10 Japanese Festivals You Can’t Miss in October

It’s officially autumn in Japan! The month of October is one of the most fun months to be in Japan, for there are multiple festivals happening every single weekend.  From manly “fighting” festivals to jaw-dropping lantern displays,  you can’t miss these 10 festivals going on in October.

Which Mt. Fuji do you like the most?

kaimondake Satsuma fuji

Are you ready to explore the stunning mountains of Japan and find the ones that resemble the majestic Mt. Fuji? Mt. Fuji, the iconic and breathtaking mountain that stands tall and proud in Japan, has been a source of inspiration for many. Its unique shape and beauty have captured the hearts of people around the world, and it’s no surprise … Read More

Kyo train GARAKU: A Luxury Train Journey Through the Heart of Kyoto

Kyotorain garaku

I’ve always been a fan of trains, so when I heard about the Kyō-Train GARAKU, I knew I had to try it. This luxury train runs between Osaka and Kyoto, and it offers a unique and unforgettable way to experience the heart of west Japan. Video: [Kyo train GARAKU] Getting to Kyoto from Osaka There are several ways to get … Read More

Top 10 Best Places to See Hydrangea in Japan

ajisai inaka Hydrangea in countryside of Japan

Every year in June, along with the rainy season, pretty clusters of colorful hydrangea flowers bloom across Japan. The beautiful flowers are called ajisai (あじさい、紫陽花) in Japanese. Some places are even famous for the incredible number and variety of hydrangea flowers. Here are 10 popular hydrangea-viewing spots in Japan!

Japan’s Top 10 Wisteria-Viewing Spots

Fuji Wisteria Tunnel

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!

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

Hikone Castle: A Timeless Treasure of Japan

Hikone Castle spring

Hikone castle, a stunning fortress in Shiga prefecture, Japan, is a must-visit destination. I was fortunate enough to visit this castle during the Sakura season, when Japan’s iconic cherry blossoms burst into bloom. But even without the added beauty of the Sakura, Hikone castle stands as one of Japan’s most stunning historical sites. Located in Shiga prefecture, the castle boasts … Read More

Sakura Viewing in Daigoji Temple, Kyoto

daigoji sakura cherry blossoms

Daigoji Temple, established in 874 and designated as a World Heritage Site, is renowned as a popular destination for cherry blossom viewing. It is where Toyotomi Hideyoshi famously hosted his “Daigo no Hanami” cherry blossom viewing party. The temple’s magnificent grounds, adorned with two national treasures; a stunning five-story pagoda (五重塔) and Kondō (金堂 Golden Hall) and other historic buildings, … Read More

Inuyama Castle 犬山城 ~ A Timeless Wonder of Japan

Inuyama Castle in front open space

Inuyama Castle is one of five national treasure castles located in Inuyama City, Aichi Prefecture. The castle is a magnificent example of Japanese architecture, and it is one of the oldest surviving castles in Japan, dating back to the 16th century. Inuyama Castle stands tall on a hill overlooking the Kiso River and the surrounding landscape, and it has been … Read More

Japan’s 5 Most Unique Festivals

Immerse yourself in Japan’s rich Matsuri culture, where over 300,000 festivals are celebrated annually, ranging from small local events to grand Shinto Shrine gatherings. These Matsuri festivals come in different sizes and styles, ranging from tranquil and intimate to energetic and lively. Delve into this captivating culture and discover some of Japan’s unique and unusual Matsuri celebrations with our list … Read More