Hatsumode is the first visit to a shrine or temple in the New Year in Japan, and it is one of the country’s most important traditions. Every year, millions of people participate, demonstrating the profound connection between this custom and daily life.
Kebari are traditional hand-tied flies used for freshwater fishing in Japan, especially in mountain streams where small insects form the main diet of native fish. Instead of bright plastic lures, kebari use feathers, thread, and natural materials to create subtle movements in the water.
Japanese gin has gained popularity due to the use of local ingredients and meticulous production methods by many distilleries. A new gin from Fukushima is adding momentum to this trend by focusing on the region’s water and native plants.
In the Shinto tradition, Toshigami is the deity who arrives at the end of every year and remains through the New Year to bring blessings, a bountiful harvest, and good fortune. People in Japan honor Toshigami at the turn of the year with rituals, decorations, and special foods.
Mochitsuki is the Japanese tradition of pounding steamed rice to make mochi for the New Year. Families and neighbors gather to participate in this lively and meaningful tradition. The teamwork involved helps everyone feel a sense of connection.
Finding a memorable Christmas dinner in Japan can range from relaxed hotel buffets to refined multi-course experiences. Celebrating over dinner is considered a classic alongside other Christmas traditions, such as KFC.
Yamanashi Prefecture is known as Japan’s wine capital. Located west of Tokyo, it is home to most of Japan’s wineries and produces a large share of the country’s wine. The region’s mountains, clean water, and sunny weather create ideal conditions for grape growing.
In Japan, self-care is deeply ingrained in culture, and among the many treatments gaining attention worldwide, the Japanese head spa stands out. Unlike regular shampoo treatments, head spas combine deep cleansing, gentle massage, and aromatherapy to refresh both the scalp and the mind.
Every winter, deep in Hokkaido’s Daisetsuzan National Park, a snowy village known as Shikaribetsuko Kotan appears on the surface of Lake Shikaribetsu. Built entirely from ice and snow, this temporary settlement offers a one-of-a-kind experience set amidst untouched natural surroundings.
In Japan, few experiences capture the nation’s love for nature and relaxation quite like the rotenburo. These outdoor baths enable visitors to soak in naturally heated water while surrounded by lush forests, majestic mountains, or the serene sea.
In the mountains of Tochigi Prefecture, Nikkō is a place where Japan’s natural beauty, spiritual heritage, and culinary traditions converge. Just a few hours north of Tokyo, this town enchants visitors with vibrant autumn leaves, ornate shrines, and flavors unique to its mountainous setting.
After more than a century abroad, the spirits of three Ainu ancestors have finally returned home to Japan. In May 2025, the University of Edinburgh formally returned skulls that once belonged to members of Japan’s Indigenous community. Their return marks an emotional and symbolic moment for the Ainu people, whose cultural heritage was long overlooked under Japanese imperial rule.
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