How Japan Tastes Spring
In Japan, people enjoy cherry blossoms not only by viewing them, but also by tasting them. When spring arrives, many cafés, restaurants, and shops offer special products inspired by sakura. From sweets and drinks to seasonal desserts, these sakura-flavored items allow people to experience the beauty of the season through taste as well as sight. […]
Experience the Pink Peaks of Mount Yoshino: Japan’s Ultimate Sakura Escape
Have you ever wanted to feel like you’re in a dream, entirely surrounded by sakura trees? As someone who has lived in Japan for several years, I’ve seen my fair share of cherry blossoms, but Mount Yoshino (Yoshinoyama) remains one of my most unforgettable hanami experiences. Located in Nara Prefecture, this UNESCO World Heritage site […]
A Bridge to the Sacred: A Conversation with an Esoteric Buddhist Monk Serving in Koyasan
As we work closely with temples and spiritual landmarks across Japan to offer the best, most authentic experiences to travelers, we recently had the profound opportunity to meet with a practicing Esoteric Buddhist monk currently serving in the sacred area of Koyasan. This was a wonderful opportunity for us to uncover the feeling and spirituality […]
Seeing Mount Fuji for the First Time – Japan’s most sacred ground
After 4 years in Japan, I finally had the opportunity to go see Mount Fuji from up close. If you’re living in Japan, you probably get to see Mount Fuji at some point pretty rapidly. However, I have spent most of my time in Kansai and I always used the night bus to go to […]
Do You Know Jiro-Style Ramen?
Have you ever heard of Jiro-style ramen? Among ramen lovers in Japan, it has almost cult-like popularity.Once you try it, many people become addicted to its powerful and unforgettable flavor. There is even a famous joke among regular customers: “If a fire broke out in the shop, true fans would keep eating quietly until they […]
Kongo Gumi, master builder of traditional Japanese temples and shrines
The World’s Oldest Continuing Construction Company — Founded in 578 Did you know that the world’s oldest continuously operating construction company was founded in Japan? Established in 578 AD, Kongo Gumi has upheld more than 1,400 years of temple and shrine construction heritage. Since the Asuka period, the company has been devoted to the construction […]
Ise Jingu : Our Experience
We had the rare opportunity to experience Ise not simply as visitors, but from a deeply Japanese perspective, taking part in a tour centered on Shinto tradition and sacred blessings. Instead of simply sightseeing, we got to experience a true immersion into something timeless and quietly powerful. Here is how the day unfolded. 9:00 – […]
Ise Jingu: The Sacred Heart of Shinto Japan
Japan is home to thousands of shrines, but none holds a place as sacred and revered as Ise Grand Shrine (Ise Jingu, officially ‘Jingu’). Ise Shrine is located in Ise, Mie Prefecture and is Japan’s most sacred Shinto site, with a history spanning over 2000 years centered around the worship of the Sun Goddess Amaterasu […]
Wakakusa Yamayaki : Nara’s Fiery Winter Festival
Every January, the historic city of Nara comes alive in an extraordinary way. On the fourth Saturday of the month, a centuries-old tradition draws spectators from near and far to witness the hillside of Mount Wakakusa ablaze in a spectacle known as Wakakusa Yamayaki. This year, the event took place on Saturday, January 24, 2026, […]
How to Handle Winter Weather Disruptions While Traveling in Japan
How to Handle Winter Weather Disruptions While Traveling in Japan Japan is famous for its punctual trains, efficient airports, and highly reliable transportation system. For many visitors, this reliability becomes an expectation throughout their trip. However, during winter, weather conditions such as snow, strong winds, or sudden temperature drops can occasionally disrupt travel plans. While […]