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 […]
Setsubun: Welcoming Good Fortune and Driving Away Bad Luck in Early February
After the New Year celebrations come to an end, Japan marks another important seasonal turning point: Setsubun (節分). Usually held around February 3 or 4, Setsubun symbolizes the transition from winter to spring according to the traditional Japanese calendar. While it is not a public holiday, it is widely observed across the country in homes, […]
How to Enjoy Hatsumōde: Japan’s First Shrine and Temple Visit of the Year
As the New Year approaches, one of the most meaningful Japanese traditions begins: Hatsumōde, the first Hatsumōde: Experiencing Japan’s First Shrine or Temple Visit of the New Year As the New Year approaches, one of Japan’s most meaningful annual traditions begins: Hatsumōde (初詣), the first visit to a shrine or temple of the year. For […]
Bear Encounters in Japan: What Travelers Should Know Before Exploring Nature
Japan is widely known for its vibrant cities, reliable public transportation, and rich cultural heritage, but beyond the urban areas lies a vast natural landscape of forests, mountains, national parks, and rural countryside. For travelers interested in hiking, countryside walks, or exploring less-touristy regions, Japan offers incredible natural beauty throughout the year. However, these natural […]