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
Category: Tradition｜Taiken Japan
ALL 643Internet 13Crafts 48Tradition 298Pop culture 91Museum 124
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
10 Japan-Themed New Year’s Resolution Ideas
Instead of the usual “lose weight”, “get a better job” or “go to the gym every Tuesday” scenario, why not base a realistic (and, let’s face it – fun) Japan or Japanese-based resolution that you can try alone or with friends? How about it?
January 11, 2017
Distinguishing between Japanese Shrines and Temples
Did you know the differences between a shrine and a temple in Japan? There are some unique observable feature that can help you find the differences.
January 9, 2017
Some Occasional Greetings in Japanese
It’s the time to welcome a New Year. If this is your first New Year day in Japan, these greeting words should really help. Did you wish your friends and colleagues a ‘Happy New Year’ in Japanese?
January 5, 2017
Feels Like Being Inside The Meiji Era!: A Visit to the Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery
With each picture being 3 meters high, you would feel like being inside a Meiji Period picture book!
January 2, 2017
Kagami Mochi – Let's welcome the Japanese New Year with traditional rice cake
From late November until the beginning of January, you will start seeing two-layered mochi varieties in different sizes for sale in supermarkets, convenience stores and food stalls everywhere. Let’s take a look into the tradition of the “kagami mochi!”
Food & DrinkCultureEventsAll Japan
December 29, 2016
New Year's Customs in Japan
New Year's, or oshogatsu in Japanese, is the most important holiday in Japan, and it is celebrated quite differently than it is in the West.
EventsFood & DrinkCultureAll Japan
December 29, 2016
Playing for Luck in the Coming New Year: Hagoita-Ichi Festival
The annual Hagoita-Ichi is an annual Battledore Fair which occurs every year in mid-December.
December 29, 2016
