The Aoi Matsuri (葵祭) is one of the three most important annual festivals held in Kyoto, Japan. Held every year on May 15, the festival is known for an incredible procession of over 600 people in authentic Heian-era costumes. Here is everything you need to know about the famous Aoi Matsuri!
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Must-Have Apps for Your Trip to Japan
If you’re using a smartphone, traveling around Japan has never been easier or more convenient! From helping you read Japanese menus to navigating the Japanese train system, here are the must-have apps to make you get the most out of your trip to Japan!
10 Japanese Mascots You Won’t Believe Actually Exist
In Japan, almost every city, town, company, or even local event, has its own mascot. Some mascot characters like Rilakkuma or Domo-kun have become household names in Japan, but the vast majority of characters aren’t widely known outside of their local area. There are thousands of different mascots, and some are incredibly strange! You won’t believe these 10 bizarre mascots that … Read More
10 Fun Things to Do in Japan in May 2019
May in Japan is packed with a number of festivals – this is in part due to the Golden Week holiday period that happens every year for several days in early May. Then, the rest of the month is filled with good weather, sunshine, flowers, and lots of food and festivities! Here are 10 fun things to do in Japan … Read More
Japan’s Top 10 Wisteria-Viewing Spots
The end of cherry blossom season is certainly not the end of flower festivals in Japan! Every year, following the cherry blossoms, lush purple wisteria flowers arrive in Japan, blooming from April to May. The beautiful purple flowers are called fuji (ふじ, 藤) in Japanese. Here are the Top 10 wisteria-viewing spots in Japan!
Your Ultimate Guide to Japanese Trains
Japan’s public transportation system is known for being one of the most advanced and reliable in the entire world! If you’re visiting Japan, the train system is an especially convenient and affordable way to travel. Here’s everything you need to know about taking the trains in Japan.
A Guide to Osaka Castle Park
Osaka Castle is an iconic symbol that is definitely worth a visit. When you do go, be sure to enjoy Osaka Castle Park to the fullest! Here’s a guide on how to get there and what to do to make the most out of your trip. There is a video guide at the end of this blog, too.
Onsen/Sentō Manners: Japanese Bathing Etiquette
Japanese onsen (温泉: hot springs) or sentō (銭湯: public baths), are are enjoyed by anyone of all ages. Onsen use hot water taken from a natural hot spring, while sentō use tap water heated by boilers. Both onsen and sentō are very enjoyable to Japanese and foreigners alike, but there is a set of unspoken instructions you should know before you … Read More
Japan’s New Bank Notes’ Design
It’s time to change the Japanese bank notes. Every 20 years, the Japanese bank notes designs are changed in order to prevent forgery. Finance Minister Taro Aso (the former Prime Minister) announced today, April 9, 2019, that the ¥10,000, ¥5,000 and ¥1,000 banknotes will be redesigned with cutting-edge technology to prevent counterfeiting. Here are the specifications of three new bank notes.
Japan’s Golden Week Holiday: 2019
Golden Week (ゴールデンウィーク) is one of the busiest holiday seasons in Japan. This year, the timing of the holidays as well as the introduction of a new national holiday has created an unusually long Golden Week that lasts 10 whole days! Here’s everything you need to know about Golden Week 2019.