A golden pillar at Rinnoji Shrine in Nikko City.

Nikko City is an Amazing Place for Traditional Japanese Culture!

Nikko City is a place of history, worship, and culture and charm. It grew from a small village into a mountain resort, attracting Japanese people and travelers from abroad. There remains so much more to uncover about this remarkable location. Let’s begin exploring it together now!

Cubes of kanten. They're white and opaque.

Kanten: The Gelatin with a Rich History!

When people think about Japanese food, kanten might not be their first thought. But this soft, jelly-like food has been used in Japanese cooking for centuries.

A matcha whisk with powder and a plate.

The History of Chanoyu: The Japanese Tea Ceremony

Japan is often linked with peaceful gardens, quiet temples, and wooden tea houses where a graceful tea ritual occurs. This is chanoyu (the Japanese tea ceremony), a practice that is much more than drinking Japanese green tea. Starting with Zen Buddhism, which has been refined over centuries, it combines art, religion, philosophy, and social life into one mindful tradition. 

A person holding up a yellow omamori.

Omamori: The Traditional Japanese Good Luck Charm

In Japan, daily life often blends tradition with modern convenience. You might walk past a vending machine right after visiting a centuries-old shrine. One tradition that has stayed strong over the years is the use of omamori—Japan’s beloved good luck charms.

A full moon during the Japanese film festival.

Moon Festival 2025: Japan’s Great Mid-Autumn Event

Every autumn, people in Japan gather to honor the moon. This tradition is called tsukimi (moon viewing). The festival mixes natural beauty, poetry, folklore, and tasty seasonal foods into one glowing celebration. It began long ago as a harvest ritual.