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.
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.
Shiretoko National Park is one of Japan’s wildest and most beautiful natural areas, known for its rugged mountains, rich wildlife, and dramatic coastline
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.
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.
There is something timeless about the Japanese onsen. For centuries, these natural hot springs have been more than places to bathe. They are sanctuaries of
One of the best-known Japanese folktales is “The Monkey and the Moon,” in which animals mistake the moon’s reflection for the real thing. The story is a quiet lesson about illusion and reality.
The moon is vital in Japanese culture; it symbolizes change, mystery, and peace. Poetry, folklore, and festivals draw from the nation’s long history with the lunar cycle. Artists across the centuries have used it as inspiration. Some simply tried to capture its beauty or explain its deeper meaning. Japanese moon art in particular captures this.
Gokokucha, or “five-grain tea” in Japanese, is a cozy drink made by roasting and brewing a mix of grains. Instead of being made from tea leaves, this multigrain tea comes from simple ingredients like barley, rice, corn, and buckwheat.
If you’ve ever dreamed of reeling in a big haul of fish with Mount Fuji standing majestically in the background, Shizuoka Prefecture might be your next must-visit destination. A new fishing tour from Heda Port in Numazu welcomes beginners and seasoned anglers.
Kabuki theater, with its dramatic poses, elaborate costumes, and centuries-old traditions, is a dazzling symbol of Japanese culture. But what drives the actors behind the makeup, those who dedicate their lives to this demanding art form?
In Japan, fathers are joining the frontlines of early childcare! More men are leaving the office to feed, soothe, and bond with their newborns, supporting their partners in once rare ways.
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