Category: Discover Japan

A golden pillar at Rinnoji Shrine in Nikko City.

Nikko City is an Amazing Place for Traditional Japanese Culture!

Nikko City is a place of history, worship, and culture and charm. It grew from a small village into a mountain resort, attracting Japanese people and travelers from abroad. There remains so much more to uncover about this remarkable location. Let’s begin exploring it together now!

A full moon during the Japanese film festival.

Moon Festival 2025: Japan’s Great Mid-Autumn Event

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.

A wooden water bucket in an onsen.

A Complete Guide to Onsen: Japan’s Hot Spring Tradition

Onsen, or hot springs, are a significant part of Japan’s culture, wellness traditions, and travel experiences. Found throughout the country, these natural baths have been cherished for centuries for their soothing heat and mineral-rich waters.

A woman in the "Hikaru Kimi-e" show wearing a junihitoe.

Junihitoe: Japan’s Amazing Robe of 12 Layers

The junihitoe is one of the most iconic garments in Japanese history. It was once worn by court ladies during Japan’s Heian period and remains a symbol of elegance, culture, and tradition.

A fujin, one of many Japanese mythical creatures.

Japanese Mythical Creatures: The Best Legends!

Summer in Japan is when ghost stories and legends come alive, especially tales of Japanese mythical creatures. As people visit rivers, forests, and coastal towns to escape the heat, stories of strange beings begin to resurface.

Naminoue Shrine in Naha during summertime in Okinawa.

Time in Okinawa: Exploring Nature’s Playground!

Okinawa offers vibrant escapes for a unique trip in a stunning landscape. Spending time in Okinawa reveals a world of natural wonders, exciting activities, and educational opportunities. These islands are steeped in the traditions of the Ryukyu Kingdom (1429–1879). 

Tanuki dango branded with images of Mount Fuji.

Mount Fuji Snacks That You Need to Try This Summer!

Mount Fuji, Japan’s highest and most iconic peak, has long served as a muse not just for artists and poets, but also for confectioners. Its symmetry and snow-capped grandeur make it an ideal motif for culinary artisans nationwide. These treats capture the spirit of Fuji in edible form, reflecting regional ingredients, seasonal symbolism, and time-honored techniques.

The outside of Southeast Botanical Gardens in Okinawa City.

Okinawa City is Home to Southeast Botanical Gardens!

The Southeast Botanical Gardens in Okinawa are one of the island’s most beautiful and relaxing destinations. In Okinawa City, they offer a lush escape filled with tropical plants, ponds, animals, and seasonal displays.

A bunch of fishermen performing ukai, or cormorant fishing, at night. They have a bonfire attached to the boat they're on.

Ukai: Japan’s Amazing Art of Cormorant Fishing!

Cormorant birds are a regular sight in Japan’s lakes and rivers. These black, semi-aquatic birds can frequently be seen disappearing under the water’s surface and reappearing many meters away with fish in their beaks. Their webbed feet and wings help them to dive underwater and catch small fish. This fishing method is called ukai.