How to Enjoy Tea Ceremony Like a Local
Like many traditional Japanese events, tea ceremony is a treasured cultural activity where manners are key. Before you sit down, here's a quick primer on the rules you'll need to know to properly enjoy 'chado.'
Small Island Burns for Japan's Early Days
Every year in January, the 800 residents of this small island pray for health and remember the nation's first emperor with a pillar of flame.
The Secrets of 'Gokon'
What's the deal with mysterious Japanese group dates, or 'gokon'?
Get 'Spirited Away' at this Nagasaki Festival
You'll feel as though you've slipped into a Ghibli film as you glide through the streets of Nagasaki in a sea of orange and red lanterns.
The Most Expensive Sushi Roll We've Ever Seen!
Invite good fortune into your mouth with sushi wrapped in edible gold.
'Jikabuki': Local Kabuki in Gifu Prefecture
At Aioiza, a small museum and playhouse in Gifu, you can get right behind the scenes with 'jikabuki'—and even try on the makeup and costumes for yourself!
A 'Heart to Heart' Primer on Japanese Manners
Manners are a big part Japanese culture and society, but a first-time visitor or new resident will likely be surprised to learn many of these rules are unspoken, but understood. Therefore, we'd like to introduce a few to help you fit in while in Japan.
The Only New Year's Postcard You'll Ever Need
Japanese artist Feebee has created an 'ukiyo-e' woodblock print of an imaginary beast combining all 12 zodiac animals. Doesn't matter if it's the Year of the Rooster, Horse or Dragon, you can always send this print for the New Year!
