Info About Japan

Would you like to get handy travel tips for Japan and learn more about Japanese culture, food, history, subcultures, daily life, and more? This information guide will help you out!

Prewar Modern Architecture in Japan | Beautiful architecture with a blend of Japanese and Western styles

Japan went through a period of rapid westernization and modernization between the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The architecture of that time is one of the most visible inheritances of the Meiji era.
Happy Emperor ‘s Birthday in Japan

The Emperor’s Birthday is a public holiday in Japan. Known as ‘Tennou Tanjobi’, this holiday is celebrated on the birthday of the current Emperor.
Happy National Foundation Day in Japan

February 11th is National Foundation Day, a national holiday for Japanese people to remind themselves of the nation’s founding and foster their love for the nation.
How to Use the Bus System in Kyoto

In Kyoto, the best way to get around is by bus. This is because in many cases the train stations are located a long walk from the attractions that tourists want to see.
Tokyo Mitama Matsuri | Various fun events and beautiful decorations

For the spectacular Mitama Festival, the Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo is decorated with more than 30,000 traditional Japanese lanterns, running all the way from the great torii gate to the main gate of the sanctuary.
Soy Sauce | The Secret to Delicious Japanese Cuisine

Soy sauce is an indispensable ingredient for Japanese cooking. The origins of soy sauce can be found in China, where they used salt and a base of fruit, vegetables, or grains to pickle foods so they could be kept longer.
Unagi in Japan | Very tasty, high quality fish

Unagi is eel prepared in the Japanese style. It is a very popular summer dish in Japan because of the prevailing belief that eel helps your stamina when the weather is hot.
The Sushi Train: Kaiten Sushi | Easy and delicious Japanese sushi

Sushi has been the most popular Japanese food worldwide ever since the California Roll was invented in the United States. The inside-out roll was created by a Japanese chef in the 1960’s. But how do they eat sushi in Japan?
Kyoto Gion Matsuri | Beautiful decorations and flashy events

The Gion Matsuri in Kyoto is one of the three most famous festivals in Japan with more than 1000 years of history. I’m crazy about this festival which is cool, high-spirited and elegant at the same time.
How to Use Train and Metro in Japan

Japan’s railway system is known for being the world’s most reliable and punctual train system. But for first-time visitors, using the train and metro can take some getting used to. Let us help you prepare!
Convenient stay in a capsule hotel

Capsule hotels opened for the first time in 1979 in Osaka in the bustling district of Umeda. They became a popular place to crash for salarymen who missed the last train.
Fun school life in Japan (0-15 years old)

What does daily life in school look like for kids in Japan? Learn more about the educational system in Japan for kids aged 0-15.
Geisha | The most classy and beautiful entertainer in the world

Geisha are not prostitutes. This is a misconception based on inaccurate depictions in films and from the stories of American soldiers who went to Japan after WW2 when there was great poverty in Japan.
Fun vending machines unique to Japan

What’s the deal with all those vending machines in Japan? And what can you buy from them? Learn more about the history and raison d’etre of these convenient parts of daily life in Japan.
Origami | Delicate and beautiful art for everyone to enjoy

Origami is the Japanese art of folding paper without using scissors or glue to create shapes that can be seen as paper sculptures. Learn more about this beautiful art!
Japanese industries with strong brands

After WW2 ended, Japan’s economy grew very fast. It was its industry that carried a large part of this growth. What type of industry did Japan become famous for?
Hakama | A beautiful kimono to wear on the big day

While most foreigners know about kimono, another traditional Japanese garment called hakama is not that known amongst most foreign visitors in Japan. A hakama are the skirt-like pants that are worn over a kimono.
Tsunami and Typhoons | Natural Disasters in Japan

If you have followed the news a bit over the last few years, you probably already know that Japan is quite prone to certain natural disasters. Learn more about the rare tsunami and more common typhoons.
Gambling in Japan

Although gambling is officially illegal in Japan, there are still ways to enjoy a wager. How do Japanese people enjoy a gamble, and how does that work with the law?
Pachinko | Flashy productions and hands-on gambling

Pachinko is a pinball-like game that is one of the few legal forms of gambling in Japan. How does the game work? And is it easy to play it as a foreigner?