Japan’s Autumnal Equinox Day (秋分の日)

Japan autumnal equinox flower

Every year around mid-end of September, in time with the autumn equinox in the Northern Hemisphere, Japan observes a national holiday called Autumnal Equinox Day (秋分の日). This day has been a public holiday since 1948, and it actually celebrates more than just the changing of the seasons. Here’s the things you may want to know about Japan’s Autumnal Equinox Day!

What are the Different Japanese Household Shrines and Altars?

If you’ve ever been to Japan, then you may have marveled at its numerous shrines and national temples like the Meiji Jingu Shrine in Tokyo, and the Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine in Kyoto. The Japanese give utmost importance and respect to these shrines for they are considered places of worship and the dwellings of the kami, or the Shinto “gods”. … Read More

A Basic Guide to Zen Buddhism Beliefs and Practices

There has been a recent uptick in interest in the practice of Zen Buddhism because of its said benefits the mind and body. But what exactly is it about? It can be quite difficult to explain since Zen is not bound by the words and letters of the sutras. But in this article, we try to dig deeper into the … Read More