Japan’s 7 Most Incredible Castles

Japan castles

Japan has over 200 castles, called shiro (城) in Japanese. Many of these ancient, well-preserved fortresses are Japanese National Treasures. Here are some of the must-see castles in Japan and what they’re famous for!

Purikura: Japan’s Massively Popular Photo Booths

Purikura photo booths can be found all over Japan, and they are immensely popular with both Japanese teenage girls and even with foreign tourists! Where did these super-cute photo booths come from? How do you use them? Here is your ultimate guide to Japan’s Purikura photo booths!

15 Japanese Words That Don’t Exist in English

Did you know there are quite a few Japanese words that don’t translate exactly into English? Some of them are quite similar to English concepts, or can be explained in English with only a few words. However, other Japanese words have concepts and meanings completly non-exisitant in the English language! Here’s our list of 15 words that do not exactly exist … Read More

OCHUGEN お中元: The Gift of Summer

What is Ochugen お中元? Japanese custom calls for the giving of gifts twice a year to someone who is taking care of you. This duty is performed once in the summertime, called ochugen and once at the end of the year, called oseibo. The custom started at

Kodomo no Hi (Children's Day) in Japan

koinobori golden week

Does your country have a national holiday dedicated to children? In Japan, Kodomo no Hi (こどもの日) is a day set aside to celebrate children’s personalities and happiness. 

Kuromon Ichiba – “Osaka’s Kitchen”

kuromon market osaka maguro

Kuromon Ichiba street market is a long stretch of locally owned shops and food stands that runs through the center of Osaka. Especially famous for great meat and seafood, this street market is a Japanese food lover’s heaven!

Himeji Castle: A National Treasure

Himeji Castle is commonly regarded as the most beautiful castle in all of Japan. Not only do its famous white walls and incredible 600-year history make it a national treasure, but it is also an official World Cultural Heritage Site. 

Japanese Lucky Charms for a More Successful 2018

Would you like to attract more luck and success? Who wouldn’t right? The Japanese people have many traditions that is believed to improve one’s health, love life, and finances. Many of these beliefs are based on Shintoism and Buddhism, and have been passed on from generation to generation. Here are some lucky charms to help improve your luck in 2018.