15 Things to Do in Toyama City
With some knowledge of the local dialect and the following guide, I am sure you will enjoy your stay at Toyama city. Any season is a great time–why not drop by for a visit?
March 13, 2018
Category: Tradition
ALL 775Crafts 54Internet 13Museum 133Pop culture 99Tradition 305
Words From The Past: Contemporary Japanese Philosophy In The Modern World
It amazed me how words written thousands of years ago by people long dead could come to shape our modern world on such a fundamental level. It also stunned me that so few of my fellow students seemed interested in what these ancient texts had to offer.
November 25, 2017
Rokuyo: The Calendar That Determines the Day's Fortune
The traditional Japanese calendar, Rokuyo, while helpful in deciding which days are appropriate for important events, also serves as a guide to determine if the day will be lucky or not.
November 17, 2017
Eiheiji: The World’s Most Important Zen Temple
As it is the largest training monastery in Japan, it is fairly unique, and visiting is a great way to familiarize yourself with Zen Buddhism. Even those who are less interested in religion will no doubt be awed by this gorgeous temple.
October 11, 2017
Honouring the Spirits of Our Ancestors in Nagasaki: Spirit Boat Procession
During Obon In Nagasaki, the spirits of the deceased are transported on a symbolic spirit boat. Each family makes and personalizes the boats according to the hobbies, lifestyle and favourite things of the loved ones that have departed.
August 23, 2017
Sumiyoshi Shrine: A Guardian for Seafarers in Kyushu
In early history, the shrine was considered one of the highest ranking in all the land. It’s position facing the Hakata Bay has seen it long revered as a guardian for sea voyagers.
August 5, 2017
The Obon Festival: How Japanese Honor Their Ancestors
If you are in Japan during the summer, chances are you will happen across a group of people celebrating Obon. It is primarily a time to honor one’s ancestors, but has also become an opportunity to visit relatives and generally relax.
July 13, 2017
My Early Experiences with Kyudou (Japanese Archery)
I knew absolutely nothing about Kyudou, but before I realized it, I had grabbed a friend and we signed up for classes within weeks.
June 17, 2017
The Cost of Getting into Kyudou (Japanese Archery)
For those out there who are interested in trying the elegant and meditative Japanese martial art of kyudou (Japanese archery), let me break down the approximate cost.
June 2, 2017
Experience Kabuki Performances at Tokyo's Kabukiza
Even though it originally started as a “pop-culture” in the age of samurai, today the art of singing and dancing, or kabuki, has become one of Japan’s most significant performing arts.
May 27, 2017
Kanamara Matsuri: The Phallus Festival (WARNING! Contains Sexual Images and Content)
Kanamara Matsuri is one of Japan’s quirkier festivals. Translated to English, it means: “festival of the steel phallus”.
April 17, 2017
Seki-Juku: An Ancient Outpost in Modern Japan
If you actually want to stay in Seki-Juku for a day or two then you have the chance to really experience historic hospitality as only the Japanese can provide.
April 10, 2017
Sumida Hokusai Museum: The Origins of Manga Inside Modern Architecture
The building which opened in Ryogoku in the fall of 2016, is the Sumida Hokusai Museum. A museum focused on arts by Katsushika Hokusai, whose work includes The Wave of Kanagawa and Thirty-six Views of Mt. Fuji.
February 24, 2017
Make a Wish at the Daruma Market
The Daruma market and festival is held to both expel evil spirits and call for spring, and is held every year when the plum trees bloom -- a sign that spring is just around the corner.
February 15, 2017
Osaka Tondo Festival - An Experience Midst Flames and Snow
Osaka Tondo Festival is the biggest fire festivals in Osaka. And as such, it has become an integral part of Osaka’s culture.
February 2, 2017
Mii-dera: One of Japan's Four Largest Temples
Mii-dera (三井寺) also referred to as Onjo-ji is one of Japan’s four largest temples. It is also one of the 33 temples of the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage.
January 27, 2017
5 Grandmother's Wisdoms - Obaachan Life-hacks
Grandmother’s wisdom, or Obaachan no Chie, is a common term used for a certain kind of knowledge that helps us out in our daily lives. Grandmothers aren’t here to solve the biggest issues, but to help us take care of ourselves with easier and smarter ways.
January 17, 2017
Once in a Lifetime: My Homestay Experience in Japan
I believed I would have a memorable time with them and boy was I right!
January 12, 2017
