The number of historic neighborhoods in Japan seems endless. But none deserve the title more than Gion in eastern Kyoto. This small section of the city on the banks of the Kamo River is the birthplace of numerous customs that embody Japan’s very spirit.
When people think of a Japanese pagoda, they often imagine ancient temples in Kyoto or Nara. Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, is known for cold winters and strong winds, so it rarely comes to mind. Because of this, many believed wooden Buddhist buildings could not survive there.
The Hakone Ekiden is a university relay race held in Japan on the 2nd and 3rd of January every year. Its length makes it an actual test of athleticism, embodying Japan’s passion for achievement. The teamwork involved matches perfectly with the country’s communal spirit. Moreover, it takes place in the chill of winter, further testing endurance.
A visit to Fukui Prefecture would hardly be complete without stopping by the famous Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum.
What happens when a film about one of Japan’s most controversial writers stays unseen for nearly 40 years? Mishima: A Life in Four Chapters has finally premiered in Japan, stirring excitement, debate, and curiosity. Today, we’ll look at Yukio Mishima’s dramatic life, his enduring legacy, and the significance of the film’s long-awaited release.
This project boldly mixes her current voice with AI-generated vocals from her 1970s debut era, creating what she calls a “third voice” that bridges past and present. For fans of Japanese music who love emotional depth and cutting-edge creativity, this album feels like a wormhole straight into Yuming’s timeless world.
Ballet meets butoh this winter in Tokyo, as K-Ballet Opto presents a powerful new production on stage. “A Dance Remembered in Tohno” invites audiences into a dreamlike world shaped by folklore, wartime memories, and human emotion.
Numerous ancient Japanese traditions are so deeply ingrained in daily life that they often go unnoticed. Some are renowned enough to earn a place in the international spotlight naturally. But others can only do so with a bit of help. Today, we’ll focus on two such Japanese traditions: kagura and onsen culture.
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.
Shuri Castle, an iconic symbol of Okinawa’s Ryukyu Kingdom heritage, has long captivated the hearts of both locals and visitors. Located in the vibrant city of Naha, Okinawa, the castle’s bright vermilion walls and graceful architecture tell the story of a unique kingdom that flourished independently for centuries.
Every autumn, Kyoto’s Arashiyama Bamboo Grove (also known as the “Kyoto Bamboo Forest”) has mesmerized visitors with its mysterious charm and soothing atmosphere. The bamboo light show has returned in 2025 after a four-year break caused by the pandemic.
Typically, late November brings cool days, with dipping temperatures around 10 to 15°C (50–59°F) in many regions. This year, though, things feel different. Because of these changes, many people are asking: Did Japan’s winter really arrive too soon?
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
