial Museum of Fine Art offers a garden that's worth a look in itself!
Dance All Night at Gifu's Gujo Odori
Held every summer in the picturesque riverside town of Gujo Hachiman in Gifu Prefecture, Gujo Odori is one of Japan’s largest and most famous traditional folk dance festivals.
Ichinomiya Tanabata Festival
Located in Aichi, the Ichinomiya Tanabata Festival is one of Japan’s three largest and most famous Tanabata Festivals, celebrating the one day a year when the celestial lovers Orih...
Ever Seen a Paper Book Sculpture?
Discover how these books map out existing landscapes in order to give life to an inventive art form!
6 Traditional Japanese Tabletop Games
Stuck inside on a rainy day? Play these classic Japanese tabletop games while listening to the relaxing sound of the drops outside!
Ofusa Kannon Wind Chime Festival
Feel cool in the summer heat at this unassuming temple in Nara.
Gion Matsuri: A Party Worthy of the Gods
Held throughout the entire month of July, Kyoto's Gion Matsuri is the most famous festival in all of Japan.
Daimon-ji Festival & Floating Lantern Tour
Spend your summer the Kyoto way by participating in two traditional summer events with great cultural significance!
4 Lesser-Known Tohoku Summer Festivals
Summer Festivals Tohoku Resorts
Head north to see hundreds of riders in samurai armor recreate 1,000-year-old training techniques!
Tohoku's 3 Great Summer Festivals
Summer Festivals Tohoku Resorts
Head to northern Japan this summer for huge glowing floats, giant poles covered in lanterns and streets festooned with positive wishes for the future.
Yukata 101
What's a 'yukata'? And more importantly, how do you put one on? Better find out before summer festival season arrives!
What is Obon?
Obon is a summer event during which people welcome the spirits of their ancestors back home. It's considered Japan’s most significant occasion next to New Year’s, but the customs f...
What is Tanabata?
Also known as the Star Festival, Tanabata is traditionally held on the seventh day of the seventh month of the old lunar calendar, celebrating the legend of the one day of the year...
How to Get the Most Out of Fireworks in Japan
Summer Festivals Greater Tokyo
One of the centerpieces of the Japanese summer is the fireworks festivals that run through July and August. Find out how to get the most out of the experience!
Kindergarten Made from Shipping Containers
This Saitama kindergarten upcycled stacked shipping containers into an earthquake-resistant and environmentally friendly new structure.
This Home Brings the Urban Experience Indoors
Makiko Tsukada Architects created a space that echoes the slick surfaces of the Tokyo cityscape in an interior environment. It's like taking a stroll through the city while staying...
