information

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!

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.
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?
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!
Hanami, a Cherry Blossom Viewing Party in Japan

In Japan, a very important national tradition returns every year in the early spring. Everybody gets together outside, prepares a picnic mat under the blooming cherry trees (sakura trees), and shares food and drinks.
Japanese Religious Culture with a focus on Shintoism and Buddhism

Japan has two main religions, Shinto and Buddhism. Although many people claim to have no particular belief, most participate in both Shinto and Buddhist customs and rituals.
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.
Omamori | Big good luck in a small bag

Small amulets called ‘omamori’ are sold at most shrines and temples in Japan. What is the meaning of this custom?
Aikido a one of Japan’s Proudest Martial Arts

Aikido was created by Morihei Ueshiba, who is still referred to by some aikido practitioners as Ōsensei. or Great Teacher. Learn more about this peaceful martial art from Japan!
Kendo a one of Japan’s Proudest Martial Arts

Kendo is a Japanese martial art that descended from the sword fighting techniques that were used in the days of the samurai warriors.
Judo a one of Japan’s Proudest Martial Arts

If you ask anyone to name one martial art from Japan, it is probably going to be judo or karate. Judo has been spread all over the world and is practiced as a common way to teach kids and adults self-defense.
Why Baseball Is Japan’s Most Popular Sport

While the most popular sports in many parts of the world are soccer and American Football, in Japan the most popular sport is definitely baseball.
Karate, One of Japan’s Representative Martial Arts

Karate literally means ’empty hand’, and it was developed in Okinawa having been influenced by Chinese martial art Kung Fu. Karate is a striking art where practitioners use both hands/arms and feet/legs.
Sumo – Japan’s Oldest and Most Powerful Sport

While judo and karate are the most popular martial arts to practise outside of Japan, sumo is probably the martial art from Japan that appeals most to the imagination.
Hiroshima Style Okonomiyaki | Cuisine loved by the people of Japan

Japan is a country with one of the richest cuisines in the world, with endless dishes to choose from. One of the most popular dishes is the okonomiyaki savory pancake of Hiroshima.
Gyudon Beef Bowl | Exquisite dishes with lavish use of beef

Gyudon beef bowl is maybe not as famous as some other types of Japanese food, but it is definitely a must-try if you come to Japan and you like meat.
Why Ramen in Japan Is So Delicious and Unique

Ramen became one of the iconic foods from Japan, having gained a lot of popularity outside of Japan in recent years. This is no wonder as ramen noodles are affordable, quick, and delicious.
Osechi Ryori | Traditional Japanese New Year’s Dishes

Japan’s traditional New Year’s food osechi ryori has a long history that began in the Heian era, as back in the day it was taboo to cook on the first 3 days of the year.
Sukiyaki | A delicious and luxurious dish representing the Japanese winter

Sukiyaki is a typical wintertime dish in Japan featuring beef, tofu, scallions, cabbage, and mushrooms. You can eat it in restaurants, but Japanese people also eat this at home a lot.
Shabu Shabu – Japan’s New Take on Hot Pot

Shabu shabu is still a relatively new dish. It was inspired by the Chinese-style hot pot that was brought to Japan by a restaurant named Suehiro from Osaka.
Tonkatsu | A very popular dish among the Japanese

Tonkatsu was invented in the late 19th century and it became a very popular dish in Japan. This Japanese version of the German schnitzel was inspired by a Western food boom in the late 19th century.