Kamakura

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu: The Spiritual Heart of Kamakura

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu is one of Kamakura’s most important cultural and historical landmarks—a grand Shinto shrine that h...
Scenery

Kawachi Wisteria Garden: A Fairy-Tale World of Blossoms in Fukuoka

Hidden in the hills of Kitakyushu, Kawachi Wisteria Garden is one of Japan’s most enchanting flower spots. Famous worldw...
Trip

About Japanese Money

Japanese CurrencyJapan uses the yen (¥) as its official currency. The yen is available in both coins and banknotes.1. Co...
Restaurants and shops

Discovering Japan’s 100-Yen Shops: Affordable Treasures for Every Traveler

When people think of Japan, images of futuristic technology, traditional shrines, and world-class cuisine often come to ...
Food

Marugen Ramen: Discovering the Soulful Taste of Japan’s “Meat Soba”

When travelers think of Japanese ramen, images of tonkotsu broth from Hakata, miso ramen from Hokkaido, or shoyu ramen f...
Sports

A Perfect Day of Snowboarding at Mt. Yakebitai Ski Resort

There are some days in winter when everything seems to align—the weather, the snow conditions, and the company of loved ...
Trip

Japan itinerary 7 days“Japan’s Nature & Culture Escape for First-Time Travelers

Nature + Cities (Tokyo → Hakone → Kyoto) — 7-Day Japan Itinerary for First-Time TravelersIf you want a Japan trip that b...
December

Where to Go in Tokyo in December: The Best Seasonal Outings

December in Tokyo is a unique blend of sparkling winter illumination, festive traditions, and cozy cultural experiences....
Culture

Does Japan Celebrate Thanksgiving? Understanding Japan’s View on the Holiday and Its Unique Seasonal Traditions

Thanksgiving is widely known as a major holiday in the United States and Canada, celebrated with family gatherings, feas...
Event / Festival

Hanazono Shrine’s Tori-no-Ichi Festival: A Lively Celebration of Luck in the Heart of Shinjuku

Known in Japanese as the Ōtori Matsuri (大酉祭), this annual event draws thousands of people from all over Japan who come t...