Traditional Japanese Culture

The Perfect Shirakawa-go Travel Guide – Gassho Houses & Winter Magic

Tucked away in the mountains of Gifu Prefecture, Shirakawa-go is one of Japan’s most iconic rural destinations. Famous for its gassho-zukuri farmhouses—steep thatched roofs designed to shed heavy snow—it’s a place where time slows down and tradition lives on.The village is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and draws visitors year-round for its fairytale-like…
Yokai | Scary and Cute Japanese Monsters

Do you like slightly unsettling and scary folk tales? Japan has plenty of them. Let us introduce 3 famously eerie Japanese yokai monsters to you!
Calligraphy in Japan | Beautiful and dynamic expression

Known as “shodo,” Japanese calligraphy is a timeless art form. Discover its historical roots and how it continues to shape modern culture.
Why Do People Remove Shoes in Japan?

Removing your shoes before entering a house or building is not only hygienic, in Japan, it is much more than a simple custom. Learn more about the history behind this rule, and the right way to go about it.
The Japanese Emperor is the Oldest Hereditary Monarchy in the world

Learn more about the history of the Imperial Family of Japan and the lives of the current royals!
Beautiful Koi fish | a Symbol of Longevity and Strength

Originally from China, it was the Japanese who created koi fish’ beautiful coloring that made them so popular. Where can you see these carps in Japan? And is it possible to visit a koi farm?
Japanese Tanka Poetry | Beautiful Japanese Music

Tanka is uniquely Japanese poetry that was perfected at the beginning of the seventh century.
Happy Culture Day in Japan

November 3 is Culture Day in Japan. On this day, festivals are held around the country, celebrating traditional Japanese art. What can you expect to see if you are in Japan at that time?
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.
How to Pray at Shinto Shrine

Shinto means worshiping ancestors as guardians of the family, and it also symbolizes showing respect for the kami, who reside in the natural world and in shrines. How to pray at a Shinto shrine?
Flag of Japan, Land of the Rising Sun

The national flag of Japan is officially called ‘Nisshoki’, which means ‘Flag of the Sun symbol’, although colloquially it is known as ‘Hinomaru’ which means ‘Circle of the Sun’. It is the most important symbol of Japan.
The National Flower of Japan | Culture Guide

Chrysanthemums first came to Japan from China in the fifth century. Chrysanthemum cultivation began in Japan during the Nara and Heian periods (710-1185) when the flower was planted throughout Japan.
Pheasant | Japan’s beautiful national bird

The national bird of Japan is the green pheasant, named ‘Kiji’ in Japanese. It was declared the National Bird in 1947. The Kiji has been featured in many legends, mythology, poetry, and paintings.
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!
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.
Japan’s beautiful landscapes and wonderful hot spring resorts

Tectonic activity doesn’t just bring earthquakes and volcanic eruptions with it, it also brings great natural hot spring areas where we can relax and get rid of all kinds of physical ailments.
The Kimono | Beautiful Traditional Japanese Clothing

Kimono are traditional Japanese clothes that used to be worn on a daily basis until western-style fashion came to Japan. Today, the Japanese still wear kimono to official functions sometimes.
Beautiful and cool notation of kanji and hiragana

Japanese writing consists of three systems, kanji, hiragana, and katakana. Here’s a simple overview of how the Japanese writing system works.
Beautiful Bonsai from Historic Japan

The history of bonsai in Japan goes back to the 13th century, which was a time when Japan was very open to culture imported from China and bonsai was one of the imported art forms. Bonsai is a dwarf tree grown in a porcelain pot, and its purpose is to represent nature through the arrangement…