Are you dreaming of a trip to Japan and the breathtaking view of sakura, cherry blossoms? Lately, more and more tourists are flocking to this city in western Japan. Relaxing in gorgeous parks with hundreds of beautiful blooming trees that create mesmerizing visual effects takes only one day out of your vacation – yet, it’s likely something you will remember … Read More
What to do in Okinawa? 10 popular places to visit
Okinawa is a beautiful island paradise with rich subtropical nature and mesmerizing coral reefs. Home to many unique species, it has been designated as national parks in its northern Yanbaru region and Kerama Islands – not to mention the blissful 23°C average annual temperature! In other words: Okinawa is undoubtedly one of Japan’s top vacation spots! When travelling there for … Read More
10 Best Plum blossom Viewing Spots in Japan
Persevering through even the coldest of winter days, beautiful plum blossoms bloom to grace their surroundings with a mesmerizing display. These delicate flowers come in an array of colors ranging from pale white and soft pinks, all radiating sweet fragrance that will delight your senses. With five petals set atop no leaf stalks they represent hope and temperance – inspiring … Read More
Japan’s Coming of Age Day (2023 version)
Every January in Japan, the nation celebrates an age-old tradition: Coming of Age Day (成人の日 Seijin no Hi). This special National holiday marks a milestone for individuals who have officially reached adulthood at 20 years old – and with recent changes to the law that will lower the legal adulting age to 18 in April 2022, even more people can … Read More
All about Hamaya ~ Benefits, how to decorate, how to discard
Have you ever heard of HAMAYA? Many Japanese people buy this arrow-shaped lucky charm when they go to Hatsumōde 初詣 (New Year’s shrine or temple visit). The “Hamaya” is a popular item for Hatsumōde (New Year’s visit to shrines temples). Learn the legend behind it and have a happy New Year.
#5 つるのおんがえし Learn Japanese with a Short Story ~Tsuru no Ongaeshi
Learn Japanese with a Short Story. Today’s lesson is Tsuru no Ongaeshi つるの おんがえし The Grateful Crane, a very famous Japanese Fable. Please enjoy the lesson video, the whole story in Japanese and Vocabulary/Phrases list. Explanatory Video つるのおんがえし（鶴の恩返し） Story Outline 鶴の恩返し One day, the grandfather saves a crane that was caught in a hunter’s trap. On the evening of the … Read More
#4 こぶとりじいさん Learn Japanese with a Short Story ~Kobutori Jiisan
Learn Japanese with a Short Story. Today’s lesson is Kobutori Jiisan こぶとりじいさん The Old Man with a Lump, a very famous Japanese Fable. Please enjoy the lesson video, the whole story in Japanese and Vocabulary/Phrases list. Explanatory Video こぶとりじいさん Story Outline こぶとり爺さん Once upon a time, there were two old men with big bumps on their cheeks. The old man … Read More
Christmas in Japan
The Christmas season in Japan is a magical time of the year. True, Christmas Day is not recognized as a national holiday, as only about 1 percent of the whole population in Japan is Christian. However, many of the things traditionally related to Christmas, such as decorations in shopping malls, colorful LED lights, and festive Christmas markets can be found all across Japan … Read More
#3 因幡の白兎 Learn Japanese with a Short Story ~Inaba no shiro usagi
Learn Japanese with a Short Story. Today’s lesson is Inaba no shiro usagi 因幡の白兎 Hare of Inaba, one of the stories of Japanese Myth. Please enjoy the lesson video, the whole story in Japanese and Vocabulary/Phrases list. Explanatory Video いなばの しろうさぎ Story Outline 因幡の白兎 A rabbit from Izumo mythology. In order to get from Okishima to Inaba, he crossed the … Read More
#2 北風と太陽 Learn Japanese with a Short Story ~Kitakaze to Taiyo
Learn Japanese with a Short Story. Today’s lesson is Kitakaze to Taiyo 北風と太陽 The North Wind and the Sun, a very famous Aesop’s Fables. Please enjoy the lesson video, the whole story in Japanese and Vocabulary/Phrases list. Explanatory Video きたかぜ と たいよう Story Outline 北風と太陽 One day, the North Wind and the Sun decide to have a contest of strength. … Read More