Category: Discover Japan

A large statue of the Shinto god Ebisu. He is fat and jolly.

Ebisu: The Cheerful Guardian of Luck and Prosperity

Religion in Japan involves a dizzying array of spirits and beings. These gods are inspired by ancient tales and used to symbolize nature’s bounty. However, they also profoundly impact daily life and are often sought out for help in challenging times

People praying at a shrine during hatsumode.

Hatsumode: Why Is It Japan’s Most Important Tradition?

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.

A green Japanese fish bait (kebari) in a bush.

Japanese Fish Bait: The Beautiful Art of Kebari

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.

A woman in Japan at a winter onsen town in Japan.

Japan Holidays Guide: Relax, Explore, and Delight in Festive Fun

As the year draws to a close, everywhere buzzes with preparations for the holidays, and Japan is no exception. Despite the cold winter weather, you can feel warmth in the scenery, decorations, and festive activities across the country. Let’s explore the unique experiences of holidays in Japan that many people dream of enjoying at least once in their lifetime!

Abashiri Icebreaker Cruise riding through a sheet of ice.

Japan Cruise Spotlight: The Ultimate Guide to Abashiri Icebreaker!

Japan offers a diverse range of cruise experiences, taking in various stunning landscapes. But, in the chilly grip of winter, some voyages pull in adventurers from around the globe. At the forefront of these wintry trips is the Abashiri Icebreaker Cruise in Hokkaido.

A woman enjoying a Japanese head spa treatment.

Japanese Head Spa: What’s The Amazing Secret?

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.

An igloo at the snowy village near Lake Shikaribetsu.

Snowy Village of Hokkaido: The Wonderful Tale of Shikaribetsuko

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.

An open-air hot spring in the autumn in Japan.

Rotenburo: Discover the Wonderful Open-Air Hot Spring

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.

A beautiful lake in Nagano.

Nagano, Japan: Find Beauty Beyond the Mountains

Nagano, Japan, is a beautiful prefecture in the center of Honshu, surrounded by tall mountains and peaceful valleys. People call it the “roof of Japan” because it has some of the country’s highest mountain ranges.