Hatsumode: Japan’s Magical New Year Shrine Visit Tradition
Every New Year comes, and when you ring in the New Year in Japan, hatsumode (初詣) is a must-do. It might be a good idea to wait in a long …
Author: Kazu. K
Nengajo: Japan’s Beautiful New Year’s Card Tradition
Do you know about “Nengajo (年賀状)”? It’s New Year’s greeting cards in Japan. It is safe to say that it’s one of the biggest headaches at the end of the …
Beyond the Surface: Honne and Tatemae in Japanese Communication
It is said that there is honne(本音) and tatemae(建前) in Japan, and it can confuse foreigners in conversation. One day, I was wondering if it was only in Japanese culture? …
How to Slurp Food in Japan!
When you hear a slurping sound, how do you feel? Is it rude or uneducated? Or do you feel uncomfortable? When you visit ramen or soba restaurants in Japan for …
My Go-to Onigiri in Japan
When it comes to Japanese food, onigiri is a very Japanese thing, I’d say. According to Wikipedia, it is called onigiri (おにぎり), omusubi (お結び), or nigirimeshi (握り飯). I usually call …
How Amazing Gacha Gacha Is!
Gacha Gacha(ガチャガチャ) means capsule toys in Japanese and has been around for nearly 60 years since it came to Japan. Now, you can see the vending machines of Gacha Gacha …
Enjoy a Shopping Spree at Donki!
Do you want to go on a shopping spree somewhere when you visit Japan? It might be a good idea to go to upscale places like Ginza, Omotesando, Shinjuku, etc. …
Why Is Japan So Clean? I’ll Tell You The Secret.
Many people say, “Japan is so clean, you can’t find any trash on the road.” Do you want to know the secret? Of course, it’s important for the country’s garbage …
The Three Best Hidden Gems for Visiting in Tokyo!
Getting warm and balmy weather makes me want to get out of my apartment. In May, it’s a good time to hang out around the city. My wife and I …
A Laid-back Hanami Journey: A Half-day Casual Route in Asakusa!
You might be tired of a lot of tourists seeing cherry blossoms this season. There are a lot of crowds, especially in popular spots. Luckily, you can see sakuras here …