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!
A Foreigner’s Quick Guide to Japanese Hanko Stamp
Have you heard of Hanko? It’s a must-have item if you’re planning to stay in Japan for long. If you happen to visit Japan, you’ll notice that they do something really unique when they purchase a car, sign a lease, write a contract or application, etc. instead of signature.
Top 10 Best Places to See Hydrangea in 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!
10 Fun Things to Do in Japan in May
May in Japan is packed with a number of festivals – this is in part due to the Golden Week holiday period that happens every year for several days in early May. Then, the rest of the month is filled with good weather, sunshine, flowers, and lots of food and festivities! Here are 10 fun things to do in Japan … Read More
感謝の言葉 Kansha no kotoba: Appreciation words in Japanese
Have you heard of “Power of appreciation or gratitude”? To receive help from Japanese, showing gratitude in advance works! Let’s learn variety of useful Japanese thank you words! This is YouTube Live lesson on 1 June 2020 – YT Japanese Live Lessons on every Mon & Wed 9am JST. Please turn in if you like 🙂 Here are the words … Read More
Stereotypes About Japan That ARE True!
When you think about “Japan”, what stereotypes come to mind? There are loads of myths surrounding Japan – about the people, the culture, the trains, and even the food! Many of them are far from accurate, but several common stereotypes are actually spot-on! Read on to find out which stereotypes about Japan are true, and the facts that back them … Read More
Top 10 Things to Do in Japan in November 2019
November in Japan is when the leaves reach their peak autumn beauty, and the first cold winds remind you that winter is not far away! November is full with a variety of autumn parades, an international carnival in Okinawa, and even a famous World Character Summit in Saitama! Here are the top 10 things to do in Japan in November … Read More
Top 10 Things to Do in Japan in August 2019
August is peak summer festival season in Japan! The number of festivals, and also the huge size of the events, is better in August than any other time of year in Japan. These 10 events are some of the biggest and best of August, but also all year! Read on to discover the top 10 things to do in August … Read More
Japanese Manners You Should Know Before You Visit
Japan is known for its very polite society, and Japanese people are taught from an early age to follow an unspoken set of etiquette rules. The Japanese don’t expect foreign visitors to know all the rules, but a basic understanding of Japanese customs is certainly helpful. Here are some basic Japanese manners you should know before you visit!
Japan’s World-Record-Setting Akashi Kaikyō Bridge
Did you know that the world’s longest suspension bridge is located in Japan? Called the Akashi Kaikyō Ōhashi (明石海峡大橋), the bridge is famous for its revolutionary engineering and stunning views. People can even take tours and climb it! Here’s everything you should know about Japan’s incredible Akashi Kaikyō Bridge.