holiday

With the beginning of the new year, the time has come again to begin the celebrations of Setsubun. If you aren’t familiar with this Japanese tradition, the event falls on the day before spring and is full of festivities. As it divides winter and spring, the […]

With the New Year upon us, let’s learn how Japan celebrates the welcoming of this time of year! Instead of merely celebrating the countdown to midnight, Japan does a bit more than that. By having parties with their company, other students, friends, or family, Japan celebrates […]

What is Hastuyume? Simply put, hatsuyume is the first dream of the new year, believed to occur after December 31st and on January 1st, which can be a message that one will have luck within the upcoming year. This tradition has been around since the early […]

As the holiday season approaches, Tokyo is gearing up to transform into a dazzling wonderland, filled with sparkling lights and festive displays. Christmas and winter illuminations in Japan have become a cherished tradition, evolving over the years from simple decorations to breathtaking artistic expressions. The origins […]

Seasonal Surprises: Enter Our Giveaways Now! The holiday season is upon us, and we couldn’t be more excited to announce our BIG Annual Holiday Giveaway for 2024! This is our favorite way to spread holiday cheer and show heartfelt appreciation for you—our guests, readers and supporters. […]

Every year on November 3rd, Japan celebrates Bunka no Hi (文化の日), or Culture Day. This national holiday gives an opportunity for the Japanese people to celebrate their culture, historical achievements, and artistic creativity. It's a day made to appreciate the richness of the diverse cultural heritage […]

Obon is a traditional holiday in Japan that is held so one can pay tribute to their ancestors. The Japanese people prepare lanterns and an altar to welcome their spirits back home. The word Obon is derived from the pronunciation of “upside down” in Sanskrit. The […]

Have you ever gone to a Japanese restaurant where instead of the typical fork, spoon, and knife set, you received… a pair of long sticks? Well, these “long sticks” are called chopsticks in the West, and are known as “hashi” (箸) or “ohashi” (お箸) (the polite […]

Holiday Giveaway: It's All Up For Grabs! Christmas is already upon us and, just as we did last year, we want to celebrate the holiday season by doing our HUGE annual giveaway! This is our way to show you our appreciation and to thank you, our […]

Are you ready to travel to Japan in 2024? After several event cancellations and strict COVID-19 measures, Japan is now fully prepared to welcome travelers once again. 2024 seems like the perfect time to visit! The most important thing to note is to book your Shinkansen, […]