Author: Tokyo Terry

A golden statue of Hotei. He has a bald head and a large belly.

Hotei and the Mythical Lucky Gods of Japan!

Across Japan, the “Seven Lucky Gods” are beloved symbols of fortune and prosperity. Today, we’ll learn about these mythical lucky gods and where you can see and celebrate them!

Hokkaido Island: The Best Place for the Winter Holidays!

Hokkaido is the northernmost island of Japan and the most significant island after Honshu. It is surrounded by the Sea of Japan, Okhotsk, and the Pacific Ocean. It is particularly busy during winter. Being so far north and surrounded by water, snowfall is guaranteed yearly. 

Himeiji Castle at night.

Kansai Region: Japan’s Amazing Western Area!  

The Kansai (関西) region in western Japan is the second-most populated area after the Kanto region. Despite this, it is likely the most culturally diverse area—even more so than Tokyo. It has an extraordinary mixture of historical and natural attractions. 

A torii gate in Lake Biwa, Shiga Prefecture.

Shiga Prefecture: Discovering Western Japan’s Treasures

Shiga (滋賀県) is a landlocked prefecture in the Kansai region of Japan. It is surrounded by Kyoto, Gifu, Mie, and Fukui Prefectures and has no access to the sea. Shiga may have no coastline, but its fantastic history has resulted in a disproportionate number of historical sites.

A abstract statue of two people embracing each other Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden in Hyogo Prefecture?

Hyogo Prefecture: The Gateway to Western Japan

In western Japan, Hyogo Prefecture (兵庫県) is one of the more overlooked prefectures. Neighboring Kyoto often steals the spotlight with its more famous cities of Kyoto and Osaka. But Hyogo also has much to offer.

Noto Peninsula surrounded by cosmos flowers.

Noto Peninsula: A Remote Land in Recovery

Noto offers an authentic Japanese experience for those exploring Japan’s lesser-known natural sites and culture. Let’s explore this remarkable peninsula and see why it is so favored by travelers seeking authentic Japanese culture.

Autumn Moon Festival: Japan’s Celebration in the Fall

The Autumn Moon Festival (tsukimi) is a time of reflection in Japan. During the fall months, people across the country come together to acknowledge the changing seasons and appreciate the season’s brightest moon (jugoya).

Nagatoro Funatama Festival decorations in Chichibu.

Chichibu in the Fall: A Wonderful Getaway

Chichibu (秩父) is a small, rural city in Japan’s Kanto region. The beauty of the city’s forests has made it the destination of nature seekers for centuries.

Lanterns at the Bon Odori.

Bon Odori: The Legend of this Ancestral Festival!

Obon (お盆) festivals include bon odori, dance celebrations officially held from August 13th to 16th during the Japanese summer. These dates follow the lunar calendar and change yearly, especially when the lunar and solar calendars match.