Category: Travel

Kobe, a port city in Hyogo Prefecture. The Kobe Port Tower is visible.

Port City Wonders: Five Enchanting Cities on the Water

Japan, a land of beauty and rich culture, boasts a coastline with numerous port cities that have played significant roles in the nation’s growth. From the snowy mountains to the southern shores, each port city has a unique story.

A mountain burning festival in Nara, Japan.

Nara Japan and its Splendor of Mountain Burning Festivals

Yamayaki (山焼き) is a centuries-old Japanese custom in Nara, Japan that involves ceremonially setting fire to mountainsides. Translated as “mountain burning,” the spectacular ceremony continues a tradition whose origins have been clouded by the passage of time.

A beach in Japan during Marine Day

Sea Breeze Adventures: Discover the Magic of Marine Day!

Marine Day, or Umi no Hi (海の日), is a Japanese national holiday celebrating the country’s ocean. It is also a time to be thankful for Japan’s maritime history. Experience the joyous atmosphere and refreshing sea breeze.

A brilliantly pink cherry blossom tree on a hill in Shizuoka.

Shizuoka: The Best Sakura Viewing Spots

If you want to make the most of spring, you’re in the right place! The sakura trees in Shizuoka prefecture are famous for blooming earlier than usual. 

A branch of the pink peach blossom on a tree./

Peach Blossom: The Best Japanese Flower

The peach blossom is one of the most beautiful flowers in Japan. It blooms in the late winter, and many confuse it with cherry blossoms. However, these flowers come in pink and white. They bloom all over Japan and are breathtaking.

Two women in kimono walking down the street among cherry blossoms. There are many sakura words related to this vocabulary workshop.

Vocabulary Workshop: Best Words for Cherry Blossoms!

In Japan, the cherry blossom tree and its flowers signify spring. These blossoms bring luck and love but also reflect the reminder of life’s fragility due to their brief bloom. Their influence is everywhere, especially in the Japanese language.