Ancient Bowl Discovery Shines Light on Lake Biwa
Renowned as Japan’s largest freshwater lake, Lake Biwa is not only a place of natural beauty but also a gateway to the country’s deep past.
Renowned as Japan’s largest freshwater lake, Lake Biwa is not only a place of natural beauty but also a gateway to the country’s deep past.
Japan’s ancient kofun (burial mounds) often appear as simple parks, blending seamlessly into the surrounding city. But, in ancient times, they stood proudly above the landscape as symbols of their occupants’ wealth.
Hakuba is a mountain village in Nagano Prefecture and one of Japan’s most beloved winter destinations. Surrounded by the dramatic peaks of the Northern Alps, the area receives some of the heaviest snowfall in the country.

Hello, Sakuraco community! We hope you’re doing well. Here are the winners of the September 2025 Reviewer Contest!
From small corner shops with paper lanterns to busy chain restaurants near train stations, izakaya are a fixture of Japan’s social life.
The Buddhist monk plays a central role in shaping Japan’s spiritual and cultural landscape. But there is one who is primarily known for his efforts–Shodo Shonin.
Right after Aomori, Nagano consistently ranks among Japan’s top apple producers. But its fame doesn’t stop there! Shinshu apples are renowned worldwide, cherished both as fresh fruit and in a variety of delicious apple-based treats. That’s more than enough reason for us to dive in and discover what makes them so special!
From late summer to early fall, you can easily spot stunning Kyoho grapes elegantly packed in gift baskets at supermarkets and specialty fruit shops across Japan. These treasured fruits are frequently presented as elegant gifts, representing both excellence and thoughtful friendship.
The Japanese sweet potato, or satsumaimo, is a root vegetable characterized by its vibrant purple skin and naturally sweet, golden-yellow flesh.
Tofu is a staple of Japanese cuisine and is consumed in many forms. It is commonly seen in its soft, jelly-like state at supermarkets across Japan. But did you know that it can also be transformed into a crunchy snack and eaten in the form of chips? Their unique texture has been known since the 10th century.
When you think about Japanese culture, you might picture tea ceremonies, cherry blossoms, or a polite bow with a greeting. But underneath those traditions lies another essential idea, giri (duty, obligation, social responsibility).
Fluttering cherry blossoms, tranquil shrines, and delicious sushi. These images might pop in your mind the moment you think of Japan, but the country’s charm goes beyond these famous icons. In Saga, Japan, a tradition has evolved that combines history, teamwork, and culture into a single thrilling spectacle: the Ancient Row Boat Race.
Join our newsletter and receive tasty news and deals
Thanks! We just sent you an email to confirm your subscription. To finish signing up, please click the confirmation link in the email.
Error