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.
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.
4 Awesome Fireworks Festivals Outside Tokyo
Tokyo may be the heart of Japan, but to see amazing fireworks this summer, you'll need to venture out of the capital.
World Bonsai Convention in Saitama
The World Bonsai Convention returns to Japan for the first time in 28 years.
Tap Dancing Their Way Into Our Hearts
From graceful Awa Odori dance movements to routines in kimono at a New York subway, his tap dancing duo are turning heads everywhere they go.
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!
Dance in the Center of Shibuya
The first-ever Bon Odori dance festival is coming to Shibuya Crossing! The famous intersection will be closed to traffic to allow everyone to participate in this traditional summer dance festival on August 5.
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!
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!
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?
3 Hot Tokyo Fireworks Festivals
Summer is always an eventful time in Tokyo. During July and August, there are countless summer firework festivals to see!
University Entrance Exam Adds Ninja Section
If you don’t know your 'mizugumo' from your 'kunai,' then I’m afraid you might not be Mie University material.
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!
Astonishingly Beautiful Hand-Cut Paper Art
One Japanese artist is showing off her mad cutting skills with these intricate works of art.
Legendary Katana Now On Display in Tokyo
The legendary crescent moon katana, one of Japan's Five Swords Under Heaven, is now on display and is a hit with history buffs and video gamers alike.
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!
The Japanese 'Taiko' Drum Goes Electronic
The world's first ever electronic 'taiko' drum will be played on stage with the internationally recognized performance group Kodo.
Nishimonai Bon Odori
While Japan's Bon Odori dances may be symbolic of the summer, if you want to really learn the dance, you'd better start in winter!
Saiki Spring Festival Lights up the Night
20,000 bamboo lanterns brighten the night in this sleepy seaside town.
These 4 Traditional Sweets Will Take You Back
A quick and easy guide to 'wagashi,' or traditional Japanese sweets.
