4 Fantastic Tokyo Summer Festivals
Summer Festivals , Summer Vacation
As much as you might see about summer fireworks, there are also a number of other fantastic festivals happening in different corners of Tokyo that are very much worth heading out for!
Bonsai & Origami Combine in New Japanese Art
Folding paper into origami shapes is hard enough, but folding a less-than-half-inch piece of paper into a crane and placing it onto a bonsai tree branch takes some serious skills!
Best Seasonal 'Wagashi' Throughout the Year
Seasonality is a key to Japanese culture. Each season brings exciting and different things to do, see and, of course, eat! Here are our favorite traditional Japanese sweets, or 'wagashi,' for each each season.
World Bonsai Convention in Saitama
The World Bonsai Convention returns to Japan for the first time in 28 years.
Celebrate Tanabata at Tokyo Tower
On July 7, head over to Tokyo Tower for a dazzling Milky Way Illumination. And be sure to come in a summer kimono to get a discount!
Kizuna Festival: Coming Together in Tohoku
Join our intrepid writer Nick on a journey to the inaugural Kizuna Festival in Sendai to celebrate the community, cooperation and cultural diversity of the Tohoku region.
The 11 Best Things to See in Golden Week
Golden Week is the biggest holiday of the year in Japan, and these 11 spots and events each offer something unique that can only be experienced at this time of year. You don't want to miss them!
Saiki Spring Festival Lights up the Night
20,000 bamboo lanterns brighten the night in this sleepy seaside town.
New Year’s Food in Japan
Travel to Japan to taste New Year’s specialties and ensure success for the following year.
This Beer Garden is Offering Summer Kimono
Not only do you get an incredible view, a three course meal and all-you-can-drink alcoholic beverages, but you even get a 'yukata' for an unbeatable price!
Learn About Japanese Culture from... a Cat?!
Bow down to your new furry sensei who will teach you all about Japanese holidays and culture.
Flock with the Seagulls at Kabushima Shrine
Take flight with our writer Nick as he heads back to Tohoku to visit a shrine that's quite literally 'for the birds!'
Fashioning a Wedding Dress Out of a Kimono
These dresses made from redesigned antique kimono should definitely make the bride feel special on her big day!
All the Public Holidays in Japan
While Japan may be famous for its grueling work ethic, the nation actually has a surprising number of national holidays—nearly one every month. Find out when you can get a day off to enjoy the rising sun!
Modern-Day Demon Invades Akihabara
In Japanese folklore there exists a traditional beast-like deity called the Namahage. Inspired by this tradition, media artist Etsuko Ichihara created a modern-day version of the Namahage specifically for Tokyo.
Japan-Exclusive National Holidays
Need a break from the long hours of working in Japan? Let's take a look at Japan-only national holidays that can't be found in any other country.
History of Same-Sex Samurai Love in Edo Japan
Thinking about samurai conjures up images of swords, honor, battles and blood. Chances are, homosexual relationships didn't enter your mind... until now.
Dress Up As a Samurai or Geisha in Kyoto
Dress up like a maiko, geisha or samurai in Kyoto, where you’ll discover the traditional landscape of a classic Japanese city.
Why Is Japanese Customer Service So Amazing?
First Time in Japan , Deeper Japan
Many people around the world know about, and expect, warmhearted hospitality in Japan. But what if we tell you the reason why might not be as simple, or polite, as a culturally ingrained sense of respect?
These 4 Traditional Sweets Will Take You Back
A quick and easy guide to 'wagashi,' or traditional Japanese sweets.
