Almost-Monthly Blogs ⟡ Join the Newsletter ⟡ Updating Japanese Lessons
During our excursions in Tochigi prefecture last year, we visited Mashiko Pottery Fair. Held twice a year, this festival is a popular destination in Mashiko, which is well-known for its ceramics. Many potters set up shop in the quiet town,…
Asakusa is hands down one of my favorite parts of Tokyo. It has a great mix of tourist attractions and hidden gems. And its signature mix of old and new draws people in like a magnet. Situated in north-east Tokyo, Asakusa is…
It’s no secret that summer in Japan is meltingly hot. Humid air meets blazing sun, and in rainy season 梅雨 (tsuyu), the moist air kicks everything up a notch. Soon you’ll find yourself sweating through your clothes if you don’t…
Knowing just what to pack for your Japan trip can be a headache, but with my handy packing list and a few key tips you’ll be packed in no time. I always find packing to be a double-edged sword. Exciting…
Whether you’ve lived in Japan for a while or you’re planning your next trip, one of the best things to do in Japan is go Sakura Viewing (花見 hanami). Ephemeral and delicate, these pale pink blooms capture the hearts of…
Although Japan is widely known for its public transportation, many people still drive. In rural and suburban areas, cars are the primary means of transportation. In my experience, this means that buses are few and far between, and the few…
On the second Monday of January each year, thousands of 18 to 20-year-olds gather for Coming of Age Day in Japan. It’s a day that celebrates those who reached the age of majority the previous year, where participants gather at…
In Japan, people ring in the New Year– literally. Many people will go to a local temple where monks ring a giant bell in order to dispel the sins of the year. Called “Omisoka” 大晦日, December 31st is a day…