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Tips

Japanese culture and tradition, explained at length by the guides who show it to guests every week.

A Journey of Hope: The World Tsunami Awareness Day High School Summit in Iwate

A Journey of Hope: The World Tsunami Awareness Day High School Summit in Iwate

I had the privilege of spending a week with nearly 100 high school students from 14 countries at the World Tsunami Awareness Day High…

Tips

Gion Maiko Experience

Gion Maiko Experience

What makes Kyoto’s maiko culture distinctive is that it is not simply a form of traditional entertainment. It is a highly refined cultural tradition…

Tips

Yasukuni Shrine, Dedication of Tamiya-ryu Iaijutsu

Yasukuni Shrine, Dedication of Tamiya-ryu Iaijutsu

Tamiya-ryu Iaido is a traditional Japanese martial art with a history of more than 400 years. It is known for its emphasis on graceful…

Tips

Oiran

Oiran

Oiran were high-ranking courtesans who worked in licensed pleasure districts during the Edo period. Unlike ordinary prostitutes, oiran were highly educated and trained in…

Tips

Indigo Dyeing

Indigo Dyeing

Indigo dyeing has a long history that dates back thousands of years and has developed independently in many parts of the world, including India…

Tips

Discover Your Perfect Sake in the Heart of Tsukiji

Discover Your Perfect Sake in the Heart of Tsukiji

Tsukiji is famous for its incredible food, but your culinary journey isn’t complete without discovering the soul of Japan: Sake. My own obsession with…

Tips

Motorbike at Kawaguchiko Lake, near Mt. Fuji

Motorbike at Kawaguchiko Lake, near Mt. Fuji

Kawaguchiko is one of the Fuji Five Lakes, located at the northern base of Mount Fuji in Japan. It is one of the most…

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Sakura, Cherry blossoms in Japan

Sakura, Cherry blossoms in Japan

In Japan, cherry blossoms (sakura) have deep symbolic meanings. First, they represent the idea of impermanence. The flowers bloom beautifully but only for a…

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Ikebana, traditional Japanese flower arrangement

Ikebana, traditional Japanese flower arrangement

Ikebana is the traditional Japanese art of flower arrangement. Unlike Western flower arrangements that often focus on volume and color, Ikebana emphasizes balance, simplicity…

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Japanese public transportation system

Japanese public transportation system

Japan’s public transportation system is wonderful because you can get almost anywhere by train. Especially in Tokyo, trains run every five minutes from early…

Tips