A person in Nakameguro looking at the cherry blossoms at night.

Nakameguro and Beyond: Best Places to Enjoy Yozakura in Japan

While Nakameguro is a must-visit, it’s far from the only place to enjoy night cherry blossoms in Japan. From peaceful moat-lined walkways to historic gardens and castle parks, exploring beyond Nakameguro reveals just how diverse and memorable yozakura can be.

Figure skaters Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara accept their medals at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Japan’s Medal Breakthrough at the 2026 Winter Olympics!

The 2026 Winter Olympics, held in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, marked a defining moment for Japan’s winter sports program. Facing off against the world’s strongest teams, Japan delivered its best-ever performance at the Winter Games.

A cup of cherry blossom tea.

Cherry Blossoms in Japanese Culture: A Guide

Every spring, people across Japan gather beneath blooming cherry trees for a tradition known as hanami, which means “flower viewing.” While it may look like a simple picnic today, hanami has deep roots stretching back over a thousand years. Let’s take a closer look at cherry blossoms in Japanese culture.

Stacked boxes of omiyage, pre-packaged desserts and snacks

Omiyage: The Tradition of Japanese Souvenirs

In Japan, you can find an endless selection of region-specific boxed snacks and desserts, perfect for distributing to others. These types of snacks are called omiyage, souvenirs bought for others, and they are an important part of Japanese culture and relationships. 

A tuna statue in Cape Oma.

Tuna Fishing in Ōma and Why It’s Important

In Aomori Prefecture lies a small, wind-swept town with an outsized reputation: Ōma. Known across the country—and increasingly around the world—Ōma is synonymous with one thing above all else: exceptional bluefin tuna.

A plate of strawberry daifuku, a plate of mitarashi dango, and a plate of hanami dango and sakuramochi sit on a table next to a cup of green tea.

Japanese Desserts and Key Ingredients: Mochi, Anko & More

Japanese desserts, through combining traditional methods and ingredients with modern styles, have become globally recognizable. From mochi to fluffy souffle pancakes, let’s learn more about the key ingredients and methods that are unique to Japan!