The 3 Most Notable Animals of Shinto Shrines
Visitors at Shinto shrines often see animal statues or motifs near the entrance, inside the shrine or on signs. What do the most notable animals symbolize?
A One-of-a-Kind Coming of Age Day
From souped up cars to bungee jumping off Japan's tallest bridge, these adults are bringing their own sense of style to Coming of Age Day 2016!
3 Ways to Worship Mount Fuji
Mount Fuji is an object of faith for Japanese people, and a place their hearts draw support from, as expressed by the official name under which it's registered as a Cultural World Heritage Site: 'Fujisan, sacred place and source of artistic inspiration.'
A Beginner's Guide to Japanese Tea Ceremonies
Thinking of taking up the classical art of brewing Japanese tea while wearing a kimono, but don't know where to start? Not a problem. Just take a look at this handy guide for some helpful hints!
How to Purify Yourself at a Japanese Shrine
Purify yourself in 15 (not-so-complicated) steps!
3 Fun Facts About Japanese Incense
A quick teaser for those of you who are relatively new to the world of Japanese incense!
Searching for the Imperial Regalia of Japan
Japan's Imperial Regalia have only ever been seen by a select few. Here we try to demystify these national treasures, hunting down the sites where they are said to be located.
What is The Wonder 500™?
The Wonder 500 Undiscovered Japan
The Wonder 500™ aims to discover unique Japanese local products that are unfamiliar outside of Japan, and introduce them—and the values they represent—to the rest of the world.
The Biggest Temple You've Never Heard Of
While many regions of Japan are world-renowned for their shrines and temples, sometimes it's the ones you've never heard of that leave the biggest impression.
Visiting the Cradle of Japan
Miyazaki occupies a special place in Japanese history for a mountain town called Takachiho. For it was here the deity Ninigi-no-Mikoto, grandson of the sun goddess Amaterasu, is said to have descended to Earth.
2016 Designer New Year’s Cards
Each year Spoon & Tamago selects a handful of its favourite "nengajo," or New Year’s cards, created by Japanese designers, illustrators and other creatives.
6 Things You Should Know About Japanese Snow
There are a few unique things about Japanese snow.
Personalize Your Stamp with Cats!
Whether you're signing for a package or opening a new bank account, you'll need a "hanko" in Japan. But why settle for drab when you can have kitty-fab!
Share a Gorgeous Passion for Otsu
Osamu Hasegwa is one of our favourite filmmakers, and in his latest film, “Passion for Otsu—Youngest Mayor in Japan: Naomi Koshi,” he combines his stylistic technique with a vivid storyline.
Read 141 GB of Ancient Japanese Texts Online
Access ancient Japanese texts at a click of a button with a new database courtesy of The National Institute of Japanese Literature.
6 Differences Between Temples & Shrines
I decided, once and for all, to figure out the differences between a temple and a shrine.
Konbu Road: Ancient Route of Kelp & Medicine
Sailing south down Japan’s western coast from Hokkaido, ships brought goods that included the edible kelp called "konbu" to Toyama on their way along the watery route that came to be called Konbu Road.
What's a Furisode?
While you may have seen many kimono in anime or around Japan, you may also have seen a furisode and not have even realized it!
Kicking It Old School
If you happen to be in Kyoto around the turn of the New Year, you won't want to miss this spectacle of men and women dressed in Heian-style robes playing their version of soccer.
Astro Boy Meets the Rinpa School of Painting
The classic anime characters by Osamu Tezuka that gave birth to modern anime come to life in this exhibit thanks to breathtaking backgrounds provided by the traditional Japanese painting school, Rinpa.
