When You Wish Upon a Pun
There’s a special reason why Japanese people offer ¥5 coins at temples and shrines.
10 Things That'll Surprise You in Japan!
Are these normal Japanese things weird to you? Here are the 10 things that might surprise you when you visit Japan for the first time.
Navigating Souvenir Culture in Japan
The word 'omiyage' is often translated as 'souvenir.' But while the concept is similar, the idea of 'omiyage' goes much deeper than the coffee mugs, T-shirts and key chains most people from North America would imagine bringing back from a vacation.
The New Classics: Culture Experiences in Tokyo
Traditional Japanese experiences have been receiving a revamp, with visitors and locals alike flocking to try new versions of old favorites!
You Too Can Become a Kabuki Star!
Live out your dreams of being a kabuki actor—if you have the cash!
Catch a Glimpse of Daily Life in Akita
Family and nature both feature prominently in this stirring glimpse of a day spent far away from the bright lights of Tokyo.
The Next Stage of Japan's Beloved Pancake
If you're a big fan of Japanese grilled dishes, you won't want to miss this 'teppanyaki' restaurant in Osaka that flips traditional 'okonomiyaki' on its head.
Top 6 Souvenirs to Take Home from Kyoto
Kyoto's deep history makes it one of the best places in Japan to find old-fashioned crafts and handmade goods you won't find anywhere else.
How Japanese Students Clean their Classrooms
Do you know the secrets of 'zokin-gake'?
47 Souvenirs from All 47 Prefectures!
Traveling around Japan but don't know what souvenir to buy from each region? We've got you covered with this crazy list of our Top 47 'omiyage' from each of the nation's 47 prefectures!
How to Play 'Jan-Ken-Pon'
In Japan, paper-rock-scissors is known as 'jan-ken-pon.' Children here use it to decide virtually everything—and this means that if you're a schoolteacher, 'janken' is one of the very first skills you need to pick up!
A Little Dive into Some Japanese Subcultures
A foreigner’s foray into a few of Japan’s more offbeat cultural aspects.
5 Must-Buy Omiyage from Osaka
Visiting Osaka? Then check out these five souvenirs to bring back!
A History of Japanese 'Omiyage' Culture
Before you give 'omiyage,' it might be a good idea to learn about the history of these special gifts and what makes them so important in Japan.
A Historical Walk Through Japanese Tea
Take a stroll through Kyoto’s Yamashiro region, the historical nexus of Japanese tea production, with a history dating back some 800 years.
How Akita Warms the Winter
See life in Akita through the eyes of elementary school students as this snowbound town prepares for its winter balloon festival. If you've ever lived in small-town Japan, we challenge you not to cry.
Portable Shrines of a Monstrous Proportion!
These giant portable monster shrines took over Ueno Park to dazzle and frighten all.
The Origin of the Maneki Neko
The Maneki Neko, literally the "beckoning cat,"is a very common Japanese figurine. Although there are several possible stories behind its origin, the one revolving around Gotokuji Temple probably has the most veracity to it.
Survival Japanese for Shopping
Since most shop clerks don't speak English, it's very useful to know a few sentences in Japanese to get what you want!
Okinawa's Top 3 Omiyage
We've got three great souvenir ideas to keep the island spirit with you once you're home!
