Mochi – Exploring Japan’s Beloved Rice Cake and Its Many Varieties
When traveling in Japan, you will often encounter mochi, a chewy rice cake that plays an important role in Japanese food culture. While many visitors recognize mochi as a sweet dessert, it actually comes in a wide variety of forms, both sweet and savory, and is especially connected to New Year traditions. In this article, […]
Tokyo’s Best Cheap Eats – Must-Try Local Foods for Visitors
When visiting Tokyo, it is easy to focus on famous sushi restaurants or Michelin-starred dining. However, some of the most memorable food experiences can be found in Japan’s good cheap eats "B-grade gourmet", or affordable local comfort food. These dishes are loved by locals, easy to try while sightseeing, and offer an authentic taste of […]
Osechi – A Guide to Japan’s Traditional New Year Cuisine
When visiting Japan around the New Year season, you may come across beautifully arranged boxes filled with colorful foods called Osechi. More than just a meal, Osechi is a centuries-old tradition that reflects Japanese values, wishes for the future, and deep cultural symbolism. In this article, we explore what Osechi is, why it is important, […]
Japanese New Year Traditions – Exploring Japan’s “Firsts” of the Year
When celebrating the New Year in Japan, you may notice that many customs begin with the word “Hatsu”, meaning “first.” From the first shrine visit to the first sunrise and even the first dream, these traditions reflect the Japanese idea that how you begin the year sets the tone for what follows. In this article, […]
Hatsuyume – The Meaning of Japan’s First Dream of the New Year
When celebrating the New Year in Japan, you may hear people talking about Hatsuyume, the first dream of the year. In Japanese culture, this dream is believed to carry special meaning and is often associated with good luck and future fortune. In this article, we explore what Hatsuyume is, its cultural background, and how this […]
Hatsuhinode – Experiencing Japan’s First Sunrise of the New Year
When visiting Japan during the New Year season, you may hear people talking about Hatsuhinode, the first sunrise of the year. Watching the sun rise on January 1st is more than a beautiful moment—it is a meaningful tradition that symbolizes new beginnings, hope, and good fortune. In this article, we explore what Hatsuhinode is, why […]
Hatsumode – The Japanese Tradition of the First Shrine Visit of the Year
In Japan, the New Year does not begin with fireworks or parties, but with a quiet and meaningful tradition called Hatsumode—the first visit to a shrine or temple of the year. From late night on December 31 through the first few days of January, millions of people visit shrines and temples across Japan to pray […]
A Comparison of Zojoji and Kaneiji – Two Temples Deeply Connected to the Tokugawa Family
Tokyo is home to many temples closely associated with the Tokugawa family, the rulers who established the Edo Shogunate. Among them, Zojoji and Kaneiji stand out as especially important. Both temples are known as Tokugawa family temples where shoguns are buried, yet their locations, roles, and atmospheres are clearly different.In this article, we compare these […]
How Japanese People Spend the Year-End and New Year’s Eve
In Japan, the end of the year is not just about parties or fireworks. It is a meaningful time to cleanse the past, prepare for a fresh start, and reflect quietly. From late December through New Year’s Eve, many traditions focus on renewal, gratitude, and family. If you are visiting Japan in winter, understanding these […]
Japanese School Clubs (Bukatsu) – More Than Just After-School Activities
In Japan, after-school clubs—commonly known as “bukatsu”—are an essential part of student life. These clubs play a major role in shaping discipline, teamwork, and social skills from junior high school through high school. For visitors interested in Japanese culture, bukatsu offers valuable insight into how young people grow, learn, and build relationships in Japan. What […]