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.
Your Guide to the Japan Rail Pass【Latest Edition 2023 Oct.~】
If you’re visiting Japan for sight-seeing and plan on frequently using the public transportation system to get around, then the JR Pass is a great deal! The vast majority of trains in Japan are owned and operated by the Japan Railways (JR) Group, and after purchasing a JR pass, you can ride all JR trains and even the Shinkansen! Read … Read More
Everything You Can Do at a Japanese Konbini!
In Japan, you can’t walk a single block without passing at least one convenience store, or “konbini” (コンビニ) in Japanese. As of March 2022, there are 58,133 convenience stores in Japan, and the major ones are 7-Eleven, Family Mart, and Lawson. Chances are you’ve already heard about convenient Japan’s konbini are, but there are lots of other things that you … Read More
The Art of Sake Making: A Comprehensive Guide
Sake(酒), the beloved Japanese rice wine, has been a cherished part of Japanese lifestyle and culture for centuries. Its rich history and cultural significance have captivated people worldwide, particularly with the growing popularity of Japanese cuisine. In this blog, we will explore the fascinating history of sake, delve into the intricate sake-making process, and learn how to appreciate the distinct … Read More
Hanko: The Traditional Japanese Name Seal
In Japan, one of the most important tools for personal identification and authorization is the Hanko, a traditional name seal used for signing official documents, opening bank accounts, and more. Despite the rise of digital signatures, Hanko still plays a significant role in Japanese society and culture. A Hanko is a small, cylindrical object made of materials like wood, ivory, … 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.
The Most Popular Japanese GESTURES!
Have you ever been to Japan? You may have noticed that several of the common gestures used by Japanese people are actually quite different from the ones used in your home country. Here is a picture guide of the most commonly used gestures in Japan, along with their meanings!
How to Keep Warm During Winter in JAPAN
Winter in Japan usually lasts from December until February, and can be pretty unforgiving if you’re not used to the cold. Temperatures average around 2ºC~10ºC (35°F~50°F) in city areas, and can get as low as -6°C (21°F) in country side and even colder in Hokkaido! If you’re visiting Japan during the winter months, you’ll definitely want to take care to … Read More
From Tradition to Today: Japanese School Uniforms
When you were a student growing up, did your school have uniforms? Most schools in Japan do! Japanese school uniforms, called seifuku (制服), were introduced to Japanese private and public schools in the late 19th century. The uniform traditionally consists of a military-styled uniform for boys and a sailor outfit for girls, but Western-styled Catholic-school uniforms are also very common. In … Read More
Foreigner’s Guide to Renting an Apartment in Japan
Have you ever dreamed of living in Japan? By living in Japan, you can discover so many new things that you wouldn’t find by just traveling for a short time. If you plan to stay longer than one month, you may want to consider renting an apartment as opposed to staying at a hotel or hostel, as it’s much more … Read More