All About Japan

Interpreting the Key 'Omikuji'

These Japanese fortune-telling papers can bring you great blessings—or a great curse!

5 Temples & Shrines for Design Lovers

These stylish temples and shrines juxtapose the traditional and the modern.

What is Otoshidama?

While visions of sugar-plums dance in the heads of children celebrating Christmas, Japanese kids dream of opening an envelope with a special gift inside.

Test Your Knowledge of Famous Japanese Sites

Think you've traveled enough through Japan to figure out where these landmarks are from?

Two Can't-Miss Shrines in Shizuoka

Shizuoka Prefecture houses the oldest Toshogu shrine in Japan, where shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu was laid to rest before being moved to Nikko. The shrine still contains part of his spirit.

5 Fun Otoshidama Envelopes

What's better than getting an envelope full of money at New Year's? How about a cool-looking envelope full of money!

8 Things to Know About New Year's in Japan

All about Japan's biggest holiday of the year!

Top 3 Part-Time Jobs During the Holidays

The end of December is the busiest time of year in Japan, so almost everywhere is looking for extra help!

4 Japanese Temples & Shrines in Hawaii

Hawaii is home to some stunning Japanese temples and shrines!

How to Make it to the Office the Day After

We all like to eat and drink endlessly, but nobody likes a stomachache or a hangover. Here are four Japanese tricks for beating the post-party blaaaaghs.

Visit One of the 4 Largest Temples in Japan!

Located in Otsu City, Miidera Temple is one huge National Treasure!

Two Big-Name Shrines for Hatsumode

You can't go wrong visiting your local shrine in the first three days of the New Year to pray for a healthy and prosperous year. But if you're going to go out, why not go big?

3 Ways to Get More Out of a Temple Visit

Three can't-miss activities during a Japanese temple or shrine pilgrimage.

New Year's Photos in the Meiji Period

Ever wonder what New Year's would be like in Japan at the turn of the 20th century? Thanks to photographer Kozaburo Tamura, we can take a glimpse into New Year's past!

5 Vital Temple & Shrine Etiquette Tips

While going to a temple or shrine simply to observe is satisfactory on its own, it's well worth learning how to fully participate to get the most out of the experience.

5 Stunning Temple & Shrine Videos

These five videos will instantly transport you to some of the most vivid temples and shrines in Japan!

Spoil Yourself with New Year's Mystery Bags

If you’ve ever visited Japan or Japanese online shops around New Year's, you’re bound to have seen some mysterious bags called 'fukuburo' appearing on the shelves. Read on to find out how to get the most out of them!

5 Spots to Watch New Year's Fireworks in Japan

There's nothing like bright lights to bring in the New Year!

5 Popular Love Shrines

Check out these endearing shrines if you're looking for a love blessing!

Ultra Japan to Return in 2016

Since its first iteration in 2014, Ultra Japan has quickly become one of Japan's most exciting urban electronic music festivals.

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